Viking Cruises

WHAT TO SEE AND DO Today the historic centre still draws crowds, and rightly so. The impressive Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral is seen as the symbol of Vienna with its tower stretching heavenwards for 136 metres. The dazzling roof features 230,000 glazed mosaic tiles arranged in various patterns including a double-headed eagle – the symbol of the Austrian empire when it was ruled by the Habsburg dynasty. Don't miss the eerie, dimly lit catacombs studded with skulls. Nearby the high-baroque Winter Palace borders Ringstrasse, the 19th-century boulevard that is home to many of Vienna's best- known sights, such as the Imperial Palace, the Vienna State Opera and Parliament. MuseumsQuartier at the Imperial Stables is Vienna's largest art complex housing an astonishing ten museums. Look out for Art Nouveau heroes Klimt and Schiele. The Spanish Riding School, home to the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions, is based at the Hofburg, a former imperial palace. The horses perform in the opulent baroque hall, in perfect unison with their riders. Visit Vienna's summer palace, Schönbrunn, with its elaborate Rococo interior spread throughout 1,440 rooms. Linger in the wonderfully landscaped park to explore the maze and fountains. Take a whirl on Vienna's vintage Ferris wheel, the oldest in the world. Reserve a private cabin for a candlelit dinner to accompany the stunning Vienna skyline. Follow the locals in summer and spend time on the Danube. There's a hop-on-hop-off boat, bicycles to hire or simply stroll along the river. WHERE TO SHOP A visit to Vienna is not complete without a trip to Kohlmarkt in the heart of the city. This historic shopping strip is home to high street fashion, jewellery houses and unique boutiques. For high- end luxury and designer boutiques from Prada and Chanel to Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton, head to The Goldenes Quartier. The long, mostly pedestrianised Mariahilfer Straße adjacent to the Museumsquartier complex offers a mix of contemporary fashion stores to suit all budgets and styles. WHERE TO DINE The Viennese appreciation of the finer things in life extends to its opulent coffee-house 'living rooms' serving spectacular cakes; its beloved pub-like Beisln dishing up hearty portions of Wiener schnitzel and goulash. Spend an afternoon at Vienna's multi- cultural food and flea market. Known as Naschmarkt, it spans over a mile and there are plenty of traditional sausage stands where visitors can stop for a Bratwurst and a beer. Clockwise, from left: Belvedere Palace; Statue of Johan Strauss; Vienna's vintage Ferris wheel; Parliament Building viking.com 57

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