On the western side of the capital, stretching over seven of 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 not to miss the exquisite regional gastronomy and the overwhelming views over the city and the last foothills of the Alps.

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 building. 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.

The Ludwig Collection, boasting over 14,000 artworks, stands as one of the world's most significant art collections. Irene and Peter Ludwig have gathered more than 3,000 pieces by artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Jean Michel Basquiat under one roof. The collection also hosts special exhibitions that highlight the latest trends in contemporary art.