Monday, August 15, 2011

Vienna (Wien) - Austria's Capital City


Did You Know?
Vienna, locally known as Wien, is the capital of Austria and the cultural, economic, and political center. More than 25% of Austria’s population (approximately 1.7 million people) call this metropolitan city home. As the largest city in Austria, and the 10th largest city by population in the European Union, Vienna is host to some major international organizations, such as the United Nations and OPEC. In 2005, the Economist Intelligence United ranked this city first for the quality of life (tied with Vancouver, Canada). The Monocle, a popular opinion-based journalistic magazine, rated the city 8th among the “Top 25 Livable Cities” in 2010.

In the Air
The Vienna International Airport (VIE) is located just outside the city limits. It is the home base of the flag-carrier Austrian Airlines and Niki, a budget airline. Flights can easily be found, as most European airlines and a significant number of intercontinental airlines have direct connections to Vienna.

Get Around
Vienna has an amazing public transport system, which includes rail, commuter rail, underground, trams, and buses. The U-Bahn, an underground subway, is the most common way of getting around the city. If staying within the city proper, then the Kernzone 100 can take you most everywhere you are likely to visit by any form of transportation listed above. If staying for more than a day, then the 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket might be more cost effective. Be sure to validate your ticket with a stamp that notes the time and date, or else there may be a fee for traveling without a proper ticket.

Art and Culture
Vienna has a long tradition of art and culture, whether it be theater, opera, classical music, or fine arts. The Burgtheater, the creation of the Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa of Austria who wanted a theater next to her palace, is considered one of the best theaters in the German-speaking world. Then there is the Vienna Philharmonic, an orchestra in Austria that is considered one of the finest in the world, and the Konzerthaus, a beautiful performance house with an emphasis in traditional and innovative music styles. This city is home to so many historical and inspirational venues, that the list could go on and on.

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