Vienna

Vienna is the glorious legacy of the Hapsburg dynasty, which controlled much of Europe for over 600 years. Although it's full of architectural gems and has an impressive musical ancestry, a few years ago the city seemed to be the exclusive preserve of genteel old ladies sipping coffee in Konditorei. Thankfully, Vienna has gained a new role as Austria's ambassador in the united club of Europe. Tradition, culture and vitality now make a heady combination that even listening to the Blue Danube thirty or forty times a day can't seem to ruin.

Sights And Attractions

The Hofburg (Imperial Palace)home to the Habsburg royalty, this truly magnificent palace has 1,440 rooms and halls - constructed with a flair an St Stephens Cathedral d opulence that served as an appropriate backdrop to Mozart's and Salieri's operatic duels.

The Orangery at Schönbrunn Palace hosts classical and chamber music performances in season. A heaven for any culture-vulture, Museum Quartier (MQ) groups together some unmissable artistic centers such as Kunsthalle, Leopold Museum and the extravagant MUMOK (MUseum of MOdern Kunst).

Another must see is the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This gothic structure has been a symbol of the city for the past 800 years. The building is particularly noted for the roof's colorful chevron tiles and the resplendent spire.

Popular Austrian Sightseeing Tours

Shopping

Brand-name boutiques, quality jewelry, and crystal are found on the Kärnterstrasse and Graben, Vienna's two main shopping drags. For retail clothing outlets at more moderate prices try the shops around Mariahilferstrasse.

Vienna Christmas Market

Food

The Viennese cultivate the art of good living and good eating. Local specialties abound, served in restaurants of outstanding quality and unique character, from the intimate beisl to the pavement würstelstand. Food is very reasonably priced, especially when compared to other European capitals, and portions are Germanically huge.

Look out for specialties including tafelspitz (tender boiled beef), Wiener Schnitzel (fine, breaded veal) and gulasch (Goulash) (Hungarian influenced beef stew, spiced with paprika). For dessert seek out the famous Sacher Torte (the Hotel Sacher's perfect chocolate cake, flavoured with apricot jam) and strudel (warm, light pastry encasing fruit or cream cheese). Yum! Cafe Demel

Vienna did not invent the café, or kafeehaus, but the city was the site of its perfection. The kafeehaus serves as a venue for quality lunches invigorating espresso, and late-night drinks.

Café Demel: Sweet, Sweet, and Sweet! Café Demel, or simply Der Demel, is a famous chocolatier in Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 1786. A curiosity is that the waitresses address their patrons in the 3rd person ("He/She wishes"), which is the polite form of address in German.

Location

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Hotels

View the 5 hotels listed in Vienna, Austria