Johannesburg Art Gallery (Photo by Hostel World)

Apartheid and more

There is little doubt that Johannesburg has a rich history. Because the city itself was founded in 1886, most of that history is rooted in the 20^th century, which is most remembered for the official government policy of apartheid. This dark part of the country’s history is showcased in the Apartheid Museum (Northern Parkway & Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg, +27 11 309 4700, website). Visitors to this monument to the struggle for equality are classified racially to demonstrate the system that divided a nation for so long.  The Apartheid Museum features the struggle against that system, and it celebrates the triumph of freedom over tyranny.

Apartheid Museum (Photo by caribbeanfreephoto)

Constitution Hill (Corner Kotze and Hospital Streets, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, +27 11 381 3100, website) takes the tourist back to apartheid times as well. This former prison held such personalities as Nelson Mandela and Mohandas Gandhi, the Indian freedom icon. Built under the orders of President Paul Kruger in 1892, it became notorious for holding black political prisoners protesting the government’s discriminatory practices. This legacy of bigotry is fortunately part of the past, but Constitution Hill still stands as a reminder of man’s cruelty toward man.

However, South Africa’s history goes back much further, and in fact many citizens participated in various earlier struggles, from the Anglo-Boer war to the two world wars. To honor South African soldiers and their heroic efforts towards peace, the South African National Museum of Military History (22 Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg, +27 11 646 5513, website) was opened in 1947, two years after the end of World War II. It honors the memory of those who died in battle and those who survived to tell the story.

South African National Museum of Military History (Photo from Google images)

City art

Johannesburg is not only an historical center. It is also an artistic menagerie, with many art galleries proving the city’s celebration of culture. The Johannesburg Art Gallery (Corner Klein and King George Streets, Joubert Park, Johannesburg, +27 11 725 3130) is a prime example of this fact. Its 15 exhibition halls house a prestigious collection, which includes works by Pablo Picasso and Auguste Rodin, as well as various South African artists.  This is the premier public gallery in the city of Johannesburg, and its place in the city’s culture is rightfully earned.

Live performances

The Market Theatre (Photo from Google images)

Johannesburg also has a vibrant performing arts culture, as demonstrated in The Market Theatre (56 Margaret Mcingana Street, Johannesburg, +27 11 832 1641, website). This revolutionary theater was founded in 1976, and it played a substantial role in the anti-apartheid struggles of those years and beyond. Indeed, some of the early works featured here were plays that protested the social structure of the times. Since the breaking down of those discriminatory laws, though, the Market Theatre has adapted and continually seeks new playwrights in its quest to develop South Africa’s drama performance scene.

Another splendid center for the performing arts is The Joburg Theatre (Loveday Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, +27 11 877 6800, website), which is actually a complex consisting of four venues. Formerly called the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, or more simply “The Civic,” it hosts diverse performances and is the leading destination for dramatic arts in Johannesburg. There are also available tours of the venue, which need to be booked ahead of time. This is a world class destination, and tourists to Johannesburg should definitely catch a performance and take in South African drama at its finest.

Tourist options

Visitors to this historical city can find assistance at the Johannesburg Tourism Company (195 Jan Smuts Avenue, Ground Floor, Grosvenor Corner, Parktown North 2193, +27 11 214 0700, website). This is the official tourist center of Johannesburg, and it offers travelers information regarding the best places to visit. Its website offers a wealth of information on hotels, destinations, and events. To be fully informed, the tourist would do well to check out this option.

The city of Johannesburg is rightfully the pride of South Africa. While it certainly is not the national capital, it is nevertheless one of its most important metropolitan areas. With an excellent collection of museums, art galleries, and theaters, Johannesburg today is a far cry from the city which, only 30 years ago, was at the brink of disaster. It has risen like a phoenix from the ashes to become one of the most significant cities in the country.

Destinations

Apartheid Museum

• Address: Northern Parkway & Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg
• Tel: +27 11 309 4700
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Closed Monday, Good Friday, and Christmas Day
• Cost: Adults—R50; Pensioners, students, and children—R35

Constitution Hill

• Address: Corner Kotze and Hospital Streets, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
• Tel: +27 11 381 3100
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Closed Sundays
• Cost: Adults—R30; Special tours—R45; Night tours—R80; Learners, pensioners, and children under 13 years old—R15

South African National Museum of Military History

• Address: 22 Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg
• Tel: +27 11 646 5513
• Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
• Cost: Adults—R22; Pensioners, scholars, and children—R11

Johannesburg Art Gallery

• Address: Corner Klein and King George Streets, Joubert Park, Johannesburg
• Tel: +27 11 725 3130
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Market Theatre

• Address: 56 Margaret Mcingana Street, Johannesburg
• Tel: +27 11 832 1641
• Box office times: Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 12 noon to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon to 3:30 p.m.

The Joburg Theatre

• Address: Loveday Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
• Tel: +27 11 877 6800

Museum of Anthropology at UBC (Photo by Matt Chan)

An academic rush

Compared to many other cities in the world, Vancouver is relatively young. However, that does not mean that it has a sparse history. In fact, the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street, Vanier Park, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, +1 604 736 4431, website) presents a comprehensive history of the city, not only from its founding, but from the first actual human settlements in the area. Its collections include some artifacts from ancient times. However, the focus of its permanent collections is the twentieth century, represented by different eras. On any given day, you can catch glimpses of Vancouver’s hippie past, its wartime efforts, or its relaxed atmosphere in the 50s.

Museum of Vancouver (Photo by Alan Bruce)

Meanwhile, a more global approach to history can be found at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC (6393 N.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z2, +1 604 822 5087, website). You will find various artifacts from each major continent in the world—coins, textiles, and other items. One of the most prominent exhibits contains mementoes of the First Nations of British Columbia, which consisted of the first human inhabitants of the region. Their legacy over many years before the first European ever stepped onto the land is quite remarkable, and the MOA honors this legacy in its collection.

Vancouver Maritime Museum (Photo by Niamh Redmond)

Budding ship captains and deck hands can view Canadian naval history at the Vancouver Maritime Museum (1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J 1A3, +1 604 257 8300, website). The exhibits feature a showcase of naval history. It includes several priceless artifacts in its collection, including the Arnold 176 chronometer used by Captain Vancouver in 1791 and the figurehead from the 19^th-century ship The Empress of Japan. However, the undisputed main attraction of the museum is the RCMP Schooner St. Roch, which completed her last voyage in 1948. Children are given a space for their own enjoyment as well. All these displays take you back to a time when naval power ruled the world.

