Rick Steves Soaks Up Music, History & Culture At His Pick For Europe's Most Elegant City

Describing a vacation destination as having "something for everyone" is becoming more commonplace. European cities, especially, are full of options for travelers of every budget and interest. However, there are times when travelers want to find something extra special. And for travel writer and host Rick Steves, it's the city of Vienna, Austria, that truly delivers everything in one big, elegant package.

"Vienna ranks right at the top of my list of elegant European cities," Steves writes in his blog, noting the city has become "an expert in good living." That's high praise indeed from a man who has traveled the world and is the go-to for travel advice for thousands of fans. Steves' first impression of Vienna was when he visited with his father, a piano importer, and had the opportunity to witness beautiful pianos being built by hand. That appreciation for craftsmanship and tradition have stayed with him ever since.

Speaking of musical legacy, music is an elegant mainstay in Vienna. In fact, the destination claims the title of the "World Capital of Music." For centuries, orchestras have entertained audiences, and numerous world-famous composers have also called Vienna home. Even the Vienna Boys Choir, founded in 1498, still performs during Sunday morning mass here. All of which goes to show that, as Steves puts it, "in Vienna, highbrow music is the stuff of daily life."

Vienna's musical tradition continues to this day; and, as musician Billy Joel famously sang, "Vienna waits for you." This former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire had a coming-of-age period in the 20th century, and a series of political upheavals eventually led to its current status as one of the world's most livable cities. In fact, in 2018, Austria became the first-ever European city to rank on top of the "Global Liveability Index," a ranking curated by the Economist Intelligence Unit. 

The elegance of Vienna extends beyond the doors of its music halls and into the historic architecture of its city center, which caters to pedestrians. As Steves points out, Vienna's city center is free of skyscrapers, and its past is continuously celebrated by all who choose to explore it. Specifically, Steves recommends a tram tour along the popular Ringstrasse. This circular boulevard is home to multiple Viennese museums and palaces, showcasing the city's varied architectural styles of its past. It's also a budget-friendly way to see the historic sites. 

For those looking to hop off the tram and do some exploring, consider checking out the best museums to visit in Vienna — including the Hofburg, the Belvedere, and Schönbrunn Palace. That said, with more than 100 museums available in the city, you're bound to find one dedicated to your interests. And, since Vienna is known worldwide for its coffee culture, consider taking in the sites while enjoying a hot drink at one its many shaded cafes.

Vienna's beauty, history, walkability, and elegance make it not only a perfect vacation destination, but also an excellent arrival point into Europe. With plenty of easy and worthwhile day trips from Vienna travelers can enjoy, the city is also considered a major transportation hub. For one, Vienna International Airport's City Airport Train makes it easy for visitors to head directly into the city center. Additionally, high-speed trains from Vienna connect Austria's capital to multiple European destinations, including Rome, Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam.

In terms of planning your trip, the best time to visit Vienna is truly up to the preference of the traveler, as the city is always buzzing with activity. During Christmas, local wintertime markets are paired with outdoor activities like open-air ice skating rinks, choral singing, and temperatures that rarely go above 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, summers in Vienna can get quite warm, reaching up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, tourists can enjoy everything from outdoor concerts to food festivals, theater performances, and plenty of activities on the nearby Danube Canal to stay cool. Of course, if you prefer to casually walk through Vienna to take in the history, the cooler and comfortable fall or winter weather may be more suitable. 

Whatever your reason for visiting Austria, there's one major tip to keep in mind: make sure you pack appropriately, and consider leaving the shorts at home — even during the summer. After all, alongside its sophisticated cultural heritage — which locals are deeply proud of — the Austrian capital also has a reputation for elegance, and wearing shorts will immediately out you as a tourist. Ultimately, Steves is right on point when he says "Vienna is a class act."