[VIENNA: local spots] Cafe Sperl

Cafe Sperl

How to get here

Well, it's hard for me to describe the direction.
From Kettenbruckengasse, you don't really need my explanation if you remember this map.

From Teuchtler (record shop), just follow downhill, and you will meet these stairs.

Come downstairs, go to the left (where the couple is).
Go straight one block, and turn left.
You can ask people around, 
most probably know where it is.

The price for a cup of coffee is around 3~4 euros.
I had a cup of Brauner (kleine), 2.8 euros, but be prepared to pay 3 euros.
The waiter says thank you (before you do so) and takes it for granted that u pay 20 cent tip.

Self-guided tour of Before Sunrise locations in Vienna:

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/before-sunrise-location-map-celine-jesse-vienna/

http://surprisetours.at/1477/before-sunrise-film-tour-vienna/

[VIENNA: local spots] Before Sunrise locations tour

Yes, you're right.
I am a big fan of that movie.
Of course, I like two sequels but Before Sunrise is my all time favorite.
When I was on the train from Frankfurt to Vienna,
I have to admit that I had this very slightest expectation or.. fantasy.
10 hour of train ride, and ...

Oh well, movie is just a movie.
Let me just give you the tip to find this charming record shop!



Schallplattenhandlung Teuchtler

How to get here

Just remember to find Starbucks. No wonder why they're so popular all around the world. How useful it is!

1. Get off at Museums Quartier station.

2. Keep walking straight (150 meters), follow the street with MQ on your right.
Street name: Mariahilfer str.
3. Found Starbucks on your left?  Yay! almost there!
4. Turn left at the Starbucks corner.
5. Keep going straight(40 meters) with Vapiano (it's a restaurant) on your left.
6. You'll see the sign of this shop.

(Don't worry if you missed Starbucks somehow.
Walk until you find H&M on your left. 
The shop is on the other side of the block.)

This record shop is where Jesse and Celine were secretly staring at each other while listening to Kath Bloom's Come Here.

For me, it was one of the most memorable scenes. Maybe it was because of the.. chemistry flowing between this beautiful young couple (not yet a couple but anyway)


           

LP records, CDs: most of them are used
but you can also find new ones.

On the left is the owner of this shop.
He was kind enough to show me the backyard
where the music booth was installed for the movie.
The booth is so long gone,
but he is still there :)

Self-guided tour of Before Sunrise locations in Vienna:

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/before-sunrise-location-map-celine-jesse-vienna/

http://surprisetours.at/1477/before-sunrise-film-tour-vienna/

[BUDAPEST: hostel] Zsofi's house

 1. How to get there 

words of warning here: From my experience, it was difficult to find people fluent in English on streets. If you show them a map, it is 50% likely that they will give you the wrong direction. (with confidence!)
It happened to me THREE times on a HOT SUNNY day of arrival. After 15 minutes of walking, I found a nice girl to tell me that this was the opposite of river direction... gosh

So, just follow the direction below. It is easier than u think.

From 'Nyugati palyaudvar', 
take the exit says 'Szent Istvan krt'.
Go straight toward the river 
until you see a theater building on your right.

comedy theater 

There, cross the street to the left side.
You will see 'CIB bank'.









Now, look carefully for a black door that has 'Zsofi's house' sticker on it. 
Found it? You're there! Press 35 + call. 

 2. Characterization 

- Building: big flats where ordinary people in Budapest live. Zsofi is renting one of them.

- Rooms: I stayed 5 nights in the female dorm. Compared to two other very spacious mixed rooms, it is less than half a size of them. For me, it was just for sleeping, so the size didn't really matter. It was still neat and clean.
Bring 'EAR PLUGS' if you are sensitive to noises at night. 
All rooms have windows facing the main road, where trams run 24/7.

one female dorm room: not big, not so small

two mixed dorm rooms: very very spacious!

- What is good?:  Even when guests are around, this place is so quiet! like magic. I once had a talk with Zsofi over breakfast in the morning. She said that it was what she wanted to create.
Whether you are a solo traveler or in a group of 4~5, if you are looking for a hostel to relax and feel like home, this is one of the best.

Not sociable atmosphere. People in the big rooms were traveling in groups, so they just mingle inside their rooms. Definitely not a place for party people.

(there are heaven like hostels for party animals: 'Full Moon Hostel' very near this place,  and 'Grandio Party Hostel' near Grand Synagogue in Astoria.I've been to the second one and wow...  I won't say anymore.)

Frankfurt

1. Free walking tour
http://www.frankfurtonfoot.com/about-us

2.