If you have always yearned to visit Vienna, the home of the waltz and classic Mozart opera, and to stroll the historic streets of this beautiful city, a vacation in the capital of Austria will be a dream holiday. Vienna is not just about history however; you will also find a vibrant and modern side to the town that is sure to captivate you.

While recalling the strains of the Blue Danube waltz, take a stroll along the banks of that very river and admire the many historic monuments along the way. Tour the splendid Winter Palace, and then drop into a local bierkeller to sample traditional Austrian delicacies and beverages. You will enjoy wandering the ancient streets and alleys of historic Vienna, while also discovering fantastic retail outlets and designer shops. Shopping in the center of Vienna’s historic Old Town is a unique experience, offering opportunities to purchase traditional, handmade garments from Austria and chic designer outfits from some of the top retailers and design houses of Europe.

The Biedermeier district of Vienna features quaint restaurants offering spectacular al fresco dining in ancient, walled gardens. This area is an easy hike from the Museumsquartier, the Museum District of Vienna and the eighth largest cultural area in the world. One fascinating historic feature of Vienna is how closely its history is intertwined with the history of the Jewish people. Many museums and memorials in Vienna are dedicated to its Jewish heritage, including the Sigmund Freud Museum. Some of the original furnishings and antiques of the famed psychoanalyst are on display in the museum, which is also his former home.

There are accommodations in Vienna for every budget. Traveling on a budget is easy when you select a more modest place to stay. You can also treat yourself to a luxury rental if you so desire; there is plenty of choice. Either way, local vacation rentals in Vienna offer a base from which to explore this fascinating capital of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.