Vienna
Overview
Vienna, Vienna!
It is often said that a true Viennese waltz requires two simultaneous movements – moving the body only waist downwards and keeping the upper half ramrod straight. Complicated as that might sound, it reflects everything about Vienna - right from the dance to the city’s culture, its history and the delicious duality of ‘here and now’ and ‘old world charm’ in its everyday life. There are two ‘Viennas’ you see when you travel to the cultural capital of Europe – one is a twentieth century city with all the trappings of urban modernity and the other is a traditional city that is seeped in its storied history and rich heritage. Not many cities in the world can boast of both these characteristics and it is this heady mix that makes tourists from all over the globe travel to Vienna year after year.

Vienna is a tourist’s delight with its beautiful museums, architectural heritage, and the Hapsburg legacy visible in Hofburg as well as buildings and art galleries across the city. There is so much to do and see in Vienna that one visit can only perhaps, scratch the surface. If you see the Opera one time you would have missed half of Hofburg or a couple of museums in Museumsquartier. There would always be one little café tucked away in the old city that you didn’t go to and one more hour that you could have spent boating in the Danube.
There would always be a reason to come back to Vienna, but for your first visit, here is all that defines Vienna…read on!
Vienna through the centuries
Adjudged the fourth best place to live in the world by the Mercer’s Overall quality of life survey in 2006 and accredited UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vienna or Wien, is one of the most intriguing cities in Europe.

Ruins of Vindobona at Michaelerplatz
Once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Vienna or Vindobona was founded around 500 BC and was originally a Celtic settlement. However, the Danube Valley area is supposed to have been inhabited for thousands of years before the arrival of the Celts as evidenced in the Venus of Willendorf – a fertility statuette discovered during the construction of Wachau Railway in 1906. The statuette which is nearly 25,000 years old is on display at the Vienna Natural History Museum, one of the most visited places in the city.

Venus of Willendorf, Naturhistorisches Museum
Before becoming the seat of power of the Babenberg Dynasty during the middle ages, Vienna helped the Roman Empire guard against Germanic tribes attacking its flanks from the North. The Roman camp of Vindobona was installed around AD 9 and occupied the area which is known today as the Innere Stadt, bordered by Graben, Tiefer Graben, Ruprechtskirche and Rotenturmstrasse. The Babenberg Family ruled Vienna as dukes from 976- 1248 AD before the rise of the House of Habsburg.

Babenberger Stammbaum, 1489-1492, Central part of the tryptych
In 1440 AD Vienna became the home of the Habsburg Dynasty eventually growing to the status of the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and a cultural hub for fine arts. The confrontations with the Ottoman armies during the 16th and 17th centuries introduced the city to coffee, an inclusion that will later become the foundation of Vienna’s famous Café Culture.
When in 1804, Vienna became the capital of the Austrian Empire; the city had already seen a spate of rulers from originating from different cultures and the new city reflected this amalgamation in its architecture, arts as well as religion and politics. This multi-layered Vienna, as we know it today, is the destination tourists flock to looking for aesthetic satisfaction. That most want to return over and over again is evidence enough that they find what they come looking for.
Chasing the Blue Danube
The best time to be there
Situated on the banks of the famous river Danube, Vienna is a tourist’s delight. The delight lessens dramatically if you don’t time your visit well for if the January tourist finds himself fighting the chill, the ones who thought summer months of July and August would be safer find themselves poorer for having second guessed the climate! So, the best time to go to Vienna is June or September. That perhaps limits the tourist season but many tourists still brave the elements and go to this beautiful city when they can.

