It may have meant nothing to Midge Ure (cue gratuitous Ultravox reference), but Vienna is the mother lode of all things cultural. The grandiose city was the showpiece of the all-conquering Habsburg dynasty, which controlled much of Europe for over 600 years. Despite the ravages of time, its cultural gems endure: monumental edifices line the city centre, world-class museums burst with historical and artistic treasures, and internationally established orchestras perform in lavish concert halls.

From the detritus of a collapsed empire and the chaotic rubble of WWII, the Viennese have built a vibrant modern city with enviable economic clout. And with its newfound panache and verve the city has a lot more to offer than those Habsburg has-beens, warbling choir boys and prancing gee-gees.