• Art
• History
• Medici
• Science
• City Views
• Day Trip

1st Choice: Art Adventure in Florence 

Uffizi Galleries

The Uffizi Galleries in Florence offer one of the world’s largest collections of paintings from the fourteenth century and Renaissance period, including works by Giotto, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo, Raffaello, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. The building began with architect Giorgio Vasari (1511–1574) and was constructed between 1560 and 1581. Don’t miss The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510), one of the 10 must-see paintings in Europe. It was painted between 1482 and 1486 for the Medici family. The Uffizi collection also includes many impressive ancient statues and busts, including ancient Roman copies of lost Greek sculptures.

Photo by C. McCain

Or Galleria dell’Accademia

The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence houses one of the most famous statues in the world. Standing over five meters tall, Michelangelo’s David was made from a single block of marble between 1501 and 1504. This Renaissance sculpture depicts the Biblical figure of David and symbolizes strength, intelligence and beauty. The museum also features other sculptures by Michelangelo and a large collection of Italian paintings from the fourteenth through seventeenth centuries. The Galleria dell’Accademia was founded by Pietro Leopoldo, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in 1784. Now, the institution occupies a fourteenth-century hospital, St. Matthew, and a convent, St. Niccolò of Cafaggio.

Courtesy of Galleria dell’Accademia

2nd Choice: History Adventure in Florence 

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, dates back to Roman times and was the only bridge over the Arno River in Florence until 1218. The current bridge was rebuilt using three stone arches after a devastating flood in 1333. The bridge is part of the Vasari Corrido, an elevated passageway that was used by the Medici family as a private crossing between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. The bridge is lined with little shops – once occupied by butchers and tanners – now home to jewelers and art dealers. Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in the city to avoid destruction during World War II. It is a must-see historic site for an adventure in Florence.

Photo by Ansgar Scheffold

Or Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio, or Old Palace, is a Romanesque building located in the center of Florence that reflects many centuries of history, including three distinct sites: Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress and Renaissance chambers. Construction on the solid fortress began in 1299, and the entire site sits on ancient Roman ruins that date back to the first century A.D. Palazzo Vecchio is a symbol of civil power for the city of Florence; even today, it’s the location of the Mayor’s office. Just to the side of Palazzo Vecchio, visitors can explore the Loggia dei Lanzi, also called Loggia della Signoria, an open-air museum with many great sculptures, like Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa from 1545/54.

Photo by Matt Twyman

3rd Choice: Medici-Inspired Adventure in Florence  

Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens

An adventure in Florence would not be complete within exploring the many sites attributed to the Medici family. The Pitti Palace was named after its first owner Luca Pitti (1398–1472), a Florentine banker. Work on the palace started in 1458 and was left unfinished at the time of Pitti’s death. In 1549, the palace was purchased by Eleonora of Toledo, Cosimo I de’ Medici’s wife, as a ceremonial residence. Work on the palace continued and the structure grew in size. Throughout four centuries, the palace was inhabited by three dynasties: the Medici, the Habsburg-Lorraine and the Savoy. Today, the palace is open to visitors and includes the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.

Courtesy of Pitti Palace

Boboli Gardens are situated directly behind Pitti Palace. Established by the Medici family, this beautiful outdoor space includes many impressive ancient and Renaissance statues, as well as grottos, fountains and botanical gardens. The subsequent Habsburg-Lorraine and Savoy dynasties further developed the gardens’ layout and extended the boundaries. It is considered to be one of the world’s most important “formal” gardens and has inspired royal gardens throughout Europe.

Courtesy of Pitti Palace

Or Basilica di San Lorenzo

Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence is one of the city’s oldest churches, and it was the parish church for the Medici family. Said to have been consecrated by Saint Ambrose of Milan in 393, Basilica di San Lorenzo held the title of Duomo in Florence for about 300 years, before the title was transferred to the present day Duomo. In 1419, Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici (1360–1429), founder of the dynasty, offered to finance a new church to replace the eleventh-century Romanesque structure, and the project was led by architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377–1446). The Medici Chapels hold the funerary monuments of the Medici family. Additional sections were added, such as Michelangelo’s New Sacristy in 1520 and Nigetti’s Chapel of the Princes in the early seventeenth century.

