The imperial capital of Austria
Austria’s capital, Vienna, might just be one of the most elegant cities in Europe. It’s a vibrant cultural metropolis that offers you a mix of history, grand architecture, and cultural activities, as well as modern shopping and dining experiences.
If you’ve ever learnt about European history, you’ll have seen Vienna mentioned across the centuries. The once-Celtic town has also been home to Romans, the Babenberg dynasty, and most famously the Habsburg royal family, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire.
Vienna is perhaps best known today as the “City of Music”. Its rich musical legacy has been shaped by icons of classical music, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Shubert.
Why not book a ticket to a concert at one of the many grand venues? Some world-famous offerings include the Weiner Musikverein and the Wiener Konzerthaus. And to watch a traditional Viennese operetta, don’t miss a show at the iconic the Volksoper theatre.
The food and drink here are also well worth mentioning. Pair a classic Wiener schnitzel – breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet – with a stein of traditional Austrian beer, or a dry local white wine. In fact, Vienna is one of the only capital cities in the world with its own vineyards.
Dessert and coffee breaks are staples of Viennese cuisine. In the city centre, you’ll find traditional “kaffeehaus” coffeehouses, some of which were frequented by classic musical greats or world-famous academics like Freud.
With your hot drinks, indulge in a slice of apple strudel or Sachertorte chocolate cake – you won’t regret it!
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