"Scrumdiddlyumptious!" From Willy Wonka
VIENNA has always been on my travel list. But, never having what I thought was enough time to do it justice, it remained a “someday” - until January 2025 when fighting off a flu, I arrived at The Amauris Vienna, ideally situated on the ring roads (Ringstrasse ) that encircle the old city.
The hotel is a member of Relais & Châteaux, an international boutique hotel & restaurant organization that I have often turned to for good recommendations. With it’s smart rooms, inviting restaurant & friendly informative service, The Amauris did not disappoint.
But, I digress … VIENNA is a meringue! … a sweet pastry bursting with Baroque & Art Nouveau architecture with a bit of Secessionist art and Bauhaus style to make it fascinating for an art & architecture aficionado. 
If you are a Klimt fan as I am, between the Belvedere Palace and the Leopold Museum you will see a bountiful display of the artist’s portraits and landscapes. His mosaic-like patterns & lush colors are compelling. Especially now that Color has joyfully returned to interior design - I find Klimt's work very inspiring. 
The Albertina Museum hosts many comprehensive art shows. I was lucky to catch one featuring an expansive collection of Chagall’s work.
If your interest lies in ancient history, Vienna’s Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches) has cabinets of curiosities galore - including the voluptuous Venus of Willendorf, a 30,000 year old female fetish. 
VIENNA is also about real pastry & convivial dining. Home of the Sacher Torte & the Apple Strudel - there is a broad selection of restaurants and cafes which lay claim to the original recipes. 
Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer, a restaurant founded in 1848 served my most memorable meal: sauerkraut soup, roasted venison & their famous strudel. And dining alone was no impediment to welcoming service and convivial bouts of conversation from other tables. 
A large brasserie, Zum Schwarzen Kameel open since 1618 provided an afternoon's entertainment: watching bustling waiters balancing trays laden with classic viennese fair - skirting tables of boisterous clientele and hangers-on waiting for an emptying chair. Meanwhile, their fabulous hanging lamps and intricate tilework caste a beautiful glow over everyone! (Good lighting is essential for any restaurant!)
VIENNA is also imminently walkable. The crispy, sunny January days were perfect for strolling. You can circumnavigate the Ringstrasse in two hours - if you don’t get distracted by the architectural beauty, the endless monuments, gorgeous patterned roof tiles, the plethora of museums, opera houses & cultural must-sees such as the Spanish Riding School. Sadly, their famous Lipizzaner horses were traveling during my visit. But the building’s riding ring and stables are impressive nonetheless. 
Ultimately, VIENNA is a pleasure; a long weekend or short week of indulgence & culture.
The Amauris Vienna, https://www.theamauris.com
Relais & Châteaux, https://www.relaischateaux.com
The Belvedere Palace, https://www.belverdere.at
The Leopold Museum, https://www.leopoldmuseum.org
The Albertina Museum, https://www.albertina.at
Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, https://www.nhm-wien.as.at
Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer, https://www.weisser-rauchfangkehrer.at
Zum Schwarzen Kameel, https://www.schwarzeskameel.at