If you're a romantic at heart, then Rome will fulfil every fantasy that you've ever harboured about travel. This 3000-year-old city is bursting with remnants of the past that instantly transport you to the world of gladiators and their fighting arenas. There is a certain madness about the crowds in Rome. There are so many people everywhere; almost every second person you come across is a tourist. It's exhilarating to see so many people vying with each other and hovering around you to take pictures...it's impossible to click a picture without some heads showing up in it. This guide will help you plan the perfect Rome itinerary with essential travel tips, must-visit attractions, and practical advice for making the most of your time in the Eternal City. 8 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Rome 3 days are not enough to see the entire city. I can say this with a certain amount of certainty because we were in Rome for 3 days only, 3.5 days to be precise and boy...was it crazy!! To top it all, it started pouring in the morning on Day One, so we had to start our sightseeing in the second half and had to forego some important attractions. You can, of course, rush through the sights, but if possible, keep at least 4 to 5 days for Rome. If that is not possible, then plan your trip thoroughly. Don't travel to Rome without advance bookings for attractions. There are crowds everywhere, and you will not be able to see much if you don't have a fixed itinerary. The Rome airport, Fiumicino Airport, is well connected to the main train station, Termini, by the Trenitalia train, Leonardo Express. This train runs non-stop to the main station and takes about 30 minutes. If you get a Rome City Pass, then you can travel by bus, train, tram, or metro, free of cost within city limits. Take guided tours, wherever possible. There is so much history to learn about that you will feel quite lost if there is no background to it. Even with a guide at most places, we used to exchange notes in the evening, trying to remember what we had seen during the day! The entire city can be seen on foot. Most destinations are within walking distance of each other. Just follow the map so that you don't miss the attraction that you wish to see. In 3 days, it will not be possible to see all the attractions from the inside, so pick the ones you wish to see thoroughly. Rome is a deep pool of history and information. Most of it is very intriguing and interesting, too. But, as I always write in all my travel blogs, not every museum and art gallery needs to be seen from the inside, not unless you're a historian or a serious history buff. I have seen tourists, especially in places like Rome, going berserk, running around to catch everything they can. This can take away the romanticism of a beautiful city like Rome. Some monuments should just be experienced for their architecture and beauty alone, and most importantly, for the experience of you being there in that moment! Italy is bustling with tourists at all times. There are massive queues anywhere you go. I have not seen so many tourists walking around with maps and cameras anywhere else in the world. So, plan your itinerary ahead to beat the crowds. To see the famous landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican, it's best to arrive early in the morning. As I've mentioned earlier, there are many attractions in Rome to see. If you have limited time, then pick the ones you really wish to see first. For instance, on our trip to the Vatican, there were massive crowds and multiple queues lined up for different areas of the Basilica. We ended up getting into the wrong queue, which led to the tombstones. There is no coming out if you've entered the wrong queue. Almost 25,000 people visit the chapel each day, so you can imagine the sea of people who are jostling to get inside the chapel. We ended up spending over 2 hours extra trying to get out and get in the right queue for the chapel. So, be very clear about where you are headed in the chapel. In many places in Italy, if you're availing a service, be sure of what you have to pay for it. In Rome, around the Colosseum, there are men dressed as knights and gladiators, wearing centurion costumes. First, they'll coax you to take pictures with them and then harass you for money. At times, they'll ask you to pay an exorbitant amount of money, like 100 euros for a picture. So, decide in advance what needs to be paid. Read more about experience https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/italian-delights-top-10-things-to-remember-before-you-plan-a-vacation-to-italy 3 Days in Rome Itinerary Day One in Rome: Ancient Rome and Historic Landmarks Colosseum As we stepped out of the metro station, Colosseo, on metro line B, this awe-inspiring mammoth structure of the Colosseum made me gasp. We all have seen pictures of the Colosseum on every possible travel pamphlet and travel site about Italy, but when you actually set eyes on it, the effect is surreal. As mentioned before, there was a sea of people waiting in the queue outside. We had pre-booked a tour with a tour guide. He spoke clear English and took us around the stunning ruins of what is considered to be the world's largest amphitheatre. There are many tour options to choose from. Some tours take you only to the main arena, some take you to the underground level and the top tier also. Here you can see the working mechanism of the rope-and-pulley system that controlled the 80 passageways, from where almost 50,000 spectators could enter the Colosseum. Please check the official website of the Colosseum before visiting for any changes in the tour itineraries. There are many options available depending on what you wish to see and the amount of time you can spend. My Tip for You The Colosseum is the star of your trip to Rome. Keep ample time for it. The guided tour is a must as it enhances the experience of seeing this historical masterpiece manifold. There is a combo ticket available for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. We came across tourists who started their day with the Roman Forum on their combined ticket because the Colosseum was too crowded when they got there. Well, the Colosseum is always crowded. So, reach early and tick off your Colosseum tour first, since there are time slots that you will have to adhere to, and then you can take a stroll in the Roman Forum at leisure. And pre-book your tour so that you can skip the queue. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill The Colosseum and Roman Forum can be seen on the same ticket. After doing the tour of the Colosseum, we headed to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Both these were included in the ticket to the Colosseum. It's just about a half-kilometre walk. You can take a cab too, but walking around in this area is fun. There are 7 important hills in Rome, and the Palatine is the highest. You can get splendid views of the city from the top of the hill. It is believed that Rome was founded by Romulus on this hill. The Forum lies adjacent to the Palatine Hill. It is an open area with ruins of ancient Roman government buildings. You can spend about 2 hours walking along some of the famous sites in the Forum, like the Temple of Saturn, the largest temple, the Temple of Venus and the ruins of the oldest shopping mall. My Tip for You Even if you're tired from your outing at the Colosseum, don't skip the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. If you have 3 days, then you will not have time to come back to this spot. The entire Roman history is on display here; enjoy the spectacle! Capitoline Hill Just an 8-minute walk from Palatine Hill lies Capitoline Hill. This is one of the 7 hills in Rome and is the most beautiful. It played a very significant role in ancient Rome. Michelangelo turned the hill into a beautiful Piazza. Entry to the hill is free, and it's open 24/7. There is a beautiful staircase designed by Michelangelo that takes you to the main square at the top of the hill, Piazza del Campidoglio. In the centre of the piazza is a beautiful bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius. Behind the piazza is a beautiful fountain. We were tired from all the walking during the day, so we just walked up the staircase to get stunning views of the Roman Forum below and then decided to spend the rest of the evening just sitting around and soaking in the sights. The piazza has the Capitoline Museums, which are believed to be very interesting, with some of the most significant Roman sculptures. If you have the time and the inclination, you can book tickets in advance for that. In that case, you will have to visit the hill in the morning. My Tip for You Piazza del Campidoglio is beautiful. Go there for the views of the Roman Forum at night. As far as the Capitoline Museums are concerned, there are many museums in Rome, so it's wise to be a bit picky. Otherwise, it can get extremely tiring and a bit muddled up, with too much history in one trip. Day Two in Rome: Day Trip to the Vatican What can I write about the Vatican City that has not already been said and discussed? Although there is still so much more to be said about this smallest country in the world, this stunning piece of architecture and history greets every traveller differently. I have written in detail about our day trip to the Vatican City and shared my experience in a separate blog https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/italian-delights-day-trip-to-the-vatican-from-rome Day Three in Rome: Piazzas and Fountains Piazza Venezia We started our last day in Rome from the point where we had left on Day One at Capitoline Hill. Just a 2-minute walk away, at the foot of Capitoline Hill, lies Piazza Venezia. It is located at the intersection of many roads, right in the central hub of Rome, so it's quite noisy all around with a lot of traffic. We crossed the Piazza so many times during our stay in Rome. The Piazza has many buildings all around with amazing architecture. However, the one building that stands out is the stunning marble structure, which is a monument to King Vittorio Emmanuel II. The layered appearance of its outer facade has earned it the nickname of 'Wedding cake'. I did not know this at the time of our visit, but we were just awed by the magnificence of this structure. The monument was built in honour of the first King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. The famous landmark can be identified by the two chariot horses on the two top sides of its outer facade. You can take pictures of this stunning monument from the outside, or you can buy a ticket and go to the top via a Panoramic Glass elevator. From there, you can get beautiful views of the city. My Tip for You Spend some time walking around the Piazza to look at Victor Emmanuel's monument from different angles. You can also go to the terrace by taking the staircase for free. But remember, there are lots of stairs to climb to reach the top. There is a museum inside and a restaurant on the top with beautiful views of the city. You can also see the change of guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Trevi Fountain We started walking from Piazza Venezia towards the Trevi Fountain, which is about 800 m away. There was so much anticipation in our minds about what to expect once we reached. And as expected, the fountain is a sight to behold! The massive fountain is 85 feet tall and 65 feet wide. The intricate baroque craftsmanship of the structure cannot be expressed in words. There is a tradition in Rome that throwing a coin in the water in the Trevi Fountain will ensure that you will come back to Rome again. We saw people throwing coins with their right hand over their left shoulder. We learnt that all these coins are collected daily and given to local charities. Most traditions have their roots in certain beliefs. Ancient Romans tried to please the Water Gods by throwing coins in the water to earn their blessings so that they would return home safely from journeys or wars. One can easily spend an hour at this fountain. The stunning artwork and the vibe around the place are intoxicating. My Tip for You If possible, do another round of the Trevi Fountain at Twilight. We could not do it since we were leaving early the next morning, but I've heard a lot of wonderful accounts of it. Pantheon Walking along narrow alleyways, in about 8 minutes from the Trevi Fountain, we reached the Pantheon. The Pantheon was built as a Roman temple and was used as a burial place for kings. It is known for its famous dome, which still holds the title of the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world. Here again, there are hordes of people all around. Entrance to the monument is free except on weekends when a reservation is needed. We were not aware of this. We saw a long serpentine queue, but it moved very fast. So after a wait of about 30 minutes, we got inside. There are audio tours and guided tours available that will show you around with all the historical details. As soon as you enter the Pantheon, what catches your attention is the huge dome with a big gaping hole in the ceiling. I read somewhere that some tour guides will tell you that water does not enter through the dome when it rains. They do this to create some mysticism about the Pantheon. But it proved to be a myth since we could see some waterlogging on the floor inside after the previous day's rain. Although there are holes along the floor for water to run through. Even minus this magical fact, the Pantheon has an aura of mystery around it. The entire area around the Pantheon is the Piazza della Rotonda. The eye-catching obelisk of Ramesses II, hordes of people just sitting around on the steps of the Fontana del Pantheon right in front of the Pantheon, roadside eateries, art galleries, boutiques, souvenir shops and the cutest toy shop by the name of Bartolucci give this piazza a very lively vibe. I recently learnt that this shop has now been closed. It would be sad if it has indeed closed down. We had bought wooden name plates and a cute bunny rabbit clock for both our kids from here. Do write back to me if you happen to visit this shop and it's still open!! My Tip for You Plan to spend the entire evening in the area around the Pantheon. The vibrancy and the warmth of Italian culture are so palpable here. Ideally, we could have just walked around the streets, looking at stunning artefacts strewn all over the Piazza, but this was our last day, and some attractions in Rome remained to be seen. Piazza Navona I could not imagine that after the magnificent Pantheon, another architectural marvel was waiting for us just a 4-minute walk away. Piazza Navona is a beautiful historical square in Rome. The square is not a square but an oval-shaped complex because this Piazza was originally designed to be a stadium. There is art and history splattered around the square, in every nook and around every corner. There are beautiful churches, museums, cafes and fountains in the square. The most eye-catching is, of course, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or the Four River Fountain. Everyone knows this fountain by this name. The fountain is a stunning baroque-style structure with four statues that represent four important rivers of the continents where Christianity had spread, the river Nile, the Ganges, the Danube and the Rio de la Plata. My Tip for You Just a 10-minute walk away from Piazza Navona lies the stunning St. Angelo Bridge over the River Tiber. If you walk over the bridge, it will lead you to Castel Sant'Angelo, a beautiful castle on the River Tiber. You can walk over the bridge, or if time permits, you can go inside the castle. Entry to the castle is paid, and bookings have to be made in advance. We had no time for the castle, but the bridge was very stunning with beautiful views of the Tiber. Piazza del Popolo This was our last destination of the day. We were tired from all the walking throughout the day. We had to walk another 20 minutes to reach Piazza del Popolo. This is the largest square in Rome. It has churches, some fountains, and an obelisk. By the time we reached here, we had seen multiple fountains, obelisks and churches. That, of course, did not take away our excitement on seeing the famous church, Santa Maria del Popolo, that featured in Dan Brown's famous 'Angels and Demons', which was later adapted as a movie by the same name. Apart from that, there are two twin churches, and one of the largest obelisks in Rome is here in the piazza. People were sitting around, eating and drinking from the various kiosks. The food was good, I've forgotten the name of the eatery, though. We spent our last evening at the piazza, soaking in the richness of this beautiful city and hoping we had more days to spend in this historical paradise. Effectively, we had just two days in Rome, with one whole day at the Vatican and another half dedicated to the rain gods. This was simply not enough to see all the sights. We had to forego some attractions, including the Spanish Steps, the longest and widest staircase in Europe. If we had more time, I would've spent it around the Trevi Fountain; one can never get tired of looking at this exquisite piece of architecture.

