The Weltmuseum Wien is an ethnographic museum and houses some of the most important collections of non-European cultures. To embark on this tour is to uncover the dynamic Austrian empire and to discover the wonders of the Habsburg family, their contributions, their dynamism, their warfare, their diplomacy and how they became one of the most powerful and iconic families and era that stretches multiple centuries.. House of Habsburg Tour Embark on a regal journey with the House of Habsburg Tour at Vienna’s newest museum. Explore the opulent history of this iconic dynasty in Vienna's royal legacy. The House of Habsburg tour provides a fascinating insight into the rise and fall of one of the most powerful European dynasties of the last millennium. At the Neue Hofburg, the site of the last residence and seat of power, we present the history of an empire, from the founders of the house of Habsburg to the imperial and royal household of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. Covering the six centuries of their rule, it includes historical personalities and important locations associated with the dynasty and also explores economic, social, political and cultural aspects. The tour takes you on a journey through the entire history of the Habsburgs from the late Middle Ages to the modern day, past armor that would have been worth the same as a sports car today, a fortepiano that Mozart once played on and the only wax bust that faithfully depicts Joseph Haydn. The tour traverses the corridors and halls through which the ghost of Sisi hovers, as the empress, who was murdered in 1898, never moved into her former apartments. The story of the Habsburg monarchy is one of triumph and tragedy. During the heyday of this dynasty, Vienna was a centre of power and music. This is vividly reflected in the Neue Hofburg, the most recent tract to be added to the Vienna Hofburg, on account not only of the history of the building itself but also of the two collections it houses, namely the Imperial Armoury and the Collection of Historic Musical Instruments. Programme for the whole family Highlight tours and family tours are offered throughout the day in the Weltmuseum Wien, Imperial Armoury and the Collection of Historic Musical Instruments. Tour tickets are issued at the ticket desk half an hour before the start of the tour. Imperial Armoury The Viennese collection numbers among the best of its kind in the world. Furthermore, it is the best-documented collection of court arms and armour in the western world, since the exhibits were generally created or acquired in connection with important political occasions: on the occasion of military campaigns, Imperial Diets, ceremonies of homage, coronations, engagements, marriages and baptisms. No family of rulers was connected by marriage with so many European countries as were the Habsburgs. For this reason, nearly all western European princes from the 15th to the early 20th centuries are represented with armour and ornamental weapons. The suits of armour are custom creations made by the most famous armourers: the Armour for a Horseman by Tommaso Missaglia, the Cuirassier Armour by Lorenz Helmschmid for Emperor Maximilian I, the Boy's Folded Skirt Armour by Konrad Seusenhofer for the future Emperor Charles V, as well as the Half-Armour alla Romana by Filippo Negroli and many others. The often magnificent etchings were quite frequently based on designs by such famous artists as Dürer and Holbein. History of the collection Via inheritance, the Habsburgs were the recipients of objects from the most diverse lands: from the old crown lands and associated territories, from Bohemia and Hungary, Galicia and various Balkan areas, as well as from the territory of the present-day BENELUX countries, in other words the Old Netherlands, from provinces of present-day France such as Burgundy, Alsace, Lorraine, and last but not least from Spain and large parts of Italy. Diplomatic relationships and martial conflicts expanded the collection by objects from the Near Orient, ranging from those of the Turkish enemy to those of the Persians and Egyptians, who were occasionally allied with the Habsburgs. In the process, imperial status and standards guaranteed objects of the highest quality. Everything that surrounded the ruler and his vassals, from the palace in which he lived to the furnishings of the same, was of the greatest possible refinement. In keeping with this idea, what he wore on his own body had to be particularly precious: from his suit of armour, a magnificent costume, to his sword, dagger and mace. The same applied to the equipment for his horse. Thus, each single one of these objects is a work of art. When nearly all the various chambers of arms and armour from the Austrian branch of the House of Habsburg were brought together in Vienna during the nineteenth century, there arose a collection which, today, is among the best of its kind worldwide. In its present-day ordering, it is in principle three large collections to which today’s collection owes its special character. The foundation was laid by the Imperial Leibrüstkammer (Chamber