The Frozen Danube River
However, playing it by the weather has its benefits as the peak months allow you to see the Lipizzaners and the Boy’s Choir and a whole host of other events. But then, this is Vienna and not a month goes by without an event being the central motif here so despite the vagaries of the weather, people go to Vienna the year round.
Still, it would help to know what you are letting yourself in for in a particular month. If nothing, you would at least pack right. So, if you are planning your trip from January to May, expect the temperatures to be anywhere between -5 and +10 degrees. It can get colder during the early months of the year and you must take appropriate sartorial measures. You would encounter the hottest days in June and July when the temperatures soar to 25 degrees or more and swim wear would be sorely missed if not packed. Although, Austrians are by and large conservative in their everyday dealings, they have contrastingly liberal attitudes towards public nudity. So, maybe, don’t pack a swim suit; you could do without it!
How to arrive
If Pigs had wings!
Getting to Vienna
Getting to Vienna is a matter of getting SCHENGEN Visa and buying tickets on any of the major European airlines. Several international carriers also fly to Austria and the Vienna International Airport would be the first you would see of the city. More information on air travel to Vienna can be found here.
If you have time on your hands then don’t miss out on the scenic beauty of the country and take a train ride into Vienna from any major European city. Vienna is well connected to cities like Amsterdam, Bucharest, Sofia, Belgrade, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, Moscow, Kiev, Milan, Warsaw, Cracow, Prague, Rijeka, Koper, Rome and Venice. An overnight journey is required from several of these places but the scenery out of your window more than makes up for the time.
You can also drive to Vienna from anywhere in Europe and enjoy the countryside traveling on Austrian highways called ‘Autobahns’ that terminate and originate in Vienna. Two important things to remember while driving on Austrian highways are:
Keep to the stated speed limits on highways (130 Km/h), in towns (50 Km/h) and on major roads (100 Km/h).
Don’t forget to buy a Highway Toll Sticker (not having one could result in serious fines) available easily at gas/petrol stations.
Vienna is also accessible to the budget traveler by bus. Eurolines is the main operator and most buses stop at an easy entry point for Vienna.
Waltzing around Vienna
How to get about the city

Vienna metro – S-Bahn & U-Bahn
There are several ways to move around Vienna and get to different city attractions; shopping areas etc. The city has a good public transport system in place that includes trains, underground metro, trams and buses. The most popular mode is of course the subway system which is fast and very efficient. Get a one-person Wochenkarte (a week ticket covering all means of transport) costing about €14 for traveling around the city.
Trams and buses are also a good traveling option as they are comfortable, economical and quite punctual. The same can be said of the rail system and night buses. If you're staying in Vienna for a few days and plan to do lots of sight-seeing or shopping, then buying a Vienna Card for €18.50 (Wien Karte) is a good deal. Available at the airport, hotels, and underground stops, Wien Karte gets you unlimited use of public transport in the city for 72 hours as well as discounts at the major museums, art galleries and even several shops.
A room to wake up in
Staying in Vienna can get astronomical if you have the money for it; it can also be brought right down to the middle of the street if you are willing to explore your options. In all, Vienna has some of the choicest hotels in Europe that are pointed at different kinds of budgets. All you have to do is look around and of course, book in advance because Vienna is a busy tourist destination and rooms get sold very quickly.

