The day started off a little rough for Papa. He needed to stay behind at the hotel due to illness. After another delicious hotel breakfast for ourselves we raced to catch the shuttle going into town.
The shuttle dropped us off in front of the opera house and from there we walked to the Haus der Musik (basically a music museum). It was recommended to us by R’s german teacher who is from Austria.
There were quite a few hands on exhibits which is always nice with kids. I think the giant musical piano keys on the stairs was the favorite.
–
After listening and playing all the music we walked around the corner to the Sacher Cafe for their famous chocolate cake and hot chocolate. We waited in line about ten minutes before getting a table.
–
It was an extremely fancy place and our kids were probably the youngest I would take there. The cake was ok, a bit dry perhaps. The hot chocolate was so rich and delicious though!
–
I’m glad we did it but it was much more of an adult event. Hard to be relaxed and enjoying it when you don’t want your kids to break anything. Also R told the waitress we’re sharing the cake because it’s so expensive. π Kids have no subtlety.
After the cake we walked to St. Stephens Cathedral. It was neat but rather dark inside.
<
Ty was stoked for a tour of the catacombs. No idea why but L just wasn't into it. So he started fussing. We would go from room to another room. Then the guide would tell us about each room before moving on. Well about the second room I grabbed L and walked out. He was fussing so much I didn't want him to bother anyone else. We spent the rest of the tour at the back of the group not hearing a thing that was being said. π The tour did seem neat and a bit spooky.
–
But as soon as we got out, gave the kids snacks, everyone was right as rain again. Food crankies or just being four, no idea.
–
He was so pleased with this idea!
We walked from here back to the Naschmarkt. The kids requested sushi again for lunch. This we ended up back at the same restaurant as before. It’s a tricky balance between wanting to try new foods and going where you know your kids will actually eat. Here’s how we keep everyone entertained during meal times. Also a gluhwein for myself!
–
After a late lunch we walked across the city center to the Haus des Meeres (basically an aquarium).
–
It was neat. Very vertical, I think they has nine floors you could visit. But also quite narrow and not stroller friendly at all! We of course saw the stroller parking area as we were leaving.
–
They had a little rain forest area with these monkeys just roaming about.
–
This tank you could put your hand into and the fish nibbles on you. L was all about it but had the worst time holding his hand still long enough for the fish to come close. R was completely freaked out by it but finally put the tips of her fingers just barely in.
–
She was so proud she finally did it!
–
By the end of it we were getting a little slap happy I think.
We left there and walked across the city center again to the opera house to catch our shuttle. R fell asleep on the drive so Ty carried her into the hotel. I think a bit of playing possum may have been happening here.
–
We had some tired kiddos either way and Papa was on the mend. We got them ready for bed and left them in his capable hands. By that point in the evening we didn’t want to walk anywhere else. I did a load of laundry in the hotels one washer. Then Ty and I ordered room service. Which was a total splurge for us. –
That salad was amazing!! But we also over tipped because we didn’t realize it was included until later. We’re such novices! It was a nice relaxing last night in Vienna.
I am loving following along your adventures!
That aquarium looks amazing!