of Personal Armour), documented since 1436, in which the equipment, mainly suits of armour and ornamental weapons of the ruling house and its retinue, was kept. During the early baroque period, the suit of armour completely lost its significance as a symbol of class, as well, for in the “modern” state it was no longer necessary to symbolize knightly virtues or physical strength and performance via armour. It followed that the objects of the Imperial Leibrüstkammer became museum pieces and were eventually brought together with utilitarian military weapons in a baroque hall of honour designed to commemorate Austrian Habsburg history. From the baroque era onward, artistic creativity was reserved for the decorative and/or technical design of hunting and sport weaponry, as well as for fashionable accessories such as court daggers. These objects are part of the second large part of the collection, the Hofgewehr- oder Hofjagdkammer (Court Weapon or Court Hunting Chamber), which was established under Emperor Ferdinand II (1578/1619–1637); it includes the best-quality works from every era up to the end of the monarchy in 1918. The third—and, in terms of cultural history, perhaps most important—group of works we have thanks to the unique Heldenrüstkammer (Armoury of Heroes) created by Archduke Ferdinand of Tirol (1529–1595), who began building this collection in 1577 at Ambras Castle near Innsbruck. This collection is the work of a highly educated, artistically minded and extremely liberal prince who possessed great wealth and made use of his various types of relationships with all the great European courts to use in order to realize his “Atrium Heroicum,” the “Ehrliche Gesellschaft.” (Honest Society, whereby the word “honest” (ehrlich) was understood at the time to mean “honourable.”) According to a concept that was surprisingly modern even by today's standards, he collected the armour and weaponry that had been owned by all the famous personalities—from princes to military commanders—of both of his own era and previous centuries. His collection encompasses 125 viri illustri, which inventory he commissioned. This first-ever printed and illustrated museum catalogue was published only after his death, in Latin (1601) and in German (1603). Each “hero” is portrayed here in a full figure copperplate engraving, clad in his armour, and described by a biography. As early as the 17th century, this collection was open to the public for an admission fee. During the Napoleonic occupations, the Ambras Collection went to Vienna in 1806 as private property of the emperor and was united with the collection holdings described above. In 1889, the Weapons Collection was opened as the first collection of the K. K. Kunsthistorisches Hofmusem. After the end of the monarchy at the conclusion of the First World War in 1918, the Kunsthistorische Sammlungen des Allerhöchsten Kaiserhauses (Art-Historical Collections of the All-Highest Imperial House) passed into the ownership of the Republic of Austria. Collection of Historic Musical Instruments The Collection of Historic Musical Instruments is home to the most important collection of renaissance and baroque instruments worldwide. Furthermore, the museum keeps, maintains and presents numerous instruments that were played by famous musicians and composers. The collection includes a particularly comprehensive range of clavichords and Viennese fortepianos. The world of sound in which the composers of Viennese Classicism lived can be heard and understood here in a nearly complete fashion. The holdings of the collection have their origins in Habsburg holdings; they have since been continually expanded via purchases, gifts and loans. The Matinees of the Collection of Historic Musical Instruments give visitors the opportunity to both see and hear the instruments, insofar as their condition allows them to be played. Website https://www.weltmuseumwien.at/en/ Opening Hours Daily (except Monday): 10 am to 6 pm Tuesday: 10 am to 9 pm Adults: € 16 Children (under 19): free House of Habsburg Tour - Neue Hofburg Wien Neue Hofburg, Heldenplatz 1010 Vienna https://www.houseofhabsburg.at/ +43 1 525 24 2500 houseofhabsburg@khm.at Weltmuseum Wien Neue Hofburg, Heldenplatz1010 Vienna, Austria +43 1 534 30-5052 info@weltmuseumwien.at

Sentosa Golf Club | Singapore | February 29 – March 3, 20 The Tanjong Course KO AIMING FOR EXCLUSIVE THREE-PEAT AT HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Defending champion Jin Young Ko returns to familiar winning ground at the Sentosa Golf Club where she is seeking to become the first player to win a hat-trick of titles at the HSBC Women’s World Championship which tees off on Thursday. The Tanjong course, where the US$1.8 million LPGA tournament is played, is the only course Ko has won twice globally and she aims to renew her love affair with its host venue again. “I love seeing all the fans here in Singapore. There are also many Korean fans here and it’s nice to see them so excited and having the opportunity to watch us play here. The HSBC Women’s World Championship is a very special event to me and I can’t believe