ENJOY Vienna
Few cities in the world can move between past and present with the agility of Vienna. Its rich historical heritage ranges from majestic imperial palaces with sumptuous Baroque interiors to prestigious museums overlooking magnificent squares.
In any case, Vienna is also one of the most dynamic urban spaces in Europe. Behind its extraordinary basalt façade a stone’s throw from the Hofburg, the Museums Quartier hosts some of the most daring works of contemporary art. On summer evenings, the courtyard of this complex is always packed with Viennese intent on drinking and chatting.
The city of Mozart is also the Vienna of Falco (Hans Hölzel), who immortalized the atmosphere of the modern capital in his songs. In a city like this, distant realities such as poetry slams and the Gothic lines of the Stephansdom go hand in hand. If you add to all this the numerous green areas within the city limits and the ‘beautiful blue Danube’ that crosses the city to the east of the historic centre, you have the portrait of a metropolis with a distinctly Austrian character.
places of interest
Schloss Schönbrunn
The magnificent summer residence of the Habsburgs has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Of the 1,441 rooms of this magnificent palace, only 40 are open to the public; the Imperial Tour allows you to visit 26 of them, including the private apartments of Franz Joseph and Sisi, while the Grand Tour includes all 40 rooms, as well as the precious 18th-century interiors from the time of Maria Theresa.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
One of the most memorable experiences of a stay in Vienna is undoubtedly a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum and its priceless collection of works by Europe’s finest painters, sculptors and artisans. Housed in a neoclassical building that’s as impressive as the artwork it contains, the museum takes you on a journey through the treasures of the past, from Egyptian and Roman antiquities to Renaissance collections. If you’re short on time, head first to the Pinakothek, where you can spend a couple of hours exploring the Old Masters.
Stephansdom
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, affectionately known to the Viennese as Steffl (short for Stephen), is Vienna’s iconic building. This structure was erected on the site of a 12th-century church, of which the Romanesque riesentor (Giants’ Gate) and the heidentürme (Heavenly Towers) have survived.
Staatsoper
Few opera houses can compete with the neo-Renaissance Staatsoper, Vienna’s premier venue for opera and ballet. Even if you can’t get a ticket to a performance, you can get a feel for the building’s elegance and learn about the history of this operatic institution by taking a 40-minute guided tour. Tours (in English and German) generally depart every hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Ankeruhr
A Jugendstil masterpiece created in 1911 by Franz von Matsch, this clock takes its name from the Anker insurance company that had it built. Twelve statues – including the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (died in Vienna in 180 AD), the composer Franz Joseph Haydn, the military leader Eugene of Savoy and Maria Theresa – slowly pass by the dial over a 12-hour period, indicating the time, while the minute hand moves along a horizontal scale. At midday, all the figures appear to the sound of organ music.
ARTS and culture
Reina Sofía
National Museum
Thyssen-Bornemisza
National Museum
Sorolla
Museum
parks and gardens
Jardines Campo del Moro
Parque El Capricho
Madrid Río
eat and drink
mercado de San Antón
The San Antón Market is one of the places you should visit. Located in the Chueca neighborhood, this popular market consists of three floors.
mercado san miguel
Next to the Plaza Mayor is the busy San Miguel Market. The imposing iron and glass structure from the early 20th century is one of the most popular markets in Madrid.
mercado de San Idelfonso
The San Idelfonso Market is not a traditional market. Inspired by the Street Food Markets in cities like London or New York, it offers a leisure concept around gastronomy.
madrid at night
Outdoor Bars
As the temperature rises, tables and chairs begin to spread out across pavements and the rooftops of hotels and emblematic buildings.
flamenco
Voices filled with anguish and pain in cante jondo (song), rhythms of happiness and joy in sevillanas and rumbas (dance). Flamenco is all that and so much more, always passionate and intense.
Cocktail Bars
Madrid’s cocktail scene is booming, with new bars opening all the time. Join Madrileños unwinding after a day in the office in some of the city’s most fashionable spots.