You'll come a-waltzing Vienna with me.

DAY 22***

We arrived in Vienna late afternoon, and after checking into this rather grand "residence", we were off for our traditional introductory tour of the sights around our hotel, The Altstadt Vienna, despite DS's protestations!!

Front of the Museum of Fine Arts

Our hotel was situated not far from the Museum Quarter, an area with several museums in close proximity including the Natural History Museum of Vienna (DS had noted this one), the Museum of Fine Arts, The Leopold Museum, and The Zumkinder Museum. Vienna is a very elegant city, but as we were walking  this afternoon, one noted that it felt like the city was gearing up for a party!

St Stephen's, Vienna

Lights along The Graben

We were specifically on the hunt for the square in front of the main cathedral, St Stephens, which was one of the areas to be filled with activity for New Year's Eve in a couple of nights. We had heard that you were able to waltz in The Graben near Stephensplatz - which for 2 ex-ballroom dancers was something not to be missed. Don't forget that this is Vienna, home to the Viennese Waltz!

The Hofburg 

The Rathaus

The Rathaus

After dinner at a very elegant restaurant 'Italic' close to Stephensplatz, we finished the evening exploring the city at night as we returned to our hotel, taking in sights such as the Rathaus (Town Hall) and The Hofburg (Imperial Palace), one of the many around the city.

Wow, and we will be here to welcome in 2012!!!