Hello lovelies! It's Emma from Derbyshire here, back from a whirlwind trip to Vienna - and boy oh boy, did this city steal my heart! It was my 11th time in this magnificent metropolis and as always, I was mesmerised by its beautiful architecture, vibrant energy and oh-so-elegant vibes. I swear, Vienna was practically built for pink tutus!
This week’s adventures began with a splish-splash of excitement: riding a horse-drawn carriage through the city centre. This has been a dream of mine for ages - all that beautiful baroque architecture framed by the rhythmic clip-clop of horses’ hooves! Vienna truly does feel like stepping into a fairytale, particularly in the old city. And what a fab excuse to wear my baby pink tutu, it was the perfect fairytale touch to my carriage ride! I even convinced a charming gentleman from the café next to St. Stephen's Cathedral to have a photograph with me! He’ll be forever immortalised in the history of my #PinkTutuVienna adventures!
Speaking of charming gentlemen, it’s impossible to go to Vienna without mentioning the incredible ballet performances! The Vienna State Opera is world-renowned, and for good reason. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of ballet, from its elegant roots in the French court to its evolution as a global art form. Witnessing these magnificent dancers, their skill, poise, and artistry, it was like watching history come alive in front of my eyes! It’s a ballet fan’s paradise.
Vienna was once the center of the ballet world. It had a very prestigious ballet company, considered the most prominent in Europe at the time. During my visit, I even managed to peek into the Ballet School attached to the opera house! Seeing the students practice, it made me reminisce about my own time in the ballet studios – and my childhood dreams of being a prima ballerina.
To celebrate all the wonderful experiences I was having, I found myself wandering through Vienna's exquisite shops – a delightful pastime, as always! Vienna has a truly special fashion scene. A touch of vintage glamour seems to permeate the streets, making it the perfect spot for vintage fashion finds! I managed to bag some fabulous additions for my wardrobe, including a stunning vintage tutu. A delicate peach satin with feather embellishments - absolute perfection! I'm already planning what outfits to pair it with, maybe a shimmering silk blouse, or even a little tweed jacket with pearls?
A stroll through the Naschmarkt, one of the oldest markets in Vienna, gave me an unforgettable gastronomic journey. From mouthwatering Turkish pastries to the freshest seasonal fruit and vegetables, I had a mini feast of flavors and textures. And let’s not forget about the amazing Wiener Schnitzel - so good I had it twice! But even more important was the chance to discover the beautiful local hand-painted ceramics - a gorgeous pink floral design caught my eye and found its way home with me. And it’s not even remotely shocking that it’s the same shade of pink as my latest tutu! Perhaps a pink tutu design inspired it? You never know!
Later, I enjoyed a whimsical adventure in the Prater, Vienna's legendary amusement park – think giant Ferris wheels, rollercoasters that whip you into a frenzy, and a little carousel. There's just something about those traditional carousel horses and their graceful twirls that remind me of ballet! This trip was overflowing with whimsy and joy.
The perfect end to a Vienna waltz, of course, was the must-visit Hofburg Palace – home to a collection of imperial grandeur like no other! It was as if the past had come alive, with magnificent tapestries, stunning crystal chandeliers, and all sorts of treasures that just begged to be touched. My pink tutu twirled and danced with me throughout the palace's elegant halls!
As my journey to Vienna drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder, as though I'd lived a whole fairytale in a mere few days! There is just something magical about this city, something that captures the imagination and sets your spirit soaring. The city just wants you to twirl and feel alive! And that is exactly what I did.
From breathtaking ballet performances to charming horse-drawn carriages, decadent shopping experiences to the magical Hofburg Palace - Vienna is a city full of wonder. And as you might have guessed - I’ve already planned my next visit - with pink tutu in tow, of course!
See you soon, Vienna! ?
