DK Travel : Vienna

Splendid edifices, magnificent palaces and imposing churches spanning the centuries all make Vienna a wonderful city to visit, oozing both charm and atmosphere. Although its imperial grandeur can still be felt, this city of music has more to offer than just its glorious past; contemporary architecture, a brimming cultural scene and a vibrant nightlife add to its appeal. No matter how many times you return, you will always discover something new.

Sigmund Freud Park

The green area stretching from Vienna University to the Votivkirche is usually packed with students and picnickers on warm summer days. Fifteen different trees planted in a circle stand for the member states of the European Union.
Sigmund Freud Park

On a sunny day the lawns of Sigmund Freud Park, just opposite the university buildings, are inhabited by crowds of students studying, picnicking, sunbathing and debating the latest issues.
Sirbu

This Heurigen , tucked away on Kahlenberg mountain (see p124), has a stunning setting amid vineyards and trees, and is particularly beautiful at night. The usual Heurigen dishes and homemade wines are served.
Skybar

Very popular among the well-to-do young Viennese, this trendy place has a great atmosphere with a view over Vienna’s rooftops. Good wines and cocktails.
Soft Drinks

Apple juice and grape juice mixed (gespritzt ) with sparkling water is popular, as is Almdudler , a herbal lemonade.
Sparkling Wines

The Austrian sparkling wine Sekt is increasingly popular.
Spittelberg

This picturesque area of cobbled streets makes a lovely stroll year-round, but perhaps the best time is the run up to Christmas, when handicrafts and mulled wine are sold at the market. Fireworks are held here on New Year’s Eve, and an Easter Egg Market takes place the week before Easter (see p104).
Spittelberg

The charming Spittelberg area consists of a few cobbled, narrow streets with pretty houses and spouting fountains between Breite Gasse, Siebensterngasse, Sigmundsgasse and Burggasse. In the 18th century the area was full of hovels, gambling dens and brothels but by the 19th century these establishments had been closed down and, over the course of time, the district became increasingly derelict. The city authorities only began to recognize the area’s charm in the 1970s, and today it’s a thriving enclave of galleries, handicraft shops and cosy pubs.
Staatsoper

The Vienna State Opera attracts music lovers from all over the world. Its grand entrance hall with majestic staircase is a fine introduction to an evening of classical music (see pp30–31).
Staatsoper

In a city so intrinsically linked to classical music, no visitor should miss a tour of the spectacular State Opera House (see pp30–31).

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25–€35
- €35–€55
- €55–€70
- over €70