Inside Hotel Imperial
Here are some of the best hotels in Vienna you must consider –
Hotel Imperial – Hotel Imperial is an extravagance that will eat up your inheritance and flush out your bank balance in one go. Built in 1863, Imperial is the most expensive, luxurious, opulent hotel in Vienna that has played host to heads of states, celebrities and royalty. Try it if you have all that tinkles in the bank vault because the experience is unique.
Das Triest – One of Vienna's most stylish hotels, Das Triest started life as a stagecoach station about 300 years ago. Redesigned in 1995 by Sir Terence Conran, it mixes cutting-edge Italian style with the building’s original features to produce a breathtaking effect.
Mailberger Hof- Mailberger Hof is one for peace in the hallways – so you can sleep all you want after a night out on town which is easily accessible sine Mailberger is nearly in the center of the city. Choose one from 40 rooms in this Baroque Palace that has attracted the likes of opera stars and celebrities.
Koenig von Ungarn - Translated into plain English it would mean - King of Hungary – and this charming hotel set in a 16-century townhouse really is a king in itself. For one it is right next to the house where Mozart wrote the Marriage of Figaro. If that doesn’t fluff you up, the hotel’s professional outlook, its ambience, excellent service and the glass-roofed central courtyard certainly will.
Hotel Bristol – If you are going to Vienna on business then Bristol is the place for you. Everything about the place spells efficiency, the staff is helpful and the rooms well suited to conducting business. While here give a shot to the hotel’s elegant restaurant - Korso bei der Oper.
Hotel Karntnerhof - Hotel Karntnerhof is another option worth looking at, especially if you are traveling to Vienna with family. A short walk from most city attractions, this one is very child friendly, has well appointed rooms and is very affordable.
Pension Pertschy - Easy to overlook, the Pertschy is one of the best cheaper options in Vienna and prices include a full Viennese breakfast buffet. Central, comfortable and great value, it has friendly, helpful staff, and children and pets are welcome. The inner rooms overlook a central courtyard; the newer ones are on the top floor at the front.
Other hotels with potential are:
Hotel Royal – set in the heart of Old Vienna, less than a block from the cathedral, this one has seen a solid renovation drive in the early eighties and is today a popular tourist haunt. With comfortable, well-appointed rooms, this one is one of the classiest mid-range hotels in Vienna.
Hotel-Pension Suzanne lies in the center of the city, close to the Opera and offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere to its customers. The Pension is very affordable and offers comfortable rooms that leave little to be desired by way of service and efficiency. Another Pension worth exploring is Alstadt Vienna near the busy Mariahilferstrasse. The hotel is as elegant as they come dressed as a pension, the service is good and discreet, and the rooms are well decorated, comfortable and efficient.
Restaurants
The Great Viennese Eat Out
Vienna’s coffee culture is well known and just as coffee is a national obsession, so is fine cuisine and there isn’t a district in Vienna where you wouldn’t find an eater of some repute. However, if you had your mind set on sampling the top of the heap, you wouldn’t miss Steirereck – one of the most talked-about eateries in Austria and one that in no uncertain terms gives you the classic Viennese fine dining experience. Although every dish on the menu (it changes every day!) is a show-stealer, starters such as caviar-semolina dumpling with grilled goose liver, and mains of asparagus with pigeon or prime Styrian roast beef are the ones to murder for. The restaurant also has a fine selection of wines. Located in Landstrasse, Steirereck demands a prior reservation.
Another epicurean delight from Vienna is the Griechenbeisl (left) the oldest guesthouse in the city that started in 1450. Located Fleischmarkt Griechenbeisl has tempted the likes of Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Mark Twain and today has a revered spot on every tourist’s check list. Try it for its vintage value and delectable classic Viennese cuisine. Indochine 21 is a French/Vietnamese fusion place with a touch of elegant colonial style and very popular for its delicious seafood, fish and meat dishes. The bar and the lounge area are arresting in their beauty and the cocktails are quite wickedly innovative. Look up and you’ll see the ceiling fans whirring away as if in some remote Viet moffusil town – a good investment if you are going to be in Stubenring.
Expedit started out life as a textile warehouse and was reborn in the later 20th century as one of Vienna's most stylish restaurants. Modelled on an Italian osteria, Expedit is famous for its meat, fish and vegetarian dishes and is a great people to catch some celebrities buzzing in and out its doors. Remember to book ahead before going to Wiesingerstrasse’s best kept secret.
“Stomach” may be one of Vienna’s most alternative restaurants but it is worth a visit to see where do artists and actors go when they get hungry! If you can get over the slightly worn out façade of the building, you are in for a treat with one of the best menus in Vienna. Sidle up to a good seat quickly and order Tafelspitz with boiled egg, chives and pumpkin seed oil... don’t forget to make reservations as the place fills up really fast.
Like we said before, Vienna loves its coffee and has so many of them tattooed across the city that it would be very confusing for a tourist to decide which ones to go to for some great coffee and good memories. We would push you towards the Café Hawelka on Dorotheergasse, a regular haunt of the artsy crowd or the Central on Herrengrasse to catch a glimpse of the literati getting a cuppa; had you been here a few decades earlier you could catch Trotsky playing chess!
A very kitschy, touristy, but absolutely heavenly one is Café Mozart (right) in Albertinaplatz, which had a central role to play in the movie The Third man. Try it, if only to be able to claim you had been there. However, if you want to experience a proper Viennese Coffee House and sample heavenly little cakes, go to Demel in Kohlmarkt and for the best breakfast in town get up early and land at The Naschmarkt Deli in Naschmarkt.
For a tasty bite in the Museumsquartier try the lavishly tiled Una and for a cheap, traditional dish try Reinthaler's in Gluckgasse. Trzesniewski in Dorotheergasse is a wonderful sandwich bar, while the giant schnitzels served in Zu den Zwei Leisln at Burggasse are hot favorites among students, tourists and celebrities.
The Schweizerhaus on Strasse des Ersten Mai is famed for its massive shady trees, Schweinsstelze (roasted pork hocks) and beer from the barrel. Soho on Am Josefsplatz in the National Library has excellent food at canteen prices.
You cannot come back from Vienna without a visit to a Heuriger, a traditional wine tavern. The best is undoubtedly Heuriger Gobel on Stammersdorfer Kellergasse and also worth visiting is the Palmenhaus in Burggarten, a spectacular restaurant that offers lavish high teas as well as food and cocktails.
A Night on Town
… Or How Vienna Rocks

