Vienna Things to Do Tips by jexelot

This sumptuous baroque palace (1700) is one of Vienna's most popular attractions. It has 2000-rooms-worth of imperial splendour (of which 40 can be visited), complete with a classically landscaped garden. Additional attractions (with separate entrance fees) include a maze and the world's oldest zoo.

The pinnacle of finery is reached in the Great Gallery. Gilded scrolls, ceiling frescoes, chandeliers and huge crystal mirrors create the effect. Numerous sumptuous balls were held here, including one for the delegates at the Congress of Vienna (1814-15).

The Mirror Room is where Mozart (then six) played his first royal concert in the presence of Maria Theresa and the royal family in 1762. His father revealed in a letter that afterwards young Wolfgang leapt onto the lap of the empress and kissed her.

The Round Chinese Room is over the top but rather ingenious too. Maria Theresa held secret consultations here: a hidden doorway led to her adviser's apartments and a fully laden table could be drawn up through the floor so the dignitaries could dine without being disturbed by servants.

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Address: the summer-residence of the emperor

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Address: the baroque castle of Prinz Eugen

More than two years have passed since the official opening of the Vienna MuseumsQuartier in June 2001. In this time what was once the largest cultural building site in Europe has developed into a unique, pulsing centre of cultural life in Austria. In a very short time it has succeeded in bringing together the three fundamental qualities of the location "art space", "living space" and "creative space" into a distinguished brand and positioning it successfully internationally.

More than 2 million visitors to the area this year are a clear testament to this, as much as the fact that the Viennese value the MQ as much as the international public do (visitor numbers: from Vienna: 53%; international guests: 33%). Almost every other person in Vienna has already visited the MQ once. In 2004 as well a multitude of exhibitions and events will further raise the attraction of the MuseumsQuartier.

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Address: Museums Quartier Metro U2/U3
Website: http://www.mqw.at/news.en.html

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Address: The old part of Vienna inside the Ringstrasse