Vienna: A Melting Pot of Past, Present, and Future
Melting pot… there may be no other term that better describes the city at the heart of Austria. Vienna has been many things to many people throughout history, wavering in tradition and influence from Eastern European to a gateway of Western culture and philosophy. Control of the city has varied over the years and the result has become a politically neutral melting pot of ideas, philosophies, art, food, and of course culture from all walks of life and all areas of Europe. As Europe continues to expand and adapt, Vienna is once again finding itself at the center of European influence.
Of course the first thing most travelers think of when picturing Austria is the food in Vienna. Vienna isn’t just known for miniature canned sausages. No, in reality the culinary scene in Vienna is so much more. Vienna boasts one of the world’s richest culinary traditions. Over centuries Vienna has been influenced by many cultures, each bringing favorite dishes from their home lands. The result is a unique and harmonious blend of dishes ranging across centuries and from all over the world.
Of course there are traditional staples to Viennese cuisine. Viennese food is highly influenced by its Bavarian roots. As such dishes like Schnitzel. Contrary to popular American belief Wiener Schnitzel is not a hot dog dish, but rather a rich plate of veal breaded and fried in lard. However, the dish can be made with pork and chicken as well. If you’re traveling to Austria dining on your own decadent plate of Schnitzel in one of the many traditional Vienna restaurants has to be on your list.
Another delicacy of Vienna is found in pastry shops across Europe. The strudel is an Austrian favorite. Apple Strudel, actually written Apfelstrudel is a local dish with worldwide fame, but nowhere else in the world does apfelstrudel taste quite like it does from a street side bakery in the heart of historic Vienna. Even if you’re vacationing on a diet, you have to sink your teeth into an official Austrian strudel before departing for home. Your friends and family will be jealous.
Food isn’t the only delicacy found in Vienna. The centuries old blend of cultures has also created one of the greatest art scenes in all of Europe. Frankly put, the Vienna art scene is something to be admired. Vienna has long been renowned as a city of thinkers and artists. Over the past century the city has reinvented itself culturally as a blend of Art Nouveau and post-modernism. While these two conflicting styles might not seem like compliments on paper, in Vienna they mix well along side centuries old architecture and more. Taking a stroll through the arts districts or through one of Vienna’s world famous museums is a like touring through time from past to present and peeking in on the future as well.
Tucked away in Europe where Eastern tradition meets Western innovation Vienna is a unique blend of culture and history. One that has to be experienced and admired to be fully understood. But after spending a few days in Austria’s capital of cool you’ll understand why some of the world’s most brilliant thinkers chose to call Vienna home sweet home, not to mention you’ll experience some of the best food and most amazing art crafted through centuries of influence and refinement.
Processing your request, Please wait....
