Vienna

Michaelerplatz 1 (visitor center)

First mentioned in a document dated 1572, it is the only equestrian institute in the world which follows a Renaissance model of classical schooling.

directly at subway stop U3 Gasometer

To see the combination of new modern with old historic architecture, visit the gasometers that have been revitalized from gas-tanks to new multi-functional buildings.

The subway line U4 goes to the stop Schönbrunn. Trams 10 and 60 stop at "Schloss Schönbrunn", as well as the bus line 10A.· Moderate

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. It is the ultimate palace experience in Vienna, because the Habsburg summer palace can be found here. It is comparable in grandeur to Versailles and is definitely a must-see in Vienna.

facing the sculpture in the center of the square, the entrance is small and easy to miss, on the left hand wall of the square

Yet another example of the gruesome divide-and-conquer burial strategy of the Habsburg dynasty. It is said that other dynasties waged countless wars to acquire new lands, but "you, happy Austria, marry".

U-Bahn U1, U2, U4 Karlsplatz· Cheap

Architect Josef Maria Olbrich built this Jugendstil (German-style Art Nouveau) building 1897-98 as a display space for artists working in the new Secession artistic movement.

Josefsplatz 1

Card catalogs may be an anachronism in today’s digital world, but this library had the first one in existence, invented by the Habsburg court librarian.

U1/U3 Stephansplatz· Cheap

Yet another patchwork of architectural styles, but predominantly Gothic. None of the original construction remains, the oldest extant sections are the thirteenth century Giant Gate (Riesentor) and Towers of the Heathens (Heidentürme), both…

U2/U3 Volkstheater, tram D, 1, 2, 46, 49, bus 2A, 57A Burgring Maria-Theresien-Platz Stop· Moderate

One of the world's greatest art museums and in a palace that is a work of art itself. Serious art fans may wish to devote more than a day to its treasures. There is no other word to describe the Kunst other than mind-boggling.

Tram D, stop Belvedere· Moderate

Intended as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, was outside the city walls. Its two palace segments, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, later became the permanent home of the Austrian Gallery.

U1, tram O, 5, 21 Praterstern, S1-S3, S7, S15 Wien Nord· Free

This large park began life as a carriage-riding area for the nobility, and is still a popular place to spend a weekend afternoon with family.

Opernring 2

Probably the most-beloved symbol of Viennese arts, and one of the first buildings to be rebuilt in the postwar era. It was built from 1861-1869 under the direction of architects Eduard van der Nüll and August von Siccardsburg for…

Palais Augarten, Leopoldstadt

Founded at the pleasure of the Habsburgs. On 20 July 1498, Emperor Maximilian decided to hire six singing boys, the first permanent boys choir attached to the court.

U2 Messe/Prater or Krieau

Run by Reed Exhibitions, who operate fairgrounds throughout Austria, Vienna's fairgrounds are not as known for major events as the ones in Frankfurt, Munich or Hannover, but still play host to many events important to the Austrian, Central…

Linke Wienzeile 6

This historic theater was founded by Emanuel Schikaneder (best known as Mozart's librettist for The Magic Flute). The building was designed by Franz Jäger, and completed in 1801.

Bus 92A from metro stations Kaisermühlen (U1) or Donaustadtbrücke (U2) until Schüttauplatz; from mid-May to late Aug free shuttle bus ("Bäderbus") from U1 Kaisermühlen· Cheap

The Gänsehäufel is the biggest open air beach in Vienna, and is operated by the city. You can lie on the grass, swim in the Old Danube or swimming pools including a wave basin and a water slide.

Musikvereinplatz 1

Home to the Vienna Philharmonic, and venue for a wide range of other classical music performances. Its largest hall, the Großer Musikvereinssaal (Goldener Saal) is considered to be one of the world's finest concert halls.

Kärntner Ring 12 (ticket office)

Considered one of the world's best orchestras, subscription tickets are notoriously difficult to get with a waiting list lasting up to 13 years. Individual tickets however are available in limited numbers online from the Musikverein (where…

Universitätsring 2· Cheap

The building was completed in 1888 and is home to one of the most respected German-language theaters, as well as the second-oldest theater in Europe.

Kärntner Straße 41

The casino is at Palais Esterhàzy, on the famous Kärtner Strasse near the Opera and is operated by state-owned Casinos Austria. In addition there are several poker casinos (e.g.

access via U1 Donauinsel, U2 Donaustadtbrücke, U6 Neue Donau or tramway 31

This island was built for flood protection and separates the artificial Neue Donau (New Danube) canal from the Donau (Danube). It offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, including canoeing, waterskiing, cycling, and swimming.

Kärntner Durchgang 10

Built in 1908, this small bar was designed by Adolf Loos and inspired by his stay in the US from 1893-1896, and will delight fans of Art Deco. Famous for its architecture and interior decoration, it is a time warp of Vienna from 1908 when…

Wollzeile 38· Moderate

A very nice restaurant that specialises in beef (claimed to be only local and from trusted farmers) and has some flavour of traditional Austrian cuisine.

a few blocks East of Mariahilferstrasse

An excellent Biergarten. They serve their own brews, which are all excellent. There is the usual assortment of bar food, friendly staff, and outdoor seating underneath an old linden tree in the middle of a hidden courtyard.

U2/U4 Schottenring, exit Augartenbrücke

You have not been to Vienna if you have not been to the Flex, particularly if you are younger than thirty. The meeting point of the off-mainstream, bohemian, artsy people.

U6 Nußdorfer Straße

This lounge bar serves experimental cocktails by trained keepers. The cocktails are very laboriously mixed. Very friendly service. From the outside the bar is almost not noticeable, but elongates towards the interior.

Franziskanerplatz 3

As the name suggests, this café is rather small. It was created by architect Hermann Czech during the 1970s for notable Austrian actor Hanno Pöschl, who still owns it.

Praterstrasse 1· Expensive

The spectacular Sofitel, towering over the Donaukanal is one of the few tall buildings with direct view of the Innere Stadt and the towers of Stephansdom.

Praterstrasse 72, Leopoldstadt· Expensive

Formerly the Hotel Nordbahn, this is a good, friendly hotel and also the birthplace of Max Steiner, perhaps the most legendary of the pioneer film composers.

U3/tram 71 - Zippererstrasse· Expensive

The modern hotel is easily discernible by its unusual lime green facade and is suitably modern and striking inside as well, even if not quite luxurious.

U1 Vorgartenstrasse· Moderate

Not to be confused with the regular Novotel in the same district, the Suite Novotel offers fully furnished apartments with a mini-kitchenette suitable for longer stays.

Handelskai 269

The Hilton's name is absolutely correct, as it is the part of Vienna's waterfront. Vienna faces away from the Danube, so when staying there you are not really close to anything but the river.

Simmering· Expensive

Billing itself as a "budget design hotel", it gives a truthful and complete introduction. This is a full-fledged hotel, much more than just rooms, it has been contemporarily designed inside and out, and its prices and standards can be…