Courtesy of Visit Florence

4th Choice: Science Adventure in Florence

Leonardo da Vinci Museum

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence offers a collection of interactive machines and displays modeled after original sketches by Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519). Divided into five sections: mechanisms, earth, water, air and fire, the museum examines Leonardo’s universal genius as an artist, scientist, inventor and designer. The museum features machines relating to civil engineering, weaponry, flight and more. Visitors of all ages can learn about Leonardo’s many achievements and his continuous pursuit to push the realm of possibility.

Courtesy of Visit Florence

Or Galileo Museum

The Galileo Museum, located in Florence’s Piazza dei Guidici, combines a noted museum featuring scientific instruments with an institute for research, documentation and dissemination of the history of science in the broadest senses. It also features the work of Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), an astronomer, physicist and engineer from Pisa. Notable items on display include Galileo’s objective lens from the telescope he used to discover the Galilean moons of Jupiter, thermometers used by members of the Accademia del Cimento and an extensive collection of terrestrial and celestial globes. The museum also has a library with troves of materials depicting Italy’s technical and scientific heritage.

Courtesy of Galileo Museum

5th Choice: City Views Adventure in Florence

Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Florence Cathedral, or Duomo di Firenze, is one of the city’s most iconic structures and features the largest brick dome ever constructed. It acts as the centerpiece of Florence and can be seen from hilltops throughout the region. The concept for the cathedral was conceived in 1293, and after a hundred years of construction, the structure was still missing its dome. In 1420, after many technical issues, architect Filippo Brunelleschi began construction on the massive octagonal dome. Today, visitors can climb up the 400+ steps to the dome’s lantern for excellent views of Florence. Piazza del Duomo also includes Giotto’s Campanile and the Baptistery of Saint John with its Gates of Paradise.

Photo by Jonathan Körner

Or San Miniato al Monte

Sunset is the perfect time to take in the views near San Miniato al Monte, a basilica situated atop one of the highest points in the city – even higher than Piazzale Michelangelo. Make time to visit the basilica, which is considered a masterpiece of Tuscan Romanesque architecture. The structure was built between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries and includes three naves, an elevated presbytery and crypt. Its marble exterior is decorated with green and white geometric patterns.

Courtesy of Visit Florence

6th Choice: Day Trip Adventure in Florence

Pisa

Pisa is located about an hour by train from Florence making it an easy day trip. Once in Pisa, head over to Pisa Cathedral for a glimpse of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The cathedral’s free-standing bell tower is known for its almost four-degree lean. Scroll around the Piazza del Duomo, also known as Piazza dei Miracoli, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The square is made up of four spectacular edifices: Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, the Campanile (Pisa Tower) and the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery). Don’t miss the Cathedral Museum, which displays original artwork from the cathedral, baptistery and bell tower.

Photo by C. McCain

Or Tuscan Wine Country

Tuscany, Italy’s fifth-largest region, has been producing some of the world’s best wines for centuries. After Piedmont and Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/G quality wines. Tuscany has 41 DOC wines and 11 DOCG wines, and they are produced across the region’s ten provinces. Sangiovese grapes dominate the vineyards in Tuscany and produce notable wines, such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. For a hassle-free experience, check out all-inclusive wine tours, like Grape Tours, which offer transportation from Florence, tour guides, wine tastings and lunch.

Photo by Reisetopia

If you enjoyed Choose Your Own Adventure in Florence, check out other choose your own adventure articles.

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Choose Your Own Travel Adventure in Bath, England

From the Roman Baths to the Jane Austen Centre, choose your own travel adventure in Bath, England. Pick between the following categories to enjoy a charming weekend getaway in the UK.

• Spa – Historic or Modern?
• Snack Time – Pasties or Afternoon Tea? 
• Culture – Architecture or Literature?
• Happy Hour – Microbrewery or Beer House?

1st Choice: Roman Baths or Thermal Bath Spa?

