According to The Economist’s annual Global Liveability Index – a report that measures the stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructures of 140 cities around the world each year – the highest quality of living is enjoyed by residents of Vienna, the Austrian capital. It’s an accolade that the metropolis has laid claim to for two years running and one that, no doubt, at least partly accounts for the growing number of new arrivals in the city every year. In fact, according to a report by a Bloomberg report, the city is gaining roughly 25,000 new residents per annum, about one percent of its overall population of two million. In addition to its Economist endorsement, many are no doubt also drawn by the city’s low crime rate, economic success, fantastic public transport, laidback vibe and rich cultural heritage.
Although the area was initially settled in the first century AD by the Ancient Romans, contemporary Vienna owes much of its current stature and size to the Hapsburgs, the notoriously inbred dynasty that, in its heyday, ruled both the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Holy Roman Empire, as well as providing kings for countless other European monarchies. As the seat of the Hapsburgs, over the centuries, their patronage was responsible for much of the immense architecture, vivid culture and rich artistic legacy that continues to attract more than seven million tourists each year.
Though it would take a multitude of visits to explore the wealth of sights that Vienna has to offer, there are a number of clear highlights that just have to be on the itinerary of any truly discerning traveller. Key among these is the Schönbrunn Palace, the truly massive 1,441-room Hapsburg summer residence. Built in 1642 by Eleanor von Gonzaga, wife of Emperor Ferdinand II, this Baroque pleasure palace sits on land that spans some 186 acres.
Make sure you set aside a full day to explore this huge site, as it encompasses several visit-worthy attractions. In particular, any junior members of your party will relish a trip through the Tiergarten Schönbrunn (also known as the Vienna Zoo). Founded to house the imperial menagerie in 1752, it is the oldest zoo in the world. Elsewhere, flora aficionados will enjoy meandering through the myriad plants, flowers and shrubs housed within the Palmenhaus, the largest greenhouse in the city, as well as the desert botanical exhibits at the Wüstenhaus. The palace proper, meanwhile, is positively brimming with historical artefacts, with the artwork-laden Bergl Rooms and the lavishly appointed apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Sisi meriting priority visits.
A 15-minute drive to the east then takes you to yet another stunning Hapsburg-era residence – the Belvedere Palace. Built in the early 18th century by Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the empire’s most successful military commanders, it is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Impressively, its majestic wrought-iron gates open out onto the Belvedere Gardens, where expansive manicured lawns await, all fronted by a ginormous water basin and punctuated with a host of stunning sculptures.
The palace proper, meanwhile, has been repurposed as the Belvedere Museum and now houses an immense collection of Austrian art spanning from the Middle Ages to times far more contemporary. A particular highlight here is the Art around 1900 tour, which allows visitors to view some of the palace’s most famous artworks, including works by such luminaries as Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, the renowned Austrian symbolist painter best known for such iconic works as The Kiss and Judith and the Head of Holofernes. The expansive ceiling painting in the Marble Hall – painted by famed Italian maestro Carlo Carlone – is also one of the building’s most photographable sights.
To get a glimpse of the inner workings of power in the Hapsburg Empire (and the many associated luxuries), stop off at the Hofburg Palace just two kilometres north in the Innere Stadt (‘inner city’) district. Once the dynasty’s winter residence, it has since been transformed into the official residence and workplace of the country’s president. Within its precincts, you will find many of the city’s most popular attractions, including a 500-year-old Spanish Riding School, which stages regular performances by the famous Lipizzaner Stallions. Should the mood take you, you can also browse the imperial apartments, gaze upon the imperial crown and other treasures or simply explore the imperial silver collection.
As the Hofburg is set right in the middle of Vienna’s bustling commercial and shopping district, it is simplicity itself to take a break from your historical explorations and indulge in a little retail therapy or a mesmerising meander through the eminently-civilised local coffee culture. The best way to wrap up any trip to the city, though, is to spend an evening at the Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsope). One of the world’s best opera venues – easily on par with La Scala or The Met – the performance schedule changes daily here, leaving you almost literally spoilt for choice. It is, after all, the most apt final destination in a city that’s been home to many of the true giants of classical music, including both Beethoven and Mozart.