Airline tickets to Vienna waltz culture-lovers off to Austria's capital. Vienna shows off its contemporary art in the Museum Quarter and recalls its opulent past with Hofburg palaces in the Innere Stadt (city centre). Buy a Vienna Philharmonic ticket to hear one of the world's finest orchestras in action.

Things to do

Lipizzaner stallions perform at the Spanish Riding School while a flight on Vienna's Ferris wheel affords far-reaching views over the city. The Museum Quarter showcases art gems, including Schiele masterpieces at the Leopold Museum.

Shopping

The Innere Stadt's cobbled lanes lead to Graben's designer boutiques and old-world confectioners. Mariahilfer Strasse is lined with high-street department stores, while Neubau offers original speciality shops. Pick up an antique at the Naschmarkt as a Vienna holiday souvenir.

Restaurants

Food-lovers travel to Vienna's Innere Stadt for schnitzel, mustard-smothered sausages and gourmet cuisine. Neubau offers new-wave Viennese cuisine and Landstrasse alfresco dining. Head to Mariahilf for 23-hour breakfasts or late-night dim sum.

Nightlife

After dark, the Innere Stadt comes alive in Heurigen (wine taverns), traditional pubs and fashionable lounges. DJs play in Mariahilf district's avant-garde cocktail bars. Book a ticket for Vienna's State Opera.

When to go

KLM has frequent flights to Vienna. Book airline tickets in December when the Christmas Market twinkles with magic. A flight to Vienna between January and March whisks Strauss fans off to the Ball Season.