Vienna Austria
A City Guide To Vienna.
Tourist Information: www.austria.com
Vienna - the city of classical music and style is one of Europe's grandest imperial cities. It is filled with magnificent Baroque art, architecture and elegant buildings from the 700 years of the Habsburg Empire.
Introduction to Vienna: The Ringstrasse boulevard encircles the old town where you will find the Opera Parliament buildings, the Kunsthistorisches Museum - Vienna's National Gallery Of Art and the Music Museum.
The city's cultural heritage is mainly musical, the great composers like Strauss, Schubert, Brahms, Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart all having lived and performed in the city.
Today the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Opera House offer plenty of classical music performances that helps keep the
the city's musical tradition
and heritage alive.
Sightseeing in Vienna: Most of the city's tourist attractions are within the largely pedestrianised inner city area, which is enclosed by the Ringstrasse, a wide ring road. Further out in the suburbs is the thrilling Prater amusement park with its massive ferris wheel and the opulent Schonbrunn summer palace which is accessible by tram or underground - you can stroll through the magnificent gardens or explore the palace itself. If you're feeling energetic climb to the top of St. Stephens Cathedral for magnificent views of the Danube and the city spread below.
The Hofburg Palace. Known as the Imperial Palace, was home of the Austrian Hapsburgs for about 600 years. The palace houses the Presidential Offices as well as 22 museum, the famous Spanish Riding School and the National Library. A popular tour of the Palace includes the Kaiserappartements or Kaiser's imperial apartments, plus the Royal Chapel where the Vienna Boy's Choir sings Mass every Sunday. For more information on the Hofburg Palace go to the website at: www.hofburg-wien.at
Vienna State Opera. From September to June a great number of performances take place at the State Opera, including operas and operettas to traditional ballets, the Opera House is both romantic and regal. Tickets can be difficult to buy especially for the New Year concert which is held in collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, tickets have to be purchased at least a year in advance. For more information relating to the Vienna State Opera go to:
www.wiener-staatsoper.at
St Stephen's Cathedral. One of the most recognisable features on the Vienna skyline is the tall south tower of St Stephen's Cathedral standing at 136 meters high. The Cathedral is regarded as one of the greatest Gothic structures in Europe. The 12th century building is built of limestone with a distinctive coloured glazed tiled roof. Guided tours of the Cathedral's interior and catacombs are available. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was married in the Cathedral. For further information go the St Stephen's website.
Sightseeing Excursions include:
1. City Tour and Schonbrunn - including the Opera House and Palace.
2. Vienna Woods and Mayerling -
which are home to numerous ancient 'heuringen' (wine taverns).
3.
Take a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Seagrotte. A visit to the Danube valley, followed by a boat ride along the Wachau.
Public Transport in Vienna: Vienna has a very good public transport system consisting of buses, trams, a fast U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (railway).
The tram network is very efficient and is the largest tram network in Europe. Tram transport is quick and safe and is a great way to see the city. Taxis are readily available but are very expensive. Horse-drawn carriages or 'Fiaker' is the most romantic way of getting around the city (they are very expensive, but worth doing as a one off treat).
Vienna Card: Discover the delights of the Austrian capital for less with the Vienna Card. Receive unlimited travel by public transport, special price reductions at sightseeing venues and discounts in shops and restaurants. The pass is valid for 75 hours and costs approximately £18.00.
Vienna Hotels: Vienna is a very accommodating city! Whether you're planning a trip for business or fun, travelling with the family, or looking for a romantic getaway, you'll find a remarkable range of hotel options all within reach of the sights and attractions you most want to visit. Start searching for your next Vienna hotel at Hotel2.co.uk, you will find cheap short breaks and discount hotel rates for many types of hotel, ranging from tourist grades through to 3 and 4 star and luxury accommodation.
Nightlife in Vienna: A short tram ride from the city will take you to the wine village of Grinzing with its numerous Heurigen (wine taverns) guaranteeing lively musical entertainment into the small hours. The choice of restaurants is vast with favorite Viennese specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel, Strudels and Tafelspitz on most menus. There are many wine and beer taverns in the city, famous coffee houses such as Sacher, Central, Landmann are all recommended.
Shopping in Vienna: The main shopping area is the chic pedestrian Karntnerstrasse and on the Mariahilferstrasse. Visit the flea market on the Naschmarket on Saturday mornings for traditional artifacts.
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