A Quick Guide to Vienna, Austria
Everyone knows about the allure of Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam in the spring. But what about Vienna? This city also dazzles in the spring sunshine. Its magnificent imperial heritage impresses whatever season, as does the almost edible Baroque architecture and the elegant Art Nouveau style. Add an enviable quality of life, regularly ranking Vienna as the world's best capital city, and you have the perfect long weekend destination. Two must-sees set the tone for Vienna's famed cultural life and sophistication. Hofburg and Schonbrunn Palace First is the supremely confident Hofburg, which was the seat of the Habsburg rulers and occupies an impressive swathe of the historic Innere Stadt (Inner City). No less important, the Habsburgs' vast cream-and-ochre Schönbrunn Palace stands in suitably expensive parkland and is a glorious sight on sunny spring days. Between the palaces stretches a galaxy of other palaces and opulent old-school shops, and above them, all soars the intricat...