Graben Street is one of the most popular pathways for tourists in Vienna. Lined with cafes and shopping, the visitor is occasionally greeted with relics of the past, like this sculpture known to the Germans as a "plague column". It's more or less a "tribute to God" that rulers commission in the hopes that God would remove a plague from their lands. It started off as a Corinthian column that would contain the Holy Trinity, but with the deaths of several of its architects, this turned into a more grandiose group effort spanning twenty years.

I saved the best for last. On my final day in Vienna, I at last made my way to the Kunsthistorisches Museum. My favorite artist is Caravaggio, and here is housed a fine selection of his work, as well as an extensive collection of caravaggesque paintings by his followers and contemporaries. As I wandered the seemingly endless number of rooms, I was enthralled by all the incredible masterpieces that surrounded me. Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Ruben, I was fully immersed in a collection of the greatest humans to ever wield a brush. As I paused for a moment, I looked down into a cafe housed within the museum, and snapped a photo to capture the scene. Suddenly it hit me, here I was, surrounded by great art, and literally right under my nose was some of the most unlikely art of all: all of us individually enjoying not only what was on the walls, but also the environment and the moment together. www.khm.at/en/collections/picture-gallery

Some of the talented handiwork by the Demel bakers. I don't believe it will be eaten, but displayed in the window. This view is given to visitors to Demel as they enter the stairway to go upstairs for seating. It's amazing seeing their artists work.

Demel is a world-famous patisserie that's been in business for over 200 years. Serving the finest in baked pastries and chocolate, a visit is a must for anyone who travels to Vienna.

Some of the talented handiwork by the Demel bakers. I don't believe it will be eaten, but displayed in the window. This view is given to visitors to Demel as they enter the stairway to go upstairs for seating. It's amazing seeing their artists work.

Before Starbucks, there was the Coffee House. This isn't a cafe or a chain of stores, instead it is the more general coffee culture that exists in Vienna Austria. This coffee house culture has survived through the changing times of Starbucks, cup sleeves, and ‘to-go’ coffee cups. I decided to go on a coffee house tasting tour around Vienna to attempt to try all of the various coffee drinks the coffee houses serve. Each cup was brought out on a silver tray, with glass of water, a spoon (normally placed on top of the glass), and a little chocolate. The coffees were small and strong, and there were no American style refills. But even more exciting than the coffee itself were the coffee houses that oozed sophistication and high brow culture. From the elegant surroundings from days gone by to the proper way each coffee is delivered to your table, the coffee houses suspended me and held me in this caffeinated world of a time that seems to be disappearing. From the moment I opened the door, I felt like all of the hectic noise in my head slowed down to ‘waltz time’ and I could relax. This was the perfect kind of slow travel. Sit, relax, drink coffee, eat some sausage, listen to music, read, and repeat the next day – that’s how to visit Vienna. Coffee Houses to try: Café Pruckel – I stopped here twice…definitely my favorite! Café Central Café Demel Café Drechsler Café Ritter – amazing strudel! Café Frauenhuber

Vienna's most storied cafe invites! A visit to the Cafe Sacher in the venerable Hotel Sacher is a must on your Vienna-list. Feel centuries of history, taste decades of experience, and relax for hours. Ahhh, I wish I could join!

As soon as we touch down at the airport in Vienna my husbands asks when he'll have his "small Gulasch and small beer". This is his way of being part of a city that has been titled the most liveable city worldwide three years in a row. His choice of restaurant is way off the beaten path: The Cafe Alt Wien. The cafe seems to be a relict from former times, with yellowed, postercovered walls and makeshift tables. Once you enter you immediately feel transformed into a different era, time seems to be at an almost stillstand. And off course the Gulasch is excellent and for my husband the only thinkable way to arrive in Vienna.

This beautiful Neo-Renaissance building was opened in 1869 to a mixed public review, but today it's well-loved by the Viennese and tourists alike. I did not get a chance to go inside, but caught a photo as we walked by. I can only imagine what it would be like to hear Mozart's works performed there.

Rounding out your visit to Hofburg Palace you'll find the last of the great expansions to the palace by the Habsurgs. The building is a true neo-classical style, obviously to make the royal family appear as mighty as Greek gods. A statue of Archduke Charles II stands outside.

Traveling on a student budget makes you appreciate finding a good deal even if it takes a little bit of work; going to the opera is an amazing experience but going cheaply is even better! If you go to the Vienna opera house 80min before the start of the performance you can get a standing room ticket for only 4€ !! (I suggest the 4€ over 3€, better spot). Once you claim a spot at the cushy-bar (bring an item to claim it with, like a scarf), you are free to leave. Go grab a bite to eat in the area, you'll have plenty of time to spare! Additionally, don't worry about understanding the opera, there are numerous translators attached to the bars so you can read along in English.

The best part about our trip to Vienna wasn't really Vienna. It was finding the Grinzing area on the outskirts - quiet wine growing region with insanely charming tiny wine taverns everywhere. Our favorite was Mayer AM Pfarrplatz. You can get there by bus from Vienna.

Austrian wine has catapulted to become the darling of the international wine world. If you are looking for chic, upbeat city nightlife, there is no better place to get an in-depth view of Austria’s dynamic, trendy wine scene than at the wine bars of Vienna!

View from the top of Saint Stephen's Cathedral (Stephandom, Cathedral of Vienna) in Vienna, Austria. If I am not mistaken, the top of the tower from where this picture was taken is the highest point in Vienna.

Gebackener Emmentaler (baked cheese served with berry sauce), drinking wine at a Heuriger just outside the city; sitting outside at a cafe sipping an Aperol spritz or an ice coffee (July 2010)

It’s a wine bar, restaurant, and delicatessen all rolled into one. It’s historic, authentic and has been a favourite of the Viennese for nearly 400 years. “Zum schwarzen Kameel” is just as lively and fashionable as it always was.