It is difficult not to be moved to hum a Brahms lullaby or a Strauss waltz as you explore the sights of Austria's beautiful Baroque capital, Vienna, which for centuries was the centre of the splendid Hapsburg Empire. The city remains infused with the grand imperial spirit in the form of magnificent palaces and grand mansions peppering the Innerestadt. The city's cultural heritage is mainly musical, the great composers like Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn and Mozart all having lived and performed here. Today the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Opera House help keep alive the city's tradition by offering more classical music performances a year than any other city in the world.<br /><br /> Vienna is a city of music, but it is also synonymous with gourmet fare, cream cakes, superb coffee, the angelic strains of the Vienna Boys' Choir and the proud prancing of the Lippizaner stallions at the world-famous Spanish Riding School.<br /><br /> Vienna started out as a Celtic settlement on the banks of the Danube and became one of the Roman's most important central European bases. Its central location on the strategic river contributed to the city becoming the stronghold of a mighty empire, reaching its peak during the tumultuous reign of the dazzling Hapsburg dynasty. At the end of the 19th century the golden age of empire began to decline as Vienna's coffee houses filled with radical intellectuals like Freud, Klimt and Mahler. The Second World War Nazi occupation left scars, but Vienna survived it all to remain a captivating capital that blends Italian romanticism with a Germanic orderliness.<br /><br /> Most of the city's tourist attractions are within the largely pedestrianised inner city area, which was once enclosed by the city walls. The walls have been replaced with 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. Visitors also should not miss a trip to the Vienna Woods, peppered with ancient 'heuringen' (wine taverns).<br /><br />

Hofburg

Address: Innerer Burghof 1, Kaisertor Vienna

Admission: €12.90 (adults), €7.70 (children 6-18); other concessions available. Price includes audio guide. Daily 9am to 5.30pm (September to June), 9am to 6pm (July to August).

Telephone: (0)1 533 7570

The Hofburg Palace, or Imperial Palace, was the home of the Austrian Hapsburgs for 600 years. The first fortifications were erected by King Ottakar Premyst in the 13th century and were added to by every generation until it became the monumental structure it is today. As well as housing the president's offices, the palace now encompasses 22 separate museums, the National Library, a 14th-century Augustinian church, the famous Spanish Riding School and the Royal Chapel, where every Sunday the Vienna Boy's Choir sing Mass (they have performed for the Royal Court since 1498). It will be impossible to even catch a glimpse of everything on display at the Hofburg, so visitors should be selective. The most popular of the museums is the Kaiserappartements, which takes visitors on a tour of the Kaiser's imperial apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Silver Collection.<br /><br /> Situated in the Hofburg Palace, the royal library of the Habsburgs dates from the 14th century and is among the oldest and finest libraries in the world. The six million items stored in the library include papyri, manuscripts, ancient and rare books, maps, globes, portraits, music, photographs and graphics. The Grand Hall is a palatial room topped by a dome, designed in the Baroque style, and is decorated with statues and exquisite frescoes and is regarded as one of the most beautiful library rooms in the world.<br /><br />

Spanish Riding School

Address: Michaelerplatz 1 Vienna

Admission: Prices vary according to season, attraction and seating options; see website for details. Daily 9am to 4pm. Performances Fridays 9am to 7pm. Check the official website to confirm show times.

Telephone: (0)1 533 9031

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is the oldest surviving riding school in the world where classic dressage is still practised in its purest form. This Institute was founded in 1572 and named for the Lipizzaner horses, which are of Spanish origin. The Imperial Court Stud was originally situated near the village of Lipizza (hence the name of the horses) but since the collapse of the Danube Monarchy in 1920 they have been bred at the Federal Stud in Styria. The horses perform their tricks in the Winter Riding School, which was commissioned by Emperor Karl VI. Performances take place between February and June, September and December but are in high demand and booked up months in advance (details on their website). The easiest way to see the horses is during their training sessions. Tickets are only available at the door, and cannot be booked in advance. Situated in the stables is the Lipizzaner Museum, which displays the history of the school.<br /><br />

Karlskirche

Address: Kreuzherrengasse 1 Vienna

Admission: €8 (adults), free for children under 10yrs. Concessions available. Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sundays and public holidays 12pm to 7pm.

