24 Hours in Vienna

Stephansdom (or St Stephen's Cathedral)

This Gothic cathedral takes centre stage in Vienna, and rightly so. Standing tall (at more than 130 metres) and strong since 1433, the cathedral is at the heart of the city. Head over early (the cathedral opens at 6am) to beat the throng and psyche yourself up for the 343 steps to the viewing platform at the top.

Address: 1, Stephansplatz

Tel: +431 515 52 3526

Web: www.stephanskirche.at

Cafe Landtmann

This landmark cafe can count Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler, Max Reinhardt and Marlene Dietrich as former clientele and has been serving big names and everyday folk for more than 130 years. The coffeehouse specialises in Viennese pastries and deserts - perfect for a naughty breakfast.

Address:Dr. Karl Lueger, Ring 4

Tel: +431 241 00 100

Web: www.landtmann.at

Schonbrunn Gardens

These palace gardens deserve a mention in their own right. Open to the public since the late 1700s, the palace grounds feature beautiful formal arrangements, a hedge maze, the gorgeous Neptune Fountain and The Gloriette - an arched structure at the end of the gardens with a viewing terrace and cafe offering an elevated perspective.

Address: Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse 47

Tel: +431 811 13 239

Web: www.schoenbrunn.at

Sigmund Freud Museum

Get a glimpse of the life and work of Freud at this museum housed in his former living quarters and office. The waiting room is still kitted out in its original furnishings and exhibits include signed copies of first edition works as well a screening of Freud family videos from the 1930s.

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Address: 9, Berggasse 19

Tel: +431 319 1596

Website: www.freud-museum.at

Vienna Ring Tram

This hop on hop off tram line stops at all the major Vienna sights making it quick and easy to sightsee if you're only stopping for the weekend. If you're really pushed for time, stay on the Vienna Ring Tram for a 25-minute whistle stop tour of Vienna's city centre. The tram gets increasingly busy as the day wears on, so hop on early.

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Leopold Museum

The 5000-piece private collection of Rudolf and Elisabeth Leopold remains the most comprehensive collection of modern Austrian art. Impressive highlights include the largest assembly of Egon Schiele works in the world as well as examples of the work of Gustav Klimt. The gallery confidently covers the Viennese Secessionist, Modernist and the Austrian Expressionist movements.

Music Mile Vienna

Much like the Hollywood's Walk Of Fame, the Music Mile Vienna pays tribute to the stars of classical music with stars embedded in the pavement along a mile-long stretch. Austrian and international composers are recognised from Vivaldi to Verdi, Brahms to Beethoven and Mozart to Mahler.

Schonbrunn Palace

This grand palace (we mentioned the gardens earlier, 8am) and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site was commissioned by Leopold I in 1693 and has enjoyed various architectural and monarchical influences over the centuries. Take a tour of the palace to get a sense of the tastes and lifestyles of the property's various residents or simply marvel at the Rococo facade.

Address: Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse 47

Tel: +431 811 13 239

Web: www.schoenbrunn.at

Schoene Perle

This laidback, informal eatery is the perfect spot for a relaxed, lengthy lunch. Enjoy homemade Viennese classics such as schnitzels, tafelspitz and hascheeknödel (sausage-filled dumplings) as well as all things sweet.

Old Danube, Danube Island and Danube Canal

The Danube boasts a major presence in Vienna and there's plenty of the waterway to explore. Old Danube - a former branch of the European river - can be found on the edge of the city, offering tourists and locals a picturesque place to unwind. Various festivals and regattas are programmed here throughout the year, so look out for listings. Danube Island, meanwhile, is a manmade island (part of a flood control system) that's been turned into a hub of entertainment. Kick back in its many bars and cafes or take a peddle boat around the island. Finally, Danube Canal - a branch of the Danube - flows straight past Vienna's old town. Take a boat trip along the waterway with an operator such as DDSG Blue Danube.

