by Andrew Regan

If you picture Vienna, images often arise of coffee and cakes, graceful waltzes and stately Baroque architecture. As such, in the last century it was a favored haunt of intellectuals and notables from Sigmund Freud to Gustav Klimt, who glittered in its Art Nouveau café society. These days there is much more to modern Vienna but it remains a luxurious and romantic destination.

Whether you are visiting for an indulgent weekend break or a longer stay, you will discover that this beguiling capital is a gracious host. So make the most of your visit by experiencing the best that the city has to offer.

Indeed, there are a wide range of Viennese hotels to suit every budget but it can be beneficial to base yourself as centrally as possible. District 1, the ‘Innere Stadt’, is the oldest and grandest part of Vienna and lies at the very heart of the city. Here you will find the imposing ‘Rathaus’ (town hall), the stunning Imperial Palace of the historic Hapsburg Empire (the Hofburg), the University and glorious fine art and historical museums.

Vienna State Opera House photo by Svein-Magne Tunli/Wikimedia

Furthermore, it is also home to the world famous Staatsoper (State Opera) where everyone from Pavarotti to Jose Carreras has performed. In fact, here you will find that everything is on the grand scale, including much of the accommodation. However, if shopping features are high on your agenda, then head to Neubau for its great selection of shops and boutiques.

As it goes, Mariahilferstrasse is the main Viennese shopping destination, boasting an array of restaurants and bars. And the Austrian capital is as famous for its wealth of artists as for its composers and philosophers. In addition, Neubau acts as the chic home of the Museumsquartier, which is well worth a visit. This is a treasure trove of modern art housed in an eclectic combination of baroque and modern buildings; becoming one of the biggest cultural destinations in Europe.

Spanish Riding School photo by sparre/Wikimedia

For fun, visit the famous ‘Prater’ amusement park with its iconic Ferris Wheel (featured in the film ‘The Third Man’). Take in the skill and beauty of the horses and riders at the Lipizzaner riding school. If you are into horses then you don’t want to miss out on the training sessions between man and horse, about a quarter of the cost of seeing the show. In addition, simply soak up the ambience as you walk in the footsteps of everyone from Brahms to Johann Strauss.

Sachertorte photo by David Monniaux/Wikimedia

And of course eating out is pure pleasure. A highlight has to be a trip to a traditional café where exquisite coffees and hot chocolate ‘mit schlagsahne’ (whipped cream) accompanied by torte (cakes) deliver hedonistic delight. You will find very good food at affordable prices all over Vienna. Finding a below street level restaurant gives way to “days gone by” ambiance, some still have an old Romanesque look and feel.

It is also interesting to know that while staying in central Vienna it is possible to find accommodations in everything from 17th century townhouses to Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) confections, or sleek modern hotels with every comfort. Indeed, the variety of hotels in Vienna reflects the diversity of this grand city.

If you choose to stay centrally in this sumptuous capital, then you can explore all of its elegance and romance with ease; at your own however suits you best.

Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Here are a few hotel suggestions:

Hotel Geblergasse
BM HotelbetriebsgmbH
1170 Wien, Geblergasse 21
Tel: +43 1 4063366, Fax: +43 1 4063366-99
Email: hotel@geblergasse.com
This hotel is an excellent value and minutes from transportation. It also has free internet for those of you who keep an eye on their emails. It has also recently been renovated. Perfect for students.

Hotel Rathaus Wine & Design
Lange Gasse 13
A-1080 Wien
Austria
Telephone +43/(0)1/400 11 22
Fax +43/(0)1/400 11 22 88
Email: office@hotel-rathaus-wien.at
As in the name this hotel caters to the extreme wine buff to the point that rooms are named after popular Austrian Vintors. Each room different, each room spectacular. This hotel probably has one of the best breakfasts in Vienna.

Hotel Austria - Wien
Am Fleischmarkt 20
1010 Wien
Austria
Tel.: +43 1 515 23
Email: office@hotelaustria-wien.at
If its location you are looking for this property is where you want to be. Just minutes from St. Stephens, the Hofburg and Vienna State Opera this hotel is close to everything. Small, cozy and well maintained, this is a place where you can feel relaxed and safe.

It is always hard to find a recommendable restaurant so here are a few tried and true places to try:

Steirereck
Am Heumarkt 2A
Vienna 1030,
Wein, Austria
Tel.  +43 (1) 713 31 68
Fax. +43 (1) 713 31 68–2
A true Viennese restaurant, tasty with lots of choices. It may be a little higher end but worth the few extra Euro for a memorable meal.

Babette's
Schleifmühlgasse 17
1040 Wieden,
Wien, Austria
Tel: +43 1 5855165
Near Naschmarkt , you will find great food at a great price. They use spices like no one else. For a unique meal that is not only delicious but healthy this restaurant is worth a try. Also to note is that they have a different menu each day.

Restaurant Waldviertlerhof
Schönbrunnerstrasse 20
A-1050
Wien, Austria
Tel.: 0043-1-5873447 oder 0043-1-5863512
Fax: 0043-1-5871090
Email: office@waldviertlerhof.at
Delicious! Traditional and International menu. This restaurant has everything from Mushroom laden Venison to tasty egg dishes. For a special dinner with decent prices the Restaurant Waldviertlerhof should not be missed.