This Austrian city is known to be the cultural capital of Europe. The charm and vibrancy of the city inspires you enough to prolong your Viennese travel. Some places that are an absolute must visit include:

State Opera House:This opera house is amongst the most famous in the world and has provided the stage to some of the greatest directors of all times. Some of the names include Krauss, Strauss, von Karajan and Mahler. The state opera house was completely destroyed during the WWII but was rebuilt and reopened in 1955.

Belvedere Palace:Built in classic Baroque style in 1721-22, this palace houses an Austrian Gallery showcasing 19th and 20th century Austrian and international works. Few of the greats whose work is showcased in the gallery include Hundertwasser, Kokoscha, Waldmller, Schiele, along with some French impressionists.

Church of St Charles Borromeo:Church of St Charles Borromeo is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Austria. The main attractions of the church are its 236 feet high dome and interesting frescoes in the interiors.

Imperial Palace:The Imperial Palace was home to the Habsburg emperors till 1918. It was originally a castle and has seen much modifications and expansions since then. The original remains from that era is just the chapel. The palace today is home to the chapel, offices of the Austrian president, several museums and a convention center.

From historical hotels to bread and breakfasts, Vienna has no dearth of staying options for travelers with varied tastes and budgets. Some areas that are highly recommended for their accommodation options include:

1st District: Innere Stadt:Vienna provides travelers with the luxury that is synonymous with Europe. The Innere Stadt is the commercial center of Vienna and home to some really big names in the hospitality sector. The Bristol, the Imperial, the Grand Hotel, the Sacher, the InterContinental Wien, the Vienna Marriott, the Im Palais Schwarzenberg and theVienna Hilton are all concentrated in the 1st district. Large number of budget hotels and pensions can also be easily found in the area. Graben Hotel, Pension Nossek, Neuer Markt, Christina and Pension City are the most popular ones.

3rd to 8th District: Beyond the Ringstrasse:This is a quiet area with a large number of moderately priced hotels and pensions. Some really nice pensions here include Anna, Lindenhof, Quisisana and the classic Museum. You could also choose from amongst a range of stylish and affordable accommodation options, such as Sir Terence Conran-designed Das Triest, the Biedermeier and the Altstadt Vienna.

13th & 19th District:Not too far away from the city center is the 13th and 19th district. It is a quiet retreat in the hills of Grinzing and offers some great accommodation options for the tourists. Some popular choices include Gartenhotel Glanzing, Parkhotel Schnbrunn and Landhaus Furgassl-Huber. Most hotels and pensions here include breakfast in the room rent for the day.

A passport, valid for at least 3 months from the intended date of stay, is required by nationals visiting Austria. EU nationals with a valid national ID do not need a visa.

Nationals of Canada, USA and Australia do not require a visa for stays up to 3 months. British nationals do not require a visa for stays up to 4 months. EU nationals do not require a visa at all.

Traditionally, it were the warm months of July and August that were quite preferred by the tourists. Now, June and September is also witnessing ideal temperatures to enjoy the Vienna sight seeing. Winters are quite cold but still a popular time with the travelers who prefer some snow and skiing.

Vienna experiences a moderate climate throughout the year. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures rising above 70 degree Fahrenheit. January is the coldest month with the average temperature hovering around 35 degree Fahrenheit. Snow is quite common during the winter months that begin from November till February.

Currency:The national currency of Vienna is Euro. Austria is a member of the European Union hence it replaced the Schilling with the Euro. Foreign currencies and traveler`s checks can be easily exchanged at bureau de change, banks and ATMs located through the city.

Language:Primary language of Austria is German. English is widely spoken and understood by the Austrians.