Romantic Gateway

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, and its historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The capital of the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages and the Autro-Hungarian Empire until World War I, and home of Mozart, Freud and Egon Schiele, Vienna is rich in cultural landmarks and history. Stroll and shop the cobbled streets of the Old Town city center, which is ringed by the “Belt” road, visit the city’s many excellent museums and palaces, and include a trip to Schönbrunn Castle, the city’s most visited tourist attraction.

Whether you fancy Viennese pastries or not, you’ll be transported back in time while tasting the famous Sachertorte in the elegant Cafe Sacher, where the dessert was first created. Coffee house culture originated in Vienna too, and many of the classic Kaffeehaussen have yet to be replaced by Starbucks.

An original Wurttemberg palace, inaugurated in 1873 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, Hotel Imperial is located approximately 10 meters from Ringstrasse and 12 miles from Vienna Airport. It's also a short walk from Musikverein (concert hall) Casino Austria, and the State Opera House. Guests can enjoy the fitness room and sauna on the sixth floor. The Restaurant Imperial offers award-winning Austrian specialties and creative international cuisine. Cafe Imperial is the gathering place of choice for music enthusiasts. Maria Theresia Bar is also on site and has a piano. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service, butler service, 24-hour concierge service, dry cleaning, a doorman, and a hair salon. Guests are even given a fruit basket upon arrival, and can utilize an in-house theater ticket agency. All rooms have dataports, dual-line telephones, voicemail, individual climate control, and minibars.

Built by the famous architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen who is also known for the fantastic designing of the neighboring Austrian Parliament Building-the Palais Epstein is another of his wonderful creations. When you see this building you will be awestruck for it stands five storeys tall and it is built in an attempt to revive the Neo-Renaissance style of architecture. Now, the beautiful palace with wonderful work of gold lace and circular structures is used for parliamentary purposes.

Today, the small Volksgarten is popular mostly with the retired, their dogs and the civil servants who work in the surrounding buildings. A hundred years ago, though, it was the preferred meeting place of the Viennese nobility. There was even an "aristocratic corner" in this formal French garden, for which an entry fee had to be paid. The park was opened in 1820 on the site of the old Burgbastei, blown up by Napoleon's troops in 1809. The focal point today is the Doric Theseus Tempel, a replica of the Theseion in Athens. In the far northern corner of the garden you will find a statue of the Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), while the opposite corner features a monument to poet Franz Grillparzer.

If the words melody and harmony truly delight you, then visit the Musical Instruments Museum. It houses a vast collection of ancient and modern musical instruments played by legends and famed artists. The collection from the Renaissance era truly depicts the musical life in Europe. From stringed, keyboard to wind instrument, it showcases a comprehensive and impressive variety. Originally, the instruments were a part of the Habsburgs property, but with the donations and gifts from other connoisseurs of music, the collection is always expanding.

The Viennese are famous for their confectionery - and for good reason! One glance in this pint-sized sweetshop will convince any sweet tooth that they've come to the right place. Viennese confectionery is handmade, fresh and sold by the gram as well as boxed; this shop carries the famous Mozart and Lindt brands, as well as Viennese liquor and coffees to complete the setting for an authentic European "Kaffee und Kuchen".

Bauernbräu which is a family-run restaurant specializes in organic farm products, which explains the crowds seven days a week. Diners can avail of succulent Styrian delicacies in the Knights Hall or guzzle wine, beer and schnapps in the brewery Room. The Styrian delicacy Kürbiscremesuppe (pumpkin cream soup) is a must-have. The pricing is reasonable and around 40 guests can be seated at the patio, which is open weather-permitting.