Staatsoper, print 1917
Vienna rocks the world with its opera and taking in a performance at the Staatsoper is ‘the’ thing to do if you are going there. Tickets go from €2 to €250 depending on how good are your planning and organizing skills. But if you find it hard to imagine an evening at the opera without stiff collars, fussy gowns and monocles, try something more contemporary like one of the city’s hardcore dance clubs or lively bars.
Try Hotel Riviera at Schonlaterngasse for happening Italian pop and lounge music or Flex at Am Donaukanal for that racy beat that makes your feet move effortlessly to the dance floor. Keep one evening aside solely for Passage at Burgring – the megaclub for the hip and stylish. For funky, trendy music and a dance floor for the hopeless romantics try Roxy at Operngasse and the Loos Bar for some great late-night drinks. Jazz lovers can find all that heals the soul at Jazzland on Franz-Josefs-Kai.
Things to do
Don’t leave without seeing….
Stephansdom - Known as "Steffl" or Little Stephen to the Viennese, this awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral is literally the center of the city – both physical and spiritual. Situated at the junction of Karntner Strasse and Graben the cathedral offers the most breath taking views of the city from the top of its 553 steps. The cathedral’s oldest portion, the Romanesque Riesentor, is built on the ruins of a 12th century church and has the impressive Heidenturme or the ‘Pagan Towers’, for company. Watch out for the magnificently carved Pilgrim pulpit, the baroque altar, the catacombs and the north tower, which houses Austria's largest bell, the 21 ton Pummerin.

Hofburg – Hofburg is the enormous Imperial Palace complex that dominates the sightseeing-scape of Vienna. Once ground zero of the Hapsburgs, Hofburg displays the opulence and power associated with this dynasty and is a must see. Hofburg was the epicenter of the Hapsburgs from 1279 to 1918 and every emperor to have ruled Austria during these six centuries has left an indelible impression on the palace complex in the form of fantastic buildings and architectural details. While here, concentrate on the world famous Spanische Reitschule with its Lipizzaner horses; also see the Burgkapelle, where the Vienna Boys' Choir sings Sunday Mass.
Other sights to see in the Palace complex are the Kaiserappartements which were once occupied by Franz Josef I and Empress Elisabeth, the Weltliche und Geistliche Schatzkammer or the Secular and Sacred Treasury that houses the Hapsburg’s awe inspiring (and blinding!) of gold, the Royal Jewels, including a 2,860 carat Colombian emerald, and religious icons. Make some time to visit the erstwhile guest apartments – the Albertina – that is home to a wonderful collection of prints, drawings and paintings by masters such as Durer and Schiele.

Kunsthistorisches Museum – The Museum of Art History or The Kunsthistorisches Museum and its associated museums will enthrall you with their huge collection of art and treasures amassed by the Hapsburgs. This collection is ranked top of the heap in Europe. Pay special attention to the building itself to see the fabulous murals created by Gustav Klimt and his brother Ernst. The museum is way too overwhelming to be seen in just one visit but don’t leave without a trip to rooms XIII and XIV for the paintings of Peter Paul Reubens, a look at the ground floor for its Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections and the first floor for paintings by some of the greatest artists produced by Europe - Bruegel, Durer, Rembrandt, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and Velazquez.
Museumsquartier – the Museumsquartier was opened in 2001 and has since become quite a rage with tourists. Housed in what used to be the imperial stables, Museumsquartier is a humongous complex, choc-o-bloc with galleries, museums, shops and cafés, and the open-air Haupthof – ‘the’ place in Vienna to gawk at people and just enjoy the weather. Don’t miss out on Zoom, a wonderful children’s museum and MUMOK or the Museum of Modern Art. Also make time for the Leopold Museum, Vienna's principal contemporary gallery, which includes a soul – satisfying collection of work by Egon Shiele and Gustav Klimt. Don’t leave without getting some fab coffee at the excellent Café Leopold.