Art with a Canadian flair

Vancouver Art Gallery (Photo by Cord Rodefeld)

Vancouver is a distinctly artistic region. The Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby Street, Vancouver BC V6Z 2H7, +1 604 662 4719, website) features over 9,000 works of art from Vancouver and the larger surrounding area of British Columbia. It contains a diverse collection from different eras in the city’s history, from the 1800s to contemporary times. Not only are classic landscape paintings part of the collection, but abstract works and pictures from the so-called “Vancouver school,” which represents a different take on photography, are featured as well.

Vancouver arts and culture ablaze

Granville Island offers the best that Vancouver has to offer. Cultural aficionados will enjoy its potpourri of art. This center of Vancouver culture has been around since the turn of the 20^th century, not as an artists’ center, but as an industrial area. The sawmills and construction shops that dominated Granville’s landscape in the early part of the century were slowly replaced by theaters and markets. Even with this replacement, the traces of manufacturing never really left the place. Instead of manufacturing products, artists here are creating memories and works that will outlast them. Visitors can saunter around the Granville Public Market or the Kids Market, or they can browse several of the island’s many art centers. This oasis certainly offers enjoyment for the entire family.

Granville Island (Photo by Andrea Schaffer)

Tourist options

The Tourism Vancouver Visitor Center (Plaza Level, 200 Burrard Street, +1 604 683 2000, website) can help you in your journey. Its website includes information about the culture and hotspots within the city. It also offers a free Visitor’s Guide to Vancouver’s most popular destinations. A facility for checking out hotels is also available.

Vancouver is a unique place with dozens of sights and sounds. It presents a culture that is vibrant, and this culture is celebrated in honor of its citizens’ unique talents and skills. It is home to a multitude of nationalities from around the globe. This welcoming attitude has led to Vancouver’s reputation as one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in the world.

Tourism Vancouver Visitor Center

• Address: Plaza Level, 200 Burrard Street
• Tel: +1 604 683 2000
• Opening hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Destinations

Museum of Vancouver

• Address: 1100 Chestnut Street, Vanier Park, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9
• Tel: +1 604 736 4431
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.;
• Monday-Tuesday: Closed
• Cost: Adult–$12; Senior and student–$10; Youth–$8

Museum of Anthropology at UBC

• Address: 6393 N.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z2
• Tel: +1 604 822 5087
• Opening hours: Winter—Tuesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Opening hours: Summer and spring—Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Tuesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Cost: Adults–$14; Students and Seniors–$12; Children up to 6 years old—free

Vancouver Maritime Museum

• Address: 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J 1A3
• Tel: +1 604 257 8300
• Opening hours: Victoria Day Weekend to Labour Day Weekend—Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Labour Day Weekend to Victoria Day Weekend—Tuesday to Saturday10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m.
• Closed Mondays Labour Day Weekend to Victoria Day Weekend
• Cost: Adults–$11; Youth 6 to 18 years old and seniors–$8.50; Children below six years old—free

Vancouver Art Gallery

• Address: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver BC V6Z 2H7
• Tel: +1 604 662 4719
• Opening hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Tuesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Cost: Fall/Winter—Adults $19.50; Seniors $14; Students $13; Children 5 to 12 years old $7; Children below 5 years old—free
• Cost: Summer—Adults $22.50; Seniors $17; Students $16; Children 5 to 12 years old $7.50; Children below 5 years old—free

Bode Museum (Photo by Jessica Spengler)

A World Heritage site

For a comprehensive view of history, there is no better destination than the Museum Island (Am Lustgarten 1 10117 Berlin, +49 30 2090 5577, website). This sprawling center for history features five excellent museum buildings, all of which celebrate history and culture. The oldest museum in the compound, the Altes Museum, was opened in 1830 and displays its permanent collection of Greek art.  The Neues Museum (1841) was nearly destroyed by the air raids of World War II, but it was fortunately renovated in 1985. It continues to house some of the major collections in the island. The Alte Nationalgalerie (1876) features the works of renowned artists such as Claude Monet and Max Liebermann. The Bode-Museum (1904) was originally called the Kaiser Friedrich Museum, and it houses a collection featuring Byzantine artwork. The youngest building in the Island is the Pergamonmuseum, built in 1930. Its displays include classical antiquities, as well as Egyptian and Islamic artifacts.  It is the Island’s most visited venue, with over a million visitors every year. It is little wonder, then, that this impressive venue was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2000.

Altes Museum (Photo by Robert English)

German history

The long history of the country is something to behold, featuring both imperial glory and wartime difficulties. The German Historical Museum (Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin, +49 30 20304 444, website) is the perfect place to begin a journey through it. Several excellent exhibitions are available, and tourists are given the chance to walk through more than 800 artifacts in its permanent collection. The Museum presents different eras of German history, from the Middle Ages to the German Empire to the Nazi regime to the reunification of Germany. This comprehensive view gives you a fascinating perspective of the country’s heritage.

Art with a German touch

Berlin is also a center of modern and classical art. The Neue Nationalgalerie (Potsdamer Straße 50, 10785 Berlin-Tiergarten, +49 30 266 42 3040) is a glass-enclosed building filled with 20^th century modern and contemporary artwork. The permanent collection includes works by Pablo Picasso and Max Ernst. Expressionist and surrealist works are also featured here, and its collection should prove to be a delight to any art aficionado.

Neue Nationalgalerie (Photo by Alex Robertson)

Protestantism in Germany

Martin Luther began the Reformation with his posting of his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in 1517. The Berlin Cathedral Church (Am Lustgarten 10178 Berlin, +49 30 20269 136, website) can be seen as a tribute to that movement, and it is sometimes called “the Protestant answer to St. Peter’s Basilica.” Completed in 1905, it is a vibrant Protestant church, and religious services are still held regularly. However, given its historical significance, tours of the church are readily available. Its magnificent dome is a prominent sight on Berlin’s skyline, and no visitor can truly experience German culture without visiting this cathedral.

Berlin Cathedral Church (Photo by Birger Kühnel)

Culture in Germany

A unified view of German culture can be found at the Goethe-Institut Berlin (Neue Schoenhauser Str. 20, 10178 Berlin, +49 30 25 90 63, website). This educational center has provided education about German culture and language not only in Germany, but in many other countries as well.

After learning German at the Goethe Institute, the Berliner Festspiele (Schaperstraße 24 10719 Berlin, +49 30 254 89 0, website) is the next destination for a complete round-up of German culture. This organization is in charge of many of the cultural events in Berlin, including film festivals, the international literature festival, Maerzmusik, Theatertreffen, and musikfest berlin. It has dominated Berlin’s cultural scene for over 50 years.