Which city should I pick as the base for my first trip to Switzerland? Zurich? Geneva? Lucerne? This is a pertinent question that pops up whenever you begin planning your Switzerland vacation. After spending time exploring different regions of the country using the Swiss Travel Pass, we found Lucerne to be one of the most convenient and scenic bases for discovering Switzerland. Why Lucerne is the Perfect Base for Switzerland Zurich Zurich has good connectivity, but it is more of a global business city and a prominent hub for banking and technology. A lot of travellers to Switzerland use it as an entry or exit point. Geneva Geneva is located close to the French border and can work as a great base for trips to the French-speaking regions of Switzerland. The city has a very efficient transport network, and the vibe you get is very cosmopolitan. It's a beautiful city with a lot to do and see. I've discussed our 2 days in Geneva https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/top-5-things-to-do-in-geneva-in-2-days But it's not ideal for first-time travellers because you will not get the classic Swiss vibe in the city. Why Lucerne Stands Out Lucerne is quintessentially Swiss! This charming, historic city is what a classic Swiss destination should feel like. Situated on the edge of Lake Lucerne, it is surrounded by amazing snow-capped peaks and offers great connectivity to a whole lot of places in Switzerland. What makes this city a hot favourite for first-time travellers is the warm, touristy, Swiss vibe the city exudes. There is a lot to do and see within Lucerne itself, and its central location makes it a perfect spot for planning day trips. It's closer to Interlaken and offers easy access to mountain peaks like Mount Pilatus and Titlis. We spent 8 days in Lucerne. In this blog, I've discussed the top things we did in Lucerne in the two days that we had allocated for local sightseeing. The remaining 6 days were for 6 daytrips that we did from Lucerne. Keeping Lucerne as the base point was the best decision ever, and we could avoid lugging our suitcases around. Things To Do in Lucerne Walk across the Chapel Bridge Chapel Bridge or Kapelbrücke is built diagonally over the River Reuss and takes its name from St. Peter's Chapel on the right bank of the river. It is the oldest covered bridge in Europe, built as early as 1333, to connect the Old Town with the New Town. It has a beautifully carved ceiling. The entire area around the bridge is very lively. Explore Lake Lucerne Surrounded by mountains and charming lakeside towns, Lake Lucerne is one of the most scenic parts of Central Switzerland. You can take a relaxing boat cruise, walk along the waterfront, or simply enjoy the views. If you take a boat ride, you will spot picturesque villages and mountain peaks. Many cruises are included or discounted with the Swiss Travel Pass. Depending on the route you take, you can also combine the cruise with excursions to nearby destinations like Mount Rigi. We had many cruises coming up in the days ahead, so we just decided to walk along the waterfront and enjoy the serenity of the lake. Lion Monument The sculpture of a dying lion is carved into a large rock in remembrance of Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution. Entry to the monument is free, and a beautiful park on the outskirts of the Old Town surrounds it. Hofkirche (Catholic church) Very close to the Lion Monument, about a 7-minute walk away, is the Hofkirche. It's located on a small hill overlooking the Old Town and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture with its intricately detailed facades and spires. The twin spires are visible from almost every corner of the city. Entry is free. Swiss Museum of Transport This expansive museum is a delight to visit with its vast collection of vintage cars and old means of transport. There are exhibits about the history of transport, innovations that have shaped modern transport and its evolution over the past century. Most attractions are interactive. Our children were thrilled to touch and get a feel of the old rail engines and helicopters. The museum has many themed areas, and you should plan to keep at least 3 hours to explore it. There is a planetarium and a short video exhibit, too, that you should not miss. Tips for Visiting the Swiss Museum of Transport If you're travelling with kids, you cannot miss the Swiss Museum of Transport. The museum is well-connected by trains and buses. If you're staying around the Old Town, you can walk along the Lakeside promenade for about 30 minutes to the museum. Swiss Travel Pass holders are eligible for a 50% discount. Please check the official website for the latest offers on groups and students before your visit https://www.verkehrshaus.ch/en/your-visit/besuch-planen/prices-and-tickets You do not need to make any advance bookings. We visited on a weekday and bought tickets on arrival. However, if you're going on the weekend, it's best to have pre-booked online tickets. 6 Not-to-Miss Day Trips from Lucerne As I've mentioned earlier in this blog, Lucerne is a great base to plan daytrips. We had planned a day trip for each day and were able to see much of Switzerland with a Swiss Travel Pass. Day trip to Jungfraujoch https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-jungfraujoch Day trip to Mount Titlis https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-mount-titlis Day trip to Brienz and Interlaken https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-brienz-and-interlaken Day trip to Mount Pilatus https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-mount-pilatus Summer Toboggan at Mount Pilatus https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/tobogganing-at-mt-pilatus-switzerland-the-world-s-longest-summer-toboggan-run Day trip to Lugano and Swiss Miniature https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-lugano-and-the-swiss-miniature Day trip to Bern https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-bern

The stunning town of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps lies at the foot of the Matterhorn and is a popular tourist destination for hikers and skiers. 3 days are enough to see this beautiful hamlet and experience all its scenic locales. From Geneva, we took a train to Zermatt. It takes about 3 to 4 hours through the scenic countryside. As I've mentioned in all my Switzerland blogs, trains are a blessing in Switzerland and the most convenient way of travel. First glimpse of Matterhorn from the balcony of our apartment in Zermatt Things to Do in Zermatt in 3 Days Visit the Matterhorn We quickly checked into our Airbnb and set out to see the top attraction in Zermatt, the Matterhorn. A cogwheel train called Gornergrat Bahn starts from Zermatt to Gornergrat train station at the top at an altitude of 3100 meters above sea level. The views along this journey are breathtakingly beautiful as the train slithers through snow-covered mountain sides. The sight of the Matterhorn from the train elicits gasps from tourists in awe of the pyramid-shaped peak. Practical Tips for Visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Like all other attractions in Switzerland, the Gornergrat railway can get very busy, so it's a good idea to have advance bookings, but only after checking the weather forecast for your day of travel. We had not made any bookings because we had 3 full days in Zermatt and wanted to ensure that the day of our travel was sunny. Luckily for us, the day we arrived was bright and sunny. If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, you will get a 50% discount on tickets. We had purchased the Swiss Family Card, so our younger son, aged 9, could travel free. The train ride to Gornergrat runs on a schedule every 25 minutes, and it takes about 35 minutes through stunning mountain scenery. Sit on the right side of the train to get the best views. The train passes through 4 scenic stations. With a Gornergrat ticket, you can easily get off at any station and then get on to continue your journey. Please check the official website of the Gornergrat Bahn before making bookings to check the latest prices and offers https://www.gornergrat.ch/en/the A Gornergrat Bahn ticket gives you access to many fun things, like unlimited rides on the Gornergrat Bahn, unlimited rides on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, admission to the Klein Matterhorn Glacier Palace, among others. A Gornergrat ticket will also give you free access to the E-Bus service within the town of Zermatt. Remember to carry your sunglasses; the glare from the sun's rays falling on pristine white snow has a blinding effect on the eyes. Visiting Sunnegga Paradise from Zermatt On Day 2, we went to Sunnegga, also called the 'Sunny Side of Zermatt', an open terrace offering splendid views of the Matterhorn. Sunnegga Paradise is a ski area and part of the Zermatt Ski Resort. A funicular runs from the Zermatt station called Sunnegga Blauherd Rothorn Funicular, and in just about 5 minutes, you reach Sunnegga. If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, then you get a 50% discount on this funicular. One can go further to Blauherd with a gondola from here and even higher to Rothorn with a cable car. There are hiking trails all around. Tips for Visiting Sunnegga Paradise If you are travelling as a family with kids, then Sunnegga is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon in the scenic background of the Matterhorn. There are loads of fun activities for kids like kick biking, a play area and wooden rafting on Leisee Lake Adventure Playground. One can easily spend about 2 to 3 hours here. You can walk back to Zermatt, it's downhill and takes about an hour. We took the funicular on the way back, too, since our kids were too tired to walk back. You could also hire a mountain bike on your way down from Sunnegga. Going Around Zermatt Town On day 3 in Zermatt, we decided to see this idyllic town on foot. Walking around Zermatt is an absolute pleasure since it is a car-free zone. One can also use horse carts serving as taxis to move around. The entire town is located around 'Bahnhofstrasse', a pedestrian main road bustling with shops and restaurants. The typical Swiss wooden chalets with large wooden windows lend an old-world charm to this hamlet. We spent the day strolling through the village to see traditional barns and later explored the Matterhorn Museum. Entry to the museum is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. Zermatt was the starting point of our 2-week trip to Switzerland after 2 days in Geneva, so we kept it relaxed so as not to tire out our kids for the many adventure-filled days ahead. Our next destination was Lucerne. We spent 8 days here and made 6 daytrips to many beautiful mountain peaks. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/lucerne-the-perfect-base-for-first-time-travellers-to-switzerland

