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Vienna, also described as Europe's cultural capital, is a metropolis with unique charm and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is clean and safe, and has all the inspiration you could wish for on a language course.Facts: Vienna is the capital of Austria with 2 million inhabitants and is situated on the banks of the Danube. The influx of visitors from all over the world has made Vienna the most popular urban tourist destination in Austria. Austria's climate is generally moderate and mild. Average summer temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, the average winter temperatures are around 0°C.

Vienna - a romantically imperial city: Vienna is a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in history. Wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, view Schönbrunn Palace or the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) in the footsteps of Empress Sissi and Emperor Franz Josef, and marvel at the majestic architecture along the Ring boulevard. Be inspired by an atmospheric city steeped in history - which also boasts the comforts and infrastructure of a modern metropolis!

Vienna - city of culture: Vienna possesses a lively and vast array of cultural attractions. Whether classical or experimental theatre, film or dance festivals, opera or operetta, or exhibitions and concerts - no matter when you come and how long you stay for, there is bound to be something exciting for you to discover. Or if your tastes are not quite so culturally refined, then visit one of Vienna's famous coffee houses or traditional wine taverns ("Heurige") and work your way through famous culinary specialities.

Vienna - city of music: Vienna has been synonymous with music for centuries, and was home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss. This outstanding musical heritage has been preserved up to the present day. The Wiener Philharmoniker is one of the world's top orchestras, the Vienna Boys' Choir is triumphantly successful wherever it tours, and the Vienna Conservatorium has produced innumerable international award-winners in all musical disciplines. Yet Vienna also boasts a lively scene for young people - if you love music, you are sure to benefit from being in Vienna.

Vienna - City of art: Through the centuries, Vienna has produced and nurtured world-famous artists. The collecting passion of art-loving rulers and monarchs has made Vienna a treasure house par excellence. The Museum of Fine Arts, for instance, is one of the world's largest and most distinguished museums, housing priceless works of art. Art accompanies you wherever you go in Vienna - even some of its underground stations are listed properties (on account of their elegant, ornamental Jugendstil style designed by Otto Wagner)! And Vienna is also extremely successful as far as its literature is concerned. After all, where else in the world will you find a city with its own "coffee house literature"?

The Anchor Clock was built between 1911 and 1917 after the plans of the painter Franz von Matsch. It is situated on the oldest square of Vienna 'Hoher Markt' and represents a typical Art Nouveau design. The clock forms a bridge between two parts of the Anker Insurance Company's building. The clock itself is adorned with mosaic ornaments. In the course of 12 hours, twelve historical figures or pairs of figures move across the bridge among them Joseph Haydn, medieval lyricist Walther von der Vogelweide, Empress Maria Theresa and Prince Eugen of Savoya. Every day at noon, all figures parade accompanied by music from the various eras. This tourist spectacle is a special kind of Viennese High Noon.'Ankeruhr' aims to commemorate Vienna's past and the transitory state of live and being.Anchor Clock Hoher Markt Nr. 10/11, A-1010 Vienna

The two magnificient palaces on the Belvedere grounds lie in the middle of a splendid park. They were constructed for Prince Eugene of Savoy by J.L. von Hildebrandt, a famous Baroque architect.

At this time the Belvedere Palaces were still located outside Vienna's defences, but today they are a part of Vienna`s third district which is not far away from the very centre of Vienna. The Palaces' architecture and interior design are typical for Rococo style. Today, both palaces house museums featuring Austrian painting. In the lower palace the "Österreichisches Barockmuseum" (Austrian Museum of Baroque Art) displays Austrian Art of the 18th century. In the upper palace you can visit the Austrian gallery with a collection of 19th- and 20th-century Austrian paintings. There, you can find works of artist of the Secession movement such as Gustav Klimt (1867-1918), Egon Schiele (1890-1918) or Oskar Kokoschka (1886-1980). In 1803, Europe's first alpine garden was created in the extensive park area of Belvedere castle following a suggestion of Archduke Johann. Today, more than 4000 plants represent the diverse flora of the alpine ecosystem. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit as many plants foliate and start to flower. Belvedere Palace Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, A-1030 Vienna

