Start your day early to make your Sydney vacation last longer and more varied. Visit first Sydney Opera House, the city’s premier attraction, representing a complex of theaters and halls. But what draws the attention of many visitors more is undoubtedly, its splendid, imaginative design (with a roof evocative of a ship at full sail), which is considered a wonder of the modern world. Situated on Sydney Harbor at Bennelong Point, the Opera House is home to the Australian Ballet, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Ensemble Theatre, Musica Viva Australia, Sydney Dance Company, Opera Australia, Sydney Symphony and Sydney Theatre Company.

Sydney Opera House is also where you’ll find four restaurants, six bars and numerous souvenir shops. Being close to all types of accommodation, the Sydney Opera House is an ideal base for exploring the city’s bountiful attractions.

Within walking distance from Sydney Opera House, The Rocks district is a must for visitors to Australia. Often described as ‘Sydney’s outdoors museum,’ The Rocks is the oldest area of the city that has recently undergone an amazing metamorphosis, the old district being transformed into a vibrant spot thriving with five-star hotels and a horde of restaurants, pubs, shops, weekend markets, galleries and museums. Activities in The Rocks mainly center around walking, looking and eating.

In The Rocks District do not miss out the stunning Sydney Observatory – one of the most significant sites in the nation’s scientific history, offering dramatic views across Sydney Harbor; The Rocks Discovery Museum, a free, family-friendly venue, showcasing the story of The Rocks area of Sydney from pre-European days to the present; the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the world’s largest (but not longest) steel arch bridge and the highest viewing point in Sydney, offering a truly wondrous experience.

Bondi Beach is another popular attraction in Sydney that is regarded as one of the most sought after suburbs in Australia with backpackers, board riders and billionaires in search of a slower sun warmed world that somehow stands a little apart from busy lives. The name ‘Bondi’ is an aboriginal onomatopoeic word meaning water breaking over the rocks or noise of water breaking over rocks. Surfing in this modern and trendy coastal resort is an absolute must. But if you do not feel like tackling the waves, Bondi offers enclosed swimming baths at its southern end.

If you are visiting Sydney with your family, one of the best places is the Taronga Park Zoo, best-known for its vast array of exotic and local animals, reptiles and birds in a spectacular setting. Taronga Zoo offers a truly fun filled experience for young and old. The zoo is open daily, from 9 am to 5 pm.

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Development began in earnest in the 1990s, and from then to now more than 200 hotels have been built along the coastline at Hurghada to cope with growing demand from the tourism sector. Improved road and air communications (including its own airport, a ferry service and new bus routes), shopping malls and a variety of leisure facilities have sprung up around the town to accommodate a local industry that now boasts some two million visitors a year. The local population hovers around the 40,000 mark in the old town district of El Dahar, while the two main tourism areas of Village Road and Sheraton Road are now permanent home to some 180,000 workers and new migrants. Sheraton Road, El Shakala, is home to the region’s banks, shops, bazaars, restaurants and local eateries, while Village Road – or El Memsha – is the more tourist-friendly end of town, with nightclubs, chain restaurants, souvenir shops and malls. The old town in El Dahar is where you will find the biggest mosques, a vast local food market and regular bazaars crammed with bargains.

Today, tourist appeal continues to grow – thanks to a mix of superb facilities, an incredible land and seascape, and unique leisure attractions such as quad-biking into the Sahara desert, camel-rides, excellent local seafood dishes and boat-trips to the nearby uninhabited islands. Understandably, water sports continue to thrive in the area, and there is a large boating marina as well as plenty of opportunity for diving, windsurfing, swimming and coral reef exploration by glass-bottomed boat. For the less energetic, there is an impressive Marine Biology Museum and an aquarium, focusing on the rich and colourful sea life to be found locally. Most of Hurghada’s hotels are four or five star and boast attractive bars, in-house restaurants and luxury facilities. Tourist shopping is also available, as well as a huge cinema complex, casinos and discos. A bustling Tourist Information Centre has been established at the resort, to guide visitors through the myriad of local and leisure attractions on offer – whether wallowing in a luxury hotel or exploring the streets.

