Vienna Waits For You
September 26th, 2008TravellingNostalgic romanticism of the past an the quirky modern life, imperialistic cultural treasures and musical highlights, combined with hospitality and charme: Vienna has a lot to offer!
Vienna is old, Vienna is new: a contrast that is clearly visible in the centre of the “Old City”. The 137m high Stephansdom, on of the Viennese landmarks, is mirrored in the post-modern glass front of the Haas House, which, just like the cathedral, offers a stunning view over the roofs of the city. If you want to explore all this in style, get into a classic Fiaker horse cart. Vienna is especially attractive thanks to the exciting combination of nostalgic flair from the ages of the emperors and the lively cultural scene that does not only spread the newest trends but also takes the responsibility to preserve the heritage and the ancient traditions.
Architecture and Museums
The architecture of the 
anube Monarchy” dominates the town’s face: pompous buildings from all époques and the generously spaced city centre make sure that visitors forget that they are strolling through the capital of the tiny Austria, which “merely” houses 8 million people – this feels like the romantic city of emperors from the past.
The heritage of the Habsburger dynasty can be seen everywhere, both in architecture and cultural tradition: you can trace the footsteps of the Habsburger in Schönbrunn, the former summer residence in Habsburg times. The same applies to the famous Hofburg, which was the political headquarter of the Habsburg rulers until 1918 and acts as home for the national “crown jewels” of Austria. The palace of Schönbrunn is at the top of the most frequently visited sights list. The lordly flair is one of the main aspects that draw tourists into the Austrian capital as well.
But it is not only the imperialistic architecture that makes Vienna a city of beauty and culture: museums, collections and Fine Arts are in the offering. One of them is the Kunsthistorische Museum (ranked third among the most popular sights) with its huge collections of pieces by Bruegel or the many works of Gustav Klimt in the Gallery Belvedere.
Especially up to date: the Museumsquartier, which after being completed mid 2001 is one of the Europe’s cultural complexes, with the Leopold museum, which houses the most extensive Schiele collection worldwide and displays Austrian modern Art. It also sports the Museum Moderner Kunst, that shows works from the 20th century.
12 tips to explore Vienna
Vienna is old and new, classical and trendy, nostalgic and dynamic. Here you experience a charming atmosphere that simply is unique. Come on, learn to know and love Vienna. Here is 12 very special tips for those who stroll along this city for the first time: for all who want to discover and experience culture and pleasure in Vienna.
Tip #1. From the 1000-year-old crown to Sisi’s bathtub: the Imperial Hofburg with its treasures.
Tip #2. The Ringstrasse – window display of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire and magnificent boulevard of today.
Tip #3. The habsburg’s pleasure and charm: the Palace of Schönbrunn – from childhood days to abdication.
Tip #4. Museumsquartier: this huge new cultural area attracts visitors with Schiele’s girls, Warhol’s prtraits and more.
Tip #5. Bruegel, Tizian & Co.: the Museum of Art History, a marvelous event for fans of classical arts.
Tip #6. The Vienna Coffee House: meeting point for romantic travelers and sentimental pleasure-lovers.
Tip #7. The Austrian Gallery Belvedere, bank Austria Kunstforum and Kunsthalle Vienna – keywords that stand for extraordinary art.
Tip #8. Cool & trendy: from shopping to clubbing at the 24-hour-trip through the young scene.
Tip #9. Art nouveau & Secession: Vienna’s golden glamour at the turn of the last century.
Tip #10. Vienna State Opera: first house in the city, great operas – and, well, the “Opernball”…
Tip #11. Musikverein with its Golden Hall: the Vienna Philarmonic Orchestra simply at its best.
Tip #12. Vienna and wine: on the outskirts of the city the Heurigen tempt the visitors, it is there where you find that special sense of humour, the typical”Wiener Schmäh”.
Sphere: Related ContentLeave a Reply
