Dorling Kindersley Travel Staff - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide - Vienna

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t The view from the Haus des Meeres

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t MuseumsQuartiers busy courtyard in the evening.

Once the capital of a great empire, with Baroque pomp at every turn to prove it, modern Vienna remains a city at the very heart of Europe. A cornucopia of culture, it puts art, architecture, music and theatre at centre stage. Whatever your dream trip to Vienna includes, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect companion.

Vienna is a city steeped in history: from Roman ruins at the foot of the Hofburg to the tallest tower of Gothic Stephansdom, the citys landmarks are testament to its imperial power. So, too, are the impressive collections of fine art and antiquity that fill Viennas peerless museums. The Habsburgs legacy aside, Viennas art and architecture scene packs a punch this is the home of the Secessionist movement and Jugendstil, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Otto Wagner. From creative innovators to big thinkers: in the capitals iconic Kaffeehuser revolutions have been planned, politics debated and scientific ideas theorized. And did we mention Freud?

But this is a city that also likes to be entertained. As the home of the waltz, lavish operas and the unsurpassable Vienna Philharmonic, no place offers a better opportunity to dress in your finest and indulge in some of the worlds most celebrated music. There are simple pleasures to be found in the ubiquitous coffee houses and cosy local Beisln, too. Mouthwateringly decadent chocolate cakes, crisp apfelstrudel and schnitzel the size of dinner plates are the stuff of foodie dreams.

Though Viennas centre is compact, theres a lot to see and do here. Weve broken the city down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a weekend, a week or longer, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best Vienna has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Vienna.

Statue of Athena outside Viennas Parliament.

A cup of coffee at Caf Landtmann.

Relaxing by the Riesenrad in Prater.

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Small but steeped in imperial splendour, Vienna delights at every turn. Any list of its treasures must include its magnificent museums, famed Kaffeehuser and glorious music scene. Here are a few of our favourites.

t A Viennese institution and ubiquitous across the city, every haus has a story to tell. Savouring coffee and cake in a centuries-old caf is a time-honoured tradition.

Discover Reasons to Love Vienna

t The seat of the church in Austria, this cathedral is the citys soul and centre of an . Climb the striking Gothic tower for the best views in all Vienna.

Discover Reasons to Love Vienna

t The ingredients of this darkly decadent chocolate cake have been a secret since its creation in 1832. Taste the original recipe, with a dollop of cream, at .

Discover Reasons to Love Vienna

t Once home to fine classical composers, Viennas music scene is .Tickets for the Vienna Boys Choir and the Philharmonic are the hottest in town.

Discover Reasons to Love Vienna

t Why not join the locals and head to a beisl? These cosy Viennese bistros are the perfect place to enjoy hearty homemade classics like temptingly crisp Wiener schnitzel.