Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

2 6 2 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I V ienna is a city where one gasps as one wanders through the streets. As if the fathers of the Austrian capital designed the streets in 3D-layers, the city is grand as well as glorious on several levels. Rising high above street level are the most adorning architectural pieces and perfectly shaped facades. Here, coloured roof tiles fashion graphic patterns and delicate design details catch one’s eye. Vienna is especially attractive thanks to the nostalgic flair from the former ruling emperors and the lively cultural scene touched by classic highlights as well as modern hymns. A seamless setting for romance and nostalgia where the Fiaker – the Viennese horse and carriage – is a welcome tourist attraction to explore the cobbled streets where old-style Viennese landmarks have risen back to fame due to the love of storytelling. This nostalgic romanticism of the past and its eccentric modern life and cultural attractions, make Vienna a magnet for cultural and food lovers. Here is our pick where to Eat, Play and Stay in Vienna. EAT Vienna is old, Vienna is new. This does make it a perfect place to both indulge in the finest traditional cuisines as well as the diversity of new-on-the-block food trends. Restaurant Führich To start with tradition, the Wiener Schnitzel is about the most famous of national dishes to come fromVienna. Made of a thin, breaded, pan-fried cutlet and served with lemon, always seems too large for the plate it is served on. At Restaurant Führich, the legendary schnitzel is part of a very traditional menu where home-style dishes dominate the menu. Located in one of the small streets of the famous Kärntner Straße, in the heart of Vienna – between the Vienna State Opera House and St. Stephen’s Square, tourists sit among locals and are served with a Viennese flair. Rote Bar The name of this restaurant is, as the names suggests, a classy restaurant fully decorated in burgundy red. From floor to ceiling and wall to wall, the cosy, elegant yet tiny restaurant in the luxury Sacher hotel offers a classical Viennese menu where quality and service are of the highest standards. Book a dinner table in advance as it is a desirable establishment to enjoy the evening in imperial style. Even better, book a suite at the Sacher hotel as a stay completes the charm of this great Viennese restaurant. PLAY When in Vienna follow the trails of the chic lifestyle once lived by Empress Sisi, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary by marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph I. Vienna houses a Sisi Museum and Schönbrunn Palace – the former imperial summer residence in Austria. Shopping Vienna is a city where cultural mingles with elegant sophistication. The beautiful wide shopping streets where jewellers’ shops as well as antique stores, art stores, and fashion designer boutiques’ alternate window displays. The Goldenes Quartier is the destination for flagship stores and premium luxury, whilst Kohlmarkt offers a glamorous jewellery venue and a heritage destination. Graben is contemporary shopping street in Vienna – an exclusive and pulsating shopping street in the heart of the inner city. And then there’s Kärntner Strasse (Kärntner Straße Shopping Boulevard) – the most famous high street in Vienna where old charm romance is flanked by designer facades. Spanish Riding School Set in a beautiful location, the exquisite baroque Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace built under Charles VI, is part of the venue where the world-famous Vienna Imperial charm and musical masterpieces B y L a u r a B r o w n Images: Wien Tourismus