I don’t think it’s fully going to hit me that I’m finally traveling to Europe until I step off the plane in Austria. Traveling overseas has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and that dream is finally coming true. It’s an unbelievable feeling. Since I’m making this voyage as apart of a three-week music study abroad program, my destinations will consist of cities known for their classical music history. This includes Vienna, Prague, Eisenach, Leipzig, and Salzburg. While I know the latter three will be absolutely incredible destinations, I have decided to share a bucket list solely for Vienna and Prague since I will be spending the most time in those two cities. I think I’ve managed to find a good mix of the biggest tourist destinations and more off-the-beaten path locations. So, without further ado, here is my bucket list while visiting Vienna and Prague.
VIENNA
1. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral
One of the things I am most excited for while visiting Europe is seeing some incredible architecture, including massive cathedrals. Where better to start than St. Stephen’s?
2. Spend the Day Wandering Around Schoenbrunn
Schoenbrunn -- once the summer home of the Hapsburg monarchs -- is now a massive palace and series of gardens that visitors typically spend all day exploring. Plus, it claims to house the oldest zoo in the world.
3. Explore Zentralfriedhof
One of the world's largest cemeteries, Zentralfriedhof is the final resting place for many famous composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, and plenty of Strausses.
4. Gaze at Some of the World's Finest Gems at the Imperial Treasury
Featuring relics from over a thousand years of European history, the Imperial Treasury is housed in the Hofburg Palace and displays many incredible pieces including crowns, coronation robes, and all kinds of jewelry from the Holy Roman and Austrian Empires.
5. Take a Day Trip to Melk Abbey or Česky Krumlov
Melk Abbey, once a palace, is an extremely impressive monastery rising above the banks of the Danube River, and the picturesque city of Česky Krumlov has been called the most beautiful town in all of Europe. Both are worth taking a day to visit.
PRAGUE
6. Walk the Charles Bridge (Preferably in the Early Morning)
Prague's most famous bridge certainly deserves the hype but become a completely tourist trap in the afternoon; consequently, my goal is to try and witness its famous statues once around sunrise. The only struggle will be getting out of bed.
7. Attend an Opera at the Estates Theater
The music nerd in me is freaking out over the chance to see "Don Giovani" in the theater where Mozart himself premiered the work.
8. Visit Prague Castle and Experience Views of the Entire City
Plus, it's right next to St. Vitus Cathedral, another classic Prague destination.
9. Explore the Klementinum Library
Described by some as the most beautiful library in the world, this is a definite stop for me one day while in Prague (or I might just decide to stay here forever).
We're literally talking about an ice cream stuffed cinnamon sugar doughnut, people! This is reason enough to go to Prague!
Happy traveling, everyone!
