Treat yourself to a trip for world-class culture
Visit one of the most captivating cities in Europe and let yourself be drawn into its colourful world of exhibitions, concerts, museums, parks and long, very long promenades scented with coffee and chocolate cake.
Vienna in winter: a magnificent city that breathes Advent
The beautiful Christmas markets are the byword for Vienna in winter. Soak up the Advent atmosphere, taste the excellent punch and try skating under the brightly lit city hall. A short way on, board a tram and set off towards the extensive Museum Quarter. You will find one of the most important museum collections in the world here, and just across the street the imperial Hofburg and the Albertina gallery with top-class art exhibitions. Carry on past the state opera house as far as the central square. Would you like to visit St Stephen's Cathedral, one of the finest monuments in Vienna, or has there been enough culture and you would rather go shopping? Primark is already waiting for you.
Vienna in summer: city parks in bloom, entertainment and culture
When the weather is sunny, take a bike or the metro and set off for Schönbrunn palace. Its extensive park will win you over with a perfect view of the city, and you can also visit the grounds of the oldest zoo in Europe. It keeps rare pandas, and seeing them in the flesh is an experience above all for children. You will win the children over as well with a ride on the big wheel in the multi-purpose Prater, or a visit to the Haus des Meeres sea world with its huge aquariums. At the Belvedere palace, sink back into calm. Walk through the beautiful park and look over the collection of modern Austrian art. An absolute must for everyone who loves the paintings of Gustav Klimt.
Accommodation in the area
As one of the capitals of Europe, Vienna offers the widest choice of accommodation of every type and price level. Inexpensive accommodation of excellent quality can be found in a range of hostels and with many private hosts. You can also choose from a whole array of hotels, among them family Pensionen and luxury five-star hotels.
Typical local food
Food in Vienna delights young and old. Sit down in the renowned Café Hawelka and order a delicious coffee with warm strudel accompanied by a mound of whipped cream. In one of the many stylish restaurants, enjoy Austrian potato salad with an excellent Wiener Schnitzel. It is not Viennese in origin, but it was brought to perfection here. You can also see off your hunger quickly, cheaply and still tastily at the ubiquitous stands - how about a Viennese sausage by the opera, or an excellent grilled Bratwurst?
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