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Guide to Vienna, Austria
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Vienna
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ViennaAustrias chief attraction, Vienna, is a grand statement to the world of culture. Like any city, Vienna is complete with modern high-rise office buildings and swanky hotels, but one cannot downplay the impact its museums, concert halls and monuments have had on the country and the world. It is the place where genius minds of the likes of Beethoven and Mozart worked on their craft, yet it still holds something of a casual aura that allows the city to be both self-righteous and inviting. The people here are more than happy to show visitors to their city a great time, and you almost want to get lost among the side-streets, hoping to catch the sound of a composition emanating from an open window. Vienna is a city that never likes to take itself too seriously, but that surely does not undermine its status as a cultural icon. Book your flight to Vienna, and youll see why it is one of the most-visited cities in Europe today.
When to go:
Vienna sees its fair share of ups and downs when it comes to weather patterns, but negating the fact that the winters are cold and the summer sun can bake the streets quite a bit, Vienna is altogether a very pleasant city to visit any time of year. Cultural events never let up, blizzard or no blizzard, and youll fall in love with its position amongst vast wooded areas. The best seasons in Vienna are spring and autumn, when weather is the mildest and crowding is far less extreme, inside and outside the citys venues and attractions. If youre a botanic nut, opt for spring; otherwise, enjoy the colorful scenery while you stroll through Viennas parks in the months of autumn. With the occasional breeze freshening your senses, any worries will simply waft away.
Getting there and around:
Viennas international airport, Flughafen Wien Schwechat, is not quite close to the city, yet not far enough to cause agitation among travelers. With the average ride covering roughly 19km (12mi), the airport is far enough to ensure that youll only be surrounded by the drone of vehicle traffic in the city, and not the overhead roar of jet engines. This also means that a taxi ride will not come cheap, and you are best-off boarding an airport bus. Another alternative is to take the S-bahn (train). The average ride lasts 35 minutes, but youll save yourself the most money.
Trains, trams, buses, and subway lines make up the citys public transit network, leaving you with ample choices with cheap fares and access to all of the Viennas greatest sites. Taxis may seem convenient, and at night they are an absolute necessity, but were sure that youll be content riding the time-tested rail and bus system. If you wish to transport yourself around, you can make your way to one of many bicycle rental centers; Vienna is home to over 700km of cycle tracks.
Attractions:
Hofburg, the citys imperial palace, was once home to the royal lineage. After centuries of existing as a residence, it is now a center showcasing the citys cultural history and heritage. Construction of the palace dates back to the 13^th century, but throughout the structures history, influences of both good and bad nature have roamed the grounds and even added to its luster, creating something of a hesitant awe in visitors minds.
Clearly the greatest art establishment in the city and even one of the best in Europe, Kunsthistorisches Museum is a collection that continues to astound. You will find the largest gallery of paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder in the world, and among the most renowned pieces are those by Rembrandt, Durer, Raphael and Van Dyck.
If youd like to visit the site of Mozarts first royal concert, look no further than the Mirror Room of the Schloss Schonbrunn. You will find a beautifully landscaped garden around the palace, and though it does not hold an extensive past like that of the Hofburg, it is still a feast for the eyes.
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