On the western side of the capital, stretching over seven districts, the Vienna Woods are considered the green lung of Vienna. Easily reached with public transportation and perfect for a daytime excursion, the area offers great hiking trails, old castles and monasteries, a rich fauna and plenty of picturesque vineyard villages. Whether you decide to explore the area with one of the guided tours or by yourself, make sure you don't miss the exquisite regional gastronomy and the overwhelming views over the city and the last foothills of the Alps.

The Bitzinger sausage stand at Albertinaplatz is reportedly the best würstelstand in Vienna, which is why you should definitely pay a visit for a snack or cheap meal when staying in the city. There is usually a queue — this is one of the most famous sausage stands in the city, after all. Besides the classic bratwurst and currywurst they also sell some other specialities, like the cheese-filled sausage.

This 11th-century cathedral, now being a museum, is adorned by stunning mosaics and impressive frescoes. Together with the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, this one is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Vienna’s Spittelberg is located right next to the MuseumsQuartier. Outside of the classic touristy beaten track, the area mainly attracts young, bohemian locals and students. Among the arts and crafts stores and independent shops, this charming neighbourhood has developed a lively entertainment scene with numerous restaurants, cafés and bars famous for their leafy courtyards and Biedermeier-style buildings. Spittelberg Village's Christmas market during Advent is considered one of the best in town: always busy, it's an ideal place to end an evening in an atmospheric setting.