Grandiose Vienna was the showpiece of the all-conquering Habsburg dynasty, and the seat of its ruler. Monumental edifices line the city centre, world-class museums burst with treasures, white stallions strut their way down mirrored halls and renowned orchestras and angelic choirboys perform in lavish concert halls.

Most of Vienna's main sights are crammed into the Innere Stadt (inner city). The district is adorned with the outstanding Gothic heights of Stephansdom, the massive Hofburg (Imperial Palace), the cultured history of the Jewish quarter (Judenplatz) and a scattering of historic streets and squares. This Old Town of Vienna, with its numerous churches, palaces and parks, as well as its eponymous coffee houses, should not be missed.

Other famous attractions include Schönbrunn, the summer residence of the Habsburgs with its world-famous zoo, an outstanding cultural and artistic monument from the Baroque Age.