Walking down a winding cobblestone street in Vienna led me to a quaint, humble storefront calling me in. I went in, only to be surrounded by the most delicate handcrafted porcelain antiquities, charming oddities and artwork that felt deeply personal and full of character. These items stood out not because they were perfect, but because they showed signs of the hands that made them—flaws, textures, and charm.
With their colourful cultures and rich histories spreading before us, Lisbon and Vienna embraced my family with open arms. We decided to pair these two cities together because of their proximity. Their vibrant heritage and architecture were so distinct yet equally awe-inspiring.
Being in the midst of old Vienna's colourful streets, I soaked in the city's chaotic yet calm character. It made me pause and embrace the local culture, explore the neighbourhood and wander along its backstreets. After checking into Hotel Andaz Vienna, we set out to explore the city. To truly immerse ourselves in it, we walked a lot, used the tram and occasionally took an Uber to reach faraway places. Our first stop was the regal Schönbrunn Palace, radiating palatial grandeur in every corner of its lavish and stately halls. I was held captive by its rich cultural heritage and the history of ‘Schönbrunn Yellow’.
From there, we visited the Albertina Museum to explore its extensive art collection. As a patron of art, I was mesmerised by the delicate Renaissance flourishes giving way to the fearless strokes of contemporary art. Every piece mirrors the city's rise as a worldwide cultural beacon, stirring awe through the tales carved into each canvas and form.
Travelling on the oldest tram line in Vienna was like journeying back in time. The leisurely pace at which it moved through these historic streets, with its cosy wooden interiors, made us feel a part of the history. Our visit to the Philharmonic performances was a dance through time, weaving symphonies that tugged at our hearts and whispered of Vienna's centuries as the lifeblood of classical music.
Visiting the Mozart Museum in Salzburg had a lasting impact on me. It wasn’t just interesting—it felt intimate, as if we were stepping into parts of his real life, not just mere onlookers of his life through the exhibits. The way they were set up made it easy to imagine the captivating hold the city had on him.
We wandered through these narrow little streets and kept coming across things that made him seem more like a person than a historical figure. Staying at the Hotel Bristol proved to be the right choice—close enough to walk almost everywhere, but peaceful enough to let it all sink in. The nearby gardens and still waters offered quiet moments to pause and take in our surroundings.
In Lisbon, we stayed at the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, took an Uber to explore the old city, and then used the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus to travel around. The Tagus riverboat ride was a contemplative experience that reminded us of the city's maritime history and Portugal's role as a global trading nation.
My personal highlight in Lisbon was the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology), designed by Amanda Levete. A contemporary masterpiece that sits beautifully in the urban landscape without disrupting nature. One particular exhibition on sustainability inside the MAAT made me ponder the intersection between art and architecture and what we owe to the planet. It hit me hard, like a wake-up call, showing how these creative arts have the power to transform the future for the better.
Travel opens us up to new ways of thinking—it changes how we see the world. It connects people across cultures and helps us notice things we might normally overlook, especially in art and architecture. Design speaks across languages, and seeing it in different places reminds us how deeply connected we really are. For me, museums are where that connection becomes visible. They show us how people lived, what they valued, and how that still shapes the present. Every visit brings new insights into the stories, effort, and creativity behind what we see.
I enjoy collecting handmade crafts and little trinkets. Often found in quaint jewellery studios or little art shops hidden down quiet streets, these spaces hum with meticulous care, ancient traditions, and a love for what endures. Whether we sought them out or stumbled upon them by chance, these moments prompt us to incorporate authenticity into our designs, blending timeless roots with fresh ideas. Each interaction and discovery kindles creativity, teaching us that travel is more than exploration. It is a tapestry of stories, ideas, and perspectives that reshape our designs.
Journeying through Vienna and Lisbon, and immersing ourselves in their art and culture, we soaked in the creativity and intent behind these works of art. From Lisbon's handcrafted azulejos to the lavish beauty of Schönbrunn Palace, we were deeply impacted by how art captures both the spirit of its time and the endless flow of imagination. It also reinforced the necessity of being adaptable in changing times while still holding on to the true essence of space.
As we left Vienna and Lisbon behind, their echoes lingered in our hearts, woven into the fabric of our lives.
About the author: Devika Khosla is the Creative Director of award-winning design studio, The Works Interiors(TWI).
There are no direct flights from India to Lisbon. Most flights include a stopover in Zurich or Frankfurt.
Admire Commerce SquareWalk across the grandest, open plaza by the Tagus River; ride a classic tram for a local view of the city; watch the sunset from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte; see Lisbon's terracotta rooftops glow as the sun sets; enjoy a Fado show; explore Sintra, Cascais, among many other things.
Sintra: Visit the fairytale town of Sintra, known for its romantic palaces, including the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
Cascais: Enjoy a coastal escape to Cascais, with its beautiful beaches, lively harbour, and historic town center.
Évora: Explore Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city with a rich history, including the Roman Temple and the Chapel of Bones.
Fátima, Batalha Monastery, Nazaré and Óbidos: Combine religious sites like Fátima, historic monasteries like Batalha, and coastal charm like Nazaré and Óbidos on a day trip.
There are no direct flights from India to Vienna. Most flights include a stopover in Istanbul, Zurich, or Frankfurt.
Start with Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, once home to the Habsburgs. Walk along the Ringstrasse to see landmarks like the Hofburg Palace, Rathaus, and Parliament. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the city centre, then explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum and MuseumsQuartier for world-class art. Catch a show at the Vienna State Opera, browse local produce and snacks at the Naschmarkt, and relax with coffee at a classic Viennese café. For something different, take a boat ride on the Danube.
Vienna is surrounded by several easy-to-reach destinations perfect for day trips. The Wachau Valley, with its vineyards, Melk Abbey, and Danube cruises, is just an hour away. Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, is only an hour by train or boat. Closer still are Laxenburg Castle and the Seegrotte Hinterbrühl, known for its underground lake. Kreuzenstein Castle offers medieval flair and great views, while the Vienna Woods provide peaceful trails, forested hills, and historic sites like Heiligenkreuz Abbey.
The best time to visit Vienna is during late spring (April to June) or early fall (September). For Lisbon, visiting during spring (March to May) or fall (September to October) is ideal, as these seasons offer pleasant temperatures,
To visit Lisbon (Portugal) and Vienna (Austria), Indian citizens generally need a Schengen visa for short-term stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Both countries are part of the Schengen Area, so the same visa can be used for both destinations.