Tourist options

The Berlin Welcome Card (+49 30 25 00 25, website) offers discounts of up to 50% on many tourist attractions and guided tours. Several packages are offered: Berlin, Berlin and Potsdam, and Berlin Card Museumsinsel. This flexibility allows you to choose depending on your budget and destination. The Card also includes city and public transport maps. You can order this handy discount card here.

With its wide range of sites to choose from, Berlin is never a bore for the culturally-seasoned traveler. The city’s beauty in the midst of a sprawling modern country gives it an air of class that is uniquely German. From the Empire to the Reunification, Berlin has always made strides in history and culture. When you visit the city, you will come away with a new appreciation of everything German.

The Berlin Welcome Card

• Can be ordered at website
• Berlin package—48 hours, 16.90€; 72 hours, 22.90€; 5 days 29.90€
• Berlin and Potsdam package—48 hours , 18.90€; 72 hours, 25.90€; 5 days, 34.90€
• Berlin WelcomeCard MuseumsInsel package—72 hours, 31.50€, includes free admission to museums on Museum Island

Museum Island

• Address: Am Lustgarten 1 10117 Berlin
• Tel: +49 30 2090 5577
• Cost of area ticket: 14€; discounted admission 7€

Altes Museum

• Address: Am Lustgarten 10178 Berlin
• Tel: +49 30 2090 5577
• Opening hours: Friday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: 8€; discounted admission 4€

Neues Museum

• Tel: +49 30 266 42 42 42
• Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cost: 10€; with tour 14€

Alte Nationalgalerie

• Address: Bodestraße 1-3 10178 Berlin
• Tel: + 49 30  2090 5577
• Opening hours: Friday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Closed Mondays
• Cost: 8€; discounted admission 4€

Bode-Museum

• Address: Am Kupfergraben 1 10178 Berlin
• Tel: +49 30  2090 5577
• Opening hours: Friday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: 8€; discounted admission 4€

Pergamonmuseum

• Address: Am Kupfergraben 5 10117 Berlin
• Tel: +49 30  2090 5577
• Opening hours: Friday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: 10€; discounted admission 5€

German Historical Museum

• Address: Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin
• Tel: +49 30 20304 444
• Opening hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; December 31^st 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; January 1^st 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Closed December 24^th and 25^th

Neue Nationalgalerie

• Address: Potsdamer Straße 50, 10785 Berlin-Tiergarten
• Tel: +49 30 266 42 3040
• Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Closed Mondays
• Cost: 10€; discounted admission 5€

Berlin Cathedral Church

• Address: Am Lustgarten  10178 Berlin
• Tel: +49 30 20269 136
• Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays and holidays 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cost: Admission with audio guide–8€; Admission only–5€; Free for children below 14 years old

Goethe-Institut Berlin

• Address: Neue Schoenhauser Str. 20, 10178 Berlin
• Tel: +49 30 25 90 63

Berliner Festspiele

• Address: Schaperstraße 24 10719 Berlin
• Tel: +49 30 254 89 0

Reichstag (Photo by Sebastian Bergmann)

Checkpoint Charlie

Winston Churchill famously declared, “An iron curtain has descended across the Continent.” The most well-known symbol of this Iron Curtain was the Berlin Wall, which divided Germany into the democratic West and the communist East. The wall came down in 1989, but the main entrance did not. Checkpoint Charlie and Haus am Checkpoint Charlie (Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10969 Berlin-Kreuzberg, +49 30 25 37 25 0, website) are a living testament to this 155-kilometer wall that divided families. The wall itself is an open gallery, but Checkpoint Charlie is the place where Soviet and American tanks faced off. The only border entry between East and West, the checkpoint is now an attraction in Berlin, and one can only imagine the tension of getting through it.

Checkpoint Charlie (Photo by Casper Moller)

Dem Deutschen Volke

This inscription, which means “to the German people,” was added to the Reichstag (Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, +49 30 227 32152, website) in 1916, but the building was built much earlier, in 1894. It was intended to be the building of the German parliament. It is part of the nation’s colorful history, as its burning in 1933 was one of the main justifications for the Nazis’ activities. It now seats the present parliament, the Bundestag, but its roof terrace and famed dome are regularly open for visitors and are a popular tourist attraction.

Fit for royalty

Memories of Germany’s imperial past come alive in the Schloss Charlottenburg (Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin-Charlottenburg, +49 331 96 94 200/+49 30 32 09 11, website). It was the largest palace of the Prussian Hohenzollern royals in the city. The venue includes one of the largest collections of French paintings, but the vast estate is a fine example of baroque architecture and gardening. You can almost feel the sense of majesty in this place, and historians and tourists alike will enjoy touring the garden and the palace itself. It is truly a building fit for a king.

Schloss Charlottenburg (Photo by Olga Khomitsevich)

Way above the city

The most visible landmark In Berlin’s skyline is also its tallest man-made structure. The Berlin Fernsehturm, or the Berlin TV Tower (Panoramastraße 1A 10178 Berlin, +49 30 242 3333, website), is one of the top tourist attractions in the city, receiving more than a million visitors every year. Much like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it offers a bird’s-eye view of the whole city. You can see all the major landmarks in the city in this 368-meter structure. Additionally, various functions like weddings and parties can be celebrated by request, and its Telecafé gives you a great view of the whole city while having dinner during sunset. The TV Tower is the perfect wrap-up to a tour of the city.

Symbolic of the city

Images of Ronald Reagan’s speech at the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor, Pariser Platz 10117 Berlin-Mitte) frame our 21^st-century thinking of the structure. However, this majestic city gate has stood as the symbol of the city since the 18^th century, when it was built in 1788. It is witness to some of the most momentous occasions in the city’s history, from Napoleon’s defeat of Prussia to the rise of the Nazis to the reunification of Germany. It was the leading symbol of the country’s division and reunification in 1989, and it remains one of the most popular attractions in Berlin.

Brandenburg Gate (Photo by Rob & Lisa Meehan)

Berlin’s natural beauty at its finest

An idyllic stroll in a park in Berlin is nothing short of a pleasure, and the Marzahn Recreational Park (Eisenacher Straße 99, 12685 Berlin-Marzahn, +49 30 700 90 66 99, website) presents this possibility in a unique way. Its seven Gardens of the World features a Chinese Garden, which opened in 2000, a Japanese Garden, and a Balinese Garden, among others. Located in a sprawling 21-hectare property, this one-of-a-kind park takes you around the world and its cultures. Whether you are looking to relax on a picnic with your family or take in various cultures, the Marzahn Recreational Park is truly a showcase of nature.

