Vienna - you must have seen these five sights

Vienna is not only one of the most liveable cities in the world, but undoubtedly also one of the most beautiful. Hardly any other city offers its visitors such a great combination of magnificent architecture, world-class museums, famous theater and opera stages and beautiful parks. It is therefore hardly surprising that the entire city center of Vienna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its towers soar high into the sky and can be seen from far and wide. Located in the heart of Vienna's old town, St. Stephen's Cathedral is not only the tallest, but also one of the most beautiful and important sights in the center of the Austrian capital.

The Gothic cathedral is one of the most important church buildings in the world. The interior of St. Stephen's Cathedral is magnificently decorated and features numerous valuable altars and chapels.

If you want to enjoy a wonderful view over the whole of Vienna, you should climb the stairs of the south tower. From the Türmerstube you have a fantastic view over the rooftops of the city.

A visit to Schönbrunn Palace is a must on a trip to Vienna, and not just for fans of the former Austrian Empress Sissi. The beautiful and largest palace in Austria is the most visited sight in Vienna and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, you can visit the original apartments and magnificent state rooms of the imperial family at Schönbrunn Palace.

If you are not so keen on imperial pomp, you can take a walk through the beautiful 160-hectare palace park instead. In addition to the famous Gloriette, there are numerous fountains, statues and monuments to see.

As the residence of the emperors of Austria, the Hofburg in the center of Vienna is one of the most beautiful, largest and historically most important building complexes in the world. Today, the Hofburg houses numerous world-famous museums and cultural institutions.

Most visitors come here to see the Imperial Apartments. The 24 working, living and representation rooms of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Sisi provide an excellent insight into the former imperial world.

A visit to the Spanish Riding School is not only recommended for horse lovers. Here you can enjoy one of the best dressage performances in the world.

Art and culture lovers should not miss a visit to the MuseumsQuartier during a trip to Vienna. Located on the edge of Vienna's old town, it is one of the world's largest art and cultural areas with around 60 cultural institutions.

The MuseumsQuartier's cultural offerings range from visual and performing arts, dance and theater, architecture and literature to music and new media. The best-known institutions on the site are the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art), the Leopold Museum and the Kunsthalle Wien.

Not only as an opera fan should you try to get a ticket for the Vienna State Opera when visiting Vienna. It is one of the most important and best opera houses in the world.

The building of the Vienna State Opera on Vienna's Ringstrasse is impressive in itself and is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Around 60 different operas and ballets are performed at the State Opera every year. The most famous event at the State Opera is the annual Vienna Opera Ball.