For mor info on the Danube see: www.wien.info

For more infor on DDSG see: www.ddsg-blue-danube.at

Minopolis

If Minopolis is anything to go by, the Viennese know how to keep little ones entertained. The mini town, complete with police station, bakery, hospital, bank and pizza parlour is role play heaven. Let the kids loose and let their imagination run wild.

MuseumsQuartier

Creative types need to make a beeline for this buzzing area of town where galleries and museums meet theatres and nightlife. It's where you'll find the Leopold and MUMOK (see 10am and 8pm) as well as dance institute Tanzquartier Wien, concert hall Halle and applied art centre, Quatier 21.

Haus Der Musik

Interactive family museum Haus Der Musik allows visitors to explore the way music is experienced, from Austria's rich heritage to today's contemporary sounds. One floor features the Mind Forest where you can make music through movement, touch and vocal sounds, while another floor is dedicated to Austria's musical masters.

Address: Seilerstätte 30

Tel: +431 513 4850

Website: www.hausdermusik.com

Weiner Rathauskeller

This traditional Viennese restaurant has various areas to suit different diners. During summer, you can enjoy a dinner and show in the main hall (Wed-Fri), or opt for a quiet meal in the 50-seat Salon Ziehrer where chef Helmut Osterreicher plates up classic dishes with a contemporary twist. There's also an informal bar and grand second dining room, Rittersaal.

MUMOK

Austria's premier collection of modern art can be found in this imposing grey basalt building in the MuseumsQuartier.

Address: 7, Museumsplatz 1

Tel: +431 525 00

Website: www.mumok.at

Cafe Hawelka

Stop for a caffinated pick me up at this Viennese coffeehouse institution. Leopold and Josefine Hawelka have been holding court here for more than 70 years (with a six year break during the war), serving coffee and sweet treats to Austria's eminent writers and artists.

Address: Dorotheergasse 6

Tel: +431 512 8230

Website: www.hawelka.at

Gumpendorfer Strasse

Spend an afternoon wandering along Gumpendorfer Strasse - an up and coming hotspot for fashionable young things. Explore the chic shops and retro furniture stores and, as day turns into night, pop into one of the many trendy bars and restaurants.

The Giant Ferris Wheel

Fan's of the 1949 The Third Man starring Orson Welles will be more than familiar with Vienna's ferris wheel, Riesenrad. During the summer months, the 200m high wheel stays open until 11.45pm affording late nighters a chance to catch the city lit by moonlight.

Address: Riesenradplatz 1

Tel: +431 729 5430

Web: www.wienerriesenrad.com

Das Moebel

Located on the trendy Gumpendorfer Strasse, this concept store-cum-cafe is another of Vienna's duel purpose establishments. The cafe's ever changing vintage furniture and pieces by young designers are for sale - so if you fancy the chair you're sitting on, you can take it home with you too.

Ewa's Fashion Lounge / Hot Kultur

Ewa's vintage clothing haven (stuffed with retro goodies and reworked items) moonlights as a club and bar come 9pm. Pop down to the basement during the day for clothes and hang on for a late night tipple at the first floor bar.

Club Passage

Expect a mix of big name DJs and regular dance/chart nights at Club Passage, a sleek venue with smooth clientele to match.

Cafe Drechsler

Conran And Partners may have been responsible for the chic decor in this late night cafe, but the menu is entirely Viennese. Open 23 hours a day, the cafe serves traditional coffees and breakfasts right through the night.

Address: Linke Wienzeile 22

Tel: +431 581 2044

Web: www.cafedrechsler.at

Goodmann

24 hour party people need to pitch up at Goodmann where, on a Saturday night, the dancefloor rages on until noon the next day. Expect Austrian favourites as well as international talent behind the decks.

Naschmarkt

Market holders start setting up as early as 5am before the market gets into full swing around 6am. Head down and soak up the atmosphere before snapping up super fresh fruit and veg, seafood, cheese and bread.

Info: Between Linke and Rechte Wienzeile, and around