I do so love exploring new places. It is a thrill. However, returning to a familiar place allows me the opportunity to take my time and wander slowly because my feet know the way and take me confidently along streets I have walked before. My eyes are left to savour and observe: to drink in the variety of a city at the heart of Europe. So what slow and simple things can you do in a city after the summer buzz has left and the winter season is not yet ready to make merry? Well, I went to find out.
Today I took a slow walk up Mariahilferstrasse and then around an area of Vienna called Spittelberg, where the best Christmas Market in Vienna is held, in my opinion. Then I caught the D tram to Alsergrund – you can read about my love of the D Tram here – and finally, I headed down the Donau Canal.
Well here is my list of 8 things to do on a slow walk in Vienna.
- Travel on a Tram – Vienna has a comprehensive transport system, buses, city trains the Ubahn and trams all interlink seamlessly, but in Vienna, you have to try a tram.
2. Listen to a violin – There is always something musical on the streets. You just have to find it. Outside the Museum Quarter is a good place to start.
3. Try some local food
4. Make bubbles.
5. Drink coffee. There many coffee houses in Vienna to choose from. To me, the Coffee House Culture is the epitome of slow living. Many greats ideas were born out of discussions and debates over coffee. My personal favourite place to go is Cafe Casa. It is not a traditional coffee house, but I like the ambience of its location.
6. Meander cobbled streets. District 1, the central part of Vienna has many streets like this. This is an area called Spittelberg.
7. Stroll along the canal. This is the Donau Canal. It curves into the city from the Donau River. During the summer it buzzes with activity day and night, but in the off seasons when bars and restaurants are closed, it is a good place for a long slow walk.
8. Ride a bicycle. Vienna is a bike-friendly city with many separate cycle paths. It is relatively easy to get around. There are city bikes you can hire. Here is a link for more information.