Karlskirche is the most outstanding Baroque church in the city and its 236-foot (72m) high dome, flanked by two columns, forms a dramatic landmark on the Viennese skyline. The church was commissioned by Emperor Charles VI, after the Black Plague that swept through Vienna in 1713, and is dedicated to the saint Charles Borromeo who was revered as a healer for plague sufferers. The lavishly decorated interior includes frescoes and visitors can get a closer look by taking the elevator to the roof, which is included in the entry fee. Although the lift carries visitors most of the way up, there are some steps to be climbed to get to the very top of the dome.<br /><br />

Schönbrunn Palace

Address: Schönbrunner Schloss Strasse 13 Vienna

Admission: Grand Tour with audio guide: €16.40 (adults), €10.80 (children aged 6-18). Various other tour options available. 8:30am - 5:30pm April to June, 8:30am - 6:30pm July to August, 8:30am - 5:30pm September to October, and 8:30am - 5pm November to March.

Telephone: (0)1 8111 3239

The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace was used as the summer residence of the Hapsburgs from the 18th century onwards. Set among superb gardens this vast, symmetrical structure is everything you would imagine an imperial palace to be. A tour of the palace offers visitors the chance to view the superb assortment of Baroque and Rococo State Rooms and to admire the famous ceiling frescoes of the Great Gallery and the Hall of Mirrors where Mozart once played. The vast gardens are popular with locals and tourists alike, and include a zoo, a maze and labyrinth, the Privy garden, and the Gloriette with viewing terrace. Also within the grounds, the Orangery plays host to classical concerts during the summer season.<br /><br />

Giant Wheel

Address: Prater 90 Vienna

Admission: €9.50 (adults), €4 (children 3-14), concessions available. Open daily but hours vary seasonally, see website for details.

Telephone: (0)1 729 5430

One of Vienna's most recognisable landmarks, the Giant Wheel is located in a large wooded park and playground known as the Prater. It was built in 1897 by an English engineering firm and is the only one of its era still standing (the Ferris wheels in Chicago, London, Blackpool and Paris have long since been destroyed). The wheel with its 15 gondolas takes twenty minutes to manoeuvre around and offers magnificent panoramic views of the city. Cautious visitors need not worry about the age of the Giant Wheel - it has been very well maintained over the decades! This is a fun attraction for the whole family and will delight children.<br /><br />

Belvedere

Address: 27 Prinz Eugen Street Vienna

Admission: €20 for a combination ticket, giving access to upper and lower Belvedere (adult), children free. Concessions available. Daily 10am to 6pm; lower Belvedere and the Orangery open until 9pm Wednesdays.

Telephone: +43 1795 57 134

The Belvedere consists of two splendid rococo mansions, designed in the early 18th century, which face each other across formal, sloping grounds offering excellent views over the city. From the outside it is Vienna's finest palace complex, built by Prince Eugène of Savoy, the famous general who saved Vienna from the advance of the Ottoman Empire. The museums in the two palaces house some of Vienna's most renowned art galleries, offering excellent examples of Austrian art from the middle ages to the present day. Their displays include an unrivalled collection of paintings by Klimt as well as famous works by Schiele and Kokoschka, Renoir and Monet. The Medieval and Baroque works are presented in the Lower Palace where many rooms have been preserved in their original state.<br /><br />

Vienna State Opera

Address: Opernring 2 Vienna

Admission: Combination tickets for tour and museum are available and come at varied prices, check website for details. Concessions available. Guided tours are offered Tuesday to Sunday; check dates and times online or via telephone

Telephone: (0)1 51444 2250

The Vienna State Opera performs a repertoire of nearly one hundred operas, operettas and ballets every day from September to June. The opera house was founded in the early 18th century (it was rebuilt in 1955 after being all but destroyed in 1945) and makes for a romantic and regal setting in which to enjoy the performances. As seating tickets are not easily available, an alternative is to buy standing-room tickets, which are well priced and can be purchased on the same day (but expect long queues). The State Opera collaborates closely with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and their famous New Year concert requires advance bookings of up to one year. The building is beautiful and of interest in itself, even if visitors are unable to catch a show.<br /><br />

St Stephen’s Cathedral

Address: Stephansplatz Vienna

Admission: Free admission to the cathedral. All-inclusive Cathedral Tour: €17.90 (adults). Other packages and concessions available. Daily 6am to 10pm (from 7am on Sundays). Various guided tours take place daily.

