The impressive Hofburg Imperial Palace served as a residence for the Habsburgian emperors of the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy. From here, emperors and empresses like Franz Josef or Maria Theresia reigned their empire, which at the time reached across wide stretches of Europe. Selected parts of the Hofburg Imperial Palace are open to visitors.

More information: http://www.hofburg-wien.at/

Unique in all the world: At the Spanish Riding School the classic art of horsemanship in the tradition of the “haute école” of the Renaissance has been cultivated unchanged for fully 430 years. The elegant horses – white Lipizzaners – and their riders are an international symbol for Viennese culture. Be sure not to miss a Lipizzaner show!

More information: http://www.spanische-reitschule.com/

Particularly impressive about the Imperial Crypt containing the bodies of the Habsburg rulers are its quiet splendour and its expression of imperial power. Fans of the empress Elisabeth – lovingly called Sisi by the people – may view her last resting place in the Imperial Crypt. Apart from Sisi’s honorary grave, visitors can view numerous other graves of popular rulers from the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.

More information: http://www.kaisergruft.at/

The “Dom zu St. Stephan,” one of Vienna’s landmarks, awaits you directly in the heart of the city. Lovingly called “Steffl” by the Viennese, it is an impressive sacral masterpiece. The services at St. Stephan’s Cathedral are initiated by the so-called “Pummerin” – the dome’s distinctive bells. From the South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral you can enjoy an unforgettable view of Vienna.

More information: http://www.stephansdom.at/

The Albertina museum houses one of the most important art collections in Europe. Its most famous exhibit is the works of Albrecht Dürer. Also worth viewing is the museum’s architecture, which unites tradition with modernity.

More information: http://www.albertina.at/

The Opera Ball is held annually at the Vienna State Opera. Nevertheless, throughout the year the name of the game is not high society but traditional opera: Nicolaus Harnoncourt, Anna Netrebko, Thomas Hampson, Riccardo Muti, Claudio Abbado and Sir Simon Rattle are only some of the stars to be found giving guest performances at the Vienna State Opera, the Chamber Opera and the Volksoper.

More information: http://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/