Whether you call it the “City of Dreams” or the “City of Music”, whether you are into apple strudel or hooked on chocolate cake, and whether you fancy a horse-drawn carriage through the streets or want to see the amazing beasts from a different angle at the Spanish Riding School, there is a holiday for you in Vienna. This beauty of a capital is the perfect place for a short break. It rates highly for cultural attractions, the food is delicious, the people friendly, the hotels welcoming and comfortable, and it takes just two hours to reach the city from most UK airports. It's not difficult to fall for the many charms of Vienna. 

Sitting on the banks of the River Danube in the north-eastern part of Austria, Vienna (or Wien) is the second largest German-speaking city in the world (Berlin takes the top spot). You don't need to brush up on your German lingo though as English is widely spoken by the friendly residents of this attractive destination. 

Music, obviously, has a big place in the heart of soulful Vienna. Among the maze of architectural styles in this city, which include Baroque, Art Nouveau and Medieval, are buildings that house museums dedicated to music. There are plenty of venues where you can hear the beautiful sounds of Vienna's most talented musicians too. Consider booking tickets for performances at venues such as Schonbrunn Palace, the Vienna Theatre (Theater an der Wien) and the State Opera (Staatsoper). 

Whatever kind of songs call to your travelling heart, you can create the holiday for you with TravelSupermarket. Simply use our search tool to find cheap holidays to Vienna.

You're probably not travelling to Vienna for the weather, not when there are so many other incredible elements to this city. It's handy to know what the weather's doing though, so that you can pack accordingly. If you visit in spring you can expect crisp days with a little warmth before the summer sunshine arrives and drives temperatures to an average of 25C during balmy July and August days, though evenings can still be cool. Autumn is much the same as spring, while winter sees chilly days and cold nights, with temperatures hovering around 0C. Wrapping up warm is essential if you plan to visit in December for the captivating Christmas Market.

Vienna Festival; May-June: A free concert in the shadow of City Hall kicks off a wide-ranging programme of events in the lead up to summer. You can see music, dance, art, theatre, plus much more, at a host of city venues.

Donauinselfest; June: The city is known for its long associations with classical music, but this event is pure pop. Up to three million people gather for an open-air festival of tunes. 

Christmas Market; November/December: One of the most famous of Europe's festive offerings, the enchanting streets of Vienna are the perfect backdrop to this winter wonderland. Shopping is only one of the highlights, as carol singers, pony rides in the snow and a Christmas train combine for the ultimate Yuletide treat.

Kids and teens: It can be a challenge to occupy young minds during city breaks, but the Risenrad Ferris Wheel is certain to keep children entertained. It is right by the entrance to Prater amusement park, which is free to enter.

Grown-up families: Tour the museum quarter - the district dedicated to culture - and you are likely to find a museum that will interest the entire group.

Romance: Step inside the lavish palaces of Vienna, including the Hofburg and the Schonbrunn, and stroll through history. The Hofburg Imperial Palace is where you'll find the Spanish Riding School, where audiences are amazed by the famed Lipizzaner stallions.

Free and cheap: It costs very little to grab a seat at one of Vienna's gorgeous coffee houses. Sip a hot drink, sample one of the city's famed desserts and watch the world pass by.

Shopping: From gifts for the sweet-toothed to the latest designer threads, Vienna is a paradise for shoppers, and opportunities to spend range from the weekly flea market at Naschmarkt to the flagship boutiques of the Golden Quarter.