Betsy's Briefings: Big Red Bus Day in Vienna

It's Hop-on-Hop-off bus day in Vienna. We decided to try the Underground (subway) here, since we had all that Paris experience. Vienna's subway system is smaller and rather easy to figure out (for Tom). We got on close to our hotel and got off right in the middle of town.
There were lots of shoppers in St. Stephen's square.

Many shops to choose from, even beautiful flowers and lots of souvenir sellers.

The Hop-on-Hop-off bus stop is just across the street from the world famous Vienna Opera House.
It's a beautiful structure built in 1869, damaged during World War II, repaired and is still in use today.

We passed by the Hofburg Palace a couple of times. It was the Royal winter residence of the ruling Hapsburgs. Today it is the official residence and offices of the President of Austria.

The summer residence of the Royal family was Schonbrunn Palace.

The Hapsburg rule continued from the 13th century until the 20th century. It was one of the most influential Royal Houses in Europe.
We saw the Parliament building, Sigmumd Freud's Museum, Mozart's Statue and his House.

After a full morning on the bus in the heat, it was time for lunch.

St. Stephen's Cathedral was a must see. It was built in the 12th century to rival the Cathedral in Prague.

I don't know who judged, but this one is the most ornate and the spires are taller. Both are equally spectacular--not choosing a winner.

This morning we were on the "red route" so this afternoon it's the "blue route".
On this one we crossed the Danube and saw an amusement park. The Ferris Wheel is over 100 years old.