Things to See in Vienna

This sumptuous baroque palace is one of Vienna's most popular attractions. It has 1441-rooms-worth of imperial splendour (of which 40 can be visited), complete with a classically landscaped garden. Additional attractions (with separate entrance fees) include a maze and the world's oldest zoo.

Dominating the Prater is the Riesenrad (Ferris Wheel), one of Vienna's eternal symbols. Built in 1897 by Englishman Walter B Basset, the 65m-high wheel takes about 20 minutes to rotate its 430-tonne weight full-circle, ample time to snap some fantastic shots of the city. It survived bombing in 1945 and recently received a make-over including dramatic lighting and a café at its base.

Despite its name, this cemetery is out in the suburbs. It's an ideal place to rest in peace for a while. There are impressive memorials to the famous composers (Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Mozart, etc) and to post-war Austrian presidents.

The apartment where Sigmund Freud lived and worked from 1891 until his forced departure from Vienna with the arrival of the Nazis in 1938 is now a museum devoted to the father of psychoanalysis. A number of his possessions are on display, and his obsessions - travelling, smoking and antique collecting - are well represented by Egyptian and Buddhist statues. Only a handful of his many portraits capture him without his trademark half-smoked cigar.

The old Jewish quarter, Judenplatz, is just off the northeast corner of Am Hof. Here you'll find an attractive square underneath which are excavations of a medieval synagogue, a museum documenting the tumultuous history of Jews in Vienna, and a memorial to Austrian Jews who perished in the Holocaust.

Most of the colour in Schikaneder comes from the regularly projected movies splayed across one of its white walls - the students and arty crowd who frequent this grungy bar dress predominantly in black. But that's not to detract from the bar's atmosphere, which exudes energy well into the wee hours of the morning.

Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian palm house complete with high arched ceilings, glass walls and steel beams, Palmenhaus occupies one of the most attractive locations in Vienna. The crowd is generally well-to-do, but the ambience is relaxed and welcoming. The outdoor seating in summer is a must, and there are occasional club nights.

With white walls, an open bar and basic furniture, it's hard to find a simpler place in Vienna. Its one piece of decoration - apart from the occasional art exhibition by local artists - is its rectangular disco 'ball,' which swings from the ceiling. Futuregarden attracts a 30s crowd with a cool atmosphere and electric sounds.

An upbeat café-bar housed in the former stables of the emperor's personal steeds, Kantine is the most laid-back spot to eat in the MuseumsQuartier. If the fresh daily menu - typically an Asian or Viennese dish with a vegetarian or fish choice thrown in - is sold out, meat- and salad-filled pita breads will fill the gap. Grab a cocktail from the extensive list and make good use of the outdoor patio on MQ's main square.

At first glance it's hard to see what all the fuss is about: dirty pictures, ripped posters, brown-stained walls, smoky air and cramped tables don't look too appealing. But a second glance explains it - the convivial vibe between friends and complete strangers. A traditional haunt for artists and writers, it attracts the gamut of Viennese society.

Landtmann attracts both politicians and theatre-goers with its elegant interior and close proximity to the Burgtheater, Rathaus, and Parliament. The list of coffee specialities is formidable and the dessert menu features classics like the Sacher Torte and Apfelstrudel. There's a huge selection of newspapers to read, and live piano music on Sunday evenings.