Telephone: Guided tours: (0)1 5155 23526

The cathedral is one of the city's most recognisable symbols and the massive south tower, standing at 445 feet (136m) tall, is a dominant feature on the Vienna skyline. The 343 steps can be climbed for a fantastic view over the city. St Stephan's Cathedral is the most important religious building in the city and is one of the greatest Gothic structures in Europe. It has been in a state of continual preservation and repair since its original construction in the 12th century due to fire, city sieges and bombardment. The cathedral is built of limestone and has an ornately patterned and richly coloured roof covered by glazed tiles. The interior is rich in wood carvings, sculptures and paintings and has numerous chapels and altars, as well as the catacombs, which can be visited on a guided tour. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was married here, had children baptised here, and his funeral was held in the Chapel of the Cross.<br /><br />

The Albertina

Address: Albertinaplatz 1 Vienna

Admission: €12.90 (adults), concessions available. Children under 19 free. Daily 10am to 6pm (until 9pm on Wednesdays).

Telephone: (0)1 53483 525

The former Hofburg residence today houses one of the largest and greatest graphic art collections in the world with drawings, old master prints and modern graphic works. The museum explores the development of graphic arts since the 14th century and there are more than 60,000 works on show, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Manet, Picasso and Cezanne. The Albertina is also one of the most beautiful examples of classical architecture in the world. There is a pleasant cafe for refreshments. The museum is beautifully conceived, with each room decorated to complement the art on display.<br /><br />

Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum)

Address: Maria-Theresian Platz Vienna

Admission: €15 (adults), children under 19 free. Concessions available. Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm (until 9pm on Thursdays).

Telephone: (0)1 525 24 0

The Fine Arts Museum across from the Hofburg Palace houses many of the art collections gathered by the Habsburgs and is one of the foremost museums of fine arts and decorative arts in the world. The magnificent building is crowned with a 197-foot (60m) high dome, while the inside is sumptuously decorated with marble, gold leaf and stucco ornaments, a fitting home to the formidable artistic treasures collected over the centuries. The collections range from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman relics to medieval art, and Renaissance and Baroque paintings. The museum faces the Natural History Museum across the Maria-Theresian Platz, which has an identical exterior.<br /><br />

Haus der Musik

Address: Seilerstätte 30 Vienna

Admission: €13 (adults), €6 (children 3-12); other concessions available. Daily 10am to 10pm

Telephone: (0)1 513 4850

The House of Music is an interactive, high-tech discovery museum devoted to music and is located in the former Palais of Archduke Charles. Four floors take visitors past the music and memorabilia of the great composers who lived in Vienna, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert, and allow visitors to discover the top musicians of today, as well as explore the future of music on computers. Visitors can conduct an orchestra, listen to what an unborn child hears in the womb, or paint a musical picture. The museum was awarded top prize for its innovative design and allows visitors to experience music using the senses of sight, sound, touch and hearing. A glorious combination of fun and education!<br /><br />

Natural History Museum

Address: Maria-Theresien Platz Vienna

Admission: €10 (adults), children under 19 free. Concessions available. 9am - 6:30pm Thursday to Monday, 9am - 9pm Wednesdays, closed Tuesdays.

