Vienna is the capital city of Austria, and a wonderful mix of traditional and modern things. The city stretches along both sides of the Danube River and is home to some stunning architecture. The historic buildings are often breathtaking, and visitors can truly get a sense of the culture and history of both Vienna and Austria as a whole. Come to Austria prepared to be swept away by the beauty, the grandeur, and the friendly people.



Coffee lovers rejoice

Vienna is the birthplace of the cafe society, so expect to find a large number of cafes where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy a delicious pastry and coffee. Leave your calorie counter at home, though, because you will want to enjoy the strudels and schnitzels guilt free.

Spending some down time in the cafes of Vienna is also a wonderful way to meet and mingle with the Viennese people. They are inevitably friendly and interested in who you are, and are also great sources of information about the best sights to see, the best places to visit, and the restaurants with the best food.

The heart of Vienna

The Ringstrasse is the center and heart of the city. This is where you will find the majority of Vienna's attractions such as St Stephen's Cathedral, a stunning building built all the way back in 1258. The church tower is over 450 feet high and is open for visitors to ascend and enjoy the view. Take your camera, though, because the views from the top are unequalled anywhere else in Vienna.

Nearby, you will discover the Museum of Applied Art and the Naturhistoisches Museum, which houses the oldest existing work of art (Venus of Willendorf). Another historic museum is also close by - the Kunsthistorisches Museum. There you will find priceless works by Bruefel, Rembrandt, Carangid and Titian, as well as Egyptian and Roman antiquities. Even more art can be enjoyed on the far side of the Ringstrasse at Belvedere Palace, specializing in the art-nouveau style.

Major attractions in Vienna

The Hofburg is an area the city that was the site of the Imperial Palace up until 1918. It is an extremely large complex, where you will find the office of the Austrian president, several museums, and the chapel where the world famous Vienna Boys Choir sings. The Imperial Apartments are available for visitors to tour, where you can see the luxurious rooms from the Hapsburg Empire as well as a magnificent collection of silver.

Another memorable attraction in Vienna is the Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule) where the world famous Lipizzaner stallions perform their graceful four legged ballet. These elegant horses were rescued by American troops during World War II, spiriting them away from what would have been certain destruction. The story of this dramatic rescue was made into a movie called "Miracle of the White Stallions."

Getting to Vienna

Vienna is a major European destination so is well served by a number of international air carriers. The Vienna Schwechat International Airport is located just outside the city and there are convenient forms of transportation that can take you in to the city. In most seasons Vienna is easily accessible, but in the winter time there are occasionally delays due to snow and weather. There is no need to worry, though, because the Viennese people have many years of experience making the airport safe for winter arrivals and departures.

Accommodations in Vienna

The accommodations in Vienna are first rate, ranging from luxury hotels to comfortable guesthouses and reasonably priced hostels. There are numerous inns and bed & breakfast operations in and around the city as well, providing excellent opportunities for a very personalized and friendly place to stay while there on vacation. Regardless of the type of amenities you want and need, Vienna will have accommodations to suit you.