Vienna

Vienna's inspiring attractions make for a perfect city break at any time of the year. The historic centre of Vienna, with world-famous sights like the St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Imperial Palace, has been added to the UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list.

With its monumental palaces, gilded opera houses and stately boulevards, Vienna might feel like an imperial capital lost in history. It is undoubtedly a city of great heritage but it is also a city that has embraced the modern world and is a leader in the contemporary art scene. With a thriving nightlife and numerous great cafés, bars and restaurants, it is a city that offers great diversity.

Once the seat of the Habsburg Empire, Austria's capital retains an ambience of imperial elegance and boasts some of Europe's most impressive royal buildings. Follow in the footsteps of the Habsburgs; visit the stunning Baroque Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palaces and stroll along the Ringstrasse surrounding the Imperial Palace.

Also inextricably linked with the city are the delights of Viennese cuisine and the unique charm of Vienna's coffee houses. Synonymous with Strauss's Blue Danube Waltz and the compositions of Haydn, come and embrace Vienna's rich musical heritage.

For a more in-depth look at the city, check out our definitive guide to a Vienna city break.

• Flight time from London: 2 hours 10 min
• Vienna International Airport: 18km from the city centre; transfer time about 15 min
• Nearest railway station: Wien Westbahnhof
• Currency: Euro