The former home of the Austro-Hungarian royal family, the Hapsburgs, before the dissolution of the empire in 1918. I honestly don't know that much about the building, or the grounds surrounding, only that the enormous gardens of the palace is home to the world's oldest zoo, which I had no time to visit properly.

The day in Vienna was only intended as a one-day outing, in celebration of getting confirmation on my flight training next year. It turned out to be one of the most wonderful cities I have ever visited, and that is not an exaggeration. It combines the old and the new in a way that very few cities can, and presents it in such a way that makes the rest of the world look like a barbaric tribe. The transport was as efficient, high-tech and punctual as German can get, and seemed to fit perfectly with the relaxed, Mozart-era coffeehouse.

Let me put it this way - never before have I used 'sophisticated' and 'McDonalds' in the same sentence, and without referring to Wien, I will likely never do so again! :P

Hope you enjoy!