Schloss Schonbrunn - Schloss Schonbrunn, the Imperial summer palace, is perhaps most famous for Schlosspark – the extremely well-kept estate that is supposed to be larger than Monaco! You simply can’t leave without having been to the zoo – the oldest in the world, the palm house the very quaint and very charming Café Gloriette. You could also take a tour of the palace which includes a visit to the private apartments and the Hall of Mirrors, where in 1792 the child Mozart played for the royal family.
Other city attractions that round up a good tour of Vienna are: Karlskirche, the Giant wheel – one of Vienna’s most recognizable symbols and the Belvedere. Spend an evening at The Vienna State Opera and if you are there during the Christmas and New Year Holidays, try to catch the New Year Concert for some great music.
Spend some time at the Natural History Museum – the third largest in the world, climb up the massive St. Stephen’s Cathedral for a heart-stopping view of the city, conduct an orchestra at the Haus der Musik – an interactive high tech museum housed in the former Palais of Archduke Charles or spend a quiet afternoon at the Austrian National Library – there is so much to do and see in this beautiful city that one trip is unlikely to let you come back satisfied.
Shopping In Style
Shopping in Vienna is a very soul-satisfying experience. Try spending an afternoon at the “Innere – Stadt” or the inner city and you’ll know what we mean. If you stroll around in the narrow cobbled streets and hidden alleys you would find yourself in front of an impressive offering of stylish boutiques and designer shops that make for a very exclusive shopping experience. For a more chilled out shopping experience try the pedestrian markets at Karntner Strasse and Graben and for the Oxford Street feel get to Mariahilfer Strasse – the longest shopping street in Vienna. Watch out for two department stores here –

Gerngross
Gerngross and the EuroCenter. You can also find a good variety of restaurants and cafes in this area.
If designer wear is your thing, head to Kohlmarkt, a great place for some ‘designer retail therapy’ with all the biggies like Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton making an appearance. For vintage clothing try Neubaugasse – a world in itself, lined with quaint, unusual shops. Owing to the fact that Vienna values its historic building a lot, there isn’t enough space in the city for “Mall of America” like malls. However, if you trot off to Ringstrassengalerien in downtown Vienna you can find a lot of good stores that mix and match the traditional Viennese takeaways with modern stuff.
Naschmarkt is Vienna’s huge open-air food market and is undoubtedly, the city's most colourful market. This is the place to find the best specialist food stalls and eateries in town. Also try shopping at the Brunnenmarkt for a good oriental style experience and the Alt Weiner Flohmarkt or flea market in Kettenbruckengasse on Saturdays for some unexpected bargains.
Josefstadter Strasse in the 8th district is the traditional Viennese high street, full of little shops selling everything from flowers to kitchen utensils. Another worth it place can be found at Meinl am Graben (Kohlmarkt), Vienna's finest and most elegant grocery. Don’t walk out without some well-deserved lunch at the restaurants upstairs.
One fine day
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at The Naschmarkt Deli in Naschmarkt – also a great place for catching the early morning sights, sounds and smells of the city. Walk it or bus it to Steffl for an early morning audience with Lord. Soak in the beautiful details of this Gothic cathedral’s marvelous architecture before walking out to Hofburg – the center of everything Hapsburg for nearly six centuries. The whole complex is simply un-do-able in a single day and there is a lot you have to do, so concentrate on the Weltliche und Geistliche Schatzkammer or the Secular and Sacred Treasury for the Hapsburg’s startling collection of gold and Imperial Jewels. Pay special attention to the Colombian Emerald; it is a 2,860 carat original beauty.
Spend a couple of hours in Museumsquartier’s Leopold museum (left) marveling at the beauty of works by Egon Shiele and Gustav Klimt. Spend another hour at the Museum of Modern Art before you step in to the well placed Café Leopold for you are going to need a coffee now like never before.
Give a miss to all the designer boutiques and specialty stores for a few hours of bliss at the Alt Weiner Flohmarkt or flea market in Kettenbruckengasse. Knowing that you can bargain makes shopping even more therapeutic! Wrangle some good bargains here and then rest your feet on the well-kept grass at the Schlosspark while sipping more coffee at the Café Gloriette. Return home to park your shopping and rejuvenate for the evening. Get the most delectable for dinner at the Expedit before putting on your dancing shoes to go to Passage at Burgring.
You will be exhausted by the time you hit the bed but still raving for more, we guarantee it.
Tips
The Secret Vienna
Vienna has long been a preferred tourist destination and reams have been written about where to go and what to see. However, the real Vienna is the one seen only through the eyes of one who has the luxury of time and the spirit of discovery. This is not to say you should give Vienna’s excellent museums and parks a miss- they are an architectural and aesthetic delight that shouldn’t be missed at any cost – but to really absorb the essence of this wonderful city, try the un-chartered course. For instance, try stopping by the Easter Market at Vienna’s Am Hof Plaza in the first district near the Stephansdom Cathedral.
It is one of the oldest Easter markets in Vienna (left) and specializes in breathtaking antiques like handmade jewelry and folk clothing, antique tools, coins and toys. Faithful to its name, the Easter Market also sells unique, hand decorated eggs and other Easter decorations. Don’t leave without trying some of the traditional Austrian snacks like dark bread slices topped with ham and delectable spreads that are sold by the few food stalls in the market.
As most tourists do, you would undoubtedly want to take the train to the city center as soon as you arrive at Swechat International Airport. Resist that temptation and instead take a bus ride to the National Park Lobau (below) which hems the airport to the North and is just a short trip away.

