About Vienna
The spectacular city of Vienna, in its romantic setting on the River Danube, is world renowned for its aristocratic charm and elegance. The hub of the Habsburg Empire for over six long and turbulent centuries, Vienna has preserved a unique cultural heritage, derived from its illustrious past, and has fulfilled the ancient prophecy that 'the sun will never set on the Alpine republic', even though her once powerful European status has long been diminished.
The city of Vienna is filled with beautiful baroque architecture, inspired and created by Italian-trained craftsmen in a bid to replicate Rome during the 50 years between 1690 and 1740. Ornate doorways and facades, beautifully carved rooflines, the fascinating, bulbous towers and columns of St Stephen's Cathedral and Karlskirche (St Charles' Church), together with the magnificent Imperial Palace (Hofburg) and Schloss Schönbrunn, are all lavish reminders of the golden age of Vienna.
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Getting There & Around
Flughafen Wien Schwechat is Vienna's international airport and is served by over 80 airlines. Austrian Airlines is the national carrier. Bratislava's MR Štefánika Airport in Slovakia is only 60km east of Vienna, making it close enough to be an alternative to Schwechat. There is a number of options for shuttling from the airport as well as major car rental desks.
Public Transport : Vienna has an excellent subway system that is very easy to understand. Buy tickets from machines in subway stations. Be sure to purchase normal tickets, and not discounted ones, even if you have an international student ID. The buses and trams use the same tickets. Large maps are near every tram stop detailing routes throughout the city. Day tickets are available, and are a good buy if you plan to see a lot of sights. Vienna Public Transportation
Trains : Austia's rail system is right on par with neighboring Germany and Switzerland in quality. Vienna has several stations, but most people arriving from the West arrive at Westbahnhof. Trains heading east and south usually depart from Sudbahnhof. Trains from Germany generally arrive at Ostbahnhof. The major train stations offer information services.
Car : Austrians are renowned for their law-abiding traits, and this is most evident in their polite driving habits. Roads are well-marked Drivers in Austria require their national driving license, all relevant car documents, and proof of car insurance. In addition, all vehicles require a first-aid kit. Keep in mind that all of Austria's highways are toll roads. Tickets are available at border crossings and must be presented on demand to avoid a fine.
Taxis in Vienna are nearly impossible to hail. Try taxi stands in front of hotels.
Attractions
Vienna is full of attractions for all ages. Below is a list of some suggested things to do in Vienna. You can also book some of these attractions online and save your vacation time.
Schonbrunn Palace (Schloss Schonbrunn)
This palace of nearly 1,500 rooms was completed in the early 18th century as a smaller model of Versailles and is surrounded by a large zoological and botanical park.
Imperial Palace (Hofburg)
The city's stately imperial palace once served as the residence of the powerful Hapsburg emperors and today is home to several museums.
Museum Quarter (MuseumsQuartier Wien)
Center for art and culture featuring artist studios, exhibition halls and cultural institutions such as the Leopold Museum, MUMOK and Kunsthalle.
Spanish Riding School (Spanische Reitschule)
The performances of the horses trained by this famous equestrian school have amazed audiences for over 400 years.
Museum of Fine Arts - Kunsthistorisches Museum
This museum contains not only one of the finest collections of art, but also many priceless objects created for the Habsburg emporers.
Sigmund Freud Haus Museum
Freud's former home contains numerous documents and photographs from throughout the famous psychologist's life.
Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)
Former residence of the Prince of Savoy consists of two palaces: one houses the Museum of Medieval Austrian Art and the Museum of Austrian Baroque; and a second contains the Austrian Gallery.
St Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephan's gothic structure seems a little out of place among the modern glass and steel buildings lining the Stephansplatz. However, it's the things that stand out that make it such an attraction.
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