Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad traveller, Emma, and this week, I'm whisking you away to the city of music and waltzing, Vienna! 🎶 My journey began in the picturesque English countryside of Derbyshire, a familiar and comforting place for me. But my heart craves adventure and so, armed with a trusty map and my pinkest tutu, I boarded a grand train (I love train travel - it's the perfect opportunity for a little glamour!) and headed towards Austria. 🚂
As soon as the train pulled into Vienna, I felt a spark. The air was electric, alive with history and a charming vibrancy. My initial steps onto the cobbled streets took me back in time; elegant cafes, ornate architecture, and the soft strums of music floating on the breeze made my heart skip a beat. And did I mention the horses?! 🐎 I spotted a charming fiacre carriage waiting by the opera house and just knew I had to ride it - a dash of royal flair to add to my day!
The Vienna State Opera: A Symphony of Beauty and Grace
The highlight of my week in Vienna? Attending a performance at the world-famous Vienna State Opera, naturally! It’s the ultimate home of opera, a dazzling masterpiece in its own right with the most beautiful auditorium I’ve ever seen. Gilding, velvet curtains, grand staircases - oh, the extravagance! And then there’s the music. My ears were blessed with the sublime strains of Verdi's "La Traviata". Such emotion, such passion poured out onto the stage by these talented performers! I sat there mesmerized, twirling my pink tutu as the drama unfolded.
After the performance, the excitement didn't stop! I spent hours in the opera shop, surrounded by exquisite music scores, beautiful jewellery inspired by operas, and even delicate ballerina figurines! My eyes darted back and forth, mesmerised by the grandeur. You know me, darling – I couldn’t resist picking up a little something to commemorate the occasion. I snagged the most delightful set of "La Traviata" earrings – dainty pearls, perfect for adding a touch of opera-inspired flair to my pink tutu outfits.
Dancing through Vienna's Ballet History
Naturally, my pink tutu was begging to be spun in Vienna! 💃 This city is steeped in ballet history and the dancing energy just felt… intoxicating! I went to a local ballet class - it was so inspiring to watch the Austrian dancers gracefully twirl in the grand hall. They made the elegant moves look effortless!
Afterwards, I took a lovely horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town. We stopped at the magnificent Hofburg Palace. A truly impressive architectural wonder and one that played an important role in Austria's imperial history. It's a majestic palace with enough stories, hidden passages and regal splendour to inspire a dozen fairytales. Imagine the ballets and balls that have taken place within its walls!
A Shopaholic’s Paradise
A city so beautiful, so artistic… and filled with shopping streets that will make your heart sing! Of course, I was drawn to Vienna's exquisite fashion boutiques. Think silk scarves, glittering jewels, delicate shoes... a wonderland of fabrics and trinkets that are just perfect for adding a touch of Viennese glamour to my wardrobe. I've found some fabulous silk scarves to complete my dance outfits - perfect for swirling as I rehearse! And imagine my delight when I stumbled across a little boutique that specialized in tutus! They had the most delicate fabrics, sparkling sequins, and delicate pink tutus just waiting for me to twirl them around.
Where to Eat in Vienna
If you're a ballet-loving fashionista like myself, Vienna is your perfect paradise. But between tutus and theatres, there are moments when a weary dancer needs sustenance. Here are some places I fell in love with:
Café Sacher: Known for the legendary Sachertorte – a heavenly chocolate cake. This cafe exudes charm, with grand interiors, delicious food, and of course, the legendary Sacher cake!
Figlmüller: A Viennese institution known for its giant schnitzels – a must-try for any foodie visiting the city!
*Plachutta: *I savored traditional Austrian cuisine here. There was a lively, friendly atmosphere and everything tasted simply divine.
Sharing the Pink Tutu Love
And so, darlings, my week in Vienna whizzed by. It's a city where beauty, music and elegance all meet. The perfect place to revel in a little waltz with a side of decadent dessert. And don't forget, darling, to let your inner ballerina shine! Take inspiration from the grace of the Viennese waltz and always twirl with confidence!
Until next week, I leave you with this little piece of advice: When in doubt, always wear pink… and don’t forget your tutu! 💖
With twirling love, Emma xxx
P.S. Catch me on Wednesday next week at www.pink-tutu.com for my next adventure! And remember to follow my #PinkTutuVienna journey on Instagram! ✨
