Travel Guide to Vienna, Austria

The history of Vienna has more than 3000 years. During the rule of the Habsburg Dynasties the city became the capital and its imperial elegance exists only due to this dynasty. Vienna is the world famous music center. A lot of talented musicians lived and worked there: Mozart, Beethoven, Hayden, Schubert, Brahms and many others. It's also the city of the legendary Vienna Boys' Choir and various musical events, such as the New Year Concert or the Annual Ball in the Vienna Opera House.

The architecture of Vienna contains all the basic styles starting from gothic and Renaissance and ending with postmodernism. The old Ruprechtskirche of the Roman style, gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral – the symbol of Austria and Vienna, the Karlskirche – all they create an unforgettable look of the city. Modern style is also noticeable in Vienna: the Karlsplatz station, Secession, the Kirche am Steinhof by Otto Wagner.

Vienna is the magnificence and luxury with ancient motifs. Vienna is the city of music and great musicians. Vienna is the city of fiacre and dancing white studs. Vienna is a delicious coffee and well-known apple strudel. In one word, Vienna is.. Vienna is a city, where you should live for a while, in spite of having a quick glance at all the sights. The city is so fascinating and bewitching, just like music, smell of coffee, horses' clip-clop on the cobblestone pavement, the small of mulled wine and fir before Christmas...

Vienna can boast of a large number of marvelous historic buildings, such as St Stephen's Cathedral or the incredible Belvedere. Besides that, in Vienna you'll find plenty of cozy parks, opera houses and museums. In this city can always have rest, listening to the wonderful music by Bach or Strauss. You should also visit the Spanische Hofreitschule, so as to see the amazing white horses gracefully moving under the pleasant music of Vienna.

And that's not even a part of all the Vienna. With time the city turned into a fashion center with lots of modern entertainment facilities (they are mainly situated around the Ringschtrasse and at the banks of the Danube. To get acquainted with the city in a more calm way you can hire a bicycle. In this case, it'll be a nice idea to go to the Prater Park. In the evening you can have fun at the numerous clubs.

The Hofburg Imperial Palace. The enormous palace complex includes the Hofburg Imperial Palace, which used to belong to the Habsburgs. Locating in the centre of Vienna, this white palace just can't be left unnoticed. Time passed and the complex was enlarged and reconstructed. One of the most fascinating places in the palace is its treasury, where they keep the royal jewellery.

The Spanische Hofreitschule. The Spanische Hofreitschule is the oldest riding house in the world. It's a part of the Hofburg Palace. It was founded during the rule of the Habsburg Dynasties. All the week the beautiful white studs are trained by the jockeys in the ancient costumes. For several months a year you can visit the fantastic show, which has the history of more than four centuries. You'd better buy the tickets in advance. At the other time you can visit the repetitions by buying a ticket right at the entrance.

The Belvedere. The Belvedere is a romantic park with ponds, waterfalls and two palaces. You should visit the Upper Belvedere, where take place some museums. In 1955 in the large ball hall they set their hands on the document that declare the independence of Austria (after the Second World War for another 10 years Austria was not independent). This way Vienna just like Berlin was shared by the allies. And it's surprising that this fact is not well known in the world.

The Schonbrunn Palace. The Schonbrunn Palace is the summer Habsburgs' palace. It's surely of the most fascinating buildings in Vienna. It'll take you a little time to get there by underground. Long time ago on the place, where nowadays stands the Schonbrunn Palace, used to stand some other palaces and buildings. The palace was rebuilt for man times. At present day it can boast of 1441 rooms of various sizes and functions. On the territory of the palace also take place marvelous gardens.

St Stephen's Cathedral. St Stephen's Cathedral is the biggest and the most luxurious gothic cathedral in Austria. In 1147 the first church was built. Later the cathedral was enlarged. It length is 107 meters, width – 34 meters. The height of the southern Steffl gates is 136 meters. If to get upwards by 343 stairs, you'll find yourself in the tower with a fantastic view on the city.

Vienna will surprise you with its cooking talents. Along with the well-known schnitzel-restaurant 'The Filgmueller', you'll find a great number of fashionable cafes and posh restaurants with delicatessen from al the corners of the world.

Read more about Vienna:
Restaurants and cuisine in Vienna
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Vienna
Nightlife and attractions in Vienna
Preparing for Vienna: Advices
Vienna photogallery