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Visit Hofburg
As its name suggests, Hofburg was the former home of the Habsburg Dynasty from 1438 to 1583. And again, from 1612 to 1806.
While the facade, with its captivating blend of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical architecture, is worth a visit in itself, it's well worth the ticket price to go into the
Sisi Museum inside the palace. You can walk through the royal apartments, and see historic weapons in the armory, and the royal art collection. You can even catch a glimpse of the horses used for the famous
Spanish Riding School.
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Sample Viennese coffee culture
The city's coffee history dates back to the 1680s when the Ottoman Empire lost the Battle of Vienna. Turks left coffee beans behind after leaving the region, and Georg Franz Kolschitzky took advantage of the opportunity and became the first person to get a license to serve coffee.
Today, Viennese coffee is an espresso topped with substantial whipped cream. However, there are many variations, including the addition of chocolate!
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Explore the MuseumsQuartier
MuseumsQuartier is unmissable for art and culture lovers. It's one of the most extensive cultural complexes worldwide, covering 96,000 square feet!
There are numerous museums and galleries to explore, including the Leopold Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Austrian art. Afterward, you can unwind in the courtyard, surrounded by contemporary architecture, vibrant street art, and trendy cafes.
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Take a trip to Schönbrunn Palace
Although Schönbrunn Palace is a popular tourist sight, your adventure southwest of downtown starts just like a local's. Take the metro or the tram for 25 minutes and see how locals live their everyday lives.
Once you arrive,
the UNESCO World Heritage Site will leave you stunned. It's basically the Austrian Versailles. From the colorful gardens to the elegant palace, everywhere you look, there's a picture-perfect view worthy of a few hundred likes on Instagram.
On a rainy day, you can take shelter indoors and admire the artwork and exquisite interior. Stroll through the gardens on a sunny afternoon and watch the sun slowly drop below the horizon. If you're traveling with kids, or just love animals, make time to visit the
Schönbrunn Zoo. It's the oldest zoo in the world and one of only a handful with giant pandas! Just make sure to buy tickets in advance.