Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, and the Historic City Centre
was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Vienna always had historical importance,
first as the imperial see of the Holy Roman Empire, then the capital of the Austrian
Empire and later of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. But the beginning was around the
year 500 BC, when Vienna was founded as a Celtic settlement. In 15 BC Vienna became
Roman, and the city was called "Vindobona". During the Middle Ages, Vienna was the
capital of the Babenberg Dynasty. In 1440 the Habsburg Dynasty took the power, and
Vienna became their residence.
Whatever you are looking for in a city break – rich cultural traditions, stunning
architecture, fine food and wines, varied shops and markets, lively nightlife –
Vienna excels in every department and if you have already visited other European
cities and are looking for something that is a little different then head for
Austria and discover the Vienna scene.
VISITOR INFO
It's a relatively small city easily explored on foot and its position at the heart
of central Europe is revealed in its blend of old and new, with horse-drawn carriages
and wooden trams alongside a state-of-the-art underground system, the towering
Gothic cathedral of St Stephen opposite the magnificent glass-fronted Haashaus,
and entertainment ranging from first class opera to modern musicals and jazz festivals.
Vienna is the epicenter of Western Classical music and is also known for its architecture.
Vienna is composed in 23 districts which all have their own names: The 'old town',
or city center, is the first district.
It is encircled by the 'Ring' road, which is also the location of many famous old buildings. Districts 2-9 are gathered
within the Gürtel ('belt') Road; there, you can find the Prater (amusement) park,
the hip quarters of the second district (close to Schwedenplatz), the shopping
streets of Mariahilferstraße, Hundertwasser House, the Hundertwasser Kunsthaus, and so on.
Outside the 'belt', there's the Donauturm Tower, and Schönbrunn Castle, the most
visited tourist attraction.
The Innere Stadt (Inner City), was once surrounded by a mighty city wall. The
wall was removed in 1857, and the new space was used for a street around Vienna,
today's "Ringstrasse".
Imposing buildings, monuments and parks were created along
this Ringstrasse, such as Rathaus (town hall), the Burgtheater, the University,
the Parliament, and the State Opera.
Vienna is famous for its many parks. Some of these parks include monuments,
such as the Stadtpark and Belvedere Park with its baroque-style castle. The
principal park of Vienna is the Prater, which is situated on an island formed
by the Danube River and the canal. Schönbrunn, the beautiful Imperial Summer
Palace, includes an 18th century park and the world's oldest zoo, which too
dates back to the 18 th century.
Vienna Tourist Board operates information and booking booths at the airport
Arrival Hall, 7am-11pm and in town at Vienna 1, Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse.
HOTELS
1. Wombat's
2. Hilton Vienna
3. Renaissance Penta Vienna Hotel
4. Hotel Inter-Continental Vienna
5. Inter-Continental Wien
6. Hotel Sacher Wien
7. Le Meridien Vienna
8. Grand Hotel Wien
9. Marriott Vienna
10. Arcotel Hotel Wimberger
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