Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing travel blogger, writing to you from the heart of Vienna! I’m absolutely smitten with this city - it’s the perfect blend of elegant grandeur, enchanting history, and oh, so much fabulous fashion!
This week’s blog post is extra special as it’s dedicated to all things Viennese - the culture, the sights, the coffee…and of course, the pink tutus! I’ve been absolutely swept away by this beautiful city.
Vienna, with its imperial past and a vibrant present, is an absolute dream for any tutu enthusiast like myself. Imagine walking through streets lined with magnificent palaces, stepping inside opera houses that have hosted legendary performances, and dancing the night away at balls brimming with Viennese waltzes! I'm sure you can already hear the music playing! It's all incredibly inspiring, and I feel like I've been transported straight into a fairy tale!
Let’s delve into my Viennese adventures.
The Waltz into Vienna: My Arrival & My Love for Travel by Train
Last Wednesday, I boarded the Eurostar with my trusty pink tutu, packed with excitement and anticipation. The train journey was, as always, pure joy. It's something about the rhythmic chugging, the scenic landscapes flashing by, and the sense of adventure that washes over you. My fellow passengers must have thought I was slightly mad when I popped my tutu out of my bag during the trip and spun around for a quick impromptu waltz, but they couldn’t deny it brought a smile to everyone’s face!
Vienna's train station greeted me with a warm embrace. It’s a testament to the city’s architectural elegance, and I could almost picture Empress Elisabeth herself walking through its halls. My pink tutu felt quite at home amongst the beautiful old architecture. I quickly made my way to my hotel, which, thanks to a lucky coincidence, is housed in a restored Viennese palace. It feels almost surreal - to be sleeping in the heart of a history-laden building that has witnessed so much, and all I can think about is which shade of pink would go best with the antique furniture!
Dancing the Night Away - Ballet Shows and Viennese Waltz
As many of you know, I'm a self-confessed ballet fanatic. So it’s no surprise that my first night in Vienna was spent at the magnificent Vienna State Opera. The grandeur of the building is staggering – imagine walls adorned with ornate gold accents and shimmering chandeliers illuminating the space! The production of La Traviata I witnessed was stunning, a spectacle of beautiful choreography, expressive performances, and incredible costumes. You could feel the passion, the heartache, and the joy radiating from the stage – I absolutely loved it! I know my pink tutu couldn’t help but do a little twirl or two in excitement!
Following the ballet performance, we joined a traditional Viennese Waltz session in a charming cafe. You could just imagine swirling with a charming prince as the soft melodies carried you through the night. My fellow waltzers were charmed by my pink tutu and I felt like a princess transported back in time, as if I were right in the middle of the imperial era. The Viennese people are truly welcoming and friendly, they loved my pink tutu and happily spun me around the dance floor.
Fashion Flair: Vintage Finds and the Art of Dress Up
What’s a trip to Vienna without some indulging in the local fashion scene? You see, this city boasts an unparalleled array of vintage boutiques and stylish department stores. I’m a huge fan of the quirky and whimsical, and these shops deliver! I came across a stunning, dusty pink tutu dress in a little shop on a side street near the opera house and couldn’t resist adding it to my growing pink tutu collection!
It’s easy to spot the true fashionistas of Vienna – they always have an elegant, refined look. I’ve fallen in love with the way the Viennese women pair a delicate lace scarf with a vintage tweed coat, or how they accent a classic silhouette with a bold, statement accessory. It's truly inspirational for my personal style.
Horses & Romance: A Carriage Ride & the "Prater"
Vienna holds a special place in my heart for another reason - horses. My love affair with horses began back home in Derbyshire, England where I used to ride and dream of being a graceful equestrian, so a horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna was a must on my itinerary.
Imagine sitting comfortably within a beautiful carriage, listening to the clip-clop of hooves as you roll past grand architecture and peaceful parks! Vienna's iconic Prater, an expansive amusement park and public space, was a delightful setting for this romantic outing. There's a unique, old-world charm about it - a blend of bustling fun fairs, lush green spaces, and picturesque views of the city.
And as I was enjoying a beautiful slice of apple strudel at one of the local cafes within the park, my eyes were drawn to a graceful Lipizzaner stallion. This noble breed is associated with Vienna and its equestrian traditions, and I simply couldn’t leave without taking a photograph with this majestic creature.
Food and Coffee: Viennese Delights and the "Pink" Twist
Viennese cuisine is a treat for the taste buds - think flaky strudel, hearty stews, and decadent chocolate cakes. I absolutely love indulging in the traditional "Kaffeehaus" experience - the rich history and Viennese coffee traditions are simply charming. Imagine lounging on plush armchairs, savouring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and reading through a local newspaper. The whole experience feels very glamorous, particularly when you pair it with a beautifully iced slice of Sachertorte.
For a more modern culinary adventure, I ventured into a stylish bakery for a "Pink Rose" cupcake - a pink meringue-style cupcake filled with a luscious berry coulis, topped with rose petal confetti! I must say it lived up to its pink tutu-approved reputation – absolutely divine!
The Grand Tour - Vienna's Majesty and Architectural Marvels
From the moment you arrive in Vienna, you're drawn to its regal ambiance and striking architecture. We wandered through the vast grounds of the Hofburg Palace, home to centuries of Austrian imperial history, the Schönbrunn Palace, a magnificent summer residence with beautifully maintained gardens and fountains, and the Belvedere Palace, which is famed for its breathtaking baroque architecture.
My tutu-wearing adventure took me through a variety of architectural gems from ornate Gothic churches like St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its high spires piercing the sky, to Baroque palaces such as the beautiful Palais Liechtenstein and its exquisite collection of artworks, each adding a different layer of richness and grandeur to the cityscape.
I also took a stroll across the charming Albertina Museum, renowned for its art collection and grand facade, and couldn't resist stopping at the Museumsquartier, a contemporary art complex brimming with creative energy and a hub of creativity.
Vienna, with its stunning cityscape and historical marvels, offers a plethora of unique photo opportunities. My tutu, as always, was happy to strike some glamorous poses and act as the star of every picture. After all, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Vienna blog without some pink flair in every shot.
Tutu Tip: Make It Personal!
Here’s a little pink tutu tip for you all: don't be afraid to add your personal touch. Whether it's a vintage tutu you find in a Parisian boutique or one you design yourself, the real magic of the tutu lies in expressing your own unique style. And I guarantee, you’ll turn heads wherever you go!
My Wish for You: Embrace the Pink Tutu Spirit
I truly hope this blog post inspires you to visit Vienna, explore its cultural treasures, and embrace the spirit of adventure, elegance, and - yes, you guessed it - pink! Vienna is a city that's overflowing with charm, and a city where you can be yourself. So, wherever you are in the world, grab your own tutu, let loose, twirl with glee, and experience life to the fullest. And remember, my darlings, with every pink tutu you wear, you'll help me spread my mission: getting the world wearing pink!
See you next week with another pink tutu filled blog post from another stunning destination. Until then, keep twirling, and remember to wear your pink tutu with pride.
With love,
Emma
xx
