Vienna update

by Dallasdomer, Friday, June 12, 2026, 10:52 (19 hours, 43 minutes ago)

Thanks for the recs, including the previous thread. Had been there before so did a mix of old and new.

1. Went to the Prater and rode the Ferris wheel. It was campy but fun. There are a couple of great beer gardens in the area and had a “pig knuckle” at one that should be the staple of every tailgate.
2. Went to the MusicVerein for a concert. An amazing experience, highly recommend.
3. Went to the Wien Museum just to see the two Klimpts there. Well worth it and the focus is helpful.
4. Had Streudel at Cafe Landtmann, a classic Viennese cafe.
5. Went to the Ephesus museum, amazing antiquities. It’s in the building where Hitler famously stood on the balcony and was greeted by 200,000 of his adoring Austrian “victims.” The balcony is closed but there is a “poll” being conducted as to whether people want to see it reopened. Reopening is winning 8 to 1.
6. Finally, the Freud museum was a revelation to me. His impact on our culture is profound and the museum—his house and office for 47 years is wonderful. Two things: Freud found dogs remarkable because of their “lack of ambivalence.” I agree. Also, it took LBJ cajoling the Austrian government to do something to honor Freud, which led to the museum eventually opening in 1971. Lots of latent anti-semitism and failure to account for Austria’s role in Nazi atrocities.

Off to Istanbul! Recs welcomed!