This is one of the last few ‘un-touristy’ spots in Vienna and is almost a secret. The Danube flows unfettered by canals in this area and drains its pristine marshlands, swamps and meadows with the autumn that. Autumn is a riot of color and local people would tell you it is the best time to take a walk in the park and feel the drugging effect of its beauty…you can take on the museums later.
The Travels – Booking Tip Genie
General
If you take a taxi from the airport to the city centre, choose one of the airport companies as they charge a cheaper flat rate.
Tipping is expected, even on drinks and adding around 10 per cent of the total value of your bill is a good enough tip.
Although Vienna is one of the safest cities in the world, try staying away from parks and such in the evenings; also later in the night is the best time to stick to the city center
Pick pockets are common in crowded areas and public transport – so be aware of who comes uncomfortably close to you
Families

Rathauspark in Innere Stadt
The bulk of Vienna's top attractions are either inside Innere Stadt or within 10 minutes of it and walking it is the best way to see it all…taking a cab around would be too expensive and a bus would take too much time
If you are doing a lot of sightseeing in a short period is it worth buying a Wienkarte - Vienna Card, €18.50 (£12.60) - which provides 72 hours of unlimited travel, plus discounts on selected museums, galleries, cafes and shops.
Nearly 84% of Viennese own dogs and a small fractions is bothered by doggy ‘business’ lying unattended on the ground. So be careful, especially if there are small children in the group
Get the cheapest sit-down meals at the university canteens in the Innere Stadt, that are open to everyone
Lange Nacht de Museen on the first Saturday in October is the one night of the year when 500 or more museums across the country open their doors to visitors between 6pm and 1am. A € 12 ticket gets you access to all of them plus free public transport.
Visit the Akademie der Bildenden Kunste or the Academy of Fine Arts – this is one that turned down aspiring artist Adolph Hitler! Watch out for the alterpiece - The Last Judgement, by Hieronymus Bosch.
Couples
In summer, rent a boat and picnic on the Alte Donau (Old Danube), where you can also go skating in winter.
See Klimt's Beethoven freize in the Secession.
Follow in Harry Lime's footsteps on a Third Man Tour
Go for a sauna at Kaiserbrundl
Time your visit to coincide with the Vienna Ball Season – you would be transported back into the world of Fred Astaire and Cyd Charrise!
Recommendations
Frommer’s recommends a stay at the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz, the erstwhile private home of the Coburg dynasty for its posh suites and the overall experience of living in a place full of grandeur an opulent decoration.
The Lonely Planet Guide suggests taking the Cityrama tour that takes you to full and half day trips to Vienna and other attractions close by.
The Guardian would want you to be in Vienna every Christmas and enjoy the true spirit of the season
Vienna virtual Tour
If you want to explore Vienna from your computer, you can do this downloading this files to use with Google Earth software:
Vienna virtual tour part 1 (kmz file)
Vienna virtual tour part 2 (kmz file)