Sitting on the bank of the Daube and once the centre of the Hapsburg Empire, Vienna continues to bask in the grand imperial spirit in the form of its magnificent palaces and grand mansions. Today it is also probably best known for being the backdrop of one of the most famous films of modern times – The Third Man.

Its cultural heritage is mainly musical with great composers such as Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn and Mozart all having lived and performed here. Today this tradition is kept alive through the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Opera House.

Vienna is also synonymous with gourmet fare, cream cakes, superb coffee, the Vienna Boys' Choir and the Lippizaner stallions at the world-famous Spanish Riding School making it an ideal city break for the whole family.

The city is divided up into 23 districts and most of the tourist attractions are found within the mainly pedestrianised inner city area. The city walls that once enclosed this area have been replaced by the Ringstrasse, a wide ring road. If you venture further out into the suburbs you’ll find the Prater amusement park with its massive ferris wheel, and the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace. Of course you must ensure you visit Vienna Woods, home to the ancient 'heuringen' (wine taverns).