The plentiful tourist attractions in Salzburg offer something for everyone, mostly being especially popular with family holidaymakers. Follow the article to get acquainted with the range of points of interest you should not miss out during your visit to Salzburg.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Take time out to visit Hohensalzburg – Central Europe’s largest intact fortress and Salzburg’s prime attraction boasting of spectacular views of the city and the surrounding hillsides. Perched high in the middle of town and reached by funicular from the edge of town, this fully-preserved medieval fortress, meaning ‘High Salzburg,’ features fascinating halls and serves as a museum housing European paintings dating back to the 16th century. The castle hosts many events year-round. Even from afar the visitor is able to appreciate the might and magic of this splendid edifice.

The Geburtshaus

The Geburtshaus or Mozart’s Birthplace is another ‘star’ attraction in Salzburg related to Mozart. Situated in Getreidegasse, the city’s most vibrant shopping street, is the apartment, where the composer was born, and which since 1880 has been turned into a museum, focusing on the composer’s time in Vienna. The museum showcases numerous exhibits like Mozart’s children’s violin, his clavichord, documents, letters and portraits of the musician and several exhibits detailing Salzburg in the time of Mozart. On the third floor of the museum visitors will find a room called Mozart Online, well-equipped with 4 high-powered computers, where you can sit at leisure and scroll through Mozart’s manuscripts, while listening to music and discovering new things about his life.

Salzburger Spielzeugmuseum (Salzburg Toy Museum)

This family-friendly museum is an attraction with a difference. Founded in 1978, the museum hosts a fascinating array of toys and craft from baroque times to the present, including historical musical instruments, ancient dolls, optical toys and photography equipment. There is also a Toy Shop offering a wide assortment of gifts available for any budget. Visitors can take advantage of the regular children programs, whereby toys from different materials can be built.

Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace)

Surrounded by a giant Park, the Trick Fountains and the Salzburg Zoo (all well-worth a visit), the Hellbrunn Palace lies at the Gateway to the city of Salzburg. Built between 1613 and 1615, by Santino Solari – the architect of the Salzburger Dom, the palace is a rectangular court with 2 pavilions on the front corner and really fascinating and fantastically decorated rooms that will make you think… hmm. There is an interesting thing to know about the palace: the gardens conceal a mass of fountains, which can turn on at any time and completely saturate those who are anywhere near them. So be careful, while visiting this wonderful place. Admission is €8.50 for adults, €6.50 for students and €3.80 for children.

Where to Eat?

To get to know Salzburg, you should take time. Walk over the beautiful tree-lined streets and discover the city’s best dining options, from top gourmet restaurants to fast food spots. And depending on where you choose, you can find very reasonable prices.

If you are looking for a high-class venue, Goldener Hirsch is a perfect choice. Located in a rustic vaulted room and part of the Goldener Hirsch Hotel, the restaurant is where, everybody from conductors, divas to pianists enjoy a fine dinner during the famous Salzburg Festival. Another great choice is the StieglBräu Restaurant, ideal for an evening meal and for every kind of celebration. Old-fashioned, traditional home-style Austrian food and a variety of drinks is served here, from Wiener Schnitzel to delicious deserts to excellent Stiegl beer.

Looking for a cheap and tasty bite to eat while walking around the city? No problem, Balkan Grill Walter will satisfy all your needs. Tucked back off Getreidegasse, in the historic center of Salzburg, the restaurant serves different kinds of Bosna, something you should definitely try. Other recommended options include Café Bazar, K&K Restaurant Am Waagplatz, featuring 8 restaurants, each with its own character; Magazine, offering exquisite creations, like crispy octopus with chanterelles and leek ragout and others.

Those who want to prepare their own food while holidaying in the Mozart City, can find several great markets selling lots of fresh local ingredients. Two of the most popular include the Universitätsplaz and the one close to Mirabellplatz, selling meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and more.

Where to Stay?

Salzburg is blessed with a range of accommodation to suit any need and preference. Located in the heart of the city, the four-star Hotel Europa Salzburg is a pet-, family- and business-friendly property, offering personal service, comfortable accommodation and high standards amenities. The bright and elegantly-designed rooms boast of nice views, private bathrooms with shower and bathtub, cable, pay and web television, wireless internet access, mini bar and air conditioning. The hotel’s Panorama Restaurant on the 15th floor serves comprehensive breakfast buffet. There is also an in-house ticket service organizing theater tickets as well as guided tours in and around Salzburg.