Geneva is called the smallest big city in the world! Reason? This small city is only 6 miles across, but we all know that it is home to the headquarters of the United Nations, which gives it a very international appeal and a pure cosmopolitan vibe. But Geneva is more than that. It is also unmistakably French and very romantic. You realise it the moment you step into the Old Town and witness its 16th-Century architecture. Two days are enough to see Geneva, though one can easily spend a week in this beautiful city with its stunning vistas over Lake Geneva and the aesthetically carved architecture of the city. If you're looking for adventure, then a Boat ride on Lake Leman is also a good option. The simplest thing to do is to walk along the beautiful Lake Geneva. The lakeshore is over 20 miles, with beautiful parks and boulevards along the route. We were travelling with our two kids, so walking and hiking were out of the question; we opted for the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour instead. The tour covers most of the important attractions mentioned above, except the boat ride and hike to Mont Blanc. Or if you have the Swiss Pass, then go for local transport. You will have the unlimited option to board any tram, bus or shuttle boat too. Things To Do in Geneva in 2 Days ... See the Old Town The Old Town is the most beautiful part of the city of Geneva. It houses St. Peter's Cathedral, the English Garden, Bastions Park, the famous Mont Blanc Bridge and the Museum of Art and History. Vehicles are not allowed into the Old Town. The Museum of Art and History is free to enter. You can stroll around the beautiful pedestrian squares lined with cafes and restaurants and spend an unforgettable evening in the area. Lake Geneva and Geneva Water Fountain - Jet d'eau Lake Geneva is the largest water body in Switzerland. The highlight of the lake is the massive Water Fountain in its centre, called Jet d'eau. This is the most famous landmark in Geneva. Water from the lake is thrown 140 meters high into the air. Sadly for us, at the time we reached Geneva, it was extremely windy, so the water fountain was not working. The Flower Clock The Flower Clock in Geneva is a must-see attraction. It's the largest outdoor clock in the World, located on the western side of Jardin Anglais Park, the English Garden. Palais de Nations-United Nations Office The Palais de Nations is the seat of the United Nations. This 12-meter-high Broken Chair is the iconic symbol of the UN in Geneva. The significance of this chair with a broken leg is to condemn the use of violence that is inflicted on people worldwide, especially the use of land mines that have the capacity to cripple innocent civilians. It's a call to the governments worldwide to protect their people. The UN is a working office; entry is permitted only on a pre-booked tour. You must carry your passport or any other valid ID as proof of identity to gain access. Tours are available all year round in multiple languages. The timings of the tours may change depending on the availability of UN offices, such as the General Assembly Hall. Please check the official website to cross-check the timings of the conducted tours https://www.ungeneva.org/en/visit Cruising on Lake Geneva There are a multitude of options to go cruising on Lake Geneva. You can opt for regular scheduled cruises that sail from the pier or hire a sailboat or a motorboat as per your preference. You will find many boat operators along the lakeshore. You don't need to make any advance bookings for scheduled cruises, but if you wish to go for something specific, like a dinner cruise, then booking in advance is a better option, especially in the summer. Entry to the Lake Geneva Beach is paid. You can buy the tickets at the pay station located close to the beach entrance. To sum up, I'd say that Geneva is a great place to be. Apart from these top 5 things to do in Geneva in 2 days, the city is a beautiful, romantic haven with a distinct French vibe, and it can serve as a great starting point for many day trips to the regions close to the French border. Our next destination was Zermatt. Up next...

Vrindavan is a city seeped in 'Krishna-bhakti', an unshakeable, unquestionable faith in Krishna, one of the most mystical and multi-faceted deities in Hinduism and the eighth divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Krishna is a God, all-powerful, who kills demons and fights evil and is yet a gullible cow-herd who plays the flute, steals butter and sings and dances with his most devout companion and beloved Radha and Gopis, the milkmaids and playful consorts of Lord Krishna. This transcendental, playful bond between mortals and the divine, called 'Raas Leela', forms the premise of 'Krishna-bhakti' and adds a spiritual fervour to the festival of Holi in Vrindavan. About Vrindavan, the Abode of Lord Krishna The city of Vrindavan is part of the larger area of Braj Bhoomi in the state of Uttar Pradesh in North India on the banks of the Yamuna River. Braj Bhoomi encompasses the cities of Vrindavan, Mathura, Nandgaon, Barsana, Govardhan, Gokul and the adjoining forests, ponds, hills and gardens. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, also known as Krishna Janambhoomi, while Vrindavan, 14 kilometres away from Mathura, is where he spent his childhood years. The entire region of Braj Bhoomi is like a spiritual theme park where every narrow lane, nook and corner and every house in the city resonates with this theme. With over 5000 temples, a visit to this region is a spiritual roller coaster that refreshes the senses and rejuvenates a tired mind. A pilgrimage of the entire area of Braj is called 'Chaurasi kos yatra' in Hindi, meaning '84 kos' which roughly converts to 252 kilometres and takes about 7 days to complete. The folklore behind celebrating Holi in Vrindavan The festival of Holi is the harbinger of spring in North India. As the popular folklore goes, Krishna was dark-skinned while Radha, his beloved, was fair. She often teased him about his dark skin. He playfully smeared her face with different colours in a bid to change her skin tone. To this date, young lads smear the faces of young women amidst playful chants of 'Radhe Radhe' and get away with it because it's Holi time! How is Holi celebrated in Vrindavan The entire region of Mathura and Vrindavan comes alive with the Holi festivities that last for 40 days. The main celebrations start a week ahead of the main festival. Very close to Vrindavan is Barsana, the hometown of Radha. Holi festivities begin here first. Krishna and his friends would travel to Barsana to play Holi with Radha. It's customary for young men to go to Barsana to play Holi with the womenfolk, who, in turn, playfully beat them with sticks to drive them away. The festival is called 'Lathmar Holi', 'lath' meaning stick in Hindi. Holi festivities continue in the form of 'Phoolon ki Holi', where the festival is played with flowers instead of colour. Different kinds of Holi celebrations are assigned to each day in this 40-day celebration, culminating in the main festival of Holi, which is celebrated over two days. There are 3 main temples where Holi festivities take place, the most revered one being the Banke Bihari Temple. Very close to this temple is Shri Radha Vallabh Temple, Radha Vallabh implying the consort of Radha, that is, Krishna. The third popular temple is Prem Mandir, which is beautifully lit up for Holi celebrations. Another popular temple is the ISKCON Temple. This temple attracts devotees from all over the world, and one can see them singing and praising Lord Krishna in their classic chant 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna'. Day One is Holika Dahan. On the eve of Holi, a big bonfire is lit at various public places across the entire North India and also at various public spots in the towns that fall under Braj Bhoomi. The holy fire is lit at the auspicious time allocated for it each year, and people sing and dance around the fire that symbolises the victory of good over evil. Holika Dahan is the story of Holika, sister of the Demon King Hrinyakashyapu and his son, Prahlad, a devout worshipper of Lord Vishnu. Holika got a boon from Lord Brahma, the creator, that the Fire God would be unable to harm her. The Demon King, unhappy with his son's devotion to the Gods, decided to trick him into entering the pyre with his sister in a bid to burn him to ashes. But as Holika and Prahlad entered the fire, Holika was consumed by the fire while Prahlad came out unscathed. To this day, common folk put balls of wet dough tied with a thread around them into the bonfire. As per popular belief, the dough balls get cooked while the thread remains intact, the thread symbolising Prahlad, who came out unaffected by the fire. Day Two is the main Holi festival that involves colour and water. The red-coloured powder called Gulal is made from cornstarch and organic dyes made from crushed flowers. These days, lots of synthetic colours in different shades are also available. Things to Remember if you're planning to visit Vrindavan during Holi.... Holi is one of the most crowded times of the year in Braj Bhoomi. So, booking and planning your trip with details like where to stay is a must. This is not a good time for sudden visits to the city unless you wish to make a day trip only. There is a common misconception that Holi festivities could turn into hooliganism, considering the nature of the festival, which involves smearing colour on each other's faces. I'd like to mention here that the festival might involve getting everyone smeared in colour and water, but there is nothing unpleasant or rowdy about it. The festival of colours is played with an underlying spiritual fervour. There seems to be an unstated and unwritten rule that if you are loitering on the streets of Vrindavan during Holi, then you are willing to partake in the festival too. The streets are full of people carrying dry or wet colours in their hands who smear passersby with them, all in good spirits, though. I want to reiterate that the towns of Mathura and Vrindavan are extremely crowded. Most roads leading to the temples are converted into Traffic-free zones for the two main days of the festival. This creates problems for people coming into the city from the neighbouring cities. The devotees throng the temples in massive numbers. I have come to realise that the best time to visit these temples is very early in the morning. That is the only way you can beat the crowds and see the deity properly without the jostling and pushing. Needless to say, it's advisable to wear minimal jewellery and carry as little cash as possible before venturing into the crowded bazaars.