Telephone: (0)1 521770

The impressive Natural History Museum is situated within a neo-Renaissance building that is identical from the outside to the Fine Arts Museum opposite. It is the third largest natural history museum in the world and has some of the oldest exhibits, including early Stone Age artefacts. Visitors can travel through the planet's history ranging from the diversity of nature to the origins of culture. Guided tours, lectures and workshops on a variety of interesting themes are offered regularly at the museum.<br /><br />

Wiener Prater

Address: Wurstelprater 9 Vienna

This large public park is a great place for families to enjoy a day in the sunshine. Stroll along the Hauptallee where chestnut trees line the way, or visit the Planetarium and the Prater Museum, both located inside the park. The Wiener Prater also has a small amusement park with a Ferris Wheel, a rollercoaster and a number of other fun rides and diversions, as well as food stalls and games booths. There is plenty of open space here for kids to run around and the cheesy, innocent fun of the amusement park is enjoyable for the whole family. Entrance to the park is free, but individual rides must be paid for.<br /><br />

Minopolis – City of Children

Address: Wagramer Straße 2 Vienna

Admission: Open Fridays from 2pm - 7pm. Saturday, Sunday, Public and School Holidays from 10am - 6pm.

Telephone: 0043-1-319 15 71

Minopolis is Europe's first theme park featuring a city that was specifically designed for children, with buildings, doors, cars, etc reduced to children's size. Children can pretend to be adults and go about their daily life in the city if Minopolis working as whatever their hearts desire - a journalist, fire-fighter, policeman, doctor or dentist. Children can discover their dream jobs in a fun and safe environment. There are more than 80 professions for children to try their hand at. The theme park is designed with children aged between four and 12 in mind. Although a visit is lots of fun for kids, they also learn a lot about life in a safe and friendly environment, where they are under the supervision of trained coaches, most of whom are qualified teachers.<br /><br />

Freud Museum

Address: Berggasse 19 Vienna

Admission: €10 adults, €4 children 12-18; other concessions available. Daily 10am to 6pm.

Telephone: +43 (1) 319 159

One of Vienna's most famous residents, Dr Sigmund Freud revolutionised the study of psychology with his ideas. Though many of his theories, once wildly popular, have been discredited, the term 'Freudian slip' and other ideas are still widely known and debated today. The Freud Museum in Vienna houses a number of antiques and mementos of the good doctor inside the offices he practised in from 1891 to 1938. Guided tours are available, and the museum has a gift shop offering photos and other memorabilia as well as books written by Freud. This attraction will be very exciting for those interested in the great man and his work, and it will provide a good introduction for those unfamiliar with Freud.<br /><br />

Vienna Ball Season

Where: Various,Vienna

When: December 2017 to February 2018

Vienna is the only city in the world where balls still dominate the social calendar during the winter season, and a Viennese ball is a unique opportunity to experience the sophisticated charm of the city and the famous Viennese waltz. The official ball season offers about 300 public balls for every taste and pocket, of which the most famous are the Opera Ball, the social elite highlight of the European ball season, the Philharmoniker Ball, and the glamorous Kaiserball (Imperial Ball) at the imperial Hofburg Palace, which is the traditional opener and is a glittering New Year's Eve celebration which attracts tourists and Viennese alike. The season officially lasts from New Year's Eve until Ash Wednesday the following year, but balls can occur up until June. Numerous rental services in the city specialise in ball gowns and formal wear.<br /><br />

New Year’s Day Concert

Where: Vienna Musikverein,Vienna

When: 1 January 2018

Performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the annual New Year's Day concert is seen by millions of viewers worldwide and is a glorious, traditional start to the New Year. The orchestra is considered to be one of the finest in the world and this most famous of concerts features some of the most popular waltzes by the celebrated composer Johann Strauss. The concert is loved the world over and is now broadcast in about 90 countries. For more information, one can contact the ticket and ball office of the Vienna Philharmonic on +43 (0)1 505 6525 or consult their website.<br /><br />

Vienna Festival (Festwochen)

