Holidays to Vienna

There are literally hundreds of interesting things to see and do on holidays in Vienna, from visiting museums and art galleries, dining in exquisite style, to listening to exceptional classical concerts, and skiing activities are also within easy reach of the city.

The majestic Hofburg, or Imperial Palace, is one of Vienna’s main attractions and dates from the 13th century. As it was a continual residence of the Habsburg ruling dynasty for more than six centuries, it is positively stuffed with artistic treasures. The majestic grand staircases, ornate ceilings, and wall after wall packed with priceless works of art will leave you very impressed on your Vienna holidays.

Another of the stately residences gracing this sumptuous city is the Belvedere, which is actually two great mansions that face one another across superbly ornate formal gardens, from which you can gain panoramic views of the entire city. The palace complex began in the late 17th century as a residence of yet another great and influential nobleman, the Duke of Savoy.

The Museum of Fine Arts, situated close to the Hofburg Palace, contains a vast collection of artwork collected down the centuries by the Habsburgs, and is one of the most important museums in the world and renowned for its fine and decorative art. Like most public buildings in Vienna, the museum itself is a work of art and you can spend a pleasant afternoon strolling in its gardens on your holidays in Vienna.

St Stephen’s Cathedral takes us back to the earlier days of Vienna, and its massive South Tower has been a brooding Gothic landmark in the city for centuries. The best view available in the entire city can be obtained if you are willing to climb the tower’s 343 well-worn steps.

Graphic art was another passion of the Habsburgs who ruled this city at the centre of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for many centuries, and their accumulated masterpieces can be found in the Albertina. This stately and ornate edifice was a former home of members of the family but now contains an extensive collection of drawings and prints from old masters in addition to much more modern pieces of graphic design work.

The Natural History museum should not be omitted from your Vienna checklist, as it is the third largest in the world and contains stunning collections tracing the history of life on the planet and documenting its present diversity. The kids will love the interactive displays and educational tools that make this one of the most exciting museums in the world.

Of course, Vienna is famous above all for its wonderful music, with Strauss concerts held here every New Year and broadcast across the world, and the Vienna State Opera performs over 100 concerts between September and June each year, from operas and ballets to innovative modern experimental pieces.