Tourist helps

If you are looking to save some money and time on your journey through the city, then the Berlin Welcome Card (+49 30 25 00 25, website) may be just the answer. It works as a discount card and is honored at many of the major museums and attractions in the city. It also includes a voucher for use at the Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s National Railway system. This option makes it easier for tourists to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Berlin is one of the best tourist destinations in Europe. Its mild climate and its various historical attractions are ideal for any traveler. When you visit Berlin, you travel back in time or jump to the future. Indeed, the city is a delightful treat and a worthy addition to any European tour.

Destinations

Haus am Checkpoint Charlie

• Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10969 Berlin-Kreuzberg
• Tel: +49 30 25 37 25 0
• Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: Adults—12.50€; Students—9.50€; Pupil to 10 years old—5.50€; Adult groups of 20—8.50€; Children 6 years old and below—free

Reichstag

• Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin
• Tel: +49 30 227 32152
• Opening hours: Daily 8 a.m. to midnight, with last admission at 10 p.m.
• Closed all day December 24^th, 4 p.m. onwards December 31^st, March 8^th-12^th, July 26^th to 30^th, and October 18^th to 22^nd

Schloss Charlottenburg

• Address: Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin-Charlottenburg
• Tel: +49 331 96 94 200/+49 30 32 09 11
• Opening hours: November to March—Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April to October—Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: Adults–10€; Students, military personnel, handicapped, unemployed, and welfare recipients–7€

Berlin Fernsehturm

• Address: Panoramastraße 1A 10178 Berlin
• Tel: +49 30 242 3333
• Opening hours: March to October—Daily 9 a.m. to 12 midnight; November to February—Daily 10 a.m. to 12 midnight
• Cost: Adult—10.50€; Children 4 to 16 years old—6.50€; Children up to 3 years old—free

Brandenburger Tor

• Address: Pariser Platz 10117 Berlin-Mitte
• Opening hours: Daily
• Open only for pedestrians
• Restricted for cars, taxis, and buses

Marzahn Recreational Park

• Address: Eisenacher Straße 99, 12685 Berlin-Marzahn
• Tel: +49 30 700 90 66 99
• Opening hours: March and October—Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; November to February—9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; April to September—9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cost: April to October—3€ for adults, 1.50€ for handicapped; mid-November to mid-March—2€ for adults, 1€ for handicapped

St. Peter’s Basilica (Photo by Jimmy Harris)

Time machine

The history buff in Rome cannot find a more distinguished sanctum for ancient history than the Musei Capitolini (Piazza del Campidoglio, 1 – 00186 Rome, +39 06 0608, website), with exhibits going back to the 5^th century B.C. It is known as the oldest national museum in the world, having been founded in the 15^th century. You can see fascinating examples Roman and Greek art, an influence of Hellenization. These include works of Marcus Aurelius and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a sculpture of the city’s founders, and a splendid collection of Renaissance art. Visiting both of its massive buildings is taking a trip back to a time before the Roman Empire and beyond.

Vatican Museums (Photo by Leo-setä)

The Vatican Museums (Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome, +39 06 69884676, website) serve as an excellent follow-up in your journey through Roman history. It is a huge complex consisting of several exhibits and galleries. Some of the most notable ones are the Etruscan Gregorian Museum (featuring collections from 19^th century excavations, as well as Greek and Etruscan art), the Egyptian Gregorian Museum (containing Egyptian statues and mummies), and the Ethnological Missionary Museum (depicting different religious practices in other parts of the world). The Museums offer a more comprehensive approach to any historical journey.

Ancient art, meanwhile, finds a home in the Centrale Montemartini (Via Ostiense 106 00154 Rome, +39 060608, website). Located in the former Montemartini Thermoelectric Centre, the collection consists of ancient Roman culture amidst electric machines last operated in the 1960s. Not only does it provide a peek into the 1930s industrial world, but it also provides a stark contrast to the age of its collection.

Centrale Montemartini (Photo by hirony)

Art noveau

Modern and contemporary art are equally at home in Rome as ancient art is. The Museo D’Arte Contemporanea Roma, or MACRO (Via Reggio Emilia 54, 00198 Rome, +39 06 6710 70400, website) contains some of the best contemporary art by Italian and international artists. The museum consists of a lecture hall, a media and print library, a video resource center, and a bookstore. There are also six exhibition halls, and its permanent collection includes the works originating in the 60s and after. This large complex is an excellent showcase of more recent art, and is a delight to any modern art enthusiast.

Religion in Rome

Rome has been the home of the Vatican City since it was founded in 1929, but for centuries has been the seat of the Pope. Part of a tour of the Vatican Museums should include a visit to the Sistine Chapel (Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome, +39 06 69884676, website). While its exterior is simple, entry into the chapel reveals why it is such an artistic masterpiece. The chapel ceiling was painted by Michelangelo, and its walls and entrance are a breathtaking work of art as well. It is small wonder that the College of Cardinals meet here to elect a new Pope.

Sistine Chapel (Photo by Andreas Solberg)

A more public display of Roman Catholicism can be found at St. Peter’s Basilica (Piazza San Pietro, +39 06 6988 1662). Said to be built above the tomb of the apostle Peter, this majestic structure contains various works of art, including Michelangelo’s classic Pieta. Its construction lasted more than a hundred years, and its dome was an engineering feat at the time. For over 400 years, it has been one of the largest churches ever built. It overlooks the Piazza San Pedro, where people gather regularly to hear the Pope address the crowd.

Music and film tradition

Music lovers will want to visit the Casa del Jazz (Viale di Porta Ardeatina, 55 00153 Rome, +39 06 704731). It is considered the home of the Italian jazz music scene. Of course, its doors are open to any jazz musician, but it mainly caters to Italian musicians. It is a safe haven for jazz musicians of all ages and renown.

Film is one of the more contemporary art forms. Its development in the late 19^th century and its expansion both in Hollywood and around the world has given rise to places like Casa del Cinema (Largo Marcello Mastroianni, Villa Borghese, Rome, +39 06 423601). Named after the Italian cinematic legend Marcello Mastrianni, this tribute to film is nothing less than amazing. It boasts of the highest technology in film presentation. The venue also includes exhibition halls for artwork, a DVD store, and a bookstore especially focused on film and drama. Film buffs of all ages will certainly appreciate it as one of the best in the world.

Tourist options

The Roma Pass (25€, website) is the perfect companion for any tourist visiting Rome for the first time. It provides handy alternatives, being valid for 3 days. Holders are granted access to about 40 museums and monuments. Transportation is not a problem, as the pass also offers access to the public transport system. While the pass does not cover the Vatican, tourists can visit two major museums with it. The Roma Pass Kit includes the pass and transport ticket, a map of Rome, and a list of museums and sites covered by the pass. This is a convenient tool for travelers who look to enjoy the best of what Rome has to offer.