Where: Various,Vienna

When: 11 May to 17 June 2018

One of Vienna's summer highlights, the Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) is a cultural spread of art, music, dance, theatre and opera performed by top international artists at main venues around the city. The festival has been held since 1951 when the four Allies still occupied Vienna after World War II, and remains a proud demonstration of Austria's artistic talent. There are a huge variety of events, ranging from classical to modern, with shows, concerts and exhibitions for every taste. The annual International Music Festival coincides with the Vienna Festival, traditionally opened by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. For a full Vienna Festival programme check out the official website listed below.<br /><br />

Donau (Danube) Island Festival

Where: Donauinsel (Danube Island),Vienna

When: 22 - 24 June 2018

The Danube Island Festival has become one of the largest youth parties in Europe and attracts millions from around the world to take part in a weekend of free entertainment, music and dancing. Besides local bands and DJs there are world-famous international artists, and numerous open-air performances that take place on various stages around the island. A broad range of musical genres are represented, with everything from classical to rap performed, and food kiosks provide a wonderfully diverse range of international cuisines. Nearly three million visitors now attend the event annually. Check out the official website listed below for a full programme and more details.<br /><br />

Hietzinger Bräu

Address: 1130 Wien, Auhofstraße 1 Vienna

Food Type: Local

This award-winning restaurant stays true to its traditional values and is somewhat of an institution when it comes to Viennese steak restaurants. The tasteful décor and impeccable cuisine ensure that this eatery stays within the top ranks of Vienna's dining scene. The (boiled beef) is without a doubt the most famous choice of beef and is the flagship dish of this restaurant. The beef is served in the traditional manner - in beef soup, with apple and horseradish, roast potatoes and chive sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.<br /><br />

Café Central

Address: Herrengasse 14 Vienna

Food Type: Café

Café Central is probably one of the most famous cafes in the world due to its high profile clientele during the history of Vienna, which included famous artists, writers and intellectuals such as Lenin and Trotsky. The grand, cathedral-like setting with its marble pillared hall and soaring ceiling is a fine setting for the excellent coffee and Apfelstrudel that they serve up, along with an assortment of other desserts and pastries for tea. Light lunches are served and the menu includes a variety of provincial dishes and Viennese specialties as well as salads, soups, sandwiches and vegetarian dishes. Piano music plays daily from 5pm. Open daily from 10am.<br /><br />

Wiener Rathauskeller

Address: Rathausplatz 1 Vienna

Food Type: Local

The venue may be Gothic, sunk into the cellars beneath the historic town hall, but the style, atmosphere and cuisine are very up to date. This spacious eatery features various rooms furnished in different styles and can handle up to 1,100 people. The food can be described as 'modern Viennese', offering fare such as goulash, Wiener Schnitzel and apple strudel. Open daily for lunch and dinner.<br /><br />

Café Demel

Address: Kohlmarkt 14 Vienna

Food Type: Café

Arguably the best of Vienna's 300-odd traditional coffee shops, offering their legendary confections and pastries, is the Café Demel. The café is best known for its original Sachertorte (chocolate frosted cream cake), but the rest of the range of sweet delights on offer is just as delectable. Demel also serves a large range of sandwiches and, of course, really good coffee. Open daily from 10am to 7pm. Vienna's other renowned coffee shop is Café Central near the Hofburg Palace, where Lenin and Totsky once met regularly.<br /><br />

Restaurant Imperial

Address: Kärntner Ring 16 Vienna

Food Type: International

The warm, cosy and classic style of the Restaurant Imperial lends itself perfectly to a stylish dining affair. The décor is tasteful and evokes a feeling of old-world charm while chef Hans Juergen Schauer creates delectable dishes such as fillet of turbot with goose liver and fillet of veal, or the old favourite, Wiener Schnitzel. Open daily for dinner. Reservations essential.<br /><br />

Motto

Address: Schonbrunnerstr 30 Vienna

Food Type: Fusion

This funky restaurant is stylish to the extreme, with quirky red and black decor and an eclectic menu that ranges from sushi to spaghetti. The restaurant expands in the summer with tables set up in the attractive garden. Motto has a reputation as a gay-friendly restaurant, and is open late into the night, closing at 4am.<br /><br />