The Swarovski Museum in Innsbruck is an art installation with 18 rooms or chambers with stunning artefacts made of Swarovski crystals. The facility is open to tourists throughout the year. It has open gardens with some amazing installations spread over 7.5 hectares of land. The Giant at the entrance of the Swarovski Crystal World Things to know before visiting the Swarovski Crystal World in Innsbruck The Swarovski Crystal World is about 22 km from Innsbruck. There is a shuttle bus that starts every 20 to 30 minutes from the Main Train Station in Innsbruck that takes you directly to the facility. It goes through the scenic locales of the Alpine mountains to the town of Wattens near Innsbruck, where this facility is located. You will not have any problem locating the shuttle bus as it stops right in front of the entrance to the train station. The bus is conspicuously painted in a bright green with a huge Giant Face as shown in the picture. If you have the Innsbruck Card, then this transport and a visit to the Swarovski centre are included in it. There is ample parking space around the facility for self-driven cars. Audio guides are available at the reception counter for an additional 2 euros. The entrance to the glittering world of crystals starts at the head of the giant. As you enter the premises, you will enter the Blue Hall. Once inside, there is a beautiful display of many artworks made out of crystal. What caught my attention was the statue of Chetak, the legendary horse ridden by the Indian king Maharana Pratap. The stunning piece of art is heavily embellished with crystals. There is also a shimmering crystal wall with thousands of crystals on it. You will be led through a series of rooms called Chambers of Wonder, one room leading to another. There are 18 such rooms, each one depicting a different facet of crystals. There are artworks decorated with crystals in dainty designs and patterns. There is an ice cave with crystal decorations, complete with snowflakes and some very delicate artwork. You are allowed to stay for about 2 to 3 minutes in the cave. There is a hall of mirrors with two beautiful crowns that get reflected all over to create a dazzling effect, although the name of this hall eludes me. Then you will be led to Hollywood, a hall filled with dresses and costumes, heavily embellished with Swarovski crystals that many celebrities have worn at various functions. There are many other glittering accessories like a glass shoe, glasses and bags used by many celebrities over the years. Beautiful chandeliers adorn the ceiling. In the adjoining room is a very impressive replica made out of crystals of many famous landmarks of the world, like the Big Ben of London, the Statue of Liberty and so on. More rooms follow with stunning pieces of art. The section Ready to Love is a riot of colour and music. The 'Chandelier of Grief' in one of the rooms is very eye-catching. The chandelier casts a thousand luminous shadows on the floor and the ceiling in an enclosed space that looks quite ethereal. The last section of the tour leads to the Kristallwelten Store selling jewellery, watches and other artefacts made of crystal. At the end of the exhibition area, you will see a huge, beautiful, colourful globe made of crystals. Perfect for a photo opportunity. There is a nice cafe serving snacks and beverages. As you step outside into the gardens, you will be mesmerised by the sparkling crystal cloud. This art piece has over 800,000 Swarovski crystals mounted on it. Adjacent to the crystal cloud is a mirror pool. The shimmering crystal clouds cast their shadow on the water in the pool and create a stunning visual effect. The gardens are massive; they are spread over 7.5 hectares of land and have intriguing art installations everywhere you see. If you are travelling with kids, then there is a Play Tower for them. At 20 m, it's considered to be the highest indoor playground in the world. There is a maze and a carousel, too, to keep your kids occupied. Is the Swarovski Crystal World worth visiting? The museum is artistic, with its artworks embellished with thousands of crystals. The entire facility is well-organised, clean and tourist-friendly. On the flip side, I would say that I had expected to see something different. I was hoping to see the making of crystals and how they are cut and polished to such perfection. Something more informative, along the lines of porcelain factories that we have seen in Meissen, Germany or the glass factories of Murano, Italy. After having seen the jaw-dropping artworks of the Austrian museums on all the days preceding this visit, I can't help but say that this museum looks too commercialised. And you certainly do not need the audio guide. Calling this place a museum is misplaced; it should ideally be called the Swarovski Entertainment Arena or something like that. It's like a family entertainment park with a display of crystals and lots of fun stuff for everyone. However, most tourists would want to miss out on this attraction. So, go for it, but have realistic expectations. And if you're interested in getting some practical, hands-on travel tips, click here

Innsbruck was the last destination on our Austrian itinerary. We travelled by train from Salzburg to Innsbruck for a little more than two hours. Unlike Vienna and Salzburg, where we spent 5 and 4 days, respectively, we had a day less here, but that did not deter me from having a long list of must-see attractions, all of which had to be fitted into this tight 3-day schedule. We reached the train station in Innsbruck. Our rented apartment was within walking distance of the station; we checked in our luggage and immediately set out to explore. Since we had already seen so much of Austria by then, the comparison of these two cities with Innsbruck was inevitable. In my opinion, Vienna, the capital city, with its baroque architecture, is classy. Salzburg has an old-world charm that is the textbook definition of a touristy city. Innsbruck, on the other hand, is gloriously scenic. It's the closest to the Nordkette Range of the Tirolean Alps, and one gets unparalleled views of these peaks from here. The mountains that we had been seeing all the time from far away Salzburg, were now close, really close. Stunning mountain ranges are visible from all over the city.... 5 Things to Know Before Visiting Innsbruck 1. The city lies on the river Inn. Owing to its proximity to the mountains, it's considered to be a winter paradise for skiers. If you're interested in skiing, then you're in luck! There are 8 skiing points around the city, all of them well connected by public transport or cable car. In summer, there are cable cars that take tourists to the top of these mountains for majestic views of the Alps. 2. Innsbruck is not very big; the entire Altstadt or Old Town can be covered on foot. There are a lot of things to see here; just wandering around the Altstadt with its narrow, cobbled streets is an attraction. You can just walk around to see the famous Golden Roof and the Triumphal Arch. If possible, stay around the Altstadt since this area is the heart of the city. 3. The best way to travel in Innsbruck is with an Innsbruck Card. Even if you visit just 2 or 3 attractions, the cost of your card will be covered. We bought a 3-Day Innsbruck Card the moment we got out of the train. That way, all our travel, in all kinds of transport, plus a whole lot of attractions and museums, was covered from the word go. The conducted tour bus, Sightseer Bus, is also included in the card. 4. There are 52 museums in Innsbruck in all. So, anyone visiting the city should be sure of which ones they wish to see, depending on their personal choice and taste. Some research in advance will help. We saw four museums in our 3-day trip, each one more interesting than the other. Ambras Castle tops the list, followed by Hofburg Palace, the Folk Art Museum, and the absolutely riveting Tyrol Panorama. I will discuss these museums later in my post. 5. Apart from the museums, the two top attractions in Innsbruck are the Swarovski Crystal World and the Top of Innsbruck. You will need half a day each to see both of these places, but I would strongly recommend doing both of them on your trip to Innsbruck. Top 12 Things to do in Innsbruck We had 3 days in Innsbruck, so we covered the attractions mentioned below in 3 days with the Innsbruck Card. Attractions like Top of Innsbruck, Swarovski Crystal World, and the museums take about 2.5 to 3 hours each, plus travel time. Altstadt St. Anne's Column Goldenes Dach, Golden Roof Triumphal Arch Hofkirche or the Court Church Stadtturm or City Tower Top of Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal World Ambras Castle Hofburg Palace Tyrolean Folk Art Museum Tyrol Panorama Museum Altstadt We started our tour of the city on Day 1 with the picturesque town square of Innsbruck. This is one of the most beautiful town squares I've ever seen. The old town with its Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo-style buildings set in the backdrop of the Tirolean Alps is a sight to behold. The old town has some of the most famous attractions of Innsbruck - St. Anne's Column, Triumphal Arch, and the famous Golden Roof. My Tip: Spend at least half a day gaping at the stunning architecture strewn across the old town, each building has a history of its own to share. There are many cafes, roadside eateries, and souvenir shops as well as some malls like DEZ Einkaufszentrum and Rathaus Galerien that have good shopping options. St. Anne's Column The most famous pedestrian street in Innsbruck, Marie Theresia Strasse, runs through the old town. And right in the heart of this street, lies St. Anne's Column. The column was erected as a mark of gratitude for the withdrawal of Bavarian forces from Tyrol in the 18th century. My Tip: Look carefully at the column, on the top is a marvellous statue of Mary as the 'Woman of the Apocalypse,' rising 137 ft from the street. There are more statues of the Patron Saints of Tyrol around the column. If possible, see it during the day and also at night, when the column is lit up. Goldenes Dach, Golden Roof Walk from St. Anne's Column towards Hofkirche for about 4 minutes and you will reach Goldenes Dach or the Golden Roof. The Golden Roof is a balcony decorated with 2657 fire-gilded copper tiles that was made to commemorate the wedding of Maximilian I in the early 1500s. It's remarkable that the tiles have withstood the travails of time and still shine like new. My Tip: There is a museum inside the Golden Roof; it's included in the Innsbruck Card. We skipped the museum, but the roof is worth watching. Great photo opportunity! Triumphal Arch The beautiful stone arch is located at the southern end of Maria Theresa Street. The arch was built to celebrate the wedding of Archduke Leopold to the Spanish Princess Maria Luisa. Archduke Leopold was the second son of Maria Theresa, the famous Archduchess of Austria, whose stunning monument, Maria Theresa Platz in Vienna, is one of the not-to-miss attractions in Vienna. You can learn more about this monument from my Vienna blog https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/destination-vienna-the-quintessential-austrian-experience We learnt on the Hop on Hop off tour that just a few days after the wedding of her son, Leopold, Marie Theresa lost her husband, Francis Stephan. So, when you go to see this monument, you will realise that this monument commemorates two major life events in the life of the Archduchess. On the south side are stone motifs depicting the wedding of her son, and on the north side are motifs that pay homage to her departed husband. My Tip: These names from history might not mean much to any of us, but after having spent so many days in Austria, visiting museums and looking at so many historical monuments, these historical figures started to fall into a timeline and make sense. Watching this monument, I felt really sad for Queen Maria Theresa, who commanded so much respect in the archives of history. For me, this monument is a symbol of the transience of life, of life and death literally being on opposite sides and yet so close to each other. Hofkirche or the Court Church Walk back to St. Anne's Column on Marie Theresa Street and from there walk another 5 minutes to reach the Court Church or Hofkirche. The 16th-century church is free to enter. This stunning Gothic church is a cenotaph, a burial site of Emperor Maximilian, although his actual remains are elsewhere. All around the cenotaph, there are 28 massive bronze statues of his ancestors, relatives, and some historical figures; the micro-detailing on each one of them is exemplary. The faces, costumes, weapons and postures of each statue are worth a watch. My Tip: Seeing this church is a visual delight. There is so much detail in each statue, even in the wrought iron casing around the cenotaph. There is an interesting audio-visual presentation before you enter the church. It gives an insight into who Maximilian was in a very interesting way. It's available in many languages, so choose the language of your choice. It's a small church but awe-inspiring. Don't miss it! Stadtturm or City Tower Barely a 2 to 3-minute walk away from the Hofkirche is the City Tower. I wouldn't call this structure really striking from the outside but the views from it, of the entire city and the Nordketten Range of mountains are resplendent. My Tip: If you're around the old town, then you should plan to go up to the top of the tower, which is about 150-odd steps, to get very beautiful views of Innsbruck from above. We had an Innsbruck Card, so the climb was included in it. Even if you don't have the card, you should do this one. I think the ticket was only 3 euros, if I am not mistaken. Day Two turned out to be bright and sunny. It was a perfect day to plan a trip to the Top of Innsbruck. This is a must-do attraction in Innsbruck, offering glorious views of the Alps all around. I have written about this in more detail in a separate blog... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-cable-car-ride-to-the-top-of-innsbruck-the-jewel-of-the-alps Swarovski Crystal World The crystal world made by Swarovski is a treat for anyone visiting this facility. After Top of Innsbruck, we came back to the train station to catch a bus to the Swarovski Crystal World. There are lots of things to talk about the Swarovski Crystal World. You'll find all of it and more here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/half-day-trip-to-swarovski-crystal-world-in-innsbruck Ambras Castle This was our last day in Innsbruck. There was still lots left to cover. So, we started our day early with Ambras Castle by taking the Sightseer Bus. The castle is located on a hill around Innsbruck, a little away from the main city of Innsbruck, so taking a tour is the simpler way to reach it. Although, there is a bus stop quite close to the entrance of the castle in case you plan to take public transport. Ambras Castle is considered the oldest museum complex in the world; its collections date back to the 16th century, and it still exists at the very site where it was first built almost 450 years ago! It's also interesting to know that this museum is treated as a part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna (Museum of Fine Arts). You can read more about the Kunsthistorisches Museum here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-visit-to-the-kunsthistorisches-museum-museum-of-fine-arts-in-vienna What to see at Ambras Castle This Renaissance castle was built in the 16th century by Archduke Ferdinand II at the site of an old medieval castle, for his wife Phillippine, whom he had married in secret. He got this beautiful romantic castle made, with its vast array of collectables from all over the world, as a gift for his beautiful wife. The Upper Castle served as the residence of the Archduke, while the Lower Castle was made into a museum. It contains Armouries spanning many eras and the Spanish Hall with its intricate wooden ceiling, which is very impressive. The Chamber of Arts and Wonders is the only one of its kind to have been preserved at its original location. You should plan to spend about 2 to 2.5 hours at the castle. The armoury is a must-watch. There are many different things to see, art objects, murals, huge wall portraits, idols and the not-to-miss Plate of Fools. The Chamber of Arts and Wonders has so many intriguing objects that will surely catch your fancy. I read on one of the placards here that this chamber was an exhaustive collection that attempted to reflect the entire knowledge of that time by Archduke Ferdinand II, who is considered to be the most important collector of the Habsburg Dynasty of Austria. I would say that seeing Ambras Castle is a collector's dream and should be a must-see on your itinerary. Hofburg Palace The stunning Hofburg Palace lies in the heart of the old town of Innsbruck. You can see it so many times while passing it; it looks splendid at night when it's lit up. The palace is quite massive, Giant's Hall is impressive, and there are living rooms of Maria Theresa and Elizabeth or 'Sisi'. You will have to read my blog on Vienna to learn more about Sisi by clicking the link mentioned above. The palace is a living example of the sheer opulence of the Austrian monarchy. The costumes, decor, chandeliers, furniture, artwork... all of it is breathtaking. My Tip: The Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck is interesting but rather small; if you have seen the Hofburg Palace in Vienna already, then you can give this one a miss, especially if you do not have an Innsbruck Card. With the Innsbruck Card, entry to the palace is included. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace complex. We did not opt for any audio guide, and I am honestly not sure if there was one available. Finding the entrance was a bit difficult; we kept following the dome. If you're going from the Golden Roof, then walk for about a minute on Hofgasse, and your destination will be on the left. Tyrolean Folk Art Museum This is a must-see attraction. I didn't know that folk art could be so mesmerizing till I saw this museum. The museum is located right in the heart of the old town, very close to the Hofburg Palace. Entry is included in the Innsbruck Card. My Tip: There is much to see in this adorable museum. Right at the starting point of the staircase leading to the museum is a painting of The Last Supper. This iconic painting has been adapted to modern times most creatively. This should set the tone for the rest of your tour of the museum. Audio guides are not required since all the detailed information is written on placards around the exhibits that comprise many intriguing artefacts and stunning idols and statues. Lifesize models of kitchens with medieval tools, combs made from horns, coins, furniture, masks, and bells from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries....you name it and you will find it in this museum. There is an entire floor dedicated to 'Trachten' or the traditional garments worn in German-speaking countries displayed on lifesize marionettes that are very interesting to watch. You will not tire of watching the amazing collection of this museum and can easily spend about 2 hours or more inside the museum. Tyrol Panorama Museum This splendid museum depicts the history of the state of Tyrol in a novel way using a 360-degree Giant Panorama painting on a circular wall with a viewing balcony in front of it. The painting shows events from the battle that took place between the Napoleonic army and the Tyrolean rebels in 1809. The interesting aspect of the museum is that it is situated in the same spot where this battle took place. Apart from this giant painting, the exhibits under the name 'Showcase Tyrol' are worth a watch. They are quite an eloquent statement on the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Tirol region. From the museum, there goes an underground passage to the Kaiserjaeger Museum (Museum of Tyrolean Imperial Infantry), which is located right opposite the Tyrol Panorama. This museum also has an amazing collection of artefacts. My Tip: It's not just the painting but rather its setting that is very interesting. Sightseer Bus will drop you right in front of the museum. There are lots of escalators to navigate through to get to the inside of the museum, though. We had read some pretty bad reviews about the management, or rather the mismanagement of the museum, before our visit on some online forums. The museum, I believe, is not equipped to accommodate people with mobility issues; that is a real problem, hence the bad reviews. Otherwise, it's a great place to see the history of Tyrol unfold in front of your eyes in such an artistic way. There are lockers available to keep your backpacks at the entrance. There is a nice restaurant outside the museum offering great views of the scenery all around. Starting at Tirol Panorama, a panoramic loop trail goes around Bergisel Mountain. We were short on time, so we had to skip it. If you have extra time, then I believe the trail offers scenic views of Innsbruck. Apart from the attractions that I've mentioned above, there are 3 more that I would not have missed if we had more time. They are Bergisel Ski Jump, Bell Foundry and Museum and Audioversum, Science Centre. All three of these attractions are fully covered in the Innsbruck Card. The Bergisel Ski jump has a funicular, a tower lift and a viewing terrace. Bell Foundry is a 400-year-old museum of bell-making, run by a single family. I've read so many good things about this museum. Go for it and tell me about your visit. I would love to hear a first-hand account of the same. Audioversum is quite a fascinating museum, I believe. Don't miss it espe,cially if you're travelling with kids. So, that is Innsbruck for you in a nutshell. As they say, save the best for the last....and so was the case with Innsbruck. It was our last stop in the beautiful country of Austria. From there, we went to Munich, Germany, by bus through the spectacular Alpine scenery. Munich serves as a gateway to a trip to the Disney Castle of Neuschwanstein, which has been on my bucket list for the last 20 years or so. Finally, we made it there. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-from-munich-to-neu-schwanstein-the-fairytale-castle-in-the-bavarian-alps And if you're interested in getting some practical, hands-on tips for travel, click here

Hohensalzburg caught my fancy the moment we reached the Old Town in Salzburg. But we could visit it only on the third day of our stay, we were waiting for a clear, sunny day for a ride up to Festungsberg, the rock on which this castle stands. There is no need for me to say that this is a not-to-miss attraction since, in any case, you will not be able to miss this imposing castle with its white outer facade on the north side of Salzburg, sitting like a crown on the head of Salzburg. This 11th-century castle is one of the largest existing medieval castles in Europe and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the City of Salzburg. You will need about 2 to 3 hours for a ride up and back to the castle by funicular and to see the castle interiors. Getting to Fortress Hohensalzburg Fortress Hohensalzburg is unlike any other ornate Baroque palace that we have seen around Austria. The palace has a raw appeal, with its many ring walls and towers. The best way to reach it is by taking the funicular. Walk towards Festungsgasse from Kapitelplatz in the Altstadt to take the funicular to the top. You can also walk up the hill; it takes about 15 minutes of a quite steep uphill climb. This video on our way down speaks for itself .... The fortress complex has many attractions. The Basic ticket to the palace will include the funicular, ascent and descent, Bastions, Chapel, the Panorama Tour, Fortress Museum, Marionette Museum, Rainer Regimental Museum and the Armoury House. There is an All-Inclusive Ticket also that includes all of the above, plus the Prince's Chambers in the main castle and the magic theatre. There are many other ticket options available; you can refer to their official website before your visit - https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/top10/hohensalzburg-fortress The funicular will take you right to the point where the fortress starts. There is a large open courtyard from where you will be greeted by stunning views of the baroque buildings of Salzburg all around and the Salzach River meandering its way through the city. Stunning vistas of Salzburg from the top Things to do in Fortress Hohensalzburg The Archbishops of Salzburg built the fortress as a display of their authority and power. The construction of the original fortress began in 1077, and many additions and improvisations took place in the years that followed. Now, this impressive fortress complex houses many museums. You can start your tour with the Fortress Museum. The museum is quite exhaustive with many interesting displays and their historical significance. How the fortress was built, how people lived in those times, the fortress's heating system, weaponry, kitchen tools, and coins, to name a few, are part of the museum's collection. Followed by the Fortress Museum is the Marionette Museum. I have never seen such a vast collection of marionettes anywhere else. The Museum of the Rainer Regiment is dedicated to a celebrated regiment in Austria with the same name. There is a lot of war memorabilia like weapons, uniforms and photos on display. Tips for visiting Fortress Hohensalzburg A lot of interesting information and historical trivia is written on the placards placed around the museum. Even if you're not a history buff, you can easily spend an hour reading and exploring. Apart from these 3 museums, there is a chapel open for visitors. The Armoury is a fun place for families to spend some time. There is an interactive exhibition, fortress games and quizzes. Open courtyard and the entrance to the Chapel We clicked some embarrassingly childish photos like these.....tourists can do anything for fun! The most interesting part of the fortress is the Panorama Tour, which leads through a dungeon to a winding staircase up to a viewing platform to the top of the fortress. There are 100-odd steps; we just kept climbing from one stairway to another. But once we reached the top, the views we got of the Alps were magnificent. So, it was worth the steep climb! On the way back from the top, as you plan to leave the castle, you will be led through a maze of battlements that end in the Salzburg Bull. I was pretty intrigued about the Salzburg Bull, so I'd read about it before we visited Hohensalzburg Castle. Let me tell you, it's not a bull, it is a horn work, the oldest gothic-style working mechanical musical instrument in the world. Oldest because this instrument was commissioned in 1502, and it still works! The name Bull was given to it because the sound it created resembled the roar of a bull. Every day the Salzburg Bull plays its melody at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. People say that on a quiet day, this melody can be heard as far as the Residenzplatz in Old Town. We strained our ears to hear it at 6 p.m. the same day, but sadly couldn't hear it. You can take the funicular back to the Old Town. If you have a Salzburg Card, then this entire excursion will be included in it. A model of Salzburg with the Hohensalzburg Castle in the background... made of salt! A trip to Hohensalzburg Fortress is a beautiful journey back in time, topped with the glorious views it offers of the Austrian Alps! Don't miss it during your stay in Salzburg. I would love to hear about your experience at the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Salzwelten in the picture-perfect town of Hallstatt is fun from the word go! In this blog, you will learn about everything that you need to know before going on this tour in Hallstatt. A trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most unique experiences, with thrills and surprises at every turn. Before you plan a visit to Salzwelten, the oldest salt mine in the world, learn everything about planning a