Enjoy the Ballet of the White Stallions at the unique, baroque Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace, built under Charles VI. These performances are the result of years of training for the rider and their Lipizzans. The Spanish riding school is the only institution in the world which has practiced classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the Haute Ecole for more than 450 years. From the young, boisterous stallions to the fully trained School Stallions, they enchant the audience with their performance of breathtaking excercises such as caprioles, Levade and many more. The physique and grace of Lipizzans are ideally suited to the High School of Classical Horsemanship. They are Europe's oldest horse breed. The exercise and preservation of the High School of Classical Horsemanship are some of the core tasks carried out by the Spanish Riding School which is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A particularly atmospheric lighting concept was developed by renowned multimedia artist André Heller for the performances in the most beautiful riding arena in the world. This atmosphere and the accompanying classical Viennese music make the wonderful presentation by the rider and their Lipizzans even more enjoyable. The 1.5-hour Gala Performance includes live moderation, the Standard Performance is 70 minutes long, and the Tribute to Vienna performance lasts for 2 hours.

Visit the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and observe the horses during their training. In the magnificent setting of the baroque Winter Riding Academy, the training offers an insight into the years of training of the Lipizzaners and their riders. The morning exercise of the horses is accompanied by classical Viennese music. The Training includes relaxation exercises, refining and perfecting movement, and strengthening certain muscles. The famous school jumps levade, courbette, and capriole, which are shown as part of the performances by the Spanish Riding School, are not practiced on a daily basis and can only sometimes be seen during the morning exercise. The white Lipizzaner stallions are put through their paces by their riders almost every day. The primary objective of the morning exercise is to maintain the horses’ athleticism and health, as well as to build up various muscle groups that are necessary for performing the exercises of the haute école.

Vienna’s Spanish Riding School has been in continuous operation for more than 450 years. It continues to cultivate classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the Haute Ecole. On an exclusive 55-minute behind-the-scenes tour, visit the Winter Riding School, a gem of Baroque architecture, the Summer Riding School which houses the world’s largest oval horse walker and the stables in the Stallburg. The Stallburg is Vienna’s most significant Renaissance building, and features an arcade courtyard and the historical stables of the Lipizzaner stallions. Learn about the history of the equestrian tradition and about the Lipizzaner stallions, who are the stars of the establishment.

Experience a ride on the famous Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, a landmark of the Austrian capital and a symbol for the world-famous Wiener Prater. With its iconic silhouette, the Giant Ferris Wheel is a must-see attraction for all visitors to Vienna. A ride on the Wheel is just as important to a visit to Vienna as the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, or the Spanish Riding School. A ride on this significant and fascinating structure provides spectacular views over the whole city. The Giant Ferris Wheel is a true cultural and architectural highlight for any guest in the city: you haven't really visited Vienna until you've taken a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel and marveled at the breathtaking views over the roofs of Vienna! The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel rotates at a speed of 2.7 kilometers per hour. A complete rotation takes just over 4 minutes, but only when the Ferris wheel has not stopped to let passengers on or off. More commonly, a ride takes between 12 and 15 minutes, during which time you can enjoy picturesque views over Vienna and the surrounding area, such as the hills of the Vienna Woods, the Danube, the Marchfeld, and the Pannonian Basin.

Experience fun and action for the whole family and travel through 400 years of Vienna's history. Lose yourself In the extensive cellars of the St. Michael's monastery, on this journey into Vienna's past. Through the use of the latest in entertainment technology travel through time, going back to the days of the ancient Roman camp of Vindobona up to present-day Vienna – a thrilling experience for the senses. Get to know some of the most important people in Viennese history and listen to what they have to say in the portrait gallery. Visit the 5D cinema, where spectacular effects give you the impression of really living in ancient Vienna. Witness imperial Vienna and learn about the nobility of the Viennese court. Meet the imperial family personally, and create your own impressions of the royal highnesses of the past. With the help of new technology and VR glasses, have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a virtual reality and to experience the course of Viennese music history in a special simulated world. With Enemy Aircraft!, feel as though World War II is raging all around you and you find yourself inside a bomb shelter. In Austria is free!, listen to the moving speech by Chancellor Figl within the battered remnants of Vienna, and feel the sigh of relief from the citizens of Austria. Finally, enjoy a special treat: simulated flying over the roofs of Vienna. Your journey ends with a beautiful virtual horse-drawn carriage flight over present-day Vienna.

