Vienna offers several possibilities for sightseeing and cultural entertainment. There are numerous interesting museums on pretty much any imaginable topic. The city is stooped in history and has various sights in particular related to the old monarchy. Weather conditions permitting, the surrounding area is also nice for excursions. Of particular notice is the Wachau UNESCO world heritage site, the surrounding hills (e.g., Kahlenberg, Leopoldsberg) and the beginning of the Alps (e.g., the mountains called Rax and Schneeberg). Please find below a small overview of things to do within Vienna.

Sightseeing

• The Viennese Stephansdom (a cathedral) is one of Vienna's landmarks.
• The Giant Ferris Wheel, the 'Schweizerhaus Stelze', a huge chain carousel as well as Madame Tussauds can be found in the 'nostalgic' amusement park the Prater.
• A couple of sightseeing attractions can be found close to the conference venue:
  • The former residence in Vienna for the imperial family called Hofburg.
  • The Parliament of the Republic of Austria is an important splendor building constructed in Greek-Roman style.
  • The Graben is an exclusive shopping street and pedestrian area.
• The summer residence of the imperial family Schönbrunn Palace and the zoological garden are located in a big park which is an attraction itself. The green subway line (U4) has a station called 'Schönbrunn'.
• A former ackack in the center of Vienna hosts the Aqua Terra Zoo. The rooftop restaurant offers a stunning view on Vienna.

Classical Music Highlights

• The schedule for both the world famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Symphonic Orchestra are available online. Sadly both will be touring for the most part of the conference.
• For other (mostly classical) concerts check out the season plan of the Wiener Staatsoper (the opera house), the Musikverein and the Wiener Konzerthaus.
• There are numerous other smaller concert venues. Naturally, there is also a vast amount of theatre and other (nonclassical) concerts on offer.

Museums

• The Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien and the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien offer comprehensive collections of historical art and natural history exhibitions.
• The Museumsquartier (MQ) is a spot for various kinds of art. For example, the MQ hosts the mumok (a museum of modern arts) as well as plenty of restaurants and bars.
• Currently, the Albertina exhibits Egon Schiele an Austrian expressionist. The permanent exhibition includes one of Europe’s largest collections of classical modernist paintings.
• The Sigmund Freud Museum welcomes visitors in the former office and apartment of the famous the psychologist.

Viennese Cuisine and Coffee Houses

• A traditional Viennese dish such as 'Wiener Schnitzel' or 'Tafelspitz' is served in several restaurants. Two locations popular among visitors are the Plachutta and the Figlmüller. Note that these restaurants might be busy during the weekend. A reservation is recommended.
• Coffee has a long tradition in Vienna. Some of the classical coffee houses are The Demel, the Café Sacher Vienna, the Café Central and The Café Landtmann.