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Once the leading city in central Europe, Vienna today is a modern city robed in 18th-century charm and 19th-century grandeur. The Old World ambience of the city is determined as much by attitude as by architecture: The Viennese invented cafe society, and they continue to perfect the art of sophisticated relaxation. Nowhere else in Europe are you so aware of a sense of warmth and friendly comfort.
General Information:
The warm, friendly feeling is so prized by the Viennese that they refer to it by name - gemutlichkeit (literally, coziness). To get the true sense of the word, spend some time in the coffeehouses, where you'll see the residents lingering over newspapers, chatting with friends and relaxing over a whipped-cream confection and a rich cup of coffee.
Getting Around:
Within Vienna, driving can be difficult if you are not used to sharing relatively narrow streets with trolleys and bicyclists. Also, some areas are pedestrian only. Even the outlying districts can easily be reached by public transportation (and sometimes you will even have a choice among a trolley, bus or subway). A taxi is always an option for more remote locations.
Art and Culture:
Vienna is one of the main music centers of the world. Contemporary music gets its hearing, but it's the hometown standards - the works of Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert - that draw the Viennese public. Vienna is home to four full symphony orchestras: the Vienna Philharmonic, the Vienna Symphony, the broadcasting service's ORF Symphony Orchestra, and the Niederösterreichische Tonkünstler. There are also hundreds of smaller groups, from trios to chamber orchestras. The most important concert halls are in the buildings of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, called the Musikverein and the Konzerthaus.
Shopping:
You will find the best antiques shops located in the First District, many clustered close to the Dorotheum auction house, in the Dorotheergasse, Stallburggasse, Plankengasse, and Spiegelgasse. You'll also find interesting shops in the Josefstadt (Eighth) district, with prices considerably lower than those in the centre. Wander up Florianigasse and back down Josefstädter Strasse, being sure not to overlook the narrow side streets.
Attractions:
To the Viennese, the most prestigious address of Vienna's 23 Bezirke, or districts, is the First District. Spreading out from the Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral), this inner city is bounded by a circular roadway called the Ringstrasse. Along the Ring stands many magnificent buildings, including the Staatsoper (Opera House), the Kunsthistorisches (Art History) Museum, and the Naturhistorisches (Natural History) Museum.
Gastronomy:
In a first-class restaurant you will pay as much as in most other Western European capitals, but you can still find good food at refreshingly low prices in the simpler restaurants. A Würstelstand sells sausages on the street; for quick, simple snacks, stop in at an Imbiss-Stube-you'll find them at city markets, serving soups and a daily special at noon. Many cafes are also open for lunch, but watch the prices; some can turn out to be more expensive than restaurants. Gasthäuser are simple restaurants or country inns. Wine cellars and wine gardens, or Heurige (for new wine), serve everything from cold cuts and cheeses to full meals.
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| (1) is the most popular resort. | | Baden | | | Vienna |  (1) |
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