The Burgtheater also known as 'Burg' or 'Haus am Ring' (House at Ring boulevard) is situated in Vienna's first district. In 1741 Empress Maria Theresia handed over an unused dance-parlour to a theatre-company named Sellier. In 1888, the company moved into a closeby house designed and erected by Gottfried Semper and C. von Hasenauer. Since then, this building was used as theatre house. The beautiful facade, whose white marble has recently been cleaned, is adorned with statues of famous writers like Goethe and Schiller and allegoric figures depicting love and hatred.Inside, the Burgtheater provides a festive atmosphere for great cultural events. The Burgtheater has obtained a world-wide reputation for brilliant dramatic art and is one of the first theaters of German-speaking Europe. Over the years, its theatrical company of more or less regular members has worked out a traditional style and speech characteristic of Burgtheater performances ('Burgtheaterstil').

While its repertoire features many international highlights as well, the Burgtheater is proud of its emphasis on Austrian playwrights: Viennese heavyweights Arthur Schnitzler, Ferdinand Raimund or Johann Nestroy are still favourites, Thomas Bernhard used the stage for his notorious scandals and renowned contemporary writers like Elfriede Jelinek and Peter Handke often stage their premiers in Vienna's Burgtheater.The ensemble and the audience are always happy to celebrate their stars: actors as well as directors. Claus Peymann, who scandalized Vienna by reformating the 'Burg' and inviting a younger audience by adapting the style and adding contemporary plays to the repertoire, was as much hated as loved by media and audience alike. Burgtheater Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Ring 2, A- 1010 Vienna

If you want to enjoy a magnificent view over Vienna this is the right place to go. The Viennese affectionately call the tower "Concrete needle". It is 352 meters high and was built within 20 months!While enjoying the terrific view visitors can take lace in the cafe or restaurant, where traditional Viennese specialities as well as modern delicious meals are served. The cafe rotates slowly. Stay a bit longer, so you can get a panorama view.The more daring of you can enjoy a spectacular view while plunging into the sky of one of Vienna’s highest buildings: Since 2000 the Danube tower features the highest bungee center of the world! Close to Danube Tower you find Vienna's most impressive skyline: Uno city is home to UN headquarters and seems to be a city within the city with its decidedly modern architecture. Within the last years some more skyscrapers containing offices and flats alike have been erected in the vincinity. Danube river mirrors the skyline and heightens the effect.Danube Tower Donauturmstrasse 4, A-1223 Vienna

Modern Haas House was one of the most disputed building projects of the late 20th century in Vienna. Viennese architect Hans Hollein set about to introduce a concrete and glass structure opposite St. Stephen's cathedral, a plan that did not go well with the Viennese population.The round curve of its facade quotes the ancient Roman citadell Vindobona, whose former layout is traceable throughout Vienna's first district. Medieval houses were built on top of Roman ruins, modern houses were built on top of medieval ruins... Haas House uses this principle to blend into its surrounding despite its contrasting architectural style. Today, Haas House is one of the most exciting buildings in Vienna and the city's pride. The square of St. Stephen's cathedral is opened up by the glass facade. Images of St. Stephen's Cathedral reflected by the straight glass facade of Haas House are a popular motif.The interior was designed with attention to detail. At the top you can enjoy a spectacular view of St. Stephen's Cathedral at a beautiful coffee shop and restaurant. Haas House - Graben, Ecke Stephansdom, 1010 Vienna

The Hofburg was orignially a medieval castle, but today only the castle chapel ('Burgkapelle') demonstrates its medieval past. The Hofburg was extended to a magnificent residence when the Habsburg's power increased. That's why one can find almost any architectural style, from gothic to art nouveau. Nowadays this enormous complex is home to "Österreichische Nationalbibliothek" (National Library), "Schatzkammer" (Imperial Treasury), and houses a collection of musical instruments, another collection of weapons, a "Museum für Völkerkunde" (Museum of Ethnography) and famous "Spanische Hofreitschule" (Spanish Riding School). Vienna's Imperial castle also houses exotic butterflies in a marvellous art-deco glass house! Vast "Heldenplatz" (sqare of heroes), situated next to it, is very impressive, too. Equestrian statues of Archduke Karl, who won the battle of Aspern against Napoleon's troops (1809), and Prince Eugene of Savoy, who defeated the Turks, attest to Austria's glorious past."Heldenplatz" is more than a square, it is one of Austria's symbols of national identity.