day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/10-practical-tips-about-a-day-trip-to-hallstatt-the-picturesque-town-in-upper-austria All the way up the mountain.....see the elevation of the funicular! Practical Tips for Visiting Salzwelten Hallstatt Salt Mines Once you reach Hallstatt Lahn, the train station in front of Hallstatt Lake, cross the road and walk for about 3 to 4 minutes, and you will get to the point where the funicular to the Salt Mine begins. Your tour of the salt mine starts from the Valley Station, where there is a visitor centre and a shop. The shop has some intriguing salt stuff, but don't spend time looking at the shop; you can do it on the way back. A steep funicular ride, with 838 meters of elevation, will take you to the top of the mountain in just a few minutes from the Valley Station in Hallstatt. You can also hike up the mountain, which takes about an hour. Once you reach the top, you get stunning views of the Hallstätter See, the Hallstatt Lake and the Dachstein Massif all around the valley. There is an option to scan the bar code (included in the ticket) and download an audio guide on your phone before stepping onto the funicular. Our audio guide was not working properly, but soon we discovered that the content of the audio guide was written in print on the way up to the mine. It's more fun reading about it on the placards fixed along the way. As you step out of the funicular, you will reach the Panoramic Elevator that will take you to a walkable scenic bridge where you can get very beautiful views. The famous medieval tower, Rudolf Tower, and the viewing platform are also here. But I think one should keep the exploration of this part for later. Instead, take the staircase leading to the path at the top. One should aim to reach the salt mine at the earliest, before massive crowds hit. As you walk along the path, you will see a lot of interesting information written on placards about the history of the industrial salt mines of Hallstatt that led to this small region being a very wealthy part of the Salzkammergut Region of Austria. The walking path has a slight elevation, but it's not very tedious. The path ends at Knappenhaus, the point where your conducted tour into the salt mine will start. Please note that entry to the salt mine is only by conducted tours. The tours are done on a first come first serve basis. Remember to wear very comfortable shoes and clothes. Don't forget to carry a jacket since it can get pretty cold inside the mine. What to expect on the Salzwelten Hallstatt Tour All visitors are allocated to a group with a guide. Our guide was a young, energetic girl whose name I think was Erika. Our 90-minute tour started with entry into a locker room. Erika was with us all the time, instructing and advising. She gave commentary in both German and English. All visitors are expected to wear special mining suits over the clothes they are already wearing. Erika repeatedly advised us to wear the suit over our jackets. We realised after entering the salt mine why she was so insistent. It was cold! The tour starts with an exhibition area where old tools for excavation, hand-operated machines, miners' clothes, etc., were displayed. We walked over so many winding staircases and wooden pathways to reach the entrance to the salt cave... Ready to start the tour of the salt mines...Changed into mining suits and walked through the exhibition area to reach the opening of the salt cave where our tour began... There are a lot of dos and don'ts while you are on tour. A head count of group members is done, not once but twice. You certainly don't want to get lost in the oldest salt mine in the world! There are some amazing displays throughout the tour, including the natural salt reserves of salt, types of salts in the world, excavation techniques, and the history of Salzwelten, shown to you in so many different ways. There are impressive screen projectors inside the cave, some delightful audio-visuals with excellent acoustics and even a small movie theatre to wind up the tour. I don't want to divulge too many details because it will take away the element of surprise from your tour. All I can say is that these 90 minutes are full of excitement and thrill. However, the most thrilling part of the tour is the famous slide down the ramp to reach the salt mine. There are two ramps; the second one has the distinction of being the longest ramp in Europe. Erika talked us through the experience, again some dos and don'ts, but I remember getting butterflies in my stomach on hearing this fun fact. The ramp plummets 64 meters into the salt mine, and all you can do is sit on it and go for the free fall. There is an option to take the stairs too, but most of us opted for the ramp, and it truly was fun! At the end of the tour, you can also get your picture for 8 euros, screaming your way down the ramp! The tour ends at Knappenhaus, where it started. On your way down, you can stop at the Rudolf Tower, a defence tower from medieval times in its original form. A little below the tower is the way to the viewing platform. The platform is suspended over Hallstatt Lake; we stood in the far corner to see magnificent views of the lake below. All I can say is that if you're going to Hallstatt, then don't miss a tour of this fantastic salt mine. The entire premise is extremely well organised, and the tour is a complete entertainment package with loads of information about the history and geography of the mine, put together in so many fun ways for visitors. There is not a single dull moment on this tour, including the last thrilling ride out of the mine. It's definitely worth all your time, effort and money! I would be happy to hear your feedback about your visit to Salzwelten, especially if my blog helped you plan your trip better!

Planning a day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg? This quaint, lakeside town in Austria's Salzkammergut region is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. In this blog, you will find 10 valuable travel tips to help you make the most of your visit. Cosily nestled between the Hallstaettersee, the Hallstatt Lake and the steep slopes of Dachstein Massif, this small town is really beautiful, a traveller's paradise, so to speak! A massif is a compact part of a mountain range with one or more peaks or a series of connected masses. Before we visited Hallstatt, I didn't know what a massif is, as I'm sure many of you might not either. The word Salzkammergut in German literally translates as 'Estate of Salt Chamber,' referring to the salt deposits in Hallstatt, Bad Ischl, and Bad Aussee that were part of the Habsburg Monarchy's territory. If you have an extra day in Salzburg, then a trip to Hallstatt should ideally feature on your to-do list. Things to Know Before Planning a Day Trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg How to reach Hallstatt The best way to reach Hallstatt is from Salzburg, since that is the closest city by road. Your sightseeing begins with the road journey itself as the bus goes through stunning countryside and locales, meandering its way through narrow streets and marketplaces of small towns that dot the countryside en route. There is no direct bus connection between Salzburg and Hallstatt despite the fact that there are so many tourists who travel to Hallstatt each day. Whatever be the reason for this, since there is no direct connection, you will have to take 3 bus lines before finally reaching Hallstatt Lahn, the main bus station in front of Lake Hallstatt. There are a lot of conducted tours also available, but we are quite happy to explore the country and find our way around the city, hence the 3 buses. Your road route should be: Take Bus Route No. 150 from Main Bus Depot Hauptbahnhof F in Salzburg in the direction of Bad Ischl. Travel time - 90 minutes Disembark at Bad Ischl and take Bus no. 542 towards Hallstatt Gosaumuehle - Travel time - 20 minutes. Disembark at Gosaumuehle and take bus no. 543 to Hallstatt Lahn - Travel time - 10 minutes. There is no proper bus stand here, but you can see a connecting bus waiting for passengers. Best time to visit Hallstatt Hallstatt is 52 km away from Salzburg, and it takes about 2 hours to reach. Being a small touristy town, there are huge crowds to navigate in Hallstatt. You will see busloads of tourists thronging the lake and the civic amenities everywhere. Even public toilets have such long queues! We started at 7 am from Salzburg, so we were able to beat the crowds. Taking the ferry across the Lake One of the most memorable parts of a day trip to Hallstatt is the short ferry ride across the lake. If you are arriving by train, the ferry connects Hallstatt Bahnhof station with the village on the oppsite shore, offering your very first postcard view of Hallstatt as you reach the main station of Hallstatt Lahn. As the boat glides across the calm waters of Lake Hallstatt, you can enjoy panoramic views of the colorful lakeside houses, church spires, and surrounding Alpine mountains. This is one of the best opportunities to photograph Hallstatt from a distance. Tickets are available on the ferry and can be bought only in cash. We had bus tickets through to Hallstatt, so we stuck to bus no. 543. Exotic salt-based indigenous products Hallstatt is home to many kinds of salt-based products. There is a salt shop in the Valley Station of Salzwelten, and there are many such shops all over town. Prices across most of these shops are similar, if not the same. There is a huge variety of products to choose from. We bought some great salt scrubs, salt soaps, jars of toothpaste and some more products that turned out to be really good. You should explore these shops for these amazing natural products. Where to start sightseeing in Hallstatt Apart from its stunning natural scenery, Hallstatt is known for Saltwelten, the world's oldest salt mine and also for the Giant ice caves of Dachstein. Once you reach Hallstatt, if you wish to start your day with a tour of the Salt Mine, then get off at Hallstatt Lahn. Across the road, a 3 to 4 minutes' walk will take you to the Valley Station for the funicular to the salt mine. In case you wish to do the Ice Caves, then continue further on bus no. 543 to Dachstein Ice Caves up to the Dachstein Visitor Centre. Hallstatt Salt Mine experience In my opinion, on a day trip from Salzburg, one should aspire to do only one attraction, either Salzwelten or the Ice Cave in Dachstein; doing both in a day will be quite a stretch unless, of course, you are staying in Hallstatt. But, in case you wish to do both in one day, then go to the ice caves first since bus number 543 will take you directly there, so you save time. I had read somewhere that there is a lot of walking involved in the ice cave, some of it quite steep uphill on slippery slopes. The same goes for the salt mine; there is a lot of walking involved, although it's not steep. Please plan your trip accordingly. We had already seen some ice grottos elsewhere, so our focus was to see the salt mine. Our trip to the spectacular salt mine at Salzwelten was a unique experience, unlike anything we had seen before. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-salzwelten-hallstatt-the-oldest-salt-mine-in-the-world Exploring Hallstatt Market Square The charming town of Hallstatt has much to offer other than the salt mine and the ice cave. Some people skip both these attractions and just gallivant around, soaking in the ethereal beauty of this town. Spend some time strolling along the beautiful Hallstattersee, going for a lake cruise and visiting the stunning Market Square with its historical charm. Visiting the Skywalk and Five Fingers viewing platform There are two viewing platforms to see the stunning mountain scenery in the backdrop of Hallstaetter Lake. First is Skywalk, a viewing platform that lies on the way to the Salzwelten salt mine. One has to take the funicular from Salzwelten Valley Station to reach it. If you are going for the salt mine tour, then this funicular is included in the ticket. If not, then spending 20 euros to go up the funicular only for the Skywalk is honestly not worth it. The second is the Five Fingers viewing platform. This point offers beautiful vistas of the mountains and falls on the way to the Dachstein Ice Caves. Even if you're not doing the ice cave tour, still going for this lookout point will be worth your effort. The attraction is free to visit. This is a World Heritage View Point, built in the form of five fingers over a 400 m deep cliffside. These are massive metallic ledges jutting out over the Dachstein Mountains and offer spectacular views of Hallstatt. We have seen similar views of the Fjords on a day trip from Alesund, Norway, to the Norwegian Countryside. The way to reach Five Fingers is by cable car that starts from Obertraun Dachstein Cable car point. There are many options for exploring this region. Please check the official website for more information https://dachstein-salzkammergut.com/sommer/oberirdisch/5fingers Is a day trip to Hallstatt worth it? My advice to anyone visiting Hallstatt is to plan to stay there overnight. We did not do this and regretted it. The town will most certainly be more expensive than Salzburg, considering its touristy vibe. So, a better option would be to stay in Bad Ischl or Obertraun, which is a small hamlet across the lake from Hallstatt. As a footnote, I would say that any overtly touristy place has to pay a price for its rampant commercialisation. So, it is the case with Hallstatt too. I was reading somewhere that the locals of the town like to keep a safe distance from tourists since there are too many tourists around, and also, many tourists in their quest to explore the town, try to barge into their gardens and private property. You will see placards like 'Photography prohibited' or 'Private Property' installed outside many homes. I feel we should all respect the privacy of the residents and confine ourselves to the touristy parts of the town only. This idyllic town is blessed with nature's bounties; all you need to do is come and explore it!