The city has evolved from an ancient empire to one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. Its various cultural and historical sites are sure to give any traveler a whiff of the glory of Rome, and be left with a sense of culture that is distinctly Roman.

Destinations

Musei Capitolini

• Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1 – 00186 Rome
• Tel:  +39 06 0608
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; December 24^th and 31^st 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Closed Monday, December 25^th, January 1^st, and May 1^st
• Cost: Adults–11€; Children (18 years old and below) and Seniors (over 65 years old)–2€

Vatican Museums

• Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome
• Tel: +39 06 69884676
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with ticket office closing at 4 p.m.
• Closed Sunday, January 1^st and 6^th, February 11^th, March 19^th, April 4^th and 5^th, May 1^st, June 29^th, August 14^th and 15^th, November 1^st, and December 8^th, 25^th, and 26^th
• Cost: Full ticket 15€; Reduced ticket 8€; Scholastic ticket 4€

Centrale Montemartini

• Address: Via Ostiense 106 00154 Rome
• Tel: +39 060608
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; December 24^th and 31^st 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Closed Monday, December 25^th, January 1^st, and May 1^st
• Cost: Adults—4.50€; Reduced—2€

Museo D’Arte Contemporanea Roma

• Address: Via Reggio Emilia 54, 00198 Rome
• Tel: +39 06 6710 70400
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; December 24^th and 31^st 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Closed Monday, January 1^st, May 1^st, December 25^th
• Cost: 4.50€; Reduced 3€

Sistine Chapel

• Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome
• Tel:  +39 06 69884676

St. Peter’s Basilica

• Address: Piazza San Pietro
• Tel:  +39 06 6988 1662

Casa del Jazz

• Address: Viale di Porta Ardeatina, 55 00153 Rome
• Tel: +39 06 704731

Casa del Cinema

• Address: Largo Marcello Mastroianni, Villa Borghese, Rome
• Tel: +39 06 423601

Pantheon (Photo by Erik Hagreis)

The Colosseum

One of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Colosseum (Piazza del Colosseo, +39 06 3996 7700). After the completion of this massive amphitheater in AD 96, it played host to gladiatorial contests, wild beast hunts, and other popular attractions at the time. Its design was revolutionary at the time, and some modern sporting event structures are similarly built. The Colosseum attracts almost 5 million visitors each year, making it the most popular tourist sightseeing attraction in Rome.

Colosseum (Photo by Anna Fox)

Trajan’s Forum

Carved out of two hills, Trajan’s Forum (Via IV Novembre 94 – 00187 Rome, +39 060608, website) is the most impressive of the imperial fora. The Emperor Trajan ordered the building of the forum, which also contained Trajan’s Markets and Trajan’s Column, commemorating the victory at Dacia. The succeeding emperor, Hadrian, built a temple to Trajan as well here. Although many parts of the forum now have been destroyed, some parts are amazingly well-preserved. This magnificent structure truly showcases Rome at the zenith of its power.

Trajan’s Forum (Photo by Arjan Dirkse)

Acquedotto Marcio

The Roman aqueducts were another engineering marvel. At a time when running water was virtually nonexistent, save for brooks and streams, the aqueducts allowed water from the hills and valleys to flow into the city. These structures were mostly reduced to rubble in subsequent sackings of Rome, but a few still stand today. The Acquedotto Marcio (Piazza di Porta San Lorenzo, 1, +39 060608) is the longest surviving aqueduct, measuring more than 90 kilometers. The whole system served the whole Roman Empire, which makes it even more remarkable.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon (Piazza della Rotonda, +39 06 68300230) was originally built as Marcus Agrippa’s tribute to all the gods. This temple was rebuilt multiple times over the centuries, and it still stands today. In fact, it probably influenced western architecture more than any other single structure in the world. Thousands of visitors flock to this site annually. That is no surprise, as its magnificence simply is breathtaking.

Parco dell’Appia Antica

Parco dell’Appia Antica (Photo by Fabrizio Di Meo)

The via Appia was the main Roman highway built ahead of its time. It played a big part in the staying power of the Roman Empire. The Parco dell’Appia Antica (Via Appia Antica, 42, +39 06 5130682, website) was built along this highway. Aside from enjoying the scenery, visitors can also visit museums and catacombs in the same area. This wealth of sightseeing options makes this park a splendid choice for families and individual tourists alike.

Bioparco

One of the oldest zoos in Europe, Bioparco (Piazza del Giardino Zoologico, 1, 00197 Rome, +39 06 36 08 211, website) offers an extraordinary collection of wildlife and plants. When it was founded in 1911, it spanned 12 hectares of land, and it still stands as one of the monuments to animal conservation in Rome.

Rome is a hybrid of the ancient and the modern. Indeed, people with mobile phones and the latest vehicles mingle with ancient structures. This mixture of past and present is unique and vibrant. Truly, Rome is one of a kind, and its dominance on any tourist wish list remains unchallenged.

Destinations

Colosseum

• Address: Piazza del Colosseo
• Tel: +39 06 3996 7700
• Opening hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. to one hour before sunset; check complete schedule here
• Cost: Full–12€; Reduced–7.50€

Trajan’s Forum

• Address: Via IV Novembre 94 – 00187 Rome
• Tel:  +39  060608
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; December 24^th and 31^st 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Closed Mondays and January 1^st, May 1^st, and December 25^th
• Cost: Adults–8€; Reduced–6€

Acquedotto Marcio

• Address: Piazza di Porta San Lorenzo, 1
• Tel: +39 060608
• Guided tours only
• Entry: Full–3€; Reduced—1.50€

Pantheon

• Address: Piazza della Rotonda
• Tel: +39 06 68300230
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Parco dell’Appia Antica

• Address: Via Appia Antica, 42
• Tel: +39 06 5130682

Bioparco

• Address: Piazza del Giardino Zoologico, 1, 00197 Rome
• Tel: +39 06 36 08 211
• Opening hours: October 25^th to March 26^th—9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March 27^th to October 24^th—9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; extended opening Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays April 3^rd to September 26^th—9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Cost: Adults—12.50€; Children under 13—10.50€; over 60 years old—10.50€

Edo-Tokyo Museum (Photo by Martin Graney)

Museums

Visitors to this grand old city can get a feel for its beginnings with a trip to the Edo-Tokyo Museum (1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015, +81 3 3626 9974, website). This venue focuses on the city’s history from beginning as a rural village to becoming the seat of the empire. Reconstructions of important structures, such as the Nihonbashi Bridge, the Rokumeikan, and the Choya Newspaper Company building, are displayed in this 30,000-square-meter structure. You can get a glimpse of daily life and experience some of it yourself in this one-of-a-kind exhibit. Traveling through 400 years of city history has never been so real.