By the way: Sunday Mass at the medieval chapel is an excellent opportunity to listen to the angelic voices of unrivalled Vienna's Boys Choir! Hofburg Innerer Burghof/Kaisertor, A-1010 Vienna

The building of Karlskirche was started in 1715 following plans of one of the most famous Austrian Baroque architects, Johann Fischer von Erlach. The church is spectacular. It is the biggest cathedral in Baroque style north of the Alps.Initially, the church was build to honor the vows of Emperor Karl VI. given in the time of a severe plague epidemic. It was dedicated to saint Karl Borromeo. An unusually wide front is composed of a number of contrasting elements which surprisingly add up to a unique and harmonic overall image. Two colums with an allegoric representation of the life of saint Borromeo are reminiscent of Italian Renaissance Trajan colum. They frame the main portal which resembles a Greek temple. The oval nave of the church is topped by an eye-catching dome (72 m high) spectacularly painted at the inside.The church is situated at one of Vienna's central nodes, spacious 'Karlsplatz'. The area in front of Karlskirche was redesigned in the 1970s by one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century: Henry Moore. His artwork 'Hill Arches' adornes an oval water basin which reflects the church building.If you take the tube (U4 or U2) you can admire one of Otto Wagner's art deco tube stations. Secession museum is another famous sights closeby where Karslplatz meets Naschmarkt!Karlskirche: Kreuzherrengasse 1, A - 1040 Wien

There is quite a number of markets where you can buy fresh vegetable and asorted tidbits. But Naschmarkt is arguably more than that: it is a Viennese institution dating back to the 16th century.The location itself is spectucular: Wienfluss, Vienna's second river, was roofed over during the 19th century. Some dealers put up their stalls on top of this roof and that was that. Today, Naschmarkt is a unique mixture of Austrian traditions and oriental influences. Viennese shrewdness meets bazar mentality.

It is a great place to shop for goodies and to have lunch at one of the many stalls, coffee shops and restaurants. Saturdays, Vienna's major fleemarket sells anything from junk to antiques to early birds. Linke Wienzeile 40 is the adress of two beautiful art deco houses built by Viennese Jugendstil architect Otto Wagner himself.Naschmarkt: Between Linke Wienzeile and Rechte Weinzeile, 1040 Vienna; U4 Kettenbrückengasse or U4, U2 Karlsplatz

Vienna Ring Boulevard is 4 kilometres long and circles the city centre. The construction of the Ring Boulevard was initiated by Emperor Franz Joseph I in December 1857.The magnificent road was errected on the free space, which emerged after tearing down the former city walls, glacis and military enforcements protecting the city center, today's first district ('Innere Stadt'). By this the emperor hoped to overcome the separation of city center and the suburbs, which had officially become part of Vienna in 1850. Ring boulevard was generously planned, leaving sufficient space for a shaded avenue and monumental buildings like Hofburg, Austrian Parliament, State Opera House, Museum of Fine Arts, the first public observatory Urania and Vienna university among others.Even though most buildings have been planned and build at pretty much the same time, their styles vary strongly. This mix of archiectural styles is often referred to as 'Ringstrassenstil' and takes its principles from Historicism.

