Nowhere in Vienna can match the designer hotel Do & Co, opposite St. Stephen’s Cathedral this centrally located hotel is just simply stunning. The large rooms maintain a cosy feel even in their contemporary urban design; this hotel totally flies in the face of Austrian tradition and does it brilliantly. This is the hotel that all others strive to be.

For an unforgettable experience book into the Pixel Hotel a totally new concept hotel; not a hotel at all, this is a range of rooms scattered around the city, but to call them rooms doesn’t really do them justice, ranging from Pixel on the Water (a converted drag boat) to Pixel in the Court (an industrial space with a large bed and a converted caravan serving as the lounge area). Quirky yet without compromising on comfort makes the unique Pixel concept more than just a series of rooms but a serious contender in a competitive world.

Schnitzel is the dish of Austria and for those that don’t eat veal the pork alternative is readily available; the meat pounded flat and then fried in breadcrumbs when cooked well is an absolute delight.

Other regional specialities include tender boiled beef served with horseradish and fried potatoes. The Viennese have a very sweet tooth and the desserts are rich but perfect when served with the world famous Viennese coffee.

Celebrate the waterways of Vienna by dining at the Holy Moly restaurant on the Danube itself.

This converted boat serves good honest Austrian food at reasonable prices, the chef prides himself on sourcing local seasonal produce and changes the evening menu daily. An unforgettable experience in unforgettable surroundings.

The best schnitzel in town is served at Schloss Concordia and the menu is filled with many varieties even serving a platter of mixed schnitzels. Heavy on meat this restaurant does serve a small selection of vegetarian dishes but the feel is very much of a meat lovers paradise.

The world famous Viennese ‘Spanish Riding School’ with their Lipizzaner White Stallions put on the most breathtaking show, man and beast in perfect harmony. These giant creatures delicately performing ballet to some of the best known classical pieces of all time, this unmissable show is a popular attraction and advance booking is absolutely essential.

Vienna has a wide range of concert halls and with its musical history it is essential to visit at least one of them, the Musikverein is said to have the best acoustics throughout the city and is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra making it a popular choice. For something a little less formal try the Volksoper – the peoples opera, a small venue known for light hearted performances of music and dance, this is the place to grab a bargain and still soak up the cities great culture.

No visit to Vienna would be complete without a nod to their most famous composer of all – check out the Mozarthaus a museum converted from the grand residence where Mozart himself spent time composing. This exhibition provides a comprehensive history of the man that he was, without attempts to gloss over some of the more unsavoury aspects to his life.

Vienna has lovely warm summers and exceptionally cold winters, with frequent snow between the months of December and March, although some say that this just adds to the romance and beauty of the city.

Musical and cultural events take place all year around making Vienna a perfect city break for any time of year. Christmas markets are a particular draw but the city can become quite busy at this time. Spring is decidedly quieter and particularly beautiful as all the green spaces rejuvenate after the harsh winter.