Sheraton Salzburg Hotel is a five-star luxury getaway found adjacent to the magnificent Mirabell Garden, offering comfortable surroundings and friendly service. The hotel features a modern, fully-equipped health club with fitness center, sauna and steam bath, where you can fully relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Among the hotel services shoe polishing service, shuttle service from and/or to the airport and 24-hour room service are of special importance.

Of a classic luxury category, the 5 star Vital-Hotel Kobenzl enjoys one of the world’s most blissful locations with amazing views of the city and the surrounding Alps. An excellent selection of culinary delights awaits you at the hotel. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool with palm trees, Turkish steam baths, great conference facilities and a sunny patio. The hotel is a true oasis of tranquility sure to create colorful memories to remember for a long time.

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Once regarded as America’s ‘second city’, there is no such talk any more. With everything a ‘first city’ needs to hold the attention of local residents and travelers alike, Chicago is in a class of its own. From its magnificent setting on the banks of Lake Michigan, which offers people the chance to swim, canoe or cruise around it while relaxing and enjoying the sights, to an underground music network that is pumping the city up at night, Chicago really does have something for everyone.

The Magnificent Mile is perhaps the most aptly named place in the whole city. Here, people can experience the finest Chicago cuisine with world-class restaurants using local produce from the local area. Imported flavors and scents from around the world waft through the air leaving your mouth watering before you’ve even set foot in to one of the many restaurants, while Little Italy and China Town offer authentic foods from those countries right in the heart of America. If you are lucky enough to be in Chicago for the ten days leading up to the 4th July then the Taste of Chicago food festival cannot be missed.

Famous retail giants, such as Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue, are right on your doorstep, while Chicago’s independent nature shines through in the wide range of small boutiques which will offer shoppers the chance to pick up unique items not available anywhere else in the world. Sears Tower and the John Hancock building dominate the skyline, affording splendid views over this eclectic and cosmopolitan city.

Accommodation in Chicago is as varied as the people, with hotels ranging from the downright opulent to budget and basic. There is something to suit every wallet. A cheap hotel in Chicago will not disappoint as cheap hotels maintain a high standard of service while providing everything a traveler could expect from hotels in this price range. The luxury hotels, such as Trump International Hotel & Tower and Ritz Carlton, provide guests with the ultimate pampering experience.

Music is important in Chicago with jazz and blues taking prime position among locals. Free festivals abound in the summer months, offering guests the chance to sample the finest sounds the city has to offer, while a vibrant nightlife with numerous clubs and theaters on the Magnificent Mile will give you the chance to spot a Broadway star or famous musician.

In short, Chicago is a city full of zest, offering something for absolutely everyone, from the quiet contemplation to be found in one of the many museums and exhibition centers to partying all night and everything in between. Old or young, this famous city will leave you breathless, whether from the views or the sheer exhaustion of trying to fit everything in.

New York

With a very cosmopolitan atmosphere, huge range of restaurants and luxury hotels, shopping and sightseeing attractions, New York or the so-called Big Apple truly deserves to be the first best city in the US on every tourist’s must-see list.  There is so much to see and do in this fantastic city that no two visits will ever be quite the same. To feel the energy, spirit and style of New York, make sure to stop at the following attractions.

• Empire State Building is the tallest and most famous skyscraper in New York, soaring over a quarter mile into the Manhattan sky. Conveniently located in the best-known Fifth Avenue, the Art Deco building captures the attention of more than 2 million visitors annually, who come to get a glimpse from its 86th and 102th floor observatories, which is truly breathtaking.
• Statue of Liberty is another not-to-be-missed historical landmark in New York that was a gift from the people of France as a sign of a great international friendship. Officially called ‘Liberty Enlightening the World,’ it is a stirring symbol of freedom, offering a wide range of New York harbor experiences. The statue of Liberty was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi – a French sculptor. In transit, it was reduced to 350 individual pieces and packed in 214 crates.
• Central Park is a huge park in New York, covering a total area of 843 acres. Located in the heart of Manhattan, it is a refreshing year-round sanctuary with 21 playgrounds, 50 fountains, 36 bridges and arches, as well as many recreational activities, including biking, ice skating and even fishing. Central Park is a man-made wonder, visited with over 25 million guests per year.