Various styles were copied to underline the function of the buildings: the Museum of Fine Arts and its counterpart the Museum of Natural History were built to resemble Italian Renaissance, so was the Vienna Opera House. Parliament echos Greek classicism as this was the epoch of the birth of democracy. The Ring Boulevard was ceremonously inaugurated on 1st May in 1865 and is one of the biggest and most beautiful boulevards of its kind.Ring Boulevard: Schubertring, Kärntnerring, Opernring, Burgring, Dr. K. Renner Ring, Dr. K. Lueger Ring & Schottenring

The Prater is Vienna's most popular fun fair. Enjoy a great view over Vienna from the giant Ferris wheel, or do some sports and relax in an expansive area of parks, forest land and fields.The Prater is situated near the city centre and is ideal for walking, cycling, jogging or just lying in the grass after an exhausting sightseeing tour of Vienna. Furthermore one can find major facilities for sports and recreation, such as the Krieau harness racing track, the Prater Stadium (soccer and track-and-field), the Stadionbad, a public swimming pool, the Freudenau flat racing track and the Pleasure Pavillion (Lusthaus) in the Prater. Two further attractions in the Prater are the Vienna Wurschtlprater, a fun fair with the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad), where one can enjoy a terrific view over Vienna from 200 feet altitude and the Lilliputian Railroad (Liliputbahn), a 2.6 mile amusement park line on a auge of old steam locomotives, providing transportation to the Trade Fair grounds and to the Stadium. The Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) was erected in 1897 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reign of Empereror Franz Joseph I. The wheel itself spans 200 feet (about 60 m.). 15 cabins and the upholding structure weigh a total of 430,5 t and rotate at the speed of 0,65 m/sec.

In 1914 the Giant Ferris Wheel was the location of a sensational film stunt: Madame Solange d'Atalide managed to complete one round on horseback on top of one of the cabins. This would not be the only time that the 'Riesenrad' was featured in major films: The Third Man or Before Sunrise to name just a few.In 1944, at the height of World War II, the Giant Ferris Wheel burnt down, but was rebuilt in 1945 - at the same time as St. Stephen's cathedral. The Viennese Riesenrad is the only giant ferris wheel of its time which is still in use today. Prater A-1020

Schönbrunn Palace with its surrounding buildings and the huge park is one of the most significant cultural monuments in Austria. The castle was build to rival French Versailles in Baroque beauty and importance but House Habsburg lacked funds to outdo its rivalling nation France. In earlier times it served as summer residence to various Habsburg rulers.Emperor Franz Joseph (ruled 1848-1916), who was born here in 1830, spent the last years of his life entirely in Schönbrunn. In 1918, the palace became the property of the new republic. Due to this historical importance, its beautiful location and its gardens this palace is one of the very top sights in Vienna. Furthermore the entire complex was added to the UNESCO's world cultural heritage list.Don't miss out on a tour of the residence itself and a chance to admire the magnificent apartments of Maria Theresia, her sitting rooms, bedroom and the parlour in which 6 year old Mozart used to play for the Empress, as well as the parlours and apartments of Imperial couple Franz Joseph and Sissi. The interior is an orgy of frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, huge mirrors and gilded ornaments. When you are a tad tired after visiting almost 40 rooms bear in mind that you have seen less than 3% of the residence's 1441 rooms!

A Tirolian garden complete with original hut, orchard and pasture farm enhances the charms of Schoenbrunn castle and its park. Again, Archduke Johann was the driving force behind this project. Empress Sisi, too, was immensely fond of this alpine patch. In 1874, a second hut was built for her.

Schönbrunn palace also features a palm house with 3 climate zones and plants stemming from rain forests from all continents!

At the ‘Hofratstrakt’, somewhat hidden in the extensive parks at Schönbrunn palace, you can find a very special theatre: a puppet show! Professional productions with elaborate puppets and stage settings guarantee a successful evening. Schönbrunn Palace Schlosspark Schönbrunn, A- 1130 Vienna

Schönbrunn Zoo is the world's oldest and only baroque zoo. The Schoenbrunn Zoo is situated in the south-eastern part of the Habsburgs' summer residence and was built in 1760.What makes the zoo so special is the keeping of animals after their specific requirements and the simultaneous emphasis of the baroque heritage. The historical buildings are restored by experts of international reputation under the supervision of the conservation authorities and serve present-day purposes without any defeat of its fascination.