Meanwhile, a more comprehensive view of Japanese history can be found at the Tokyo National Museum (13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8712, +81 3 5405 8686, website), which houses five exhibition galleries, all focusing on specific areas of Japanese and Asian culture and art. This is the oldest museum in the country, having been opened to the public in 1872. Since then, it has risen to become one of its most prominent museums.

Tokyo National Museum (Photo by i_yudai)

Japan is not only known for its strong traditional heritage, but its leadership in technological advances as well. The National Museum of Nature and Science (7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718, +81 3 5777 8600, website) is a splendid place to begin this scientific journey. Its facilities offer the best of scientific specimens and include the Institute for Nature Study, the Tsukuba Botanical Garden, the Collection Center, and the Shinjuku District, which has an annual open laboratory for the general public. The Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology is one of its top attractions, and it should be the destination of choice for those interested in following Japan’s rise to industrial supremacy.

Performing arts

Bankamura (Photo by huzu1959)

Modern art meets traditional Japan in Bunkamura (24-1,Dogenzaka 2-chome Shibuya-ku, +81 3 3477 9111, website). This is Tokyo’s foremost cultural center, and it includes the Orchard Hall, which was built in the tradition of the biggest concert halls in the world and has been a performance venue of the NHK Symphony Orchestra, the Tokyo Ballet, and the Moscow Stanislavsky Ballet. Its Theatre Cocoon is perfect for dramas and musicals, and its Le Cinéma is a top choice for feature films in the city. This all-inclusive cultural approach has made Bunkamura the leading cultural center in the country.

Experience the onsen

O-edo Onsen Monogatari (Photo by buck82)

The onsen (hot springs) is a vital part of traditional Japanese life, and there is a strict sense of etiquette when entering a public onsen bath. These traditions are strictly followed in the O-edo Onsen Monogatari (2-57 Omi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, +81 3 5500 1126). This large venue recreates the settings for a public bath during the time of Edo. Meanwhile, a more old-fashioned onsen bath can be found in the Azabujuban onsen (1-5-22 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, +81 3 3404 2610). Any onsen bath follows strict etiquette, and visitors should know that no clothing, swimwear, or jewelry is allowed in the baths. Anyone visiting Tokyo should try this unique experience to gain a sense of one part of Japanese tradition.

Tourist options

The Tourist Information Center and the Welcome Inn Reservation Center (10 Fl., Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Bldg., 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006, +81 3 3201 3331, website) is the perfect place to welcome visitors to Tokyo. It has a wide array of tourism options and offers various tours and tourist guides designed for foreigners to enjoy their Japanese experience. It also offers reservations for various hotels in the city, a process that can also be accomplished online. These options certainly make traveling around the city more convenient.

Any visit to the Land of the Rising Sun begins with Tokyo. Its commitment to tradition and its forward-looking approach to modernity make it one of the best spots to take in Japanese culture, and a trip to the city formerly known as Edo is essential for any Japanese journey.

Tourist assistance

Tourist Information Center and the Welcome Inn Reservation Center

• Address: 10 Fl., Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Bldg., 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006
• Tel: +81 3 3201 3331
• Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Destinations

Edo-Tokyo Museum

• Address: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015
• Tel: +81 3 3626 9974
• Opening hours: Sunday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: Adults–¥600; Junior high school and high school students–¥300; College and vocational school student–¥480; Seniors over 65 years old–¥300

Tokyo National Museum

• Address: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8712
• Tel: +81 3 5405 8686
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; until 8 p.m. on Friday from April to December; until 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and national holidays from April to September
• Closed Mondays and December 28^th to January 1^st
• Cost: Adults–¥600; University students–¥400; free for those under 18 years old and over 70 years old

National Museum of Nature and Science

• Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718
• Tel: +81 3 5777 8600
• Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Closed Monday and December 28^th to January 1^st
• Cost: Adults–¥600; Free for high school students and younger; Free for senior citizens 65 years old and above

Bunkamura

• Address: 24-1,Dogenzaka 2-chome Shibuya-ku
• Tel: +81 3 3477 9111

O-edo Onsen Monogatari

• Address: 2-57 Omi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
• Tel: +81 3 5500 1126

Azabujuban onsen

• Address: 1-5-22 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku
• Tel: +81 3 3404 2610

Imperial Palace (Photo by Steve)

Shinto architecture

Shinto is the ancient Japanese religion, and it is no surprise that an understanding of Japanese culture includes a visit to its temples. Meiji Jingu (1 – 1 Yoyogi-Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8857, +81 3 3320 5700, website) is the perfect spot to begin. Located in a man-made forest in the heart of modern Tokyo, this site is dedicated to the memory of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who slowly began opening up the traditionally closed conservative Japanese society. It was opened in 1920, and for almost a hundred years, it has been a shrine to them and to the Shinto tradition. It is a prime example of Shinto architecture, and a visit exposes the tourist to ancient Japanese customs and is a must for the curious traveler.

Meiji Jingu (Photo by Yasuyuki Hirata)

The Imperial Palace

The Japanese people revere their imperial family, and a visit to the Imperial Palace (1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 100-8111, +81 3 3213 1111, website) shows how much the family is respected. Protocols are strictly followed, and only a tour arranged by the Imperial Household Agency can give a tourist access to many of the palace’s areas. This tour offers a glimpse of one of the most revered institutions in Japanese life.

Honoring the dead

The Yasukuni Shrine (3-1-1 Kudankita Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8246, +81 3 3261 8326, website) has long been an issue of controversy for the international community, but it is actually a monument to honor those who perished in the many wars in which Japan was involved. The Emperor Meiji built this shrine in 1869 to honor the memory of the soldiers who died in the Boshin War. Since that time, the Yasukuni Shrine has been a place of tribute for more than 2 million soldiers involved in the succeeding Russo-Japanese War and the two World Wars. This venue also includes the Yushukan Museum, which includes the relics and wills of some of these soldiers. More than 5 million tourists visit each year not only to honor the dead, but to see the splendid architectural design of this 6.25-hectare shrine to the fallen.

