Independent trip to Vienna from Budapest
Surely, everyone who came to Budapest using the services of a travel agency came across an offer to make an excursion to Vienna by bus. The cost of such a "trip" is approximately 70 euros per person, which includes travel, city tour + visit to Schö nbrunn Palace or free time in Vienna (optional).
Most guides will assure you that there is no other way to Vienna than an organized tourist bus trip.
In fact, it is best to go to Vienna from Budapest on your own, taking only a map of Vienna (and a metro map) with you - in order to better navigate.
First of all, you need to take the red line of the Budapest metro and get to the Kelety Palyaudvar metro station. Immediately exiting
metro you will get to the East Station (Kelety Palyaudvar). Oddly enough, trains arrive at Keleti station not from the east, but from the west.
The station itself was built back in 1884 in the Renaissance style, the Western Station and the Central Market were built in the same style.
Entering the station from the main entrance, immediately turn left to the international ticket offices (the International sign hangs). Then everything is very simple - after waiting for your turn, go to the ticket office and say that you want to buy a ticket (tickets) to Vienna for one day with the opportunity to use Vienna's public transport for free. It is necessary to say only about the possibility of using public transport in Vienna, since they can easily issue a ticket that does not include this service. The cost of an economy class round-trip ticket + total. transport in Vienna is 8.680 forints (or about 32-33 euros).
All. Yes, of course, you also need to ask for a time table (schedule).
Trains to Vienna depart from 6 am to 9 pm. Walk every two hours, that is, the first at 6.00, then at 7.10, 9.10, 11.00, 13.10, etc. Ride exactly three hours.
There are no direct trains from Budapest to Vienna. For example, we traveled by train Budapest-Salzburg. Everyone who travels to Vienna needs the Wien Westbahnhof stop (the name of the stops is displayed on monitors in the cabin of the Vogon).
The Railjet train is very comfortable and modern, it provides three classes - Premium, First and Economy. Well, the difference is in seats, space (there are more of them in Premium and First), in newspapers, magazines and food, which you will receive for free by purchasing a Premium or First class ticket. Price - 30 euros more than economy class.
Economy class tickets without numbers, sit in any free seat. They check tickets twice for the entire trip - first the Hungarians (at the second or third stop), put a stamp on the ticket, and then - when crossing the border of Austria - the Austrians also put a stamp. This completes all checks (passports are not checked).
During the trip they offer coffee / tea, drinks, snacks, sandwiches.
Prices, of course - espresso from the machine in a plastic cup - 5 euros.
Despite the fact that the ride is three hours, the trip flies by quickly.
Stepping out onto the platform of the Wien Westbahnhof station in Vienna, you immediately get the feeling that you are in Western Europe. It is palpable in
atmosphere, according to the special pace of life. Immediately from the station you go down to the subway and get off at the Westbahnhof station (this
orange metro line or U3). Get on the train and drive exactly five stops, get off at the stop Stephans-plats
(Metro ride takes 10 minutes). All. You are in the very center of Vienna, next to St. Stephen's Cathedral. This is where it starts
all tourist routes for exploring the central part of Vienna.
Of course, 5 hours for Vienna (that's how much time we spent there) is negligible. But still, if you plan your route in advance, you can see something.
First of all, this is St. Stephen's Cathedral - a Gothic cathedral in the city center and the most beautiful Gothic building in Austria.
Further along the Graben street from St. Stephen's Cathedral, exit onto the small Kolhmarkt street. This street is not to be missed. And not only because it is from this street that an amazing view of the former Hofburg Imperial Palace opens up, it is from here that it is best to start exploring this grandiose palace complex, and not only because all the chic boutiques are located on this street (Chanel, Hermes, etc. ), some showcases of which are already a landmark of the city, but also because it is on Kolhmarkt Street that the DEMEL confectionery is located. The DEMEL patisserie, which was opened in 1786, is famous for its Sacher cakes. The cake recipe invented by Franz Sacher was supplemented by his son Eduard Sacher during his apprenticeship at the bakery. Incidentally, between the "DEMEL" and the hotel "Sacher" for many years was conducted
litigation regarding the right to the trade name "Sacher", which was settled only in 1965, but, alas, not in favor of DEMEL.
The Sacher cake produced by the DEMEL confectionery is called the Demel Sacher cake and is still made by hand, but unlike the other version, it does not have a middle layer of apricot confiture. You can watch the process of making the cake directly in the confectionery itself; this cake is prepared for all visitors. There is a sign "No foto" on the glass, as if video or photography can reveal the secret of the recipe for this famous Viennese dessert. And of course, it is not surprising that in order to drink tea with dessert here, you need to stand in the long line is about 20-25 minutes. In addition, here you can buy - almond-orange gingerbread, confiture, chocolate, candied violets (which used to be supplied to the imperial court and were very loved by the wife of Franz Joseph Erzhebet (Sisi) and much more.
So Hofburg. It won't take a day to see it.
Currently, the buildings of the palace are located: the office of the Vstriyan president, a winter riding school, various private and state apartments, several museums and
front rooms, which are open to the public at any time.
After passing the Hofburg, go straight to Maria Theresia Square (Maria-Theresia-Platz), opposite which is the Museum
quarter. This building used to be the imperial stable, but now it is one of the largest museum complexes in the world.
You can get to the Vienna Opera by walking along the Opernring street (it is located next to Maria Theresa Square). Construction
The Vienna Opera began in 1861, and the opening took place in 1869, with a production of Mozart's Don Giovanni. They say that the very building of the Vienna Opera really did not like Emperor Franz Joseph, who called it "railway station".
From the Vienna Opera, exit onto one of the longest tourist streets - Kartner Strasse, where shops, trade and souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants are located. This street goes straight to St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Vienna is an expensive city (this is especially felt after Budapest). It is better not to change money on the central streets (a very large commission), but to have the necessary amount in euros with you. It is convenient to pay with credit cards in a cafe, although it is still better to leave a tip. Moreover, tips should be given immediately, as you pay, and not put on the table. You can dine in Vienna for 50-60 euros for two (well, this is modest).
Trains from Vienna to Budapest depart from the Wien Westbahnhof station also every two hours starting at 6.54, then 8.04, 9.54, 11.54, 13.54, 15.54, 17.54 and the last one at 19.54.
I think that such an independent trip to Vienna is much better than an organized tourist trip, cheaper and absolutely safe.
