Vienna

Vienna is one of our favourite cities. Our son, Andrew lives and works there and we visit on a regular basis. It is a city of great beauty and brimming with culture.

There are many places to visit including Stephensdom (pictured left) which is the main cathedral in the cetre of Vienna. The Rathaus (town hall) is beautiful, especially at Christmas when it is tastefully light and surrounded by stall for the Christkindlmarkt.

There are also many parks. The Prater park is home to the famous Riesenrad (big wheel) which, until the London Eye was erected, was the biggest such wheel in Europe.

The Stadtpark is home to Johann Srauss (pictured right). This park is situated beside the Ringstrasse (ring road) which encircles Vienna. You can board a tram and travel around the Ringstrasse as many times as you like, hopping on and off as you please.

Of all the capital cities I have visited, Vienna is among the most composed, peaceful and fulfilling. It is not expensive compared with places like London and yet the quality of life and ambience are much better.