Yesterday was a beautiful spring day, I was out to do some errands. I got early out and was able to have coffee before going about to walk. The government announced that Vienna would be on a lockdown effective today, March 12.
As this would be a day I get to walk out at the city center for an indefinite time, I walked about and took photos (phone). It’s been so long ago since I’ve carried a big camera around. So this is Schwedenplatz, Vienna’s 2nd district area – Rotenturmstrasse to be exact. Two of our favorite Korean restaurants, Babida and Yori, are located on walking distance from the train station Schwedenplatz albeit on opposite directions.
With coffee in hand, and phone on the other, I walked a little before going home, and here are some photos I took.
Cobblestone Streets
Many of the smaller streets around the 2nd district are not accessible to vehicles, which makes it safe to walk on and explore. Most of these streets too are cobblestones, so you need to pay extra attention while walking. ^_^
One street you need to pass through is the oldest one. Griechengasse (Greece street if I may translate), it’s fully laid out with cobblestones and has a very rich history which is still visible on the building walls. Interestingly, this street is at the right side of the first photo (above) – a modern-looking contrast to the classic and nostalgic appeal of Griechengasse.
There are a lot of restaurants and bars, fast-food shops and kiosks, and grocery stores in this area of the second district.The Ring tram passes by this particular area – a bim that circles Vienna’s most famous buildings. Once travel is safe, make sure that you get to ride that bim – or the tram no.2 that circles the same route (no extra pay).
Free Tours – Walk (Not Now Though)
Walking around Vienna is one of the cheapest but best ways to explore it. Although we’re used to the convenience of hopping from trains to trams, to buses, we also enjoy walking around – and one can see how small of a city Vienna is by walking. But that would have to wait for now. People that are allowed to be out and about are essential workers as the same with other cities (I presume).
What’s beautiful when walking around Vienna, is you get to see pretty corner stores, little table and chair setups decorated with flowers that you can sit on if you get tired. There would also be grass-walls or leaf-walls you can use as a backdrop for your photos, and bikes parked, that would complete your rule of thirds composition. And these would have to wait, too – for how long? No one really knows. For now, it is best for us to stay at home (if one can, yeah talking to myself there).
Bike When Able
Bike lanes in Vienna may not be as effective and prioritized as it is in the Netherlands, but you can freely ride around following the shared bike lanes with pedestrians. Bikers will also bell out if they are passing through to make their presence known. There are also bicycles and scooters for rent, for locals and tourists. Vienna encourages to use less fuel so this is a really good initiative. One can spend less and have some workout going around town too.
I have only biked around the Danube, as we live near the area – and it’s quite a scenic route. But truth be told, I’m not so confident biking within the city. I seriously would freak out with all the traffic.
With the restrictions being placed, and not knowing until when it will be, we all hope you would be safe. Stay home per government’s protocol and only go out if need be! 😉
For the latest Corona Virus update in Vienna please visit Austria.info.