Yasukuni Shrine (Photo by Yasuyuki Hirata)

Nature at its finest

Nature lovers will want to trek the 58-hectare Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (11 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0014, +81 3 3350 0151, website). It was originally intended as a garden for the imperial family when it was finished in 1906, but it was later turned into a national park. Its long history stretches back at least 200 years. This excellent location is the perfect site for picnics. Springtime is especially attractive in this mixture of French, English, and Japanese garden styles, but the scenery is still splendid no matter what the season is.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Photo by St-Stev)

Ueno-koen (5-20 Ueno-koen Taito-ku, Tokyo, +81 3 3828 5644) is another great place to marvel at the beauty of nature. Japan’s first public park opened in 1874 amidst more than a thousand cherry blossom trees, which are its main attraction. Its beauty during the cherry blossom season is unparalleled, and access to the park is virtually unlimited.

A bird’s-eye view

A panoramic view of the city can be found at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shiba-koen Minato, Tokyo Prefecture 105-0011, +81 3 5425 2100, website), Japan’s own version of the Eiffel Tower. However, it is a bit taller than the famed tower in Paris, measuring at 333 meters. It offers an exhilarating view of Tokyo from its observatories. The Tokyo Tower also provides its guests some entertainment with its Club 333 at the Main Observatory. The experience of this tower is indeed something out of the ordinary.

Tokyo Tower (Photo by Nicholas & Debra Jewell)

Tourist assistance

Any tourist to Tokyo will certainly benefit from the Tourist Information Center (10/F Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building, 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006, +81 3 3201 3331, website). The TIC provides valuable information on destinations, transportation, and hotel reservations. In fact, reservations can be made online on its website.

The many sights and sounds of imperial Tokyo beckon the traveler to see more. It is not only a glimpse of Japan’s glorious past, but also an effort to preserve some of the things that made Japan a great nation. The ancient Japanese traditions and culture are featured in this ultra-modern city, and a visit is well worth the trip.

Destinations

Meiji Jingu

• Address: 1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8857
• Tel: +81 3 3320 5700
• Opening hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset

Imperial Palace

• Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 100-8111
• Tel: +81 3 3213 1111
• Tours: September 1^st to July 20^th—Monday to Friday 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; July 21^st to August 31^st—Monday to Friday 10 a.m. only; application through telephone or website
• No tours during Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and December 28^th to January 4^th

Yasukuni Shrine

• Address: 3-1-1 Kudankita Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8246
• Tel: +81 3 3261 8326
• Opening hours (Yushukan): Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost (Yushukan): Adults–¥800; University students–¥500; Junior high school and high school students–¥300; Elementary and middle-school students–¥100

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

• Address: 11 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0014
• Tel: +81 3 3350 0151
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Closed Monday and December 29^th to January 3^rd
• Cost: Adults–¥200; Junior high school and elementary students–¥50; Free for children under 6 years old

Ueno-koen

• Address: 5-20 Ueno-koen Taito-ku, Tokyo
• Tel: +81 3 3828 5644
• Opening hours: 24 hour access

Tokyo Tower

• Address: 4-2-8 Shiba-koen Minato, Tokyo Prefecture 105-0011
• Tel: +81 3 5425 2100
• Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: Main observatory—Adults, ¥820; Junior high school and primary students, ¥460; Children above four years old, ¥310
• Cost: Special observatory—Adults, ¥600; Junior high school and primary students, ¥400; Children above four years old, ¥350

Vienna Boy’s Choir (Photo by saikofish)

The MuseumsQuartier

Touring different museums can mean jumping from one venue to another. While this is certainly part of the experience, it can be exhausting. The MuseumsQuartier (Museumsplatz 1/5, A-1070 Vienna, +43 1 523 5881, website) solves this problem of mobility by gathering many of the city’s major museums in one grand complex. There are quite a few splendid attractions in this complex, one of the largest in the world. It contains a mixture of old baroque-style buildings and modern architectural designs. This area isn’t only a hub for museums; it is also the home of various cultural institutions specializing in fashion, music, theater, and many other facets of contemporary culture.

MuseumsQuartier (Photo by Erwin)

Art for the whole family

Within the MuseumsQuartier and beyond are several museums worth noting. One of the most famous museums in Austria is located right within the area. The Leopold Museum (Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna, +43 1 525700, website) is the perfect place for art aficionados. While it is most renowned for the largest collection of Egon Schiele artworks in the world, it also contains various paintings and other forms of art by many other Austrian and European artists such as Otto Wagner, Josef Hoffman, Herbert Boeckl, and Hans Böehler. Housed in a modern building amidst its baroque neighbors, the museum’s vast collection provides a snapshot of 19^th- and early 20^th-century art.

Leopold Museum (Photo from Google images)

Families will certainly enjoy visiting the ZOOM Children’s Museum (MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz 1, A-1070 Vienna, +43 1 524 79 08, website). This institution, envisioned primarily for children, hosts an exciting water exhibition that will surely enthrall youngsters. Attractions in the museum cater to different age groups, and these provide ample entertainment and learning, giving young children an appreciation for different facets of modern science and entertainment. Among these attractions are the Ocean, the Studio, and the Animated Film Studio. A collection of various animated films and songs is also available. The ZOOM water exhibition comes free of charge, while the other attractions require a minimal fee, which is certainly worth it.

Our world, of course, would not be what it is without the father of psychoanalysis. Sigmund Freud, who lived in Vienna for most of his life, settled in one house from 1891 to 1938 before he was forced to leave the country and settle in London for a year before his death. That house is now the Sigmund Freud Museum (Berggasse 19, 1090 Vienna, +43 1 319 15 96, website). It still contains the original furniture during the time that the eminent psychologist lived there, as well as original copies of his works. It is a fitting tribute to the founder of psychoanalysis.

The cultural scene

Music is central to Viennese culture. The city once served as the home and training ground for such renowned composers as Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, and many others. The Musikverein (Bösendorferstraße 12, 1010 Vienna, +43 1 505 81 90, website) is certainly the place to go for the best classical music experience in the city. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra makes its home in this venue. You will be enthralled by the music, but the building itself is a work of art. Inspired by Greek Renaissance, it was designed by Theophil Hansen, and construction began in 1867. This magnificent structure and its music are sure to be a source of great classical music for years to come.

Musikverein (Photo from Google images)

The Konzerthaus (Lothringerstraße 20, 1037 Vienna, +43 1 242 002, website) is another popular concert hall in the city. Opened in 1913, this venue has featured not only classical music performances, but also lectures, dance events, and even boxing matches. There is also an undercurrent of its dedication to the contemporary music scene, and avid music lovers will find the performances here to be superb.

Of course, no visit to Vienna would be complete without seeing the Vienna Boy’s Choir (Augartenpalais, 1020 Wien, website). This famous singing group has been in existence since the 15^th century and has been under the tutelage of some of the most famous composers in history. They perform regularly during mass at the Hofburg. They also perform on world tours quite frequently, and their angelic voices are a testament to the city’s musical excellence.