Roman Baths

Courtesy of the Roman Baths in Bath, England

Just a 10-minute walk from the train station, the Roman Baths provide visitors with an awe-inspiring look at remains preserved from Roman Britain. An entrance fee provides access to original ancient Roman streets and ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva. Explore how ancient Romans lived and interacted with the local natural springs. Don’t miss the gilt bronze head of the goddess Sulis Minerva, one of the best-known objects of that time period. According to the Roman Baths Exhibition, the statue may well be an original object from the foundation of the site dating back to the later first century AD. The head is said to be from the cult statue of the goddess which would have stood within her Temple beside the Sacred Spring. From there she may have looked out across the Temple courtyard to the site of the great altar, the site of sacrifice, which stood at the heart of that sacred space. Visitors can learn about this artifact and more while touring the exhibition with the help of a handheld audio guide included in the cost of admission.

Thermae Bath Spa

Courtesy of Thermae Bath Spa

Bath is well-known for its long-standing association with health and wellness due to the purported healing powers of its natural thermal springs. According to local legend, the source of Bath’s mineral-rich water remains a mystery. However, research suggests that the rainwater enters the carboniferous limestone in the Avon Valley. Bathing in the natural springs has been an important part of Bath’s history and local culture since they were discovered in 863 BC. This mystical water has been used for bathing by the Celts, Romans, Saxons and Georgians.

Located in the heart of the city, Thermae Bath Spa offers visitors a modern spa experience with an open-air rooftop pool, indoor pool, saunas, steam rooms and spa treatments. According to Thermae, the waters contain over 42 different minerals, including sulphate, calcium and chloride. All baths contain natural thermal waters and are kept at the optimum bathing temperature of 33.5 degrees C (92 degrees F). The spa provides visitors with robes and flip-flops for optimal comfort.

2nd Choice: Pasties or Afternoon Tea?

Pasties from the Cornish Bakery

Photo by the Cornish Bakery

The southwest region of England is known for its delicious handheld savory pies called pasties. This portable lunch is perfect for travelers on the go. A traditional Cornish pasty includes diced beef, potatoes, turnips and onions. This mixture creates the filling of a half-moon pie crust pocket. Cornish pasties became common in the 19th century when tin mining was booming and workers wanted hardy self-contained meals. Today, the pasty business is alive and well, and Bath has an abundance of shops claiming to have the ‘world’s best.’ For a tasty snack in Bath, check out the Cornish Bakery, a regional bakery chain with a location near Bath Abbey.

Afternoon Tea at the Pump Room

Courtesy of the Pump Room

The Pump Room is an elegant treat for visitors looking to have a memorable dining experience during their stay in Bath. Located next to the Roman Baths, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. According to the Pump Room, the original property was completed in 1705 and then upgraded in 1790. Now, the restaurant uses the natural springs to heat the building and neighboring Roman Baths during the winter months. While there, ask for a taste of the hot spa water at the fountain. Be sure to book your reservations in advance, since availability can be limited during the peak season.

3rd Choice: Architecture or Literature?

Museum of Bath Architecture

Photo by C. McCain

Architecture walks in Bath can be a great way to see the local sites. The city was transformed in the early 1700s when Bath-based architects were commissioned by city leaders to make improvements. A number of crescents, or curved sections of Georgian-style townhomes, were built throughout the city, including the world’s first crescent, Royal, built between 1767 and 1775 by John Wood the Younger. This picturesque spot has been used as a location for Hollywood films, such as Persuasion and The Duchess. Other well-known crescents include Camden, Norfolk, Lansdown, Cavendish, Widcombe and Somerset Place. Don’t miss Circus, a crescent designed by John Wood the Elder, which consists of curved townhomes said to be based on the dimensions of Stonehenge. Learn more by visiting the Museum of Bath Architecture, which includes a 1:500 scale model of Bath from a bird’s-eye view.

The Jane Austen Centre

Photo by C. McCain

“I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath, when I am home again – I do like it so very much.” – Jane Austen (1775-1817)

A visit to Bath can feel like entering one of Jane Austen’s classic novels, appropriately so, since the beloved author called this city home from 1801 to 1806. During that time, Bath was considered to be the most famous resort town in all of England. Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were published posthumously in 1818, and both novels were set mainly in Bath and reflect the author’s lifestyle as a resident.

The Jane Austen Centre offers visitors the chance to explore the life of Jane Austen and her time in Bath, as well as the city’s cultural influences detected in her books, characters and personal life. The centre is located at No. 40 Gay Street, a place similar to the house a couple of doors down where Austen lived for a few months following her father’s death in 1805. Enthusiastic exhibition guides welcome visitors in traditional Regency outfits. Visit the centre to learn more about the famous author who never saw her name published.

