| Less well known as a romantic | | | | major venues sell out fast! |
| destination than the somewhat clichéd | | | | Vienna is great to visit in winter when |
| Paris - the Austrian capital of Vienna | | | | the streets are covered in soft snow: |
| is one of the most beautiful, | | | | the city becomes a glorious Yuletide |
| sophisticated and vibrant cities of the | | | | parade of colour and music in which you |
| world. Its blend of historical and | | | | can enjoy Gluwein from the Christmas |
| cultural heritage mixed with majestic | | | | markets stalls and take in the festive |
| boulevards, medieval streets and ornate | | | | street spirit. And if you get cold, step |
| courtyards, radiates old world charm and | | | | into the Schmetterlinghaus (Butterfly |
| magic. | | | | house) - a dreamy enclave containing |
| But it's not just architecture that | | | | more than 150 different species of |
| makes Vienna a prime spot for a romantic | | | | butterflies, which maintains a cosy |
| getaway; the cobbled streets are lined | | | | temperature of 26C throughout the year. |
| with superb Viennese coffee houses, from | | | | To inject some real romance into your |
| where you can try an Austrian fruit tea | | | | stay, why not take a room in one of |
| and the city's famous pastries. Wander | | | | Vienna's grand hotels such as Hotel |
| onwards and you'll find cosmopolitan | | | | Sacher, with its blissfully romantic |
| shops, museums and fantastic restaurants | | | | décor such as white and gold rococo |
| to wine and dine in. Try the traditional | | | | furniture, pink marble bathrooms and |
| Wiener schnitzel or beef goulash, both | | | | views of the opera house? Or, how about |
| staple dishes in Vienna, or perhaps grab | | | | a stay in Vienna's first boutique hotel |
| a Wiener from a Wustelstand as you walk | | | | - the Hotel Das Treist - with its laid |
| past. | | | | back élan, colourful interior and chic |
| For the evenings, why not sample an | | | | Italian restaurant? |
| opera, ballet or concert? Vienna boasts | | | | Getting to this romantic Austrian |
| a proud musical heritage and has | | | | paradise is quick and easy with cheap |
| produced a number of renowned artistic | | | | flights to Vienna from London taking |
| geniuses, such as Schubert, Brahms and | | | | just over two hours. So if you're |
| Mozart. There are hundreds of bars, | | | | looking for a romantic destination to |
| clubs and music venues across the city | | | | woo your partner, Vienna - the city of |
| offering countless opportunities to | | | | high culture and old world charm - is |
| enjoy classical concerts - but make sure | | | | the perfect place to visit. |
| you book in advance, as performances at | | | | |