Washington DC

Voted as the most walk-friendly city in the U.S., Washington DC stands out in many ways from other cities and locations around the U.S. and even the world. It’s a wonderful place for both individuals and families to visit and explore. DC has so many important points of interest that a trip or two won’t cover them all. Monuments, memorials, museums, picturesque scenery and wondrous architecture are what you are going to see in this vibrant city. Do not miss out the famous Smithsonian Institution, National Mall, home to the Washington Monument – the highest building, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, as well as the National Gallery of Art, housing the Ginevra de Benci – the only Leonardo da Vinchi painting in the Western Hemisphere. The city was designed by Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant in 1791 and is located in the District of Columbia, on the banks of the river Potomac, bordering Virginia and Maryland.

Las Vegas

Looking for a fun-filled holidays? Welcome to the fabulous entertainment capital of the world, offering fascinating array of casinos and luxurious hotels (seventeen of the 20 biggest hotels in the U.S. are in Vegas), fine dining and a lot of shopping. And though the casino owners hope you’ll play the tablets and feed the slot machines, there are loads of other things to do in Vegas sure to amaze. Try skydiving over Las Vegas to feel the unsurpassed exhilaration, lounge with a cocktail at the beach, spend an afternoon of shopping or golf, or else visit Shark Reef Aquarium to come face-to-face with sawfish, giant rays, jellies and endangered green sea turtles; there is never a shortage of things to do. The only thing you should not forget is to take a pocketful of dollars before you go there : )

Miami

Nicknamed the ‘Magic City,’ Miami, Florida is one of the state’s most spectacular vacation spots, well-known for its tropical warm clear water beaches, trendy nightlife, beautiful cool sunsets, and most of all Calle Ocho and Little Havana, though many say the best thing about Miami is its people. Noteworthy attractions include: the Miami-Dade Cultural Center in the downtown, containing the city’s main art museum, historical museum and library; the Seaquarium – a world-class marine-life entertainment park and a fabulous spot, where you and your children can witness dolphins walking on water, a killer whale flying through the air, as well as sea lions, turtles and manatees; and Jungle Island, offering the unique opportunity to get up close view of tropical birds in replicas of their natural habitats. Discover you wide side on jungle Island and enjoy spectacular animal shows, including Winged Wonders, featuring the most lethal bird on Earth.

Chicago

Known as the ‘Windy City,’ the ‘City that Works’ and the ‘City of Big Shoulders,’ Chicago is another most visited city in the U.S., extending westward on a plain along the southwest shore of Lake Michigan. Home to stunning museums, unique architecture, lakefront parks and vibrant ethnic districts, Chicago is a city of unsurpassed beauty. From going on a classic Chicago adventure and discovering everything from deep fish pizza to beluga whales, to enjoying amazing wildlife exhibits in the Lincoln Park Zoo – an oasis in the city, to taking part in Chicago Segway Tour, you’ll experience unforgettable holidays to remember forever. For Chicago travelers hoping to see all of the best Chicago attractions, the Go Chicago Card is one of the best choices in Chicago.

There are other fascinating cities in the U.S. that are well worth a visit and we’ll introduce them in our future posts.

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Atlantic City is located in southeastern New Jersey on narrow and sandy Absecon Island and enjoys continental climate influenced by the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean with warm summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Atlantic City is perhaps mid-May through early September and June through August, while the off-season is between January and May, when cold Atlantic wind takes hold and most of the city’s best-known attractions are shut down.

Atlantic City Attractions

Known for its hospitality and hype, Atlantic City is now a modern resort that provides an ever-growing mix of attractions, from beach and Boardwalk to ocean and fishing to golf and gaming and more. The ‘must see’ attractions in the Atlantic City include:

Atlantic City Boardwalk

This is the backbone of this seaside resort city, a great wooden way that houses a wide range of luxury hotels, shops, casinos, resorts, restaurants and more, plus bountiful outdoor activities to keep visitors indulged and entertained. Do not forget to check out the history of Boardwalk and learn more about the factory where James’ Salt Water Taffy Store is made. Back on the Boardwalk, visitors will find a virtual reality game, a museum dedicated to the bizarre and the challenge of miniature golf.

Atlantic City Lighthouse

New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse (at 171 feet) dating back to 1857, is within walking distance from Showboat Casino and features an educational museum and a fine gift shop. It is open for climbing and willing visitors can ascend the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline.

