The legendary Imperial Hotel - Austria

Ideally located on the edge of the Ringstrasse at the gates to the old city, the Imperial Hotel is legendary in Vienna, the trendiest of Viennese palaces. Part of the American Starwood chain since 1992, as well as part of the Luxury Collection brand, the hotel is THE address in Vienna, to which all the stars and other VIPs have flocked for over a century. From the lobby, one can get an idea of the grandiose of the place. Straight away one is struck by the majestic marble staircase at the summit of which hangs a beautiful painting of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sissi (Elisabeth of Bavaria). Just like its competitor the Sacher, the Imperial has its own café and house special, the Imperial Torte. The hotel is listed as an historical monument, which imposes various constraints on the building, such as not being allowed a swimming pool. One of Vienna's most reputed restaurants is found in the hotel: dress code jacket and tie, just like any Michelin-starred restaurant. © Photo : Carlos Rodrigues

  The museum quarter, including the Naturhistorisches Museum

Otto Wagner Pavilion, Karlsplatz