 Vienna, the Austrian capital, is a city of classical architectural beauty and one of the country’s main tourist destinations. It has attracted visitors for years who have come to witness the splendour of its cultural heritage, appreciate its classical music and opera and take in its unique attractions.
 The city was the centre, and the showpiece of the Habsburg dynasty. Monuments and architectural masterpieces line the streets of the city centre, where you’ll also find the world-class museums, restaurants, shops and nightlife venues that make this city such an appealing travel destination. The Hofburg, Vienna’s Imperial Palace, houses the world-renowned Spanish Riding School and its performing Lipizzaner horses, as well as the Vienna Boys Choir, considered by many to be one of the finest choirs in the world.
 The city’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace is one of the main attractions and has been awarded the designation of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Belvedere Palace is also high on the lists of noteworthy sights, and is celebrated for both the architecture of its dual rococo palaces and the outstanding collections of fine art they house.
 Vienna has developed over time into one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and in the process has developed an excellent tourism infrastructure, which includes a range of accommodation choices from budget lodgings to five-star hotels. Hotels are found in all sectors of the city and in the suburbs as well. The Pension Continental Hotel a popular presence in the city, and a favourite of visitors. Some of the city’s hotels are considered small by current standards, but provide the kind of individual attention and personalised service that larger hotels at times are not able to offer.
 Throughout the city you’ll find numerous restaurants that serve both delicious local specialties and also fine international cuisine, coffee houses that are central to Viennese culture and shops and markets that will satisfy the desires of the most ardent shoppers.
History
Records indicate the first settling of what is now Vienna in approximately 500BC. This original Celtic settlement was short-lived and was followed by a larger Roman garrison known as Vindobona. By the 10th century, its importance had grown significantly as the headquarters of the Babenburg Dynasty.
In 1278 this fortified area gained further prominence as home to Rudolf of Habsburg. Its importance in the realm ruled by the Habsburg Dynasty was solidified, although the city was still of lesser importance than Graz, Linz and Prague, where more significant imperial residences had been established.
The Turks successfully attacked the city in 1529 and Vienna was dominated by these invaders for more than 150 years. In 1683 the Turks were defeated in the Battle of Vienna, resulting in the Habsburgs establishing a permanent imperial court here. A number of aristocrats benefited financially from this battle and built summer palaces in Vienna. It was during this period that some of the city’s grandest buildings and monuments were constructed.
 In 1804, the status of Vienna was elevated when it became the capital of the Austrian Empire, and then again, just over a hundred years later it was selected to be the capital of the Austrian Republic. During WWII, due to the domination of Nazi Germany, Vienna was replaced by Berlin as the capital, and this arrangement continued until the end of the war.
Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky led the way to the creation of Vienna’s new International Centre, in 1970. The concept was to designate an entire sector of the city to house the offices of major international institutions. Due to his efforts, Vienna has managed to regain at least a portion of its former relevance and now hosts organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and many departments of the United Nations.
Weather
Vienna experiences a moderate continental climate, meaning that temperature extremes are relatively rare. Statistics show that the city enjoys around 2000 hours of sunshine annually, and low levels of rainfall. Precipitation is recorded on approximately nine days each month.
 Summers are generally quite warm but not unpleasantly hot. Visitor levels are at their peak from June to September, when the climate is most comfortable, and temperatures range from 20ºC-26ºC. Rainfall levels are higher during the summer than at other times of year, but not significant. The late spring and early autumn months are a bit cooler, and even drier, and can be an excellent time to visit. There are fewer tourists at these times, and there are likely to be better prices on accommodation and at some attractions.
During the months of November to February, temperatures drop, but not to the lows experienced in many other European capitals. Daily lows occasionally drop below the freezing mark, but highs frequently reach 7ºC. If your plans call for a winter visit, it’s important to bring along the clothes that will keep you warm, particularly if you’re planning on spending time outside. Sun worshippers, however, are likely to have a more enjoyable holiday during the summer months.
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