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Vienna is without a doubt one of Europe's great capitals. It's where royal rulers from the Austro-Hungarian Empire used to hang out and while their empire may have broken down long ago, there are still traces of it all over the city from enormous mansions, royal palaces and expansive parks, regal fountains and coffee shop cakes named after kings.

Essentials in Vienna

It's easy to see Vienna as a stunning piece of historic art but today it's also voted as one of the best modern and urban spaces to live in the world. Great restaurants serving dishes with a fusion of flavours, museums housing some of the most controversial and provocative modern art in the world, bars what pour out onto the sidewalks and streets on any given summer night, students, street buskers, it's all here. Historic and modern living side by side, discover it all on your next holiday in Vienna.

Museumsquartier: To tackle a load of museums at one time, head to Museumsquartier, a whole district filled with cultural institutions and art galleries. The most popular include the Leopold Museum and MUMOK. Outside the museum is a huge open space to hang out. In the summer you can grab a beer here and enjoy the frequent live music. You can spend an entire day at the Museum of Fine Arts, it's Austria's version of the Louvre.

Freud: Vienna has a long history with Freud and if you're also a fan, visit the Freud Museum at his small historic flat where he practices psychoanalysis for almost his entire life. There are several documents on display, even his couch is there!

Stephansdom: Every European capital has to have at least one Gothic cathedral, this is |Vienna's. The church has been in its location since the 12th century (although there are few things that remain for the original). The present building was constructed in the 1300s. While admission is free, you need to book a tour if you want to visit the nave.

Coffee time: Coffee is an essential part of Viennese culture. Vienna was the centre of the coffee empire for a long time, have you ever heard of Vienna roast? Coffee traditions are still kept alive at many central cafés so try something new!

Shopping: For shopping, Vienna is home to 21 markets, the most famous ones take place at Christmas time. For second-hand goods, check out Flohmarkt, one of Europe's best flea markets near Naschmarkt on Saturdays. For sweet treats and Austrian goods head to Austrian Delights, a deli stocking the best in local wine, schnapps, jellies and honey.

Find more information on wien.info.

Accommodations in Vienna

Finding a hotel in Vienna doesn't take long, there are literally tons of them. What may be hard however, is finding one that suits your budget, especially in the summer months of July and August. Along the Ringstrasse you'll find luxury palaces turned hotels that once houses the empire's most royal Royals. Unless you're rich and famous, we recommend finding something more modest in the inner city. If you want to be within walking distance of the main sights, stick to district 1 (postal code 1010). Hotels in Spittelberg, Neubau and around Schwedenplatz are all great spots to put your head down at night.

Vienna's famed Christmas market means that peak season hits again in late November all the way until the new year. If you're staying in Vienna during this time and summer, book your room as far in advance as possible.