4th Choice: Graze Microbrewery or Bath Brew House?

Graze Restaurant and Microbrewery

Courtesy of Visit Bath

A travel adventure in Bath would not be complete without sampling the local beer. Located near the Bath Spa train station, Graze Restaurant and Microbrewery offers refreshing beer and gastropub cuisine. Order a pint of Sulis, an English lager named after the city’s thermal springs, from the spacious upstairs bar. Weather permitting, enjoy the outdoor patio with views of Bath’s 19th-century railway station originally designed by the acclaimed English engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806–1859).

Bath Brew House

Complete with its very own microbrewery, the Bath Brew House is located on James St. West in the heart of Bath’s city centre. This lively watering hole features brewery tours, pub food, televised sports, live music, pub quiz, beer garden, ping pong and more. In addition to the craft beer, don’t miss the chance to try their BBQ ribs or fish and chips.

If you enjoyed Choose Your Own Travel Adventure in Bath, England, check out other articles about traveling in Europe.

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Philadelphia sits about 100 miles southwest of New York City and about 140 miles northeast of Washington D.C. at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. Founded in 1682, Philadelphia is one of the oldest municipalities in the United States. The city played a key role in the American Revolution and is the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Today, Philadelphia is a city made up of many neighborhoods – each one with its own distinct culture and heritage.

From Independence Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, check out the top four things to do in Philadelphia.

1. Visit Museums

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Photo by Graydon Wood

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a legacy of the nation’s great Centennial Exhibition of 1876. In 1877, the museum opened to the public in Fairmount Park in what had served as the Centennial’s Fine Arts Pavilion, now known as Memorial Hall. In 1917, when the Benjamin Franklin Parkway was nearing its completion, the city approved the final design for a new facility and the museum’s main building opened its doors at its present location in 1928. Today, it has over 240,000 works, encompassing the departments of American art, contemporary art, costume and textiles, east and south Asian art, European decorative arts, European painting, the John G. Johnson Collection, the Rodin Museum, prints, drawings and photographs. Collection highlights include Thomas Eakins’ Portrait of Dr. Samuel D. Gross, Henry Ossawa’s The Annunciation, Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Paul Cézanne’s The Large Bathers, Pablo Picasso’s Three Musicians and Grace Kelly’s Wedding Dress.

Barnes Foundation

© Tom Crane & Benjamin Riley

The Barnes Foundation is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution founded by Dr. Albert C. Barnes. It is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of modern European paintings. It also features African art, Native American ceramics, Pennsylvania German furniture, old master paintings, antiquities and decorative ironwork. Dr. Barnes arranged his collection in “ensembles,” creating unusual mixed-media groupings of objects from different cultures and time periods. Collection highlights include 181 works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (the largest single group of the artist’s paintings in the world), 69 works by Paul Cézanne (the largest single group of the artist’s paintings in the world), 59 works by Henri Matisse, 46 works by Pablo Picasso and 16 works by Amedeo Modigliani. The collection also features works by Henri Rousseau, Georges Seurat, Vincent van Gogh, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian and Paolo Veronese.

2. Eat the Local Food

Cheesesteaks

Tony Luke’s, Photo by J. Varney for GPTMC

The Philly cheesesteak is one of the city’s most celebrated dishes. This indulgent sandwich is made using a long, crusty roll, or hoagie, filled with thinly sliced, sautéed beef, typically ribeye, with melted cheese. When ordering, there is a choice of cheese (provolone, American or Cheez Whiz®) and a choice of toppings (sautéed onions, cooked mushrooms, ketchup and sweet/hot peppers). Check out local favorites like Pat’s King of Steaks, Geno’s Steaks and Tony Luke’s.

Reading Terminal Market

Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia®

Reading Terminal Market opened in 1893 making it one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the United States. Located in a former railroad terminal in Center City, the market has been selling local produce, seafood, meats and cheeses for more than a century. The market also houses dozens of family-owned restaurants serving up a wide range of culinary treats with plenty of seating areas and takeaway options. In addition to fresh food, the food bazaar area features handmade crafts and locally-sourced goods. Don’t miss the roast pork sandwich at DiNic’s, doughnuts from Beiler’s and soft pretzels from Miller’s Twist.

