If you are going to Austria you have to go to Vienna, and if you have time, Salzburg but I will come back to that.
Vienna is dead easy to get around, you can either use the underground trains and trams, if you want to get somewhere fast, or walk, which I found to be best. The old town down by the river is the main area of attraction, here you will find St. Stephens cathedral, which is stunning inside and all decorated with black and white tiles outside. The best time to experience it is during a service, you can stand at the back and watch/listen, really breathtaking. this is also in one of the main shopping areas of the city.
There is a main ring road running around this part of the city, which makes it very easy to get a round of you get lost.
If you head to the Stadtpark you can see the famous gold statue of Mozart. It is at one end near the Kursalon Wien concert hall, where you can go for a classical concert and dinner if you wish.
At the opposite end of the old town to the river is the museum quarter. As well as all of the museums there is also the parliment building and some fantastic churches and statues, everywhere you look the buildings are all decorated with carvings, it is really amazing.
If you have the time whilst you are in the area take a trip to Salzburg. There is a new train service that started in January by a company called Westbahn. The run 11 trains a day in each direction, you can purchase a ticket in advance or you can buy them on the train. It takes approx 3hours and the scenery will keep your camera out the whole way. The trains are really modern (power sockets at every seat, wi-fi) and comfortable.
Salzburg is a beautiful city with lots to see. The old town is worth a walk around, as is the the castle that overlooks the city. You can take a lift up to the top or, If you are feeling fit, you can walk up the hill, good luck!!!!
After all of this walking head to the Hotel Sacher and try a piece of the world famous Sacher torte chocolate cake. They have a really nice terrace where you can sit and overlook the river whilst having afternoon tea.
This is also the home to the Sound of Music film, the Von trapp family actually lived in the city. You can visit places where the film was shot and also where the family lived. Take the tour, you know you want to
I think that's it for now, off the top of my head, but if you want some suggestions on places to stay let me know the type (budget) you are after and i will see if I can suggest anything.
Enjoy your trip and don't worry about any racism.
)! If you have extra time go check out Serbia as well, a $50 CDN bill will get you anything. Just make sure you don't go there alone or without an escort.
