Vienna

The capital city of Austria and its artistic and intellectual hub. Mozart, Beethoven, and Freed all sought refuge and shot to fame in Vienna. Even Asmahan, an Egyptian famous singer, sang in 1944 about the romantic nights in Vienna. I think that alone says a lot! Vienna is truly romantic and people there are constantly being voted as some of the happiest people on Earth. There isn't an Eiffel Tower or an Empire State building to visit, but as soon as you step foot on its cobble stoned streets, you will feel it in the air. A sense of happiness and sophistication will overcome you at once. It is, however, one of the more expensive European cities so be prepared to spent a few Euros. 

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Where to Stay:

• Historic center (Innere Stadt) offers a central location where you can walk everywhere. 

• Leopoldstadt district is another great choice. Close to the Danube and offers many green areas.

• Try staying at a nice historic hotel, if possible. Goes with the whole Vienna theme.

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Where/What to Eat:

• You must try Schnitzel, preferably at Schnitzelwirt. It gets busy, so get there early. 

• Eat your way through Naschmarkt food market.

• Try an Austrian breakfast, Wiener Frühstück, at Wirr.

• Gastwirtschaft Wratschko for some traditional /austrian food.

• Cafe Central offers a wonderful selection of pastries and great coffee.  

• The Famous Demel is Vienna's oldest coffee house and offers a great atmosphere. 

• Try an Austrian goulash at Schweizerhaus. 

• Have a cocktail at Kleinod, a 1930 inspired cocktail bar with a rooftop.

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What to Do:

• Walk around the historic center and take in the city one historic building at a time. Sit outside in one of its many cafes enjoy people watching.

• Checkout the historic and St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) and climb the 343 step tower for great views of the city.

• Spend couple of hours admiring modern art at the Kunsthistorisches museum

• Visit the Schonbrunn Palace or the Belvedere Palace which rival other European palaces like Versailles. 

• Let your eyes, and nose, and tongue, guide you through Naschmarkt food market

• Visit the oldest Zoo in the world, Vienna Tiergarten.

• Catch a performance at the Vienna State Opera

• Visit the House of Music to learn about Mozart, Beethoven and other legendary composers. 

• Take a river cruise on the Danube

• Go up the Danube Tower for a wonderful view of Vienna. You can also bunje jump off of the tower.

• Have a picnic in one of Vienna's many public parks. (wine, cheese, beer, sun)