Atlantic City Aquarium

Boasting 17 aquarium tanks with more than 50,000 gallons of seawater, a 750-gallon Touch Tank, as well as computer learning center and interactive exhibits, the Atlantic City Aquarium in the Gardiner’s Basin Marina is worth a visit. The aquarium is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm and the entry fee is $8 for adults, $6 for ages 62 and up, $5 for children ages 4-12 and free for kids under 3.

Other local attractions include FAA Tech Center; Ripley’s Believe it or not – a bizarre building with unusual exhibits; Renault Winery – a family-owned estate, where guests will see how grapes are grown, harvested, pressed and bottled in the old European way; 12 Exciting Atlantic City Casinos; Wildwoods by the Sea; and Steel Pier, an amusement park, offering helicopter rides and thrilling shows.

Such is Atlantic City, New Jersey, it’s better than ever and it’s possible that simple visit may convince you to find affordable moving companies NJ to help you for moving here forever . Atlantic City guarantees a hundred percent fast-paced excitement and non-stop fun day and night!

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The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one year during which the city is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development in cinemas, literature, music, theater, museums and exhibitions. The cities are chosen on the basis of the program they submit.

In 2011 Tallinn and Turku have been chosen to organize a series of exceptional cultural events, with a combined budget of approximately 100 million Euros.

Tallinn

Located on a historically unique crossroads where east and west, Northern and Central European cultures meet, Tallinn — one of Europe’s most enchanting and completely preserved medieval cities, is the capital city of Estonia and now also the European Capital of Culture 2011. Blessed with beautiful landscapes, narrow, cobbled streets beneath the 14th century churches, World Heritage-listed sites, historic gems, a wild mix of fine restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as pulsating nightlife, Tallinn never fails to amaze. In a word, Tallinn is where time has never stopped!

‘Stories of the Seashore’ is the theme that the city has chosen for its Tallinn 2011 program, highlighting the legends and inspiration that the sea has given countless generations of Estonians. Something will be happening in Tallinn every day in 2011, since the capital of culture will be bringing some of the world’s biggest names to Estonia. It is high time for the best stories in Europe to be told in Tallinn. For more details have a look at the program for 2011.

Turku

Located at the mouth of the Aura River in the southwest of the country, Turku — a truly unique fusion of old and new, is the provincial capital of southwest Finland and the second largest entry point into the country after Helsinki. Turku is best-known for its delightful historical architecture, famous boat restaurants and vibrant academic environment.

It has a cultural identity as Finland’s historical center and features many cultural venues, including several theaters, museums, concert halls, art galleries and a city philharmonic orchestra. Among key events during the year is Finnish-Japanese modern dance evening, Logomo exhibitions and various opera and jazz performances.

Turku is also the official Christmas city of Finland, where each year on the 24th of December the ‘Christmas Peace of Finland’ is declared at the Cathedral of Turku. Fine and fantastic Finland is waiting for you!

The fact that Tallinn and Turku are geographically very close (about 177 km air-line distance) has encouraged the two cities to cooperate in organizing their cultural events, including the cooperation in tourism management, as many travel agencies offer packages for tourists to experience cultural events in both cities.

Future European Capitals of Culture have already been chosen for the years up to 2019. They include:
•    2012: Guimarães (Portugal) — Maribor (Slovenia)
•    2013: Marseille (France) — Kosice (Slovakia)
•    2014: Umea (Sweden) — Riga (Latvia)
•    2015: Mons (Belgium) — Plzen (Czech Republic )
•    2016: Spain — Poland
•    2017: Denmark — Cyprus
•    2018: Netherlands — Malta
•    2019: Italy

Family Attractions in Majorca

Majorca has something for all members of the family, a number of attractions on the Island ensure that the kids are smiling! Whether you are looking to take in some natural Spanish beauty or visit one of Majorca’s family attractions, cheap Majorca holidays ensure a great family holiday. Even the grandparents will be smiling by the end of your trip.

Aqualand, El Arenal

This fun filled waterpark is great for the whole family, with slides, pools and water in every direction, actually deciding where to start will be your only problem. Waterbabies and younger children are welcomed into the mini park, shallow pools and smaller slides provide a safe location for play. Those looking to fulfil their adrenalin rush have a wide choice of slides and pools, the kamikaze slide can challenge your courage to take on vertigo and speed whilst the surf beach wave pool provides plenty of fun. Lastly for those looking for a quiet and relaxing cruise can visit the Congo River, sit back and chill on a dingy as the slow current takes you round the water park. Just don’t fall asleep!