In Mai 2003 Schönbrunn zoo was greatly honored by being entrusted with the care of a pair of Chinese Great Pandas!As a proof of the excellent care and the natural habitat many of the zoo's animals give birth. With a bit of luck you might just see an elephant baby, a young hippo or a teenage giraffe!Tropical Vienna: Schönbrunn zoo is proud of its tropical piece of Borneo and presents colourful orchids, mangrove woods, miniature rice plantations and even tropical storms complete with hard rain, lights, thunder and fog. Schönbrunner Tiergarten Maxingstraße 13b, A-1130 Vienna

The Spanish Riding School is the oldest and last Riding School in the world where classic dressage is still practised in its purest form. This Institute was founded in 1572.It's name was derived from the fact that the horses were of Spanish origin. The Lipizzaner is regarded to be the oldest classic horse race in Europe. The horses have been bread in Lipizza in Slovenia. Tody, there is a stud in Piber, close to Graz. Young Lipizzaner are black and only turn white when reaching maturity. They need to undergoe elaborate training before they are able to perform their prancing Renaissance ballet to the sound of classical music. The Riders of the Spanish Riding School train the horses and perform in the Winter Riding School in the Vienna Hofburg (Imperial Palace) in a splendid Baroque hall built by Josef Emanuel Fischer von Erlach between 1729 and 1735. The magnificient rooms are adorned with chandeliers and set off the performance to best effects. The presentations of classical dressage have been open to the public since 1920. Tickets are expensive but the elegant and complicated performance will provide exquisite pleasure. The shows are often booked for months in advance. In July and August the white horses enjoy their well-deserved summer break. ActiLingua Academy organises excursions to the Spanish Riding school! Spanish Riding School, Michaelerplatz 1, A-1010 Vienna

Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral - Stephansdom, one of Vienna’s most famous sights. St. Stephen's Cathedral defines the city centre and has been the heart of Vienna for centuries. It is one of the most famous Viennese sights and was built in 1147 AD. For a long time it was uncontested as highest building in Europe measuring almost 137 m. Duke Rudolf IV of Habsburg ordered the complete restructuring of the church in Gothic style. In 1359, he laid the cornerstone of the nave with its two aisles. The South Tower, was completed in 1433 (the Viennese have given it the nickname "Steffl," representative of the whole cathedral). The cathedral has got two very impressive features: The gigantic roof, and the tall, lean tower (136,7 metres of hight). One can find only few gothic towers of such height that were finished in the Middle Ages. Inside the Cathedral there are many art treasures like the tomb of Prince Eugene of Savoy (1754), the Altarpiece of Wiener Neustadt, the pulpit by Anton Pilgram (1514-15), the sepulcher of Emperor Frederik III by Niclas Gerhaert (1467-1513), the watchman`s lookout, a self portrait of the sculptor, and the Gothic winged altar.The sound of the 'Pummerin', the cathedrals big bell, is used to celebrate New Year in Austria.

Many myths are being told about Vienna's famous landmark: Find out about this weird indentation of the wall at the left side of the main entrance, which was used to measure the size of a loaf of bread by dissatisfied customers. Then there's the story of the Servants' Madonna, which once saved an innocent girl from being arrested for stealing. At the cathedral's apse you can admire the so-called "Zahnwehherrgott" (Lord of toothache), an 'ecce homo' statue once situated at the graveyard outside the cathedral.And what about the incomplete northern steeple? Financial troubles because of the permanent threat of a Turkish siege? The Gothic style had gone out of fashion? Yes, all this is true. But the legend of the young architect who was mortally in love with the daughter of the architect building the southern steeple is much more intriguing...ActiLingua Academy organizes city walks to St. Stephen's Cathedral! St. Stephen's Cathedral Stephansplatz, A-1010 Vienna

The Vienna Opera House is situated in the frist district of Vienna at the southern end of the Kärntnerstrasse. August von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll built the Court Opera House from 1861 to 1869.

The Vienna Opera House has a world-wide reputation for its first-class opera performances and is also known because of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. A night at the State Opera is one of the most impressive events any visitor to Vienna can experience.Vienna Opera house Opernring 2, A-1020 Vienna