Why go? Elegant and orderly, the Austrian capital is a delightful and stimulating city to explore - particularly if you enjoy art, music and architecture. Memories from the heyday of the Habsburg Empire abound, including rattling trams and grand, historic cafés serving formidable cakes. Vienna has its funky side too, and the shopping can get very classy, but the real lures are its art-filled museums, splendid fin-de-siècle buildings and cosy, candlelit restaurants. The key sights are all contained within the city's 19th century Ringstrasse, where there's a good choice of designer and traditional hotels, and Vienna's dignified streets and cobbled squares are perfect for a romantic walk.
Best for Culture vultures. Gourmets. Love in a cold climate - this is a good city for a getaway on or close to Valentine's Day.
Best avoided Baffling menus - Viennese restaurants often have no English translations, so pack a German dictionary.
TC Tip If love is on the agenda, one must-see is Gustav Klimt's The Kiss which is on display at the Belvedere gallery (www.belvedere.at). />
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