Wollzeile

Address: Wollzeile 5 (St Stephansplatz) Vienna

Food Type: Local

When in Vienna do as the Viennese do and indulge in Wiener Schnitzel, the delicacy most associated with the romantic city. Reputed to serve the biggest and best schnitzel is Wollzeile, next door to St Stephen's Cathedral, a wine tavern where the long tables are always packed with hungry customers sampling the golden-brown schnitzels, that overhang the plate. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Wollzeile is closed during August.<br /><br />

Steirereck

Address: Rasumofskygasse 2 Vienna

Food Type: Local

Meaning 'corner of Styria' (a state in southeast Austria), Steirereck is one of Austria's top restaurants, featuring seasonal Austrian cuisine with a Styrian emphasis. The menu is small and changes regularly according to the freshest ingredients available, but everything is superbly prepared. Meals begin with freshly baked bread, and close with a selection of more than 60 cheeses from the restaurant's own cellar. Seasonal offerings might include gooseliver Steirereck, Styrian roast beef, lobster, lamb with crepes, rabbit with risotto or smoked monkfish. Dress is smart and reservations are recommended. Open Monday to Friday.<br /><br />

DO &amp; CO

Address: Stephansplatz 12 Vienna

Food Type: International

Located on the seventh floor of the Haas Haus, Do &amp; Co is the flagship restaurant of Do &amp; Co International Hotel and offers the best views in town, situated opposite St Stephan's Cathedral. The cuisine is international, featuring mainly modern Viennese and Asian fare, but the extensive menu also covers South America and wider Europe. The menu covers 'Tastes of the World', 'Beef &amp; Co', 'Kebab, Wok and Curries', 'Catch of the Day', 'Austrian Classics', and different kinds of sushi. Reservations are highly recommended, and dress is smart. Open daily from 12pm.<br /><br />

Laid-back Vienna does have a nightlife, its just not as frantic as that found in many other European capitals. The city's best bars tend to be in the (inner city), with a range of venues spanning Irish pubs to designer bars, as well as time-capsule spots from before World War I - Adolf Loos's American Bar is a prime example. The Copa Cagrana's beach-styled bars serve glorious fruit cocktails.<br /><br /> As far as nightclubs go, the Gurtel area is home to the Rhiz which attracts electronica fans and there are a couple of clubs near Nussdorfer Strasse which offer house music. For the more culturally inclined, many Viennese museums stay open late, the Albertina and the House of Music are classic choices. Of course, Vienna is a musical city, and operas, ballets and classical concerts are probably the best choices for after dark entertainment.<br /><br />

Vienna's most trendy shopping strip is the Mariahilfer Strasse, where hundreds of stores offer fashion, jewellery and accessories. In the city centre there are a variety of jewellery stores and boutiques. Local specialities include Augarten porcelain, ceramics, handmade dolls, wrought-iron work and leather goods.<br /><br /> Agent Provocateur is located at 14 Tuchlauben, the first outlet of the cult London underwear label in central Europe. Kiehl's started out 150 years ago in a small apothecary and is now a chic cosmetics brand; its flagship store is on Tuchlauben in Vienna. For arty T-shirts and sweaters by leading designers, visit Firis on Bauernmarkt.<br /><br /> On Freisingergasse, Schokoladekönig makes handmade chocolate treats, while Boehle stocks superior wines and traditional specialities (deli snacks) in Wollzeile. For spices and cookery books, visit Babette's on Schleifmühlgasse. Karlsplatz holds the Naschmarkt food market during the week and a flea market on Saturdays. Go to City Hall Square in December for the Christmas market.<br /><br /> The Kaufhaus Schiepek department store at Teinfaltstraße is definitely worth visiting for its variety of outlets, and for the more eccentric, Carnaby sells vintage fashion and accessories on Neubaugasse, while magicians' accessories and gimmicks can be found at Zauberklingl on Führichgasse.<br /><br /> Austria's VAT, as much as 34 percent on some luxury goods, is refundable with a valid receipt; tourists can also take advantage of tax-free shopping where advertised. With something for everyone in store, Vienna is the place to break in those shopping shoes!<br /><br />