Cap de Formentor, Pollensa

In the northern region of Majorca lies the Cap de Formentor, this group of bays and cliffs deliver breath taking views of the Majorcan coast line. Although an attraction suited towards the adults of families, this attraction offers thrill and natural beauty. The journey to the Cap de Formentor is as much part of the experience as the views, as you meander through roads in the mountainous terrain. This 13.5 km stretch of road is named the snake, and as you can imagine offers bends and curves to make the heart race. Once you reach the Cap de Formentor the view that awaits is exhilarating, and on a clear day neighbouring Island Menorca can be seen. The rocky regions highest point is the Fumart, which is an incredible 384m above sea level.

Pirates Show, Magaluf

Get your pirate fancy dress ready for this amazing dinner show. Situated in popular resort Magaluf, this outstanding show is a must for all of the family. With tales of pirates and the forbidden seas, world class acrobats and actors wow the audience. The show actually holds two formats, with an under 18 show and adults only show. This ensures that the whole family can enjoy the show, and adults can enjoy their own version later on in the evenings. On top of this, a themed food menu is served to accompany the show and really get you in the pirate mood.

Majorca serves as the perfect summer holiday destination for families; its natural beauty is built upon with modern attractions for the whole family and is guaranteed to be a holiday destination remember.

If you want a truly unique and memorable Spain holidays in the amazing city of Madrid, do not miss out any of the below-listed things to do.

Madrid’s Golden Triangle

Mention the Golden Triangle in Madrid, and the three museums in the heart of the city will immediately come to their minds. Located on the Paseo del Prado, the artistic trio includes the most significant Museo del Prado, boasting some of the world’s greatest art treasures, including thousands of paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures, such as Goya’s Black Paintings and el Greco’s ‘Adoration of the Shepards’; the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía with its stunning collection of modern art, including the newly-returned Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ that had been housed in New York foe over 20 years; and the least known Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, where you’ll find works by Picasso and Goya, and master works by Degas, Monet, Renior and Van Gogh.

Parque del Buen Retiro

Otherwise called the ‘Park of the Pleasant Retreat,’ Parque del Buen Retiro is one of the city’s most popular attractions and the most expansive park and landmark, filled with abundant greenery, stunning fountains and museums, marble monuments and numerous statues, a beautiful lake and hectares of aromatic bay leaf trees, ponds and rose gardens.

Located in the heart of the city of Madrid, very close to the Puerta de Alcalá and the Prado Museum, and covering an area of around 350 acres, Buen Retiro features the former grounds of Real Sitio del Buen Retiro Palace, a 17th century weekend palace of King Philips IV and is a magnificent park that attracts locals and international travelers alike.  Some beautiful features of the park include: the Palacio de Cristal, which is a glass structure that was originally used to house a variety of exotic plants, the Rosaleda rose garden; and the Ejercito – a preeminent museum for military artifacts. In a nutshell, Buen Retiro is a great way to relax and refresh your energy.

Palacio Real (Royal Palace)

The Palacio Real is another top tourist destination in Madrid, and one of the most impressive palaces in Europe. Boasting over 2,000 luxuriously decorated and elegantly furnished rooms (of which 59 can be visited), it is the official residence for the Royal family, though they only use it for state ceremonies and the rest of the time, it’s open to public. The origins of the Palace date back to the 9th century when the Islamic Kingdom of Toledo built a defensive fort on the site, which was later used by the Kings of Castle.

The Palacio Real is where visitors will appreciate magnificent furniture and tapestries, fascinating paintings by Velázquez, Rubens, Goya, El Greco and Caravaggio and frescoes by Tiépolo.

Whether you are after art and culture, a shopping enthusiast or a romantic honeymooner, you are assured to have a vacation of a lifetime!

Vienna’s climate is somewhere between humid continental and oceanic. Summers are warm with mean high temperature lying between 22° and 26° C and winters are comparatively cold having mean temperatures near the freezing point. Snowfall from the month of December to March is commonplace. The autumn and spring however, are more on the milder and cooler side.

