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