VIENNESE WHIRL

We lived like royalty on a trip to the Austrian capital, with impressive architecture, cultural delights and world-class cuisine

- SHELLEY SPADONI

While exploring a city as beautiful as Vienna - where every corner seems to offer up another stunning building and you can visit places such as Mozart’s old apartment - it certainly enhances your experience when the hotel you're staying in is also a little pocket of perfection, from the beautiful interiors to the delicious food.

And the newly refurbished Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, whose grand Presidential Suite has welcomed stars such as Robbie Williams and Miley Cyrus, did not disappoint. It’s such a treat that you could be tempted to spend your entire time here simply kicking back and indulging. But of course, there’s a fascinating, culture-filled city to explore first...

WHAT TO DO IN VIENNA

Vienna, on the Danube River, is bursting with history, and even just walking down the city centre's tiny side streets is a delight. We happened upon Beethoven's home by chance, and even shop fronts feature stunning sculptures. Its historic centre is compact and flat enough to be totally walkable, and even when bustling with tourists, Vienna has a laid-back, serene atmosphere, and its streets, unlike many capitals, are utterly pristine.

Highlights include the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace - breathtaking when illuminated at night - and the iconic St Stephen's Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, outside of which there are plenty of stalls to pick up a traditional souvenir, or grab lunch and a beer.

No trip to this city would be complete without a nod to its huge musical heritage either, with concert halls and museums dedicated to the great composers who lived here, such as Beethoven and Mozart. And, of course, come the festive season it takes on a whole other atmosphere with its world-famous Christmas markets.