3. See the Historical Sites

Independence Hall

Photo by J.S. Ruth for Visit Philadelphia®

In 1776, the Founding Fathers gathered at Independence Hall to sign the Declaration of Independence inside the Assembly Room. 11 years later, representatives from 12 states returned to lay the framework for the United States Constitution. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from around the world. A tour of the building takes visitors through the first-floor courtroom, the Assembly Room featuring George Washington’s “rising sun” chair and the West Wing featuring the actual inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence and an original draft of the Constitution. Independence Hall is part of Independence National Historic Park, which also includes the Liberty Bell Center, the President’s House, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the National Constitution Center and more.

Museum of the American Revolution

Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia®

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers the compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality and self-government. Through the museum’s collection, galleries, theater experiences and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how the United States came to be. Encompassing 118,000 square feet, the space holds an expansive collection of art, manuscripts and printed works from the nation’s Revolutionary Period. It also displays a range of objects gathered from and pertaining to the Revolutionary War, including British, French and American weapons used in battle and personal diaries written in camps.

4. Take in the River Views

Cherry Street Pier

Courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Located on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public area with a marketplace, art space, alfresco bar and café. This historic pier is located just south of Race Street Pier and offers excellent views of the river and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The indoor-outdoor space is open year-round. The space features artist studios housed in repurposed cargo shipping containers, and visitors can meet with the artists and view art-making demonstrations.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia®

Open during the summer, Spruce Street Harbor Park is a waterfront space with lots of colorful hammocks – perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. Food is served from converted shipping containers that line the boardwalk, and craft beer is served in a garden area. The park offers plenty of games and activities, such as bocce, shuffleboard and giant Jenga, as well as kayak and swan boat rentals. Once the sun sets, the park lights up with hundreds of multi-colored LED lights hanging down from the trees. Its summer event calendar features pop-up art markets, outdoor movie screenings and musical performances.

If you enjoyed Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting, check out other destination guides.

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The Ultimate Arts & Culture Guide for Vienna

• Fine Art
• Dance
• Museums
• Music
• Royal Palaces

Fine Art

Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna’s Art History Museum, offers an extensive collection of art from the imperial family’s collection. Built in 1891, the museum offers visitors the largest Bruegel collection in the world, as well as notable works from Europe, Egypt and the Near East. The museum’s expansive permanent collection offers works by Raphael, Vermeer, Velazquez, Rembrandt, Titian and Tintoretto, among others. Don’t miss the Kunstkammer, the cabinet of curiosities, which is a museum within a museum. Opened in 2013, this collection from the Habsburgs includes artworks and unique objects from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Once finished with the Kunsthistorisches Museum, head across the Maria Theresien Platz to the Museum of Natural History, a near identical building. While there, don’t miss the chance to marvel at an artifact that is thought to be almost 30,000 years old – a figure titled Venus of Willendorf.

Gustav Klimt, The Kiss 1907/08, Belvedere Museum

Dance

Vienna Opera Ball@ WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud

Dance is just one of the reasons that Vienna is the best European city for art lovers. The Viennese waltz, a style of dance that was recently added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, is a cherished piece of Austria’s heritage. Considered to be the original waltz, this ballroom classic can be experienced at venues throughout the city, especially during Viennese ball season, which runs from November through Carnival season until February. With more than 400 balls hosted each year, these events transport guests back in time to when Austrian composer Johann Strauss Jr. (1825-1899) premiered the Blue Danube Waltz in 1867. From the Vienna Opera Ball to the Ball of the Viennese Chimney Sweeps, guests wear formal attire of gowns and tuxedos, while drinking local wine and dancing to that iconic three-four time step.

Opera: Wiener Staatsballett,
principal dancer, Olga Esina © WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud

The Vienna State Ballet, or Wiener Staatsballett, is a first-rate dance company with four premieres, one gala and ten repertoire works scheduled at the Vienna State Opera and Volksoper for the 2019/20 season. This will be the last season for director, Manuel Legris, a former Danseur Etoile of the Paris Opera Ballet. Season highlights include Jewels by George Balanchine and set to music by Fauré, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky, as well as an evening with three pieces titled Movements to Stravinsky, Between Dogs and Wolves (world premiere). The annual Nureyev Gala will end the season on June 25, 2020.

