DK Travel - Top 10 Vienna

Clockwise from top: Faade of the Staatsoper, Johann Strauss Monument, patterned roof of Stephansdom, view of the Upper Belvedere, Ferris wheel in the Prater, interior of Caf Central, exterior of the Majolika Haus

Bold, Baroque and achingly beautiful, Viennas storied streets owe much to the extravagant creative splurges of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. From the Ringstrasses opulent faades to the imperial grandeur of Schloss Schnbrunn, Vienna epitomizes decadence in all its glory. With Eyewitness Top 10 Vienna, its yours to explore.

Vienna is home to the Gothic spires of Stephansdom and the Praters iconic Giant Ferris Wheel as well as the world-famous Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School. An enviable array of galleries and museums rub shoulders with dozens of cultural venues that draw visitors from all over the world. Holding court in the midst of it all is the vast Hofburg palace: the imposing royal home of the Habsburg family for over six centuries, with its gilded decor, fascinating heritage and sumptuous art.

Contemporary museums and cutting-edge architecture bring a modern buzz to this historical city in a pleasing juxtaposition of old and new. The city and its shimmering ballrooms have long been synonymous with the super-charged Viennese Waltz. Yet in Viennas idiosyncratic districts youll find a beguiling mishmash of hip streets and faded grandeur together with the exotic oils, spices and food stalls of the famous Naschmarkt.

Whether youre coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything the city has to offer, from a rich pedigree in classical music to a funky vintage scene. The guide gives you tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus eight easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Vienna.

EXPLORING VIENNA

Few capital cities are as slow-paced and leisurely as Vienna so take a cue from its relaxed caf lifestyle. Its compact centre, with its jaw-dropping high culture and dazzling Habsburg-era palaces, is walkable, and it has a wonderful maze of backstreets that twist and turn as much as the Danube itself.

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Two Days in Vienna

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Day 1

Morning

Start at the imperial .

Viennas Spanis Riding School, with its Lipizzaner stallions, is world famous.

Afternoon

Head to the for a slice of Sachertorte (chocolate cake) at a table with a view of the street its a perfect people-watching spot.

Day 2

Morning

Climb the 137-m (450-ft) South Tower of the elaborately tiled on Fleischmarkt to enjoy an Einspnner (cream-topped coffee) and a bite to eat overlooking the crowds.

Afternoon

To sightsee in vintage style, hop aboard tram 1 at Schwedenplatz to trundle around the Ringstrasse boulevard. Spend the rest of the day at the in Museumsplatz. As well as the wealth of museums to dip into, the courtyards host dance, film festivals, recitals and DJs in fine weather.

The Staatsoper, Viennas State Opera House, has an elegant interior.

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Four Days in Vienna

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Day 1

Morning

Browse .

Afternoon

Meander through the exotic food stalls of the the royal summer residence, for its Rococo rooms, fountains and gardens.

Day 2

Morning

Take time to stroll around the lovely to see its beautiful sculptures.

Afternoon

At the .

The Albertina features works by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt

Day 3

Morning

After marvelling at the magnificent collections of the .

Afternoon

Stop at the Leopold Museum in the . The buildings colourful faade has a real wow factor.

Stephansdoms brightly coloured patterned roof is instantly recognizable.

Day 4

Morning

Enjoy fun-filled family interaction at the home to hundreds of butterflies in a colourful tropical setting.

Afternoon

Pay a visit to the 1897 a former royal hunting ground with its famous Ferris wheel.

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Top 10 Vienna Highlights

Detail of sculptural decoration on the exterior of the Hofburg

Top 10 Vienna Highlights

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STEPHANSDOM

Located in the heart of the city, St Stephens Cathedral is Viennas most beloved landmark and Austrias finest Gothic edifice. The foundations of the original Romanesque church date back to 1147, but the earliest surviving features today are the 13th-century Giants Door and the Heathen Towers on the west front. Various Habsburg rulers left their imprints by rebuilding the Gothic nave, the side chapels and the choir in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Steffl, as the cathedral is called by the Viennese, suffered damage from World War II bombings, but its rebuilding was a symbol of hope as the country emerged from the ashes of the conflict.

NEED TO KNOW

Stephansplatz 01 515 52 3054 www.stephanskirche.at