Wandering through the charming city of Vienna, Austria.

Dear friend,

How are you getting along?

I'm at a loss for words as I try to capture the beauty of Vienna, Austria. The city and the Danube River resemble a poetic painting interwoven with mystery and charm, making me feel as if I've wandered into an endless fairy tale. Every street corner whispers stories of subtle wisdom, and the buildings stand like guardians, reflecting the profound understanding held in the city's bloodstream.

Cruising through Vienna on an electric scooter, nicknamed the "lemon," felt like conducting my own symphony, gliding from the grandeur of cathedrals to magnificent palaces. The journey led me to the Museum Quartier, a kingdom where classical monuments blend seamlessly with contemporary art collections. It's a city where old and new easily intertwine, a testament to Vienna's enduring charm.

Like Klimt's magnificent work, "The Kiss," Vienna embraced me and my companions with a simultaneously intense and tender feeling. It was like a long, invisible kiss, raising the question: is this reality or a wonderful dream? The city, with its romantic atmosphere, echoed the adventurous and curious emotions of the film "Before Sunrise," and the lyrics of Kath Bloom's "Come Here" still resonate in my mind like a melodious friend.

Come here. Come here.

Well, I'm in no hurry.

You don't have to run away this time.

I know that you're timid,

but it's gonna be all right this time".

The youthful dreams of wandering through Vienna materialized, stepping off the train into a cozy and peaceful place. This was a stark contrast to bustling cities like Paris or Barcelona, ​​creating a longing that could only be fulfilled by hours of reading at the small café called Kleines Cafe, overlooking the square with its small fountain.

I arrived at the end of summer, greeted by a city ablaze with the golden hues of autumn. And the trees were changing color. It felt like I was racing against time.

One cannot fail to mention getting a ticket to a musical performance at the Musikverein, where classical orchestras, in traditional costumes and wigs, transport you to a fairytale world. The ancient yet dreamy rectangular hall, adorned with crystal chandeliers, has been a witness to the hearts of all art lovers, from centuries past to the present.

Walking, jogging, and lounging in the park, whispering prayers at Saint Michael's Church – these moments soothe the soul.

Vienna compelled us to walk until dawn, a sleepless night with eyes filled with immense innocence. We believed that if we hastily closed our eyes even once, the charm would vanish – a silly but genuine feeling. “You have passion and pride, but don’t you know that only fools are complacent? Dream big, but don’t imagine it’s becoming reality. When will you realize that Vienna is waiting for you?” A few groups of young people, still intoxicated, sang along to Billy Joel’s endless melody, the tune echoing in their hearts, inviting us back into its embrace.

In every poetic word and simple sentence, Vienna evokes nostalgia, painting a picture of love and longing for a city that will always hold a part of my heart.

And I sat waiting for the sunrise. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

If I only had one day in Vienna, I would go to:

St. Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Europe and has witnessed many important events in Austrian history.

Every detail, big or small, in the cathedral is incredibly exquisite, making it possible to admire it for hours. Inside the north tower hangs one of the largest bells in Europe, the Pummerin. I heard locals tell a legend that composer Beethoven realized he was deaf when he watched birds fly out of the cathedral's north tower but couldn't hear the Pummerin bell.

Central Cafe

UNESCO once described the old cafés of Vienna as places where "time and space are used, only the cup of coffee is charged on the bill." In the Austrian capital, cafés have become a very distinctive cultural feature, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

Cafe Central is one of the oldest and most famous cafes in Vienna. The only recommendation is to make a reservation at least a day in advance. With its classic architecture and intricately carved vaulted ceiling, I felt like I had stepped into another world. A world of happiness and art, immersed in the melodious piano music, the pleasant aroma of coffee, and the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

A must-see destination when visiting Vienna is the Kunsthistorisches Museum. It's a treasure trove of art and culture, housing magnificent works from centuries past. Stepping into the impressive space of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, you'll be immersed in masterpieces from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Each painting, each object, tells a fascinating story of the past.

Moreover, the museum boasts a vast collection of works by two talented Venetian and Flemish painters. You will be transported back in time to admire the significant milestones of art and culture.

Alt & Neu

If you happen to be both a music lover and a fan of the movie Before Sunrise, then you absolutely must visit Alt & Neu. This is where Jesse and Celine visited to share their musical tastes. No matter what genre you enjoy, you're sure to find something to your liking here. What I like most about Alt & Neu is that the staff are very knowledgeable about music; they can help you choose the perfect product or recommend new artists.

Belvedere Palace

And the final destination in Vienna is the Belvedere Palace. Located right in the heart of the capital, the Belvedere Palace is one of the most beautiful Baroque architectural works in Europe. It is also one of Austria's most important art museums, displaying works by famous artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. The palace is extremely large, so you should dedicate at least half a day to exploring it!

Tips for traveling in Vienna:

- The famous tourist attractions are incredibly vast, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes to help you explore everything.

- The cuisine in Vienna isn't particularly outstanding, but it's generally quite palatable. Additionally, there's a wide variety of Asian restaurants here. Vietnamese dishes are especially popular, so you don't need to worry too much about food options when visiting Vienna.

Vienna has public water fountains everywhere, so you only need to bring a bottle of water; there's no need to buy one.

- Vienna's public transportation system is well-developed and easy to use. If you fly to Austria with EVA Air, you can conveniently book tickets on their website. This is because EVA Air has partnerships with many well-known European railway companies such as Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) and Deutsche Bahn (DB BAHN).

- You can also experience a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in Vienna if you haven't had time to arrange a sightseeing itinerary here. The bus will take you to the most famous landmarks of the Austrian capital. The bus also has Wi-Fi and audio guides to help you learn more about Vienna's culture, history, and beauty.

About the author:Tran Quang Dai has been active in the arts since a very young age. Not only is he known as a famous model with a sophisticated fashion sense, but he is also a beloved travel blogger among young people, appreciated for his lifestyle and inspiring posts on social media platforms.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Tran Quang Dai