Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof Wien

St. Stephen's Cathedral is the symbol of Vienna. Construction commenced in the 12th century. Today, it is one of the most important Gothic structures in Austria. St. Stephen's Cathedral is 107.2 meters long and 34.2 meters wide. It has four towers. The tallest of these is the south tower at 136.44 meters. The tower room, from which there is a gigantic view across Vienna, is reached via 343 steps. A total of 13 bells hang here. However, the best-known bell of St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Pummerin, is located in the 68.3 meter-tall north tower. It is the second-biggest free-swinging chimed church bell in Europe. On the roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral, colorful roof tiles were laid to create the Royal and Imperial double-headed eagle and the coat of arms of the city of Vienna. The interior of St. Stephen's Cathedral was changed again and again over the centuries, right through to the Baroque period. (picture credit: C.Stadler/Bwag)

Vienna State Opera The Vienna State Opera is one of the top opera addresses in the world – where you can enjoy the very best in first-class productions. This famous stage offers a different program every day, with over 50 operas and ballet works on around 300 days per season. Diverse program of the Vienna State Opera The repertoire of the State Opera ranges from the Baroque to the 21st century, with a focus on the 19th century. There are 5 opera premieres in the 2015/16 season. The first is Verdi's Macbeth (October 2015), followed by the new production of Humperdinck's fairytale Hänsel und Gretel (November 2015). Also to be heard for the first time in the House on the Ring is Péter Eötvös' Tri Sestri (Three Sisters), conducted by the composer himself (March 2016). The repertoire also includes Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin and Puccini's La Traviata – the splendid Anna Netrebko can be seen in both operas.

Vienna Hofburg Until 1918 the extensive palatial complex at the heart of Vienna was the political centre of the monarchy. Today it fulfils the same role for the democratic Republic of Austria. The rooms where once Emperor Joseph II drew up his revolutionary programme of reforms, where the Congress of Vienna met and danced and where Emperor Franz Joseph held audiences, now house the offices of the Federal President, the ministers of the chancellor's office and the secretaries of state. The Vienna Hofburg is a must for anybody wanting to explore the world of the Habsburgs. A single ticket opens the doors to three fascinating locations of Austria's imperial heritage. (picture credit: Kasa Fue)

If you’re looking for original Christmas gifts, then head for the Vienna design Christmas markets. Apart from the numerous Christmas markets offering classic handicrafts, Vienna also has a few markets where designers offer original and individual creations for sale. One of these design Christmas markets is held in the MuseumsQuartier at the end of November. In the WeihnachtsQuartier, selected designers show diverse and creative ideas for all areas of life on an area of around 1,000 square meters - from furnishing accessories made from glass and ceramic, to fashion and jewelry. The art and design market "Lights" in the WUK has also been held for several years now. Small labels and young designers sell their handmade works here. Sofas and candlelight provide a living-room atmosphere, and there's also an entertainment program with DJs and live music. On two weekends in Advent, the Kunst & Kram Christmas Market invites visitors to the Bunkerei/Punscherei in the Augarten. It’s the place to come and rummage for gifts amongst artistic, practical and edible things. The market offers contemporary handicrafts, textiles and young fashion labels, culinary products, and reading and music material. Chestnuts, punch and bonfires create an Advent ambience.

The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the only institution in the world which has practiced for over 430 years and continues to cultivate classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute ecole. The objective of classical equitation is to study the way the horse naturally moves and to cultivate the highest levels of haute ecole elegance the horse is capable of through systematic training. The result creates an unparalleled harmony between rider and horse, as only Vienna's Spanish Riding School achieves.

This is the buidling that housed the medieval estates, this is where the revolution of 1848 started. This is where the first Republic of Austria was founded. And this is where the Provincial Government and the Provincial parliament of Lower Austria had their seat from 1922 on. A place where history is alive. Today – and tomorrow. For congress and culture, for presentation and ball. For functions and events up to 670 participants. The 4 magnificent state rooms on the first floor have been restored down to the smallest detail and have full air conditioning with the state of art equipment. The 3 additional function rooms and the gothic chapel are to be found on the ground floor.

High-caliber from Kohlmarkt and Graben Fans of high-carat luxury will quickly find what they are looking for around Kohlmarkt and Graben. The area is home to traditional Viennese jewelers Wagner, Bucherer and Schullin, as well as resonant international luxury brands. Rare pieces can also be acquired at the Dorotheum auction house. The most prestigious shopping zone in downtown Vienna – also called the “Golden U” – stretches from Hofburg Palace and Kohlmarkt via Graben to Kärntner Strasse. Formerly the location of numerous court-appointed jewelers, international luxury brands such as Cartier, Chopard, Tiffany and Wellendorff are the present-day answer to exclusive glittering dreams. (picture credit: C.Stadler/Bwag)

The new luxury shopping area in Vienna’s Old City offers exclusive flagship stores of Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani, Miu Miu, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, YSL and more. One of the most exclusive shopping districts in the city is being created in the heart of the 1st district, on the extension of the elegant Kohlmarkt. The "Goldenes Quartier", or Golden Quarter, promises luxury shopping pleasure in a historic ambience on around 11,500 m2. The new luxury shopping area lies between Tuchlauben, Bognergasse and Am Hof. (picture credit: Friedrich Böhringer)