CIEE Vienna Trip Blog

By: Clyde Press

I’ve been on so many incredible trips during my CIEE study abroad experience, but this weekend was something special. Unlike other trips I’ve planned and paid for myself, this one a journey to Vienna which was provided by CIEE. Come along and discover the exciting adventures we had!

Day 1: Journey and Exploring Vienna

The day started early as I woke up at 7:30 AM in my dorm. Along with seven of my dorm friends, we headed to the train station, where we quickly met up with the rest of the group—a mix of familiar faces from CIEE. Once we boarded the train, our four-hour journey to Vienna began.

Upon arrival, we made our way to the hotel and settled into our rooms. With about an hour of free time, we explored the area and grabbed some fantastic lunch before regrouping for the first CIEE-organized event.

The afternoon kicked off with a two-hour city tour. It was incredible to walk around Vienna and learn about the city’s major landmarks. After the tour, we ventured on our own to visit one of Vienna’s charming Christmas markets, located beside a stunning cathedral. Later, we returned to the hotel to rest up for the evening.

The night took us to Dick Mack’s, a lively bar popular among CIEE students. The atmosphere was buzzing, and the drinks were surprisingly affordable. It was a fun and relaxed evening that ended with us heading back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Day 2: Culture, Cuisine, and Christmas Markets

The next morning, my friend and I started our day by exploring Vienna on foot. We wandered through the city for an hour, stopping at various shops, including a cheese store where we got to taste-test a variety of cheeses. Later, we met up with two more friends at a record store famously featured in the movie Before Sunrise. It was hands down one of the best record stores I’ve ever visited.

For lunch, we went to Lao Lao, a restaurant renowned for its Asian noodles. The food was extraordinary easily one of the best meals I’ve had during my time abroad.

Our next stop was the Albertina Museum, one of Vienna’s finest. The museum showcased masterpieces by artists like Picasso and Monet. After soaking in the art, we headed to Vienna’s largest Christmas market. The market was a winter wonderland, complete with a Ferris wheel, ice rink, and countless food stalls. It was the perfect way to embrace the festive spirit.

Day 3: Nightlife and Farewell

The highlight of the trip came on our final night. We visited the Prater Dome, a vibrant club where the renowned DJ Meduza was performing. The energy was electrifying, and it was such a joy to share the experience with so many CIEE friends. It was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable trip.

The next morning, we boarded the train and made our way back to Prague, reflecting on the incredible memories we had made.

This Vienna trip was just one of the many amazing experiences I’ve had through the CIEE program. I feel so grateful for opportunities like these, which make my study abroad journey truly unforgettable.

EXPLORE PRAGUE