The capital of a once mighty empire, Vienna today seems to have more similarities to the grand and imposing capitals of modern powers such as Beijing, Moscow or Rome rather than of a small country of barely 9 million people. Despite having gone through two world wars, the capital of Austria retains much of its imperial charms, with stately palaces and cathedrals that continue to dot the landscape. Similarly, hotels in Vienna have been more than happy to oblige to this reputation with rooms that seem to evoke the grand palaces of Europe. It is literally possible to live like a king here.
vienna street scene from the albertina
It was in Vienna that I started my 3-week long trip around Europe, where I happened to land on a weekend and had to sprint my way around the city in just 3 days.
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