Vienna: The City of Elegance, Music and Serenity

But it is the city's music scene that truly sets it apart. Vienna is often referred to as the "City of Music," and for good reason. It has been the home of some of the world's greatest composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's music halls, including the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein, have hosted some of the most memorable performances in history. The sound of music is truly in the air, with street performers and concerts filling the streets and squares of the city.

The city's parks and gardens provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The Prater, Vienna's oldest amusement park, offers a whimsical escape, with its iconic Ferris wheel and carnival atmosphere. For a more serene experience, the Vienna Woods offer miles of walking paths and stunning vistas of the city below. The Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, with their meticulously manicured lawns and tranquil ponds, are a true oasis of calm.

 

Vienna, the imperial capital of Austria, is a city that has captured the hearts of visitors for centuries. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving music scene, Vienna offers an unforgettable travel experience that is nothing short of magical.

The city's architectural gems are a testament to its illustrious past, and walking through its streets feels like taking a step back in time. From the towering spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral to the majestic Hofburg Palace, Vienna's buildings are a testament to the city's status as one of the great capitals of Europe. The opulent Schönbrunn Palace, once home to the Habsburg dynasty, is a must-see, with its sprawling gardens and lavish interiors.

Vienna truly is a city that delights the senses. From the opulence of its palaces to the soul-stirring melodies of its music, it offers an experience that is unmatched by any other. Whether you're a lover of history, art, or music, or simply seeking a place to unwind and soak up the beauty of the world, Vienna is a destination that will leave you enchanted and longing to return.

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music in Salzburg

Some come here for the legendary Mozart. Some come for a more recent musical legacy, The Sound of Music. Either way, one thing is for sure, people stay for its spellbinding beauty. This city in north-central Austria is not only known for its musical legacies, but also for being the epitome of Baroque architecture, which is very much evident in the streets of old town. Nestles bedside the fast-flowing Salzach River, this wondrous city gives you spectacular views of beautiful spires and domes, a formidable clifftop fortress from a distance, and the endearing mountains from afar. So what are you waiting for? The music is calling! Download the Salzburg Travel Guide and Offline Map now.

1.      Festung Hohensalzburg

The city’s most visible icon is this mighty, 900-year old-old cliff-top fortress. The fortress is considered one of the biggest and best preserved in all of Europe. Built in 1077 as a humble bailey at present is now a formidable fortress thanks to Leonard von Keutschach, prince-archbishop of Salzburg from the late 1400’s to the late 1500’s. One of the highlights of anyone’s visit is the Golden Hall where lavish banquets used to take place under a gold-studded ceiling imitating a starry night.

2.      Schloss Mirabell

Built in 1606 by prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich to impress his mistress, this splendid palace with a lavish interior, replete with stucco, marble, and frescoes. Its famed Marble Hall provides a sublime backdrop for evening concerts. Its gardens are a thing to behold as well. Here you’ll find the Pegasus statue, the steps and the gnomes of the Dwarf Garden where the von Trapp children practiced their “Do-Re-Mi”.

3.      Erzabtei St Peter

A Frankish missionary named Rupert founded this abbey and monastery in around 700, making it the oldest in the German-speaking world. Though the vaulted Romanesque portal remains, today’s church is very much baroque with rococo stucco, statues, and striking altar paintings. Its cemetery is also home to the catacombs—cave-like chapels and crypts hewn out of the Monchsberg cliff face. The graves itself are also intricate works of art made from stone and filigree wrought-iron crosses.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Best Reasons to Visit Vienna, the World’s Number One City to Live in

Vienna has topped Mercer’s Quality of Living Rankings seven times and is expected to top the list again this 2017. If this hasn’t gotten your attention, the city also has a plethora of attractions that will definitely make you want to visit Viena. Before you read on more below have this app handy when touring Vienna, Vienna Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro.

Jazz

Vienna is known the world over as a city of classical music with a remarkably stellar jazz scene. You will hear music playing in every square, park, and café. You can just spend the entire day strolling and listening to the music but if you want to indulge your ears with the best jazz music in the world, go visit one of the jazz clubs such as:

• Porgy & Bess, one of the best jazz clubs in Europe.
• Jazzland, the oldest jazz club in Austria.

Schönbrunn Palace

The fact that the Schönbrunn Palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site already makes it a must-visit when in Vienna. The marvelous structure was designed by architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach as an imperial hunting lodge for his son and crown prince Joseph. It was eventually transformed into an imperial summer residence. If you opt for the imperial tour package, you will be able to go inside the palace’s grand state rooms and royal apartments.

Impressive Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna

Art at the Belvedere Palaces

There is also ample reason for art enthusiast to go and visit Vienna. The two Belvedere Palaces that were the masterpieces of Baroque architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt. The structures were built to serve as royal summer residence. Housed in the Belvedere Palaces is the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings consisting of 24 artworks. Paintings for Egon Schiele are also on display. Taking photos is not allowed which makes viewing these invaluable pieces of art really special.

Awesome rainbow in Belvedere palace

On a separate section of the Palaces you can find the biggest collection of Austrian art with some pieces dating as far back as the Middle Ages. Famous artists responsible for these priceless works of genius include:

• Claude Monet
• Vincent van Gogh
• Max Beckmann
• Ai Wei Wei

There are countless more reasons to visit Vienna. To know the rest, check out eTips.