When the Vienna Opera Ball takes place, the State Opera is transformed into the most famous ballroom in the world, hosting over 5,000 guests. The event is broadcast nationally and internationally on TV and reaches an audience of millions. But a visit is also worthwhile on other days. The opera opened in 1869 and still offers a diverse program of opera and ballet performances.

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most-visited sights in the country; no visit to Vienna would be complete without a trip to see it. The former summer residence of the Habsburg royal dynasty, the palace and its large park were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Inside the grounds is the Schönbrunn Zoo, which was founded in 1752, making it Europe's oldest zoo.

St. Stephen's Cathedral, which the Viennese affectionately call "Steffl," is one of Vienna's landmarks and the city's most-visited sight. Construction began in the 12th century, but its highlight, the south tower, was not built until 74 years later in 1359. Those who are not prone to claustrophobia could brave the thin staircase up to the tower room for stunning views of the Austrian capital.

For centuries, this impressive Renaissance building complex was the home of the imperial family, the Habsburgs. Today, the complex has a variety of uses — it's the official residence of the Austrian President and also houses the Austrian National Library, various museums and the Hofburg Chapel. Our tip: Take a guided tour of the Spanish Riding School to meet its stars: the Lipizzan stallions.

The park, which is open to the public and free of charge, is perfect for resting tired legs while exploring the city. It is easy to find, since it's located right next to the Hofburg palace complex. Don't miss the rose garden, which is home to more than 3,000 rose bushes of over 200 varieties. It's so romantic that it's often used as the backdrop for wedding photos.

Formerly an imperial hunting ground, the Prater park is iconic in Vienna. One of its main attractions is the Wurstelprater amusement park. We recommend taking a spin on the famous Giant Ferris Wheel. Towering at 65 meters (213 feet), it was built in 1897 to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph's 50th year on the throne. It also offers a grew view of the Danube river.

Vienna is famous for its coffeehouses, with some tracing their roots back to the 19th century when they were frequented by Freud and Trotsky. Instead of going to popular ones like the upscale Café Sacher, seek out smaller cafes to avoid crowds of tourists, such as "Kleines Café" on Franziskanerplatz. Wherever you go, don't forget to try a piece of Sacher-Torte chocolate cake, a Viennese staple.

Danube island lies between the Danube river and an excavated canal; it is easily reachable from central Vienna via subway. The 21-kilometer (13 miles) island is a popular destination for outdoor activities like biking and picnicking. In the summer, you will find many people enjoying the sandy beach and swimming areas, as well as one of the world's largest floating trampolines.

Take a culinary trip around the world while staying smack in the center of Vienna. In the Naschmarkt, which in Englisch means the "nibble market," some 120 market stalls and restaurants offer a selection of dishes from around the globe, ranging from Wiener Schnitzel to Vietnamese soups. Don't miss the Saturday flea market, which offers plenty of opportunities to hunt for unique treasures.

For great city views, especially at dusk, head to the Kahlenberg, a mountain located in the Vienna Woods. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Little Carpathian mountain range in Slovakia. If you want to go really high, climb to the top of the Stephaniewarte observation tower. It was built in 1887 and stands on the highest point of the Kahlenberg.

Between Burgenland and Lake Constance some 8.8 million Austrians live in nine provinces. In terms of landscape, the Republic is above all one thing: mountainous. Almost two thirds of Austria's territory is made up of alpine high mountains such as pictured here the Hochtannbergpass in Vorarlberg, the westernmost of the nine provinces.

No other building is more symbolic for the former size and power of the Austrian Empire than Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. Until 1918, it was the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage - and with 3.7 million visitors a year it is the most visited sight in Austria.

In summer, Viennese people traditionally flee to the hilly green countryside outside the city. A popular destination is the Weinviertel, Lower Austria's largest wine-growing region. Its trademark: the picturesque lanes, lined with wine cellars, wineries and gardens like here at the Galgenberg. Every summer they are transformed into "Heurigen", so taverns in which winegrowers serve their wine.

Austria's lowest point is in the vast plains of the Burgenland: Lake Neusiedl is only 117 meters (384 ft.) above sea level. Rare birds such as spoonbills and black-winged stilts are at home on the protected shores of the National Park. With around 300 hours of sunshine a year, Lake Neusiedl is a popular holiday destination.

The Museum of Contemporary Art looks like an alien in the middle of the baroque old town of Graz. 1500 curved panels form the unmistakable skin of the biomorphic structure. Fitted with light trunks, the museum rooms below are supplied with light. Opened in 2003, the "friendly alien" has been a landmark of Graz ever since.

Salt has been mined here for 3000 years, today tourism fills the coffers. The small lakeside village Hallstatt in the foothills of the Alps since becoming an Instagram favorite has suffered from too many day visitors. It's rarely empty even at a height of 360 meters on the Skywalk "World Heritage View" in the Hallstatt-Dachstein cultural landscape — both a natural and cultural heritage site.

The alpine west of Austria begins in the Salzburger Land region. A visit to the state capital of the same name is a must. A stroll through the old town leads inevitably into Getreidegasse, past Mozart's birthplace. The fortress Hohensalzburg above the city is the best vantage point over the baroque houses in Salzburg.

Fans of views, tarmac and adrenaline drive further south to the Grossglockner high alpine road. The fortified mountain road, opened in 1935, winds its way up 48 kilometers (30 mi), past an overwhelming abundance of alpine beauty. The mountain slopes are also home to marmots. At the end, the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain at 3798 meters and landmark, is within reach.

The number one culinary raw material in Vorarlberg is cheese from the Bregenzerwald. In summer you can hike through a landscape full of pastures, flowering meadows and alpine meadows. Those interested can learn a lot about traditional alpine farming and cheese production on the Käsestraße - literally Cheese Route. Either way it' simply a region for connoisseurs.