Archeologists have found evidence, in the form of a Stone Age figurine from the area around the Danube valley, of pre-historic life in the region around Vienna. In 1000 B.C., the Indo-European Illyrians established a higher order but primitive civilization. This was followed by the Celts who fought the Romans who had begun to carve inroads into Vienna. Around A.D. 10, the Romans set up a fortified military camp, Vindobona, where modern-day Vienna stands today.

The lovely vineyards, the well preserved Roman village of Carnuntum and the Roman style spas bear testimony to 400 years of Roman rule. After the Romans, the Hungarians took over followed by Babenbergs, Bohemians, and finally the Habsburg reign which started off rather badly with wars and rebellion. This led to a period of rebuilding and renewal that granted Vienna a pride position as one of the most remarkable, fashionable and glorious cities of the world.

The first Republic of Austria was founded in 1919 and continued till 1934 following which it was forced into an unholy alliance with Nazi Germany. It was bombed and battered by the Allies in World War II, in one of the worst atrocities the world ever saw. Austria got back self-governance in 1955.

What to see

Vienna has plenty to offer to tourists by combining the rich imperial heritage of its glorious past with the marvels of the new world. Old buildings that depict the finest in architecture, about a 100 museums with glorious fine art collections, theaters, opera houses, majestic works of art and soulful music compositions showcase Vienna of today. The rich legacies of some very famous names, Schubert, Strauss, Schoenberg and Berg who were sons of the soil, while Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms and Mahler made this enchanting city heir home. A beautiful verdant paradise rich in grasslands, forest, parks, and gardens and the majestic Danube and other water bodies make Vienna an exquisite haven of natural and scenic beauty.

When to visit

July, August and the festive December are months when tourist activity is at its peak in Vienna and tourists who wish to visit during these months would do well to make their reservations much in advance. April through October is the tourist season, which however is summer. Spring and fall are the best seasons to be in Vienna, as the temperatures are mild and pleasant then.
Where to stay

Besides numerous four and five star hotels, you will find service apartments, self-catering holiday homes, penthouse apartments and other quality accommodation. As Vienna hosts several huge international events and also being a global political center budget accommodation is not something that is easy to find here.

Shopping

Vienna is an affluent city and has endless shopping opportunities. The two main streets where shopping is a delight are the centrally located Kärntnerstrasse and Mariahilfestrasse, a little further away. Flagship stores where you can shop to your heart’s content for luxury brands and magnificent Viennese palaces that now house several interesting shops are other shopping hot spots.

Food

Food at the cheapest Austrian supermarket is of exceptionally high quality. Schnitzel, Sacher torte which is multilayered chocolate cake with apricot jam, Frittatensuppe, Hungarian goulash and crépes filled with fruit or jam called palacsinta are some popular Austrian foods. Make sure you savor delicious Mozart Kugeln, which is a combination of marzipan and chocolate. The ubiquitous fast foods from McDonald’s and KFC are available in Austria. Sausage is the traditional Viennese fast food and you can buy them all over town.

What to wear

Austria has a conservative society and the people are very moderate in behavior and dress. Dressing appropriately for the occasion is the norm here. Even informal dressing calls for a neat and presentable look. While out shopping most Austrians will be dressed elegantly. Follw the norms of dressing while in Vienna.

Local transport

Local transport in Vienna is one of the most efficient and organized public transport systems in the world. Besides it is cheap and clean and above all absolutely safe for anyone. The network of trams, buses, and subway lines crisscrossing the city all operate using a common ticket and will get you from place to place very quick. Smoking is banned on public transport systems and on stations.

Money

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at all banks and exchange counters at airports and stations. All major credit cards, Eurocheque cards and travelers checks are accepted, though smaller hotels and shops have cash transactions.

Banking hours in Vienna are:
Monday through Wednesday and Friday 0800-1230 hours and 1330-1500 hours
Thursday: 0800-1230 hours and 1330-1730 hours.
Saturday & Sunday: closed

Medical

Tourists can rely on the Austrian health system without travel insurance if they are faced with health problems during their travel. The city’s top doctors are available to everyone in Vienna regardless of their age or income.

For ambulance services dial 144.
Vienna Medical Society Service Bureau for Foreign Patients
Phone: 501 51253.

Business hours for pharmacies in Vienna:
Monday to Friday: 0800 – 1200 hours & 1400 – 1800 hours
Saturday: 0800 – 1200 hours
Sunday: closed
There are 24 / 7 pharmacies throughout Vienna. You can find these from the lists displayed at each pharmacy.

Tourist office contact

Vienna Tourist Board
Phone: +43 1 24 555
Fax: +43 1 24 555-666
E-Mail: info@wien.info
Tourist Information Office
Address: 1. Albertinaplatz / Maysedergasse
(close to the Vienna State Opera)
Business hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.

Visa

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to Austria, if their intended stay is less than 90 days but the passport should be valid for 3 months beyond that period.

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