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4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years

Bucuresti
5 posts
1 review
4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years
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I will be in Vienna for the first time between 17 and 21 December. Me and my wife have this trip mostly for our kid (3 1/2 years) to show him the Christmas Market. I hope to be something to see at these markets (I understand there are more than one) but can you help me and tell me what else can we see or do considering the trip is for our kid.

It's my first trip to Vienna and honestly this city seems to be a little boring to me after all I read and hear. I mean I'm not a person interested in all kind of museums or palaces.

Thank you in advance for any help!

vienna
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13,600 posts
17 reviews
52 helpful votes
1. Re: 4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years
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Yearly, millions find Vienna to be a great place to visit. I am uncertain how you receive an impression of the city being boring. Vienna is not boring unless you do it to yourself.

I first suggest that you look at the websites for 2 of the major Christmas Markets

The Rathaus- City Hall

http://www.christkindlmarkt.at

much for children and adults- a small train ride - many kids exhibits for kids in the parks there- special kids programs

Schönbrunn

http://www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at

again much for kids - good in the Schönbrunn Park-the famous zoo good even in winter - many young animals born during the summer are now kids favorites.

Many other nice markets like Freyung or that in front of the Fine Arts Museum by the Ringstrasse and not far from the Rathaus.

for many things for kids

http://www.wien.info

click on events - tips and also specials - vienna for kids.

No need to visit museums or palaces if you do not wish to - still much to keep you busy - just look at the above websites.

Vienna, Austria
Destination Expert
for Vienna, Austria, Innsbruck
Level Contributor
41,917 posts
27 reviews
167 helpful votes
2. Re: 4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years
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Well, if you are not interested in architecture, museums and/or palaces, which make the unique imperial flair of Vienna, what would an interesting city needs to offer in order to attract you? I am asking in that (hopefully not impolite) manner, because the "criticism" is very unclear.

What did your hear about Vienna that is not so good?

Maybe we can prove the opposite or agree on certain points? We cannot expect everyone to fall in love with Vienna. Even I sometimes dislike my city or see the downsides.....

Brno, Czech Republic
Destination Expert
for Czech Republic, Slovakia, Train Travel
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33,342 posts
20 reviews
40 helpful votes
3. Re: 4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years
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I sort of understand what you mean - on the surface it can appear a bit staid (architecture notwithstanding) and the attitude of some of the people can appear to be be a bit cold, but once you get to know the place and explore it a bit deeper it is a different story - you have to go into the cafes, etc, and soak up the atmosphere - and you will get plenty of atmosphere at the Christmas markets and your little one will love it. We have a 3 year-old as well and he loves Schonbrunn and the Prater, although it is quite easy to keep a child of that age happy...

BTW there are a lot of Romanians in Vienna - my brother-in-law is Romanian and has lived in the city for almost 20 years, and some of the Romanian parties we have are legendary. However, don't try and drive there or you can be guaranteed that you will be stopped regularly by the police and given a hard time by other road users (Romanian cars come bottom of the list - I know from personal experience!)

Have fun!

Bucuresti
5 posts
1 review
4. Re: 4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years
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Thank you! I know it sound strange to say about Vienna is a boring city but that's my feeling. Of course a subjective one because I never been there. That's why I asked for help.

Bucuresti
5 posts
1 review
5. Re: 4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years
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Well it seems I made a mistake saying Vienna is a boring city. I think I was not very eloquent. I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings but that's my impression. I said it before this is my first trip to the city and that's why I need some help. It doesn't mean that Vienn is not a great city.

Austin
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933 posts
12 reviews
34 helpful votes
6. Re: 4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years
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I have visited Vienna four times, from when I was a kid and most recently as the mother of a three year-old. Every time was fabulous and always a different experience.

All visits have included heavy doses of Cafeleben (Café living).

I highly recommend the marionette theatre at Schonbrunn. Our toddler was completely transfixed, even though she doesn't speak German.

http://www.marionettentheater.at/

If it's not too cold, visit the Prater, even just to ride the Ferris Wheel. I did that during one winter visit.

When I was a kid, I loved the treasury. Pretty jewels and outfits. Our three year-old loved it too and we left with a paper copy of a crown.

Vienna, Austria
Destination Expert
for Vienna, Austria, Innsbruck
Level Contributor
41,917 posts
27 reviews
167 helpful votes
7. Re: 4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years
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Well, I did not criticize your criticism. I just wanted to know what you heard about Vienna and what an interesting city needs to offer you? As long as somebody can (at least vaguely) express his negative experiences and feelings, it is fully okay and appreciated. I don't want this forum to react *offended* just because somebody dares to criticize.

So once again, what cities, you have already visited, did you like? I am just nosy!

Bucuresti
5 posts
1 review
8. Re: 4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years
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For Mikey!

Well the most recent city visited was London and I have to say it's spectacular. I don't know if I was lucky but everything was almost unbelievable. Starting with people who lives there and ending with the architecture, touristic attractions and lots of other things.

Probably sounds odd if I say London it is the first city or place where actually I could live. Of course I will never leave my country but if somebody ask me to choose a city where I wish to live London is my first choice.

Zurich for example it's a beautiful city but I don't like it. Prague is another beautiful city but I didn't feel anything special, probably because I had an unpleasant incident with an old man who name romanians as "starvelings" and I don't know why he said that. Budapest on the other side is among of my favorite cities like Brussels or Athens.

I have to say I visited a few places, not 72 like you but enough to have an idea of what I like and what not. I admit categorizing Vienna as a boring city was probably a mistake as long as I never been there but I repeat, it's just a feeling. I hope the city will change my opinion and I let you know that when I come back.

To cheer you up: think about my city, Bucharest. :)

Vienna, Austria
Destination Expert
for Vienna, Austria, Innsbruck
Level Contributor
41,917 posts
27 reviews
167 helpful votes
9. Re: 4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years
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If you liked Brussels, you will adore Vienna!

10. Re: 4-5 days with my wife and a kid of 3 years

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