One of Europe’s most striking cities and the former capital of the Austrian Empire, Vienna is a renowned center of arts, culture, science, and courtly etiquette. This is a city where history comes alive, and at these five attractions you’ll experience the best of Vienna’s illustrious heritage.

1. Schönbrunn Palace

The summer residence of the Habsburg emperors and empresses, Schönbrunn Palace is the embodiment of imperial grandeur. Originally built in the 17th century, the palace was subsequently remodeled and expanded by a line of rulers, allowing you to take a journey through history and see how tastes evolved over the centuries. Stroll through the rooms once occupied by the Austrian royals and European dignitaries and admire dazzling artworks, original period furniture, and decorations. The landscaped palace gardens, formerly the imperial hunting grounds, are an attraction in and of themselves, featuring lakes, fountains, sculptures, and a zoo that’s one of the oldest in the world.

2. Imperial Palace (Hofburg)

For a complete experience of imperial splendor, include a stop to the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) in your trip itinerary, the winter residence of the Habsburgs. Dating back to the 13th century, the palace complex not only housed the emperors, but was also the site of many historic events. A part of the palace is now used as the office of the Austrian president, while the rest gives you the chance to see the lavish royal chambers, the monarchs’ personal effects, the impressive silver collection, and many other artifacts that will transport you back through time.

3. St. Charles’ Church (Karlskirche)

Baroque architecture reached some of its highest achievements in Vienna, as St. Charles’ Church (Karlskirche) so clearly demonstrates. The imposing 18th-century cathedral is widely regarded as one of the city’s most impressive structures. Its exterior draws inspiration from antiquity, boasting two monumental columns modeled after Trajan’s Column in Rome and symbolizing imperial power. Inside the church you’ll enter a world of breathtaking religious paintings, mosaics, and frescoes. Visit the church on a sunny day and enjoy the light reflecting off the golden and marble surfaces.

4. Ringstrasse

Take a stroll down the Ringstrasse and immerse yourself in the urban atmosphere of imperial Vienna. Built in place of the old city walls, the celebrated boulevard is known as Vienna’s most scenic street. The length of it is lined with important and impressive structures, such as the Austrian parliament, the national opera, and Vienna University. There are also numerous parks, squares, shops, restaurants, and Viennese coffee houses, where you can take a break from sightseeing. As you walk the tree-lined promenade, bear in mind that you’re tracing the steps of Sigmund Freud, Gustav Klimt, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and many other famous Viennese.

5. Kapuziner Crypt (Kapuzinergruft)

There’s hardly a place in Vienna trip where you can get closer to the age of the Austrian Empire than at Kapuziner Crypt (Kapuzinergruft). The crypt beneath the Capuchin Church serves as the final resting place of numerous members of the Habsburg family, including a number of empresses and emperors, as well as many lesser-known members of the dynasty. Among others, you can see the sarcophagi of some the empire’s most important rulers, such as Maria Theresa and Franz Joseph I. The diversity of burial styles brilliantly reflects the ideas that guided the Empire over the centuries. Both touching and imposing, the crypt is definitely a place to include in Vienna vacation itinerary planner for any history enthusiast.

A Glorious Past and an Exciting Future

Once the seat of the powerful Habsburg Empire and now the capital of Austria, Vienna is a place where you can enjoy all the perks of a modern cosmopolitan city while surrounding yourself with impressive historical monuments. Touring the city’s palaces, museums, and scenic streets will not only make your vacation memorable, but it also will set before you a wealth of cultural heritage that few European cities can match.

By Nikola Mihaelj

With some of the most impressive food and cultural landmarks in the world, Italy boasts millions of tourists each year in cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice. These easy tips will help you make the most of your Italian experience.

Avoiding Lines

No trip to Italy would be complete with a trip to see famous sites like the Colosseum, the Florentine Cathedral, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. While getting to see the sites from afar is never an issue, trying to get inside for a proper tour can prove challenging.

Luckily, if you’re a European passport holder many cultural landmarks offer the ability to get discounted tickets for being an EU citizen. In combination with discounted tickets, a few select days of each month are appropriated by the Italian government to offer free entry to museums and famous sites.

With cheap tickets in hand, arriving at the sites early in the morning is the best way to guarantee an easy entrance. Because organized tours account for the majority of tourist traffic, they are generally only allowed to schedule times for tours during the mid to late afternoon. Beating the rush is easy if you arrive before them.

Eating Well

Eating well in Italy isn’t hard, but finding the restaurants that the locals enjoy may be a bit tougher. Italian restaurants near major tourist sites are generally overpriced and overrated.

Tourist season in Italy is considered to be between July and September. During this time, many Italians leave their major cities, close their businesses, and head for the coast. They avoid the tourist rush and the only restaurants left open are those catering to tourists’ needs. The remainder of major Italian cities is left to look like ghost towns.

If you want the best culinary experience while abroad, try and go in the early part of the summer or late autumn when the true Italian restaurants reopen.

Train Travel

The fastest way to get between major Italian cities is by train. Buying tickets online comes at a premium though. If you know which days you would like to take the train, it’s best to arrive at the train station on the day of travel and buy your train tickets from the ticket counter or from one of the many automated ticket machines. Italian trains are notoriously under-booked and the train services discount tickets on the day of travel to entice more riders. Take advantage of these discounts to avoid paying hefty premiums.