Nestled along the banks of the Salzach River, the UNESCO-listed Old Town, grand fortresses and musical legacy of Salzburg make it one of Austria's most beautiful destinations. Listed below in detail are the Top 10 Attractions that you should not miss on your trip to Salzburg... Discovering Salzburg: Austria's Baroque Gem Salzburg is the capital of the province of Land Salzburg, one of the nine provinces in Austria. The River Salzach divides the city into 2 parts, Altstadt or the Old Town and the Neustadt or the New Town. Makartsteg Bridge Beautiful bridges go over the river connecting the old town with the new, the most prominent one being the Makartsteg Bridge. The bridge is nicknamed the 'Love Lock Bridge' owing to the thousands of locks that lovers have put on its iron grills. It's a belief that your lover will never abandon you if you put a lock on the bridge and throw away the key. I have seen this on many bridges in many other European countries, too. I was reading somewhere that the locks add to the weight of the bridges, causing concern to the relevant authorities. Whoever said love comes easy!! Salzburg also boasts of being the birthplace of Mozart; his childhood home is now a museum. The city was also the filming location for the iconic musical 'The Sound of Music, way back in 1965. Even after 58 years, the locale attracts tourists in droves to the famous Mirabell Palace Gardens. If you're planning a trip to Salzburg, then you should plan to keep at least 3 days to see the entire city, including a day trip to Hallstatt, the quaint town known for its world-famous salt mines. This is an absolute not-to-miss attraction. I have made some pointers about a day trip to Hallstatt that can come very handy should you plan this trip... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/10-practical-tips-about-a-day-trip-to-hallstatt-the-picturesque-town-in-upper-austria And while in Hallstatt, you cannot miss an exciting trip to Salzwelten, the world's oldest salt mines... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-salzwelten-hallstatt-the-oldest-salt-mine-in-the-world Things to Know Before Visiting Salzburg Most of the Top 10 attractions mentioned below, barring the Hellbrunn Palace, lie in and around the Old Town. That is to say, you can cover most of the city on foot. Many tourists prefer to stay in the Old Town amidst all the hustle and bustle. If you stay across the River Salsach in New Town, you can experience some amazing scenic beauty. We were staying in a small residential village called Professorfeld with beautiful rolling landscapes all around. Mountain view from our apartment in Professorfeld I have not arranged the attractions in any day-wise itinerary; you can pick and choose what you wish to do depending on the number of days you have at your disposal. If you buy the Salzburg card, then entry to all the museums in the city, public transport, funicular to the top of Hohensalzburg and the cable car at Untersberg is also included. There are many options to pick from. Please check the official website of the City of Salzburg for more information. www.salzburg.info Top 10 Things To Do in Salzburg Altstadt, the Historic Centre of Salzburg, Residenzplatz and DomQuartier St. Peter's Abbey Salzburgerdom (Salzburg Cathedral) Sphaera on Kapitelplatz Mozartplatz Mozart Geburtshaus, Birthplace of Mozart on Getreidegasse Fortress Hohensalzburg Mirabell Palace and gardens Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains Untersberg mountain peak and cable car Altstadt, the Historic Centre of Salzburg and Residenzplatz The Old Town in Salzburg is a bustling hub of activity. This is the baroque centre of Salzburg constituting the Salzburg Cathedral and the Residenz. You can start your tour of the Old Town from Residenz Platz, an impressive square with a beautiful fountain at its centre, the Residenz Fountain. The beautiful baroque fountain in Residenzplatz The fountain, with its ornate structure, is the biggest Baroque fountain in Europe and oozes grandeur. The Residence Palace behind it was the residence of the Archbishop of Salzburg. The town has beautiful buildings on all sides, the Residenz Palace, Rathaus or Town Hall with its tower and the Salzburgerdom, Salzburg Cathedral. The bells of this impressive Clock Tower ring at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day. My Tip: The Old Town is a lively place that should be experienced during the day as well as in the evening when the lights come on. See the Residenz Fountain closely. You will be enthralled by its intricate artwork. The sea horses at the base of the fountain are surrounded by stunning statues of marine animals. The centre bowl is placed on the backs of four men with 3 dolphins in it. The Town Hall is a beautiful Rococo-style* structure with a tower. You will have to really crane your neck in the narrow alley to see it all the way to the top. The Clock Tower has paid tours only on Thursdays and Fridays that show its working mechanism and include climbing to the top to see the panorama. DomQuartier This is located right on the Residenz Platz. This is the Residenz Museum, which was once the official residence of the prince-archbishops of Salzburg. You will see baroque-style staterooms and some very impressive paintings by European painters. The highlight of your tour will be the glorious views one gets of the city of Salzburg from the top of the cathedral terrace. The tour ends at St. Peter's Museum, which displays very artistic masterpieces from St. Peter's Abbey, which I learnt later is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking part of the world. My Tip: After having seen the splendid Schonbrunn Palace, Sisi Museum and the Belvedere Palace in Vienna, we decided to give this one a miss. As I keep mentioning in all my blogs, one needs to pick and choose which museums to see. We had shortlisted some iconic museums in our upcoming trip to Innsbruck, so we let this one go. If you have the Salzburg Card, then entry to all these attractions would be included. St. Peter's Abbey Very close to the Residenz Fountain is St. Peter's Abbey. You can enter it for free to see the stunning architecture and marvel at the beautiful painted ceiling and the stunning altar. My Tip: One can see a true amalgamation of many architectural styles in the abbey, Gothic, Romanesque and Rococo. The original structure is almost 750 years old. I wouldn't say that the abbey is spectacular, but well worth a visit. A singer was playing an instrument when we entered, the atmosphere was very serene. Salzburgerdom (Salzburg Cathedral) This 17th-century cathedral sits imposingly in the centre of the Old Town. The large dome is accompanied by two twin towers with smaller domes on top. The very impressive exterior is complemented by highly ornate interiors. This was the place where Mozart was baptised. The baptismal font in which his baptism took place is still present in the church. Right at the entrance are 4 large pedestals with very impressive life-size statues of 4 saints on them. Salzburg Cathedral My Tip: The cathedral is a religious place, so I feel charging 5 euros to enter it is a bit unfair. It is still an operational parish. When we visited, special prayers for Ukraine had been organised. It is undoubtedly a beautiful specimen of stunning architecture. There is an organ recital each day at noon; the church has 5 organs. We missed the recital, but the cathedral itself is very alluring. If you plan to go, then go at noon. I've heard a lot of good things about the daily organ recital. Sphaera on Kapitelplatz As you step out of the Salzburg Cathedral, on your left is the Kapitel Platz. It's another square in the Old Town known for its large golden globe called Sphaera with the statue of a common man in a shirt and trousers standing on it. My Tip: It's quite an intriguing piece of art created by the artist Stephan Balkenhol, loaned to the City of Salzburg in 2013, as per the placard displayed at the site. What impressed me was the way this modern piece of art stood amidst all the old structures and buildings, yet did not look out of place. The figurative sculpture is open to interpretation by the viewers, but is fascinating, nonetheless. Mozartplatz Walk back from the Kapitel Platz to the cathedral and then turn right to reach the most famous square in the Old Town, Mozartplatz. A beautiful statue of Wolfgang Mozart stands in the centre of the plaza. Totally worthy of a photo opportunity. There are lots of cafes and shops around, even a Christmas museum. The entire area is great for walking and discovering the hidden gems of the Old Town. Mozart Geburtshaus, Birthplace of Mozart on Getreidegasse As you walk a few meters ahead, you will reach Getreidegasse, a narrow street in Salzburg, whose claim to fame is that it houses the birthplace of Mozart. You cannot miss the street since you will see many tourists walking towards it. The house of the prolific composer is No.9, Getreidegasse, on your left if you enter the street from Mozart Platz. Birthplace of Mozart The house is now a museum showcasing some of the instruments he played in his younger days and his earlier life. Getreidegasse is one of the oldest streets in Salzburg, and the authorities have gone to great lengths to preserve its medieval flavour. It has shops and boutiques selling high-fashion clothes and traditional costumes, steeply priced, so window shopping is your best bet to wander on this vintage street. My Tip: Go to this museum only if you're a die-hard fan of Mozart and his music. We had been to the Mozart Concert at the Musikverein in Vienna earlier on in this trip. So, our expectations from a Mozart museum were really high. But I found the museum a bit dull that didn't seem to do justice to its illustrious master. One should go to this museum only if you have a Salzburg card. Paying 12 euros to see this museum looked like quite a waste to me. The street, Getreidegasse, on the other hand, is magnificent. The look and feel is medieval which adds to its charm. All signages have to adhere to certain norms to look like this... Stunning baroque architecture on Getreidegasse Fortress Hohensalzburg Very close to the Kapitel Platz is the funicular station to go to the top of Salzburg, to Fortress HohenSalzburg. It's a short, steep ride up to the hill where the fortress is located. Learn more about this 11th-century fortress, which is an absolutely delightful experience for tourists... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-short-excursion-to-hohensalzburg-fortress-the-crown-of-salzburg Mirabell Palace and Gardens Just about 11 to 12 minutes on foot from Getreidegasse, lies the Mirabell Palace and Gardens within the Historic Centre of Salzburg. Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg Wolf Dietrich got it made for his beloved Salome Alt in 1606. No wonder the palace, with its delicately manicured gardens and fountains, lends this palace a very romantic vibe. The marble staircase at the entrance of the palace, adorned with statues of cherubs, is delightful. The main attractions that you need to look out for in Mirabell Palace and Gardens are Marble Staircase Pegasus Fountain Grand Fountain Hedge Theatre Dwarf Garden Orangery Rose Garden Marble Hall As you enter the gardens, you will see the Pegasus Fountain. If you've seen The Sound of Music, you will immediately recognise it since the iconic song Do-Re-Me was shot here. I think the statues of two angels extending their hands into the sky near the tail-end of the gardens have also featured in the same song. I'll have to watch the film again to ascertain it, though. My Tip: For some reason, we had a tough time looking for the palace; Google Maps kept taking us around the palace. So, remember, the main entrance to the palace is right next to the Landestheater. The Palace is an operational office, open for visitors from 8 am to 6 pm daily. The Dwarf Garden and Hedge Theatre are open only in the summer months. Entry to the palace and gardens is free. Don't forget to look for the Dwarf Garden. It's right across a small bridge. These grotesque yet funny statues are worth a watch. The Marble Hall, hailed as the 'Most beautiful wedding hall in the world' should also be on your list. It was closed on the day we visited. The hall served as a ballroom for the archbishops and is now used to host classical concerts. The River Salsach is very close by. You will have to walk for about 10 to 12 minutes to reach it and cross the bridge to reach the Old Town. Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains Hellbrunn Palace is one of the most unique palaces that we have seen or anyone else, for that matter, could have seen, anywhere else in the world. This beautiful baroque palace lies in the southern part of Salzburg. The palace is impressive with its beer gardens and a small, beautiful water body. The palace was made by the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Markus Sittikus, in the year 1613 as his summer residence and a palace of leisure. The palace has no residential quarters since it was never used as a residence. There is a museum and, of course, the highlight of the palace, the trick fountains. Groups of visitors are led through the trick fountains. An audio guide will guide you, and the commentary tells us about the archbishop's keen sense of humour and the practical jokes he performed on his guests, who were oblivious to the water jets around them. A tour of the gardens will leave you in splits of laughter as water sprays on you from the most unexpected of places at the most unexpected of places. Apart from water jets, a water-operated theatre and small figurines are shown going about daily chores, all operated by a water mechanism. My Tip: It takes about 30 minutes to reach the palace from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof by bus number 25. The bus actually goes up to the Untersberg cable car point, which is the last stop. Hellbrunn Palace is the second last or third last stop, if memory serves me right. I will not write too many details about the palace and the trick fountains, as it would be a spoiler for you. The fun lies in experiencing the place unwittingly. The museum and exhibition are also very informative, with some beautiful artworks collected by the Prince archbishop and a peek into his life. One particular room in the exhibition that caught my attention was the sound spiral room. At the end of the gardens, you will see the famous Gazebo that was seen in the film The Sound of Music in the song 'I am 16, running on 17...'. There is a nice cafe in the gardens, but if you're in the mood for a picnic on the lawns, then bring something to eat. It's very quiet and peaceful out here. There is a zoo in the palace complex, too. If you're travelling with kids, then a visit to the zoo is always on your bucket list. I know it from experience. Untersberg Mountain Peak and Cable Car Untersberg is a mountain peak, a spur between the borders of Germany and Austria. Views from the peak are absolutely amazing. You can see the entire city of Salzburg from here, plus stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. It's quite easy to go to Untersberg from Hellbrunn Palace. Just board bus number 25 again in the direction of Untersberg, which is the last stop on that bus route. If you have a Salzburg Card, then the cable car, to and fro, will be included. My Tip: Going to Untersberg was originally not part of our plan since our next stop from Salzburg was Innsbruck, with a trip planned to the Top of Innsbruck. But we left Hellbrunn and then suddenly decided to go to Untersberg. It was a clear day, but by the time we reached there in the afternoon, the sky had turned grey, and it started raining. We missed seeing the iconic views that are always much talked about. Whew! It was a disappointment for us, but the cable car ride was good. So, if you plan to go to Untersberg, check the day's weather and hope to God that it doesn't rain. The attractions in Salzburg don't end here. If you have the time and the inclination, then you can also see the Red Bull Hangar-7, the Technology Museum and Haus der Natur, the Natural History Museum. Another famous attraction is the St. Peter's Cemetery. This is a popular tourist site, also since it was the shooting site of The Sound of Music. This 17th-century cemetery lies at the foot of Festungsberg, the hill on which lies the majestic Hohensalzburg Castle. These catacombs are the place where the von Trapp family hides while trying to escape. While in Salzburg, you can also take the Sound of Music tour, which takes you around the shooting sites of the iconic film in places like the Mirabell Gardens, Hellbrunn Palace, Schloss Leopoldskron (the von Trapp mansion in the movie) and the Nonnberg Abbey (the abbey where Julie Andrews lived in the movie). All I can say is that Salzburg will never disappoint you, its stunning baroque buildings, the lively promenade along the Salzach River, the Old Town and its many wonders have something to offer everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Come to Salzburg and see for yourself! On the fifth day, in the morning, we boarded a train to Innsbruck. It takes about 2 hours to reach Innsbruck. See you in Innsbruck on our journey ahead https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/everything-you-should-know-before-planning-a-3-day-trip-to-innsbruck Please do write to me if you ever visit Salzburg. Is there something I've missed? * Rococo-style - Rococo is called the feminine version of baroque, its lighter, generally using pastel shades and curved, serpentine lines.

Vienna is a treasure trove of art and music. Attending a Mozart concert at the Musikverein in Vienna, especially in the Golden Hall, is one of the most iconic classical music experiences in Europe! Vienna welcomes you with its magnificent Baroque and Gothic buildings at every turn, its stunning plazas and public squares with artwork dating many centuries and of course, the Vienna Opera. But if you're visiting in July and August, then the opera is closed for the summer. In its place, you will find a plethora of concerts taking place at various churches, music halls and even palaces like the Schoenbrunn Palace. Needless to say, a trip to this beautiful city would be incomplete without paying a visit to the music concert of its most famous resident, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Inside Vienna's iconic Musikverein, the famous Mozart Concert Hall Musikverein, or the Concert Hall in Vienna, is located in the Inner District on the Ringstrasse. This beautiful building is made of neo-classical architecture and has a capacity of 1700 people. It is the permanent home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. For the uninitiated, the Philharmonic Orchestra is an orchestra led by a conductor and comprises about 80 to 100 musicians. The instruments they play range from woodwinds, percussion, brass and strings. The concert is organised in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein. Seeing the Golden Hall is as much a delight as the performance of the musicians. The Hall, with its stunning frescos on the ceiling, the gold-rimmed archways and massive chandeliers, sets the perfect tone for an evening to remember. Tickets to the concert are easily available; you can see men dressed in traditional costumes selling tickets all over the city, over open counters. Please check that they are authorised sellers; if you buy a ticket from them, there is no cause for worry. Online tickets are also available. But then you will have to exchange the voucher for the ticket at the counter before the show. Performers bowing to the audience at the end of the show in the stunning Golden Hall at the Musikverein Experiencing Mozart at the Musikverein in Vienna A group of 30 first-class musicians and internationally renowned opera singers, all dressed in finery and period costumes with wigs et al., create a magical atmosphere in the 90-minute stupendous performance. The atmosphere in the Golden Hall is riveting. Most people like us might not understand the finer nuances of music, but we certainly appreciate good music if we hear it. So, listening to the Mozart symphonies combined with some amazing solo concertos was an experience beyond description. Some of the melodies you hear will sound very familiar; this is because the music of Mozart has been adapted in many forms and variations on many music platforms over many decades. On a particularly foot-tapping melody, the audience, on a cue from the conductor, instinctively broke into applause and clapped along with the musicians. What struck me was the amazing acoustics of the hall. The voice of the opera singers, minus the use of any microphones, just floated effortlessly through the entire hall, holding its audience in a trance. The sound of the singers' voices, combined with their colourful attire and elaborate costumes create a mesmerizing effect on the audience. Tips for attending a Mozart Concert in Vienna Audiences are expected to arrive at least 20 minutes before the performance begins. Musikverein is located right behind Hotel Imperial on the Ringstrasse. The basic ticket price starts from € 59 upwards. There are many ticket options available, like VIP Packages, which offer a 4-course dinner at a restaurant along with premium seating in the hall, interaction with artists and so on. Please check their website for more information: concerts@mozart.wien The dress code for the concert is smart casual. There is a short refreshment break in the performance. Photography inside the Golden Hall during the performance is strictly prohibited. The photo here was taken after the performance. For me, this music concert was most certainly a not-to-miss attraction and easily one of the highlights of our trip to Austria!