Gen Z meets Wien | railtour Travel blog

After a comfortable night in the Nightjet Mini-Cabin, the train glides smoothly into Vienna Central Station as I finish the last few bites of my breakfast. No sooner have I stepped off the train than I immediately sense the city’s unique atmosphere. From the station, I stroll towards the city centre, discovering Baroque façades alongside modern buildings and taking in this exciting blend of tradition and contemporary spirit. After just a few minutes, the green gardens of Belvedere Palace come into view, followed later by the impressive Vienna State Opera. I can feel just how lively, relaxed and surprisingly relatable this city is. Full of moments you can simply let wash over you.

Vienna has those famous landmarks that everyone knows, but I still wanted to discover them from my own perspective. Early in the morning, I stood by St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and it was simply magical: the sun was glinting off the spires and I knew straight away that it would make the perfect snapshot for my Instagram Story. Later, I strolled through the breathtaking gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, and it felt almost surreal. Even the Vienna State Opera and the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater seemed even more impressive when I visited them at quieter times. So even the classic must-see attractions became a real experience for me – Insta-ready, but above all authentic.

Vienna has much more to offer than just the classic Wiener Schnitzel. Traditional restaurants that have been around for generations allowed me to immerse myself in a whole new culinary world. As I sampled a wide variety of delicacies, served by waiters and waitresses in traditional outfits, my gaze wandered over the wooden benches to the old stone walls, which were adorned with historical artefacts. Live music played in the background, and suddenly I felt that unforgettable moment. It was precisely this blend of food, atmosphere and little details that made Vienna such a special experience for me, amongst other things.

In Vienna, the saying ‘the journey is the destination’ takes on a whole new meaning. On my way from one sight to the next, I discovered so many little hidden gems that it was really worth exploring the city on foot. Whenever I got tired, I simply found a spot on one of the many green lawns and let the varied soundscape wash over me: street musicians, cyclists, people chatting. For longer distances, I used public transport, which is incredibly handy: the underground, tram or bus took me comfortably from door to door without wasting any time.

At first glance, Vienna seemed very expensive, but I soon realised that the city is a wonderful place to explore even on a tight budget. Small cafés and street food stalls offered tasty snacks for in between meals, and the many green meadows were perfect for relaxed picnics. There are also great, affordable cultural options: many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, and I found lovely bargains at reasonable prices at flea markets. This allowed me to explore Vienna in a way that was aesthetically pleasing, varied and budget-friendly.