When it comes to Vienna sightseeing, there are some real good places worth visiting. The city is filled with rich museums, beautiful palaces and castles and exquisite gardens and parks. Following are some of the popular sightseeing attraction of Vienna:

Museums

• If you are interested in beholding the 20^th century Viennese architecture you must visit the Karlsplatz Stadtbahn Station that has one of its buildings made into the form of an exhibition area by Vienna Museum dedicated to the work of the most eminent architect of Vienna, Otto Wagner.
• If Museum of Modern Art and Museum of Applied Arts is your area of interest then you can go for MOYA, the Artist’s House, Atelier Augarten, House of the Arts, Kunsthalle, Essl Collection and two more that are extensions of the Generali Foundation and Museum District.
• The Sisi Museum is dedicated to Austria’s former Empress, Elizabeth Amalie Eugenie. You can have a look of the silver cabinet and the royal apartments.
• The Kunsthistorisches Museum contains paintings by famous old masters and many classic and ancient artifacts.
• Even the castles of Vienna are treated as galleries and museums.
• Other museums include the Military History Museum, the Burial Museum, Albertina, the Technical Museum, the Sigmund Freud Museum, the Museum of Art Fakes, the Mozarthaus Vienna, Museum of Romans, Hermesvilla and Vienna Clock Museum.
• You also have certain small-scale yet unique museums like one on heating systems, which is the only one in the world and another on abortion.

Palaces and Castles

• The Liechtenstein Palace comprises one of world’s largest private collections of baroque’s art.
• Castle Belvedere which is built under Prinz Eugen contains an art gallery of paintings by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and many other artists of the early twentieth century. It also has sculptures by the Franz Xaver Messerschmidt and temporary exhibitions.

Gardens and Parks

• When it comes to gardens and parks, Vienna has a little more than enough to offer. Stadtpark, Volksgarten, Burggarten, Schloßpark, Donaupark, Augarten, Schönbrunner Schlosspark, Rathauspark, Dehnepark, Votivpark, Lainzer Tiergarten, Resselpark, Auer-Welsbach-Park, Kurpark Oberlaa and Türkenschanzpark are some of them.
• The most popular public park in Vienna is undoubtedly the Prater. It is situated in the Leopoldstadt district on one side of Wiener Prater with Wiener Riesenrad also included. Inside the Prater, you will find an orbicular micronation called Republic of Kugelmugel, a planetarium and a museum.

Apart from things to see you have tons of things to do in Vienna. It has lots of theatres, opera houses, classical music centers, etc. So music lovers can practically have a gala time. Following are some of the popular musical activities in the city:

1. Balls: Vienna hosts a series of balls in the carnival season that epitomizes glamour, elegance and grandeur. The most popular balls are definitely the opera Ball taking place in the State Opera. It is also known as the ball of the Vienna Philharmonic.
2. Dance workshops: The ImPulsTanz Festival of summer hosts many contemporary dance workshops and performances that you can enjoy very well.
3. Concerts: You have many classical concerts that are performed at places like the Wiener Konzerthaus and of course the Wiener Musikverein that stages performances by the famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra itself.
4. Operas and Theatres: Among theatres you have Volkstheater Wien, Theater in der Josefstadt and several other small-scale theatres that stage modernistic and experimental cabaret and plays. Among operas you have the ones being performed at Theater der Wien, Volksoper, Staatsoper and Haus der Musik.

The open air film festivals held in summer at Vienna Turf Krieau, Schloss Neugebäude, Augarten and the Prater is another great attraction among tourists.

Vienna is truly a dream come true for shopaholics. You have shopping streets, malls, outdoor markets, airport’s special duty-free shopping facilities and an entire Christmas market dedicated only to Christmas shopping. Restaurants, bars and cafes line every other street in Vienna. And the best part is the variety. Right from the menu items and ambience to budget and language, you will get plethora of options to choose from. And if you are the experimental type then you will definitely relish the street food available in the streets of Vienna. Traditional street food of the city is sausage in all its forms. The local snack culture follows the Turkish and ex-Yugoslavian type of fast food like Turkish and Greek sandwiches and Doner Kebap. Naschmarkt is the best place to buy kebaps from.

Vienna does have a peppy nightlife. With umpteen bars, cafes, clubs and overnight festivals and parties, the city is no less than a nocturnal carnival. The Ride Club and Loco offer cheap drinks and a good ambience. Among discos and parties you have the Why Not disco, the Meat Market party, the HOMO queer gay party and many more. You also have many night casinos that will add to the fun.

Vienna surely has a variety of things to offer to those who are in search of a healthy break from their mundane regular life. The city of Vienna brings the people to life.