Mercure's travel guides

Vienna (Wien) waltzes gently through the year, living and breathing music, art and culture: Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss are just some of its famous composers; Sigmund Freud and Ludwig Wittgenstein just two of the thinkers who were born or lived here. Even today, the cultural appeal of the Vienna Boys' Choir and the Staatsoper – some say the world's finest opera house – attracts thousands of visitors.

A stroll around Vienna's winding streets reveals fabulous architecture at every turn, from the Gothic grandeur of St Stephen's Cathedral and the baroque twirls of Schönbrunn Palace to the stark modernity of Loos Haus and the colourful extravagance of Hundertwasserhaus. Stroll down the Graben, stretching from St Stephen's Cathedral to the upmarket Kohlmarkt in the 1st District, or Innere Stadt. Although the name Graben literally means 'ditch', recalling the time when a Roman trench ran alongside, this is one of Vienna's most fashionable streets. Kärntner Strasse, the city's prime shopping street, is unavoidable – just try to miss the crowds.

One spot you shouldn't miss is the MuseumsQuartier, a museum-filled area in the 7th District created in the former imperial stables and riding school. Here you can hop between the Kunsthalle's contemporary art exhibitions, the Museum Moderner Kunst with its 7,000-strong modern art collection, the Leopold Museum with its focus on art nouveau, and the family-friendly ZOOM Kindermuseum. There are heaps of opportunities to eat, drink and shop, and if you're lucky you'll catch a performance at the Tanzquartier centre of dance. Cultural festivals, like the Wiener Festwochen, also take place here.

The First District, Vienna's historic city centre, contains many of the biggest attractions within a small, mostly pedestrianized area, so it's easy to get around on foot. To head further afield, an extensive network of efficient subway trains, trams and buses are at your service. It's easy to get to Vienna: fly into Flughafen Wien-Schwechat, around 11 miles (18 kilometres) from the city centre, or arrive by train at Wien Westbahnhof.

Vienna's mild climate makes it perfect for alfresco meals and evening strolls; at every turn you'll discover new bars and restaurants popping up in beautiful historic buildings, with each district promising a different atmosphere. And if you get lost or struggle to understand the Austrian German spoken in the city, don't worry, as many locals speak English and are more than willing to help. 

So don't be afraid to explore – and to indulge.