Museums

Queue the “Harry Lime” zither music, please. “I never knew the old Vienna before the war with its Strauss music, its glamour and easy charm.” This is the opening line to one of the best films ever made, The Third Man. Made in 1948, this film noir was directed by Carol Reed and starred Joseph Cotton and Orson Wells. Film fans can get a closer look at this black and white classic at the Third Man Museum, located near Vienna’s Naschmarkt (only open on Saturdays from 2 to 6 pm). With more than 2,000 artifacts and original documents, the exhibition showcases behind-the-scene memorabilia, as well as information about Vienna’s occupation period between 1945–1955, which provides the film its context. Highlights include the original screenplays, cameras used on set, little Hansel’s cap and a functioning cinema projector from 1936. The Third Man Tours are also available, so visitors can experience famous locations around Vienna that were featured in the film, such as the Prater Ferris Wheel, Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery) and the older parts of Vienna’s sewer system. If that wasn’t enough, the Burg Kino cinema screens the film at least three times a week; check their website for showtimes.

Mozarthaus Vienna was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (1756–1791) residence from 1748 until 1787. It is the only surviving apartment in which the famous Austrian composer lived while in Vienna. Located at Domgrasse number 5, the first floor, Mozart’s apartment, features four large rooms and a kitchen. According to Visit Vienna, Mozart penned his best compositions in this residence, including The Marriage of Figaro and three of the six Haydn Quartets. With six levels, there is plenty to see at the Mozarthaus, which opened on the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth, on January 27, 2006. Curated by the Wien Museum, the exhibition features photos and documents that tell the story of one of the world’s most famous composers.

Music

Opera: Vienna State Opera at night © WienTourismus/MAXUM

The Vienna State Opera, or Wiener Staatsoper, is considered to be one of the most important opera houses in the world. Under the direction of Dominique Meyer, the opera presents roughly 50 performances each year with the program changing daily. Located just off the city’s Ringstraße, the Vienna State Opera is a cornerstone of Viennese culture and a point of pride for city dwellers since its opening in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s Don Juan. The opera has been led by many notable directors, including Johann von Herbeck, Gustav Mahler and Karl Böhm.

Wiener Symphoniker’s orchestra concert in the Wiener Konzerthaus

Founded in 1842 by Otto Nicolai, the Vienna Philharmonic is considered to be one of the best orchestras in the world. From Mahler to Strauss, the orchestra performs Viennese classics for audiences from around the world. The New Year’s Concert is one of the hottest tickets in the city, which is televised live from the Grand Hall of the Muskiverein. For those looking to attend this annual concert in person, it will take a bit of luck considering tickets are drawn through the Philharmonic’s website. If you’re looking to visit Vienna in the summer, check out the Summer Night Concert held annually in June. This open-air concert is performed in front of Schönbrunn Palace and it is free to the public.

Royal Palaces

Hofburg Vienna, The large Salon of Emperor Franz Joseph (Vienna Hofburg, Imperial Apartments) © Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Photo: Alexander Eugen Koller

The Hofburg, Vienna’s Imperial Palace, should be worked into your Vienna travel bucket list. With sections of the palace dating back to the 13th century, this expansive property was the residence and seat of government of the Habsburg emperors until 1918. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring this royal palace and its surrounding grounds and museums. Start with the Imperial Apartments and see how Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” (1837–1898) and Emperor Franz Joseph (1830–1916) lived during their reign. The Sisi Museum provides a closer look at the life of one of Europe’s most famous monarchs known for her beauty and petite figure. Don’t miss the Imperial Treasury and the Spanish Riding School.

Schönbrunn Palace © Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Photo: Alexander Eugen Koller

The park at Schönbrunn Palace is the perfect place to spend the day during the warmer summer months. Opened to the public in 1780, the gardens and park surrounding the Baroque palace offer roughly one square kilometer of beautifully kept outdoor space. This massive property formerly served as the summer residence of the Habsburgs since 1569. The park, along with the palace and its Rococo interiors, has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996. The surrounding park also includes the Imperial Carriage Museum, Crown Prince Garden, Orangery Garden, Maze & Labyrinth, Zoo, Palm House and Desert Experience House.

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