Konzerthaus (Photo by Sacha Galgon)

Tourist? No problem

Vienna is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. For the savvy traveler, there is the Vienna Card. This offers more than 200 discounts available for museums, theaters, and other venues in the city. It also includes free transport for 72 hours. You can order it at certain train stations, the Airport Wien-Schwechat, the Tourist Info Albertinaplatz, or online here. This is definitely a discount card that will get you places for just 18.50€.

The Tourist Info Vienna office (Vienna 1, Albertinaplatz / Maysedergasse) is also available for any questions any tourist might have. Its offices open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Wien-Hotels & Info (+43-1-24 555), meanwhile, is a valuable resource in finding the best hotels and reserving the best rooms in Vienna.

The city of Vienna certainly has the sights and sounds worthy of being one of the best and most-visited tourist destinations of all time. Its dominance on the world’s cultural stage is the primary reason for this, but the city has a lot more to offer. Whether you crave history, art, or music, Vienna is the place for you.

Tourist information

Tourist Info Vienna

• Address: Vienna 1, Albertinaplatz / Maysedergasse

Wien-Hotels & Info

• Tel: +43 1 24 555

Destinations

MuseumsQuartier

• Address: Museumsplatz 1/5, A-1070 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 523 5881

Leopold Museum

• Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 525700
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Closed Tuesday
• Cost: adults 11€, students 7€, senior citizens 8€

ZOOM Children’s Museum

• Address: MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz 1, A-1070 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 524 79 08

Sigmund Freud Museum

• Address: Berggasse 19, 1090 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 319 15 96
• Opening hours: July 1^st to September 30^th—9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; October 1^st to June 30^th—9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: adults—7€;  students 18-27 years old—4.50€; pupils 12-18 years old—2.50€

Musikverein

• Address: Bösendorferstraße 12, 1010 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 505 81 90

Konzerthaus

• Address: Lothringerstraße 20, 1037 Vienna,
• Tel:  +43 1 242 002

Hofburg Palace (Photo by Mike Woolley)

Dynasty

The House of Habsburg ruled Austria for more than 700 years. Some of the family’s medieval homes and castles still exist to this day, and one of the most enduring is the Hofburg Palace (Michaelerkuppel A-1010 Vienna, +43 1 533 75 70, website), which was the home of the Habsburgs until 1918, right at the end of World War I. The enormous complex is home to two museums and the Imperial Apartments, allowing the visitor to catch a glimpse of palatial lifestyle in the Middle Ages.

Imperial history is even further honored at the Schönbrunn Palace (Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse 47, 1130 Vienna, +43 1 811 13 239, website), which had its beginnings as a summer residence for the imperial family. The Schönbrunn grounds eventually evolved from a hunting lodge during the 1600s to a palatial domain. It was named a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996, a tribute to its longevity and its legend. It is also one of the most visited sites in Vienna.

Schönbrunn Palace (Photo by Steve Montgomery)

Seeing the city

Tourists can get a breathtaking view of the entire city with a visit to the Danube Tower (Donauturmstrasse 4, A-1223 Vienna, +43 1 263 35 72, website). This 352-meter structure is called “the concrete needle” and is certainly a wonder. Visitors can take in a beautiful panoramic view of the city in its rotating café or its famous observation deck. Opening in 1964, it has become a dominant part of the Viennese skyline.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

One of the most famous landmarks in Vienna is St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, +43 1 51552 3526, website). This is a functioning church, and has been since it was built in the 12^th century. This medieval structure is a prime example of Gothic architecture, having been restructured in 1359. Although it is still a church, guided tours are available. The South and North Towers offer a view of the city, and the church bells usher Austria into each New Year.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Photo by Wugging Gavagai)

An afternoon of fun

There are many theme parks in the world, but few hold the heritage of the Prater (Prater 123, 1020 Vienna, +43 1 729 20 00, website). You can visit this site for an afternoon of fun and activities, riding the different rides and experiencing the various attractions. The Giant Ferris wheel, built in 1896, is a stunning ride and one of the most famous in the Prater. Its diameter of about 60 meters ranks it as one of the biggest Ferris wheels in the world. However, the park has more than enough rides to last a lifetime, and the Giant Ferris Wheel is just the beginning.

Prater (Photo by fortysix_vie)

Equestrian delight

The Lipizzaner breed of horses are surely a delight to the avid equestrian, and the Spanish Riding School (Michaelerplatz 1, A-1010 Vienna, +43 1 533 90 31, website) is certainly the place to go for such an equestrian treat. For over 400 years, these horses adorned in white have been part of an elaborate horse ballet, and these stallions certainly have proven to be some of the most captivating in the city. A visit to this venue certainly deserves to be on the agenda of any journey to Vienna.

Spanish Riding School (Photo by Ellen Williams)

Touring made easy

The Vienna Card makes touring Vienna easier and more convenient. Not only does this card offer discounts to many venues, but it also gives the tourist unlimited free transportation for 72 hours to various points within the city. It is valid for four days, certainly enough time to visit many of the excellent attractions in Vienna. You can order the Vienna Card at the airport, train stations, or online.

Indeed, any trip to this magical city, famous for its music and sights, is sure to be a delight to anyone who wishes to take in medieval European culture. Travelling to Vienna is like going back in time, celebrating both the imperial and the modern.

Destinations

Hofburg Palace

• Address: Michaelerkuppel A-1010 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 533 75 70
• Opening hours: September to June—9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; July and August—9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Ticket prices published on website

Schönbrunn Palace

• Address: Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse 47, 1130 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 811 13 239
• Opening hours: April 1^st to June 30^th and September 1^st to October 31^st —8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; July 1^st to August 31^st—8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m; November 1^st to March 31^st—8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ticket prices published on website

Danube Tower

• Address: Donauturmstrasse 4, A-1223 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 263 35 72
• Opening hours: Observation deck—Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Restaurant—Monday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Café—Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m
• Cost: adults—5.90€; children—4.30€

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

• Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 51552 3526
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday and public holidays 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Guided tours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday and public holidays 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Cost: one adult and one child 14 years old and below—14.50€; seniors 60 years old and above—12€; students—12€

Prater

• Address: Prater 123, 1020 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 729 20 00
• Opening hours: 24 hours a day; opening hours for rides vary

Spanish Riding School

• Address: Michaelerplatz 1, A-1010 Vienna
• Tel: +43 1 533 90 31
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays during performance 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Closed Mondays except in May, June, September and October
• Varying ticket prices published on website