how fast time flies as it was only a year ago when I won again here,” said Ko. The world no. 6 South Korean won the tournament by two shots in 2022 and 2023 and is pleasedshe is feeling healthy again after having to struggle with persistent wrist injuries in the past. “I had a lot of injuries the last three years. But I feel it's getting better in the last two years. I’m just very happy that I’m injury-free now and able to play golf. “There are a lot of good players in the field and everyone is looking to win this tournament, including myself. I cannot control how they play but the only thing I can do is to try my best and see what happens from there. “I played the back-nine today, and there has been a little bit of changes in the pin positions from last year. The bunkers also seem a little bigger. It's not easy to play this golf course but if I can hit a lot of fairways, and greens and make many birdies like last year, I’ll be okay,” said Ko. Meanwhile, in-form Patty Tavatanakit, a self-confessed perfectionist, is hoping to overcome her fatigue as she chases her own treble of victories after winning two titles in a row in the last fortnight at Saudi Arabia and Thailand. “I'm tired. There has been a lot of travelling and golf. But on top of that, I'm really excited to be back in Singapore to tee it up in front of the Singapore fans this weekend at HSBC. “I’m a perfectionist and I don't like mistakes. I don't like flaws and little blemishes. I feel like everything is coming together and I have been performing really well. I've been working very hard on just making everything a little bit sharper off the tee, approach, around the greens,” said the 24- year-old Thai.Minjee Lee, who finished runner-up twice in the 2019 and 2022 editions of the Singapore showpiece, believes her strong work ethic and desire to win will eventually help her break her drought in Singapore. “I would like to contend and get the trophy on Sunday. It is one of the best events. I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself or put too many expectations. I just want to go out there and have fun.,” said Lee. “I always work hard. You can't get to a high level without working hard. So, my work ethic has been very good for how many years I've been playing- either on tour or off-season. I go to the gym pretty consistently as you want to be healthy so you can also perform well on the golf course,” added the 27-year-old Australian, who has won 10 LPGA Tour events, including major victories at the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship and the 2022 U.S Women’s Open. Debutant Ruoning Yin is hoping to shake off the rust from her off-season and return to her winning ways as she comes full circle by competing at the highest level as a graduate of the HSBC Junior Golf Program. “I grew up as a HSBC Junior golfer and it means a lot (to be competing at the HSBC Women’s World Championship). It just kind of feels like you've upgraded. My game is still a little bit rusty from the off-season but I’m working on putting things together and getting better every day,” said Yin. After turning professional in 2020, the 21-year-old set a record by winning three consecutive tournaments on the China LPGA Tour before earning her LPGA card at the 2021 Q-Series. Yin then won her first major title at the Women’s PGA Championship in June last year, two months after her breakthrough at the LA Open. The 21-year-old Chinese reached the pinnacle of the world ranking in September 2023 where she stayed there for two weeks. Attributing her success to the HSBC Junior Golf Program, Yin said: “The HSBC Junior Programme has definitely helped me through the years. All the good players in China, like junior golfers in China, they are all playing HSBC Junior Programme. The program has given me more experience to play in front of a group and elevate my game. All these are very helpful especially with me playing at the HSBC Women's Championship for the first time.” The 2024 HSBC Women’s World Championship will feature 15 out of the world’s top 20 and all the reigning major champions set to compete at Sentosa Golf Club. All the reigning major champions are also set to compete alongside 19 major champions, 43 LPGA winners with a combined total of175 titles, seven former world No.1’s and 18 Solheim Cup players with 46 appearances between them. The major champions in the field have a total of 28 titles between them and include all of last year’s major winners: Lilia Vu (The Chevron Championship and the AIG Women’s Open), Allisen Corpuz (U.S. Women’s Open), Ruoning Yin (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship), and Celine Boutier (The Amundi Evian Championship). The HSBC Women’s World Championship boasts an international field with representation from 20 countries across the world. Widely recognised as Asia’s Major, seven out of the top 10 ranked players on the field hail from Asian descent. This includes the world’s top three as well as the fifth and sixth-ranked players and joining them are South Korean-born world No. 7 Hyo Joo Kim, the champion of the 2021 edition, and world No.9 Lydia Ko, who recently clinched her 20th LPGA title at the first event of the season. For more information on the HSBC Women’s World Championship and to buy tickets please visit the tournament website www.hsbcgolf.com/womens/tickets. Tournament in Numbers: 8 out of the world’s top 10 20 major winners including all of last year’s major champions 22 nationalities represented 6 former world No.1’s Of the 14 previous editions, 12 were won by major champions 16th edition HSBC Holdings plc HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 62 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,039bn at 31 December 2023, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations. Imagery Credit: HSBC Women’s World Championship (Getty Images)

