Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Vienna
1 / POP 1.7 MILLION
Why Go?
Few cities in the world glide as effortlessly between the present and the past as Vienna. Its
splendid historical face is easily recognised: grand imperial palaces and bombastic
baroque interiors, museums flanking magnificent squares.
But Vienna is also one of Europe's most dynamic urban spaces. A stone's throw from
Hofburg, the MuseumsQuartier houses some of the world's most provocative contempor-
ary art behind a striking basalt facade. Outside, a courtyard buzzes on summer evenings
with throngs of Viennese drinking and chatting.
The city of Mozart is also the Vienna of Falco (Hans Hölzel), who immortalised its urb-
an textures in song. In this Vienna, it's OK to mention poetry slam and Stephansdom in
one breath.
Throw in an abundance of green space within the city limits and the 'blue' Danube cut-
ting a path east of the historical centre and this is a capital that is distinctly Austrian.
When to Go
»
Vienna has such a strong range of sights and activities that anytime - summer or winter
- is a good time to go.
»
July, August and holidays such as Easter, Christmas and New Year are the most
crowded.
»
Crowds are down in spring and autumn, but weather can be changeable.
»
In summer catch some rays on the Danube and loll about drinking made-on-the-
premises wine in the outdoor gardens of the
Heurigen
(wine taverns).
»
Hiking among the Vienna woods in October yields a spectacular autumn view of the
capital.
»
In December go ice skating in front of the Rathaus (town hall) or sip
Glühwein
(mulled
wine) at one of the capital's atmospheric Christmas markets.
