Vienna, Austria; A Guest Post by Tamieka Blair

Vienna, Austria has never disappointed me. Having the good fortune to visit for a second
time meant I’d get to experience some of the same things I did on my previous visit while
ensuring that I sought out new sites and adventures. When I went in 2022, it was my first
visit outside of the US since the Covid mandate was instituted. I was excited but still
trepidatious of the possibilities that lied ahead. My first trip to Vienna was on a redeye via
British Airways in the business class section and the return via Finnair. I of course felt super
fancy with it having been my first time on a long-haul flight in this section. Both airlines
provided lie flat seats in business. The meals, beverages and flight were nonstop…to
London. With a connecting shorter flight to/from Vienna, I recommend evening flights flying
out of NY to places with a different time zone. Give yourself an extra day in the destination
of your choosing to get refreshed and acclimated. Not doing that was a mistake I made the
first time around.


In 2022 when I landed in Vienna, I had to immediately head to a work dinner. If I had
planned my trip to arrive a day earlier, the rushing could have been prevented.
Nonetheless, I arrived at Restaurant Wienerin in time to order a delectable wiener schnitzel
(fried veal cutlet) with parsley potatoes, green salad and cranberries. Paired with a glass of
merlot made it the perfect after flight meal. I cannot complain about any of the meals I
tasted in Vienna whether it was 2022 or 2024 as my palate was definitely pleased. Again, I
recommend booking an extra day to stay.
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When I returned to Vienna this year, I flew business again but this time on Turkish Airways.
What a delight that airline is. From the comfy lie flat seats, delicious food and drink
offerings to the friendly and accommodating flight attendants I recommend Turkish over
and over again. Arriving in Istanbul for my layover to Vienna left me in awe. I have never
seen an airport so vast and clean. The ambiance was reminiscent of a large mall or outlet
center. After some time walking, I made my way to the Turkish Airlines Lounge where like
the flight from JFK I was again met with grandeur and excellence.


Vienna itself was amazing both in 2022 and 2024. During my first visit I was able to walk the
Schönbrunn Palace, experience a wine tasting, walk the city streets, eat at several cafés
and shop till I dropped. This year, I took a day trip to Salzburg where I toured the locations
featured in the movie The Sound of Music and visited the Salzburg cathedral famous for the
cathedral square and its statue of the Virgin Mary. While on my trip through Austria this year
I was also able to enjoy a tour of Schlumberger Cellars, taste delectable bites and drinks at
Einsteins and Long Hall Bar among others and walk the streets of lower Austria. If you’re
looking for the perfect, quiet, culturally inclusive yet conservative place to visit, Vienna,
Austria and the surrounding areas is where you should go. A nice mix of a bubbling nightlife
coupled with suburban influences makes Vienna a great alternative to places like London
and Paris. Oh and if you have to choose between British, Finnair or Turkish…it’s Turkish all
of the way.