Attractions and museums

The Austrian capital does not lack dramatic architecture. Boasting the third-highest spire in Europe, St Stephen’s Cathedral - known affectionately as ‘Steffl’ - lies at the heart of the city, but has plenty of competition for attention, with the 18th century Karlskirche, with its mighty dome, rightly regarded as a Baroque masterpiece.

Magnificent boulevard
Built on a grand scale, the Hofburg Imperial Palace incorporates a number of spectacular buildings, including the National Library with its spectacular hall and the world-famous Spanish Riding School. The palace is just one of the splendours of the 4.5 kilometre-long Ringstrasse - a cavalcade of spectacular buildings, including the Vienna State Opera.

Austrian artists
West of the city, the Schönbrunn Palace is no less impressive, while Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum boasts the world’s largest Breughel collection and works by Vermeer and Rafael. More modern works abound at the Museum of Contemporary Art, not least those of Austrians Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, while the Zoom Children’s Museum will dazzle youngsters.