Vienna

Once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna retains its imperial façade with wide boulevards, imposing palaces and an air of civilised grandeur. Located at the heart of Europe on the banks of the Danube, the compact city centre is dotted with parks. 

Thanks to the munificent patronage of the Habsburg dynasty, the city has a noble history of music and art. Mozart, Beethoven and Mahler worked here, Schubert and Strauss were both born here. 

Supremely easy to get around (with efficient trams, cheap taxis and romantic horse-drawn barouches), Vienna is a visitor's paradise. 

Language: German (official)

Currency: Euro

Climate: A moderate continental climate: cold winter, warm summer, and no excessive rainfall. Best times to visit are Spring, early Summer and Autumn.

Culture: A unique cultural heritage, as hub of the Habsburg Empire for 6 centuries, and a spectacular city on the River Danube. Baroque architecture inspired by Italian-trained craftsmen gives the city a regal feel.

Places to visit: Hofburg Imperial Palace, Schloss Belvedere, Freud's Apartment, St Charles' church, Josefsplatz, Judisches Museum, Schönbrunn's Castle.