Vienna Overview

In the land of Johann Strauß, Schloß Schönbrunn and Empress Sisi, life is still a little bit slower than elsewhere. Famous coffeehouses, shady vineyards and the charm of the past make Vienna Europe's capital of nostalgia.

Districts

The districts of Vienna are not known by name, but are numbered as they are in Paris, from 1 to 23. The city can be divided into four different parts. Firstly, there is the center, the 1st district. Here, you will find the famous Ringstrasse (built by Emperor Franz Joseph I) instead of medieval city walls. Districts numbered 3-9 lie between the "Ring" and the "Gürtel" (belt) boulevards, whilst the first and the second districts are separated by a small river, the Donaukanal. Beyond the Gürtel south, west, and north of the 1st district, you will find districts 10 to 20 and the two districts on the opposite bank of the river Danube, dubbed by the Viennese the "Transdanubien." Lastly, district number 23 is situated south of the city center.

The 1st district, Innere Stadt, is not only the city's historic center, it is also the first, most elegant, and one of the most expensive of Vienna’s districts. Splendid boutiques, expensive hotels, the Burgtheater, the State Opera, and most of the historic monuments are all located in the 1st district or "Innere Stadt" (inner city). This area is also the home to many important politicians and the Austrian President. Here you will find medieval Vienna: old houses, narrow cobbled streets and romantic squares where one almost expects Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to appear around the next corner. Right through the 1st district runs Kärtnerstrasse, a pedestrian zone and shopping boulevard with the State Opera at one end and Stephansplatz with Stephansdom at the other.

Entertainment

The multitude of museums reinforces the legacy of art, history and culture unique to Vienna. Its outstanding architecture, two examples of which are Naturhistorische Museum and the Kunsthistorische Museum, is testament to this history. Both are worth visiting and their prominent location at the Ringstrasse makes them easily accessible. The KunstHausWien is the antithesis of classical museums, designed by the famous Austrian painter and sculptor Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Classical music is still the sound that pervades Viennese culture. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra normally performs at the Musikverein, which is said to have the best acoustics of any concert hall in Austria (if not in the world). Just a stone's throw away is another famous concert hall, the Konzerthaus, which has the capacity to stage three performances simultaneously. Most programmes are classical, but you can also hear anything from ethnic music to jazz. The Schönbrunn Palace offers outdoor classical concerts in summer.

Visitors to Vienna should not miss a night at the world famous Staatsoper (State Opera). It certainly ranks among the world’s top five opera houses. Another main venue for opera is the smaller Volksoper (People's Opera), which includes operettas and musicals in its repertoire.

Dining and Drinking

Some say coffee houses and wine taverns are defining characteristics of Vienna, and with good cause. The coffee house is an integral part of Viennese life. On just about every corner you will encounter one of these oases for an excellent cup of Austrian coffee, allegedly the best in the world. From that, one might think that drinking is the main occupation of the Viennese, but Austrians do have a weakness for good food.

Dining in Vienna is almost instantly connected with the famous Wiener Schnitzel, but Viennese cuisine has a lot more to offer. Most coffee houses and wine taverns can give any reputable restaurant a good run for its money. The "Beisl" is a common Viennese name for a small tavern, restaurant or pub serving food. Should you be short of time, the omnipresent Würstelstand (sausage stands) are always worth a visit, serving typically Austrian sausage, a hot dog or a slice of pizza for very palatable prices. The cheapest sit-down food is generally to be found in university restaurants, known as "Mensas." Despite only opening on weekdays at lunchtime, they are terrific values for the money. And, for those with a penchant for excellent food, Vienna offers plenty of fine restaurants, especially in the Inner city. These range from traditional Austrian and Viennese cuisine to almost every fathomable gastronomic delight from all over the world.

The Gastgarten or Schanigarten (Beer Gardens) belong to the Viennese gastronomic scene in the same way that the Alps belong to Austrian topography. The word "Schanigarten" is synonymous with sitting outside, breathing fresh air (rather than smoke) and enjoying a cool drink under the shade of a tree. Schanigarten are very often small calm areas in the midst of the city. Heurige are wine taverns serving the year's local vintage, or "Heuriger," and offer simple but excellent buffets to accompany their home-grown wines. They are found all over Vienna, but the more traditional places are usually found near the vineyards on the outskirts of the city.

Where To Stay

As you might expect, Vienna offers some of the most opulent and historic hotels in Europe, with prices to match. However, reasonably priced centrally located accommodation can be found, especially in the numerous pensions throughout the city. These are not necessarily inferior to hotels in quality. In fact, some are a whole lot better. The distinction is only a technical definition; a pension might occupy one or more floors in a building, but to be a hotel the entire block must be occupied.

The 1st district, the Innere Stadt (Vienna’s old town and commercial center) is where you will find most of the big luxury hotels. These hotels are situated on the Ringstrasse and are popular with celebrities and presidents, offering all the luxurious amenities you would expect.

Tucked away in the small streets of the Innere Stadt, there are also a large number of charming pensions and hotels. If you are looking for somewhere a bit quieter and somewhat cheaper but still within walking distance of the 1st district and its sights, have a look in the districts beyond the Ringstrasse such as Landstrasse, Wieden, Neubau and Josefstadt. Further afield still, in the hills of Grinzing or the gardens of Hitzing, guests will find comfortable and often peaceful accommodations, mostly a 10- to 20-minute ride by underground or tram from the city center.

Vienna by the Numbers

Elevation: 623 feet/190 meters
Average Annual Rainfall: 24 inches/61 centimeters
Average Annual Snowfall: 10 inches/25 centimeters
Average January Temperature: 31 degrees F/-1 degrees C
Average July Temperature: 68 degrees F/20 degrees C

Time Zone: +1 GMT
Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz, standard two pin plugs
Country Dialing Code: 43
Area Code: 01 (43 and the area code must be dialed even for local calls)

Population: 1.5 million
Major Industries: steel, machinery, tourism, and cars.
Ethnic Mix: 93% of Austrians are German-speaking. Ethnic mix includes six officially recognized ethnic groups: Croats, Czechs, Hungarians, Roma/Sinti, Slovaks and Slovenes.

Did You Know?

Vienna is a city rich in history. Through the end of World War I, it was the seat of the Hapsburg Empire. The city is also of interest as it was the setting for Graham Greene's 'The Third Man' novel and award-winning film directed by Carol Reed and starring Joseph Cotton and Orson Welles (as Harry Lime).

Orientation/Geography

Vienna is located in central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia. The Czech Republic is 225m/362km north, Germany is 487m/784km northwest, and Italy is 267m/430km southwest.


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