Two Weeks Out - Things We Want to See

With a little less than two weeks until our trip, we have have started a list of "things to see in Vienna". I always think it's a great idea to memorialize some of the thoughts and plans that one has prior to a big trip. Then as the trip becomes reality, it's funny to see how the plans actually turn out. With little connection to Vienna, I know very little about the city and surrounding area. Much of this list is based on scattered reading and research as well as recommendations from friends who've been.

The list as of today:

Belvedere Museum. Duh. The apartment is 2 blocks from this famous landmark. I expect to be fully versed in Belvedere history and navigation by the end of our stay.

The Prater. Another duh. This is the big, forested park on the northern flank of the city. Among all that open space, it boasts the big, famous ferris wheel you see in all those Vienna pictures.

Salzburg - Mozart's birthplace. Not sure if we'll make it to this western city, but it's on the list. Also a great jumping off point for visiting those green hills seen in the Sound of Music.

Dessert at the Sacher Hotel. The real reason to visit is culinary in design. The official home of the Sacher Torte, the chocolate cake that originated in this city.

Vienna Boys Choir. With little research into this subject, it makes the list because it sounds cool. Who knows if they are performing when we are there, or how much it costs, or if we can bring a toddler. It makes the list, just because.

Prague. No, i'm not implying Prague is in Vienna, but it's 5 hours or so by train and how cool will that be. We hope to spend a few days there.

Bratislava. We hope to take a boatride down the Danube to this Slovakian city!

Coffee Houses. As many as possible. The famed Viennese coffee house experience sounds excellent and I hope to hit as many cafes as time allows!

Budapest. Perhaps a bit optimistic to hit Hungary in our limited travel time, but it's on the list. Important to note - one can take a boat ride all the way from Vienna to Budapest!