"BEAUTIFUL VIENNA" a Vienna Travel Page by spoonee8

There is no city on earth that can match the beauty, history, and charm of Vienna. From the beauty of the baroque-laden architecture to the wonderful vineyards of the Vienna woods, there will always be something that will draw you back... again and again... and if the scenery isn't enough to entice you to return, then just indulge yourself in one of the many culinary delights that Vienna has to offer. Whether it be Wienerschnitzel, Goulash, Germknodel, or perhaps a melange or "grosse braune" (the coffee in Vienna is simply the best in the world!), or even their beer, the cuisine in itself is enough to persuade you to return. Heck... just the italian ice that is served at the "Schwedenplatz" or the "Zanoni Zanoni" is enough to give you visions of heaven.
Vienna is full of an eclectic mix of people, with a large population of pensionists and a very "fit-oriented" younger generation. With the end of the communist bloc and the recent expansion of the EU, Vienna has embraced an even larger percentage of transplants, mostly from eastern European countries, but surprsingly also many Africans as well.
Summertime in Vienna is a grat time to visit and a cherished opportunity for everyone to relax and have fun. Nowhere is this more evident than at the annual Rathausplatz festival. Hundreds of restaurants and vendors set up booths of food, wine, spirits, and sweets that would tempt even the devil himself. In the background, one can watch the highlights that showcase the centerpiece of Vienna's fame: Classical Music! Recent ballets, operas, or other classical performances are shown here on a giant big screen, where thousands turn out nightly to be part of the wonderful experience. Even if one is not interested in the beautiful music, Vienna is also the home to many beautiful people; people-watching is a favorite activity in Vienna, not just for visitors but for the Viennese themselves...
And don't ever make the mistake of calling a "Viennese" an "Austrian". If your from Burgenland or Tirol, then perhaps it's ok to be labeled as simply an "Austrian", but because the tradition of the "Wiener Blut" runs so deep here, you must understand that the Viennese feel like they're a "class" unto themselves; and deservingly so.
If you have never been to Vienna, then you most certainly must come. Any trip that an American makes to Europe absolutely must include Vienna in his plans. For many Americans, it's a bit of a culture shock, but for most of them, it is certainly needed... but always appreciated.