You begin your Vienna tour on one of the most famous and attractive shopping streets in the city: The Graben. Home of the court jeweller Heldwein, and the famous porcelain factory of Augarten, the area is littered with imperial architecture, opulent coffee shops, and first-rate eateries. It would be rude not to offer you a coffee before getting started properly, so after your brief stroll, you will stop for a quick coffee and a snack. However, this won't be at one of the famous cafes, because only tourists go there. Instead you will head to one of the few cafes that locals still visit — a proper and still functioning Kulturcafe. To Nasch means "to nibble" and that is exactly what you can do at the Naschmarkt, easily one of Europe’s best open-air markets. It is a mile long and showcases over 120 food stalls and some delectable restaurants that are cooking up some of the best food in the city. Here, you will find the most diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and delicacies that are available in Vienna from all over the world.  While the Naschmarkt is a must-see, any local will tell you that they rarely pay it a visit, unless they fancy fighting out with tourists for the vendor’s attention. Instead, every local has their own market that they like to visit. These may not be as big as the Naschmarkt, but they are certainly more lively and less touristy. To that end, you will be whisked away from the Naschmarkt to a real functioning Viennese market. Whether that be the trendy Brunnenmarkt in the 16th district with its cafes and creativity, the lively Viktor–Adler–Markt in the traditionally working class 10th district, or even the peaceful farmers market at Karmeliterplatz in the 2nd district, will depend on the day and the guide. But don’t be afraid to ask for directions to the others: there is never enough time in a day, let alone in a tour to visit everything. Irrelevant of the market, one thing that can be guaranteed is that there will be food. Your guides will introduce you to some Viennese guilty pleasures, sweet and savory, and life on the streets that no guide book would ever mention. Pausing to take in Wurstelstand life offers you the chance to taste Austrian’s favorite dish (hint: it’s not schnitzel), while grabbing a cheeky beer or spritzer (soft drinks are available) that will help you re-hydrate after the buzz of the markets. Along the way you will sink into the famed Viennese coffee culture. Coffeehouses have played a very important role in shaping the culture of the city over the centuries, with the first cup being brewed all the way back in 1683. The Austrian Inventory of Cultural Heritage describes the coffeehouses as places “where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill".

Visit Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world and Europe’s best zoo five times in a row. Part of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site with the imperial summer residence of Schönbrunn Palace at its center, experience the zoo’s unique blend of culture and nature, promotion of conservation and biodiversity, and imperial charm. 700 Species: From Anteaters to Zebras See 700 species from all over the world, some of which are critically endangered. Explore a 17-hectare site and find giraffes, orangutans swinging from ropes, Siberian tigers dozing on their platforms, koalas munching through piles of eucalyptus leaves, African elephants wallowing in their mud baths, and meerkats rolling around and digging in the sand. Star Attraction: Giant Pandas Get to know the zoo’s most popular residents, the giant pandas. Learn about how Schönbrunn is only one of a handful of zoos worldwide entrusted with a pair of pandas by the People’s Republic of China. Understand the ways that the zoo is unique in helping this endangered species to breed naturally. World Tour of the Animal Houses Take refuge from any poor weather in the numerous animal houses. Lose yourself in the two-story rainforest house, which is home to a rich variety of tropical flora and fauna. Lock eyes with shimmering fish and fascinating reptiles in the aquarium terrarium. See death’s head monkeys and red-ruffed lemurs. Get an underwater view of the seals and penguins in the Polarium. Watch polar bears diving below the at the neighboring Polardom. Find out interesting facts about rare breeds of farm animals at the Tirolerhof.

Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum was built by Emperor Franz Joseph to house the imperial collections. See works from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity and through the late 18th century. In the Picture Gallery admire masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, Raphael, Vermeer, Velázquez, Titian and Durer. At the Kunstkammer see works by goldsmiths such as Benvenuto Cellini. The collection includes sculptural masterpieces and filigree works in ivory by top artists of the day. Marvel at the magnificent building itself, with its imposing staircase that features a series of paintings on which Gustav Klimt collaborated.

Experience the glamour and elegance of Austria's capital city and the world of celebrities at Madame Tussauds Vienna. With a combination of historical artistic methods, 12 interactive areas, and groundbreaking technology, over 80 Austrian and international stars and starlets are brought to life. Whether it's a private tea time with Queen Elisabeth II, a wild Hollywood party with Sandra Bullock and Leonardo DiCaprio, or a kiss from Volks Rock 'n' Roller's Andreas Gabalier, the world of celebrities has never been so close. The themed areas offer interactive experiences for visitors of all ages: newly in love can confess their love in front of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe inside the romantic wedding chapel and fans of the "Bergdoktor" can be chauffeured by Hans Sigl into the picturesque nature of the mountains. Falco and Mozart give "Rock me Amadeus" a completely new meaning and in the educational World War II section. Along with the themed areas, check out the museum's highlight, a 5D experience in honor of Empress Sisi. The latest vision technology, actors, and extensive research allow unique insights into the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the “Sisi Uncovered Experience” attraction. Smells, music, noises, spoken words, tastes, and haptic impressions are combined interactively.

Explore over 70 exhibition pieces at The Museum of Illusions. Suitable for the entire family, train your brain and trick your mind with the mind-boggling puzzles. Defy gravity in an inclined room. Grow and shrink your family and friends in the Ames room. Experience what it feels like to lose the ground underneath your feet at the vortex tunnel. Have your smartphone or camera ready, as there are numerous unique photo opportunities throughout the museum. Break your mind over tricky wooden games and train your brain to think creatively.