Wien: City of Dreams (7th-9th June 2014)

Spent most of 7th getting to Vienna from Stuttgart and most of 9th in Eisenstadt so 8th was probably the only full day in Vienna.

Vienna's legacy of music has left itself a "city of music" title but because Sigmund Freud used to call this place his home, it's also known as "City of Dreams". And I'd like to remember it that way as well because the beauty and all the good things said about Vienna is only in your dreams.

Before coming to Austria, I had always looked forward to seeing Vienna. But after travelling to so many other beautiful places, I set the bar pretty high for Vienna and was rather let down by it.

I've tried my best to pick the best out of this bunch but that's it, I'm afraid. The coldness, unfriendliness and obvious nationalistic attitude among the Viennese is sad because they ruin what is a beautiful city.

Although Graz is way smaller, with much less things to see, my best memories will always be from there. If you've gone to Vienna and say that you've already been to Austria (and think that it is indicative of Austria), you are gravely mistaken.

A city is only as beautiful as its people. Buildings stand out with beauty when the people around give you a warm and friendly feeling. I'm afraid this was not the case for the so-called "City of Dreams". It's just too bad that multiple transits and trips here have only served to enforce this perception.

(7th-9th June 2014)

Wiener Rathaus (Vienna City Hall) is the seat of the mayor and city council of the city of Vienna. Housed within the Rathaus is the famous "Wiener Rathauskeller" restaurant.

Located near the Volksgarten ("people's park"), the Volkskirche is just another one that's under construction and is now used as an advertising board by chips with ridges...

Österreichisches Parlament (Parliament of Austria) at Innere Stadt. In front of the Parliament building is the Athena Fountain where the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena stands on top of a column. She's dressed in armour witha gilded helmet and carries a spear as well as Nike, the Goddess pf Victory.

Mister, I think what you're looking for is up there. Look!

The Hofburg Palace used to house some very powerful Austrians and Europeans, especially during the Habsburg Dynasty. Apparently the Habsburgs came here during the winter because the Schönbrunn was their preferred summer home.

At Heldenplatz with the Archduke Charles of Austria statue and the Volkskirche at the back. Otherwise known as Heroes' Square, this plaza or square is notorious for being the place where Mr Adolf announced the Anschluss of Austria to the German Reich.

Stephansdom (St Stephan's Cathedral) is right at the heart of Vienna in Stephansplatz. It is considered to be one of the most iconic symbols of Vienna.

The unique, patterned and multi-coloured roof features a mosaic of a double-headed eagle, which was the symbol for the Habsburg Dynasty.

A return to the Gardens of Schönbrunn. First time I was here was for the Summer Night concert so it was a privilege to see it in the day. I must admit that I was a little disappointed because I thought it would be more colourful. Make no mistake though, it still is beautiful.

Take a short little stroll up past the Neptune Fountain all the way to the Gloriette. It was built because Maria Theresa wanted to use it to glorify the Habsburg Dynasty.

Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Palace) which honestly can't compare to the beautiful Ludwigsburg Palace in Stuttgart. Still quite impressive I must say :P

I know this only as the church at Antonsplatz in Antonspark. Unfortunately, there was no name attached to it...

Das Wiener Rathaus in der Nacht, sponsored by Gösser...

A little bit of Graz in Wien as Opus (a band that came from Graz) performs live at the Vienna Festival.

After the day trip to Eisenstadt, there was still time to head to Schloss Belvedere for a quick few shots. Here's the Lower Belvedere as seen from the Upper Belvedere.

The Upper Belvedere, taken from the gardens. Both the Upper and Lower Belvedere are Baroque palaces. Honestly, expected much better, considering I took a 30 minute walk to get here so this was quite a let down.

Oh well, that was it for Vienna this time round and I must admit that I felt a bit let down the capital. Had very high hopes for it. Guess I was getting too comfortable with the homeliness of Graz...