Mayer am Pfarrplatz in Vienna offers a delightful wine experience. Known for exquisite wines and an authentic Heuriger ambiance, it's a local gem in Grinzing, inviting visitors to savor quality wines and traditional Viennese dishes in a charming setting. Many locals inform me on the immense popularity of the Heuriger, a view I could foresee at the top of the North Tower of St Stephen's Cathedral in city, where Austrians partake of the cool crisp air during summer to dine, to wine, and to converse amongst friends and families in this wineyard area near the hills.. The tradition-steeped “Mayer am Pfarrplatz” winery, the epitome of Viennese Heuriger culture, has been producing the best Viennese wines since 1683 in Heiligenstadt In 1817, Ludwig van Beethoven lived in the romantic listed suburban home on Pfarrplatz. During his time in Heiligenstadt he worked on his greatest creation: Symphony No. 9. His former home, the first floor of which is accessed from the terrace via a small staircase, still commemorates him to this day. Viennese Heuriger culture brings joie de vivre and enjoyment to the table. An extensive hot and cold buffet with homemade seasonal specialities offers typical Viennese delicacies and is a welcoming place to relax and wile away some time whilst sipping an excellent glass of wine. "Heuriger" culture encompasses social practices surrounding the Viennese "Heuriger" taverns, which are predominantly family-run businesses that are handed down from generation to generation. The Viennese "Heuriger" at the edge of town stands for congeniality ("Gemütlichkeit") and Viennese music. On the simple tables at a "Heuriger", one typically sees wineglasses and slices of bread with various spreads. While all "Heurige" share certain characteristics such as the free choice of opening times and permission to serve only their own wine, every "Heuriger" also has its own individual features—such as the available selection of foods. Viennese Heuriger culture goes back to the mediaeval tradition of LeutgebenHeuriger culture dates back to the mediaeval tradition of Leutgeben; the term Heuriger culture goes back to the mediaeval tradition of Leutgeben.Leutgeber denoted all those who enjoyed the right to serve wine from their own vineyards to visitors. Today, the word huerig [used both as an adjective and as an adjectival noun and declined as Heuriger, Heurige, and Heurigen, depending on grammatical case and number] denotes both the wine from the most recent harvest as well as the establishment that serves it. Viennese Heurige are embedded in the landscape of Viennese wine. For many Viennese winemaking operations, the Heuriger is the most important sales outlet and ensures the continued existence of their vineyards and thus the local cultural landscape’s preservation. Informal accessibility and affordable offerings ensure these unusual taverns’ attractiveness to members of all generations. A sure sign of a Heuriger being open is a wreath or a bunch of greenery hung above the entrance. Depending on the availability of resources, Viennese Heurige set their own opening times over the course of the year; guests can learn of these from the so-called Aussteckkalender. Right up to closing time at midnight, wines including typical types such as the gemischter Satz as well as wine drinks such as the Staubiger or the Gespritzter are served from typical glass pitchers with handles. As late as the 1970s, it was still customary to bring one’s own food along to a Heuriger. But these days, onsite buffets are the norm; the offerings vary from Heuriger to Heuriger, but slices of roasted meat, spreads, and salads can be had everywhere. Characteristic are also the candy sellers who go from Heuriger to Heuriger, offering chocolate-covered fruits from vendor’s trays. The typical wooden tables with chairs or Heuriger benches are places where contacts are made, friendships are formed, news is exchanged, and Viennese songs are sung. Viennese Heurige are for the most part family-run establishments where the ways in which things are done both in winemaking and in the kitchen are passed on from generation to generation. The association Der Wiener Heurige, founded in 2003, currently has a membership of 43 Heuriger taverns that are located in the Heuriger areas defined by Viennese provincial law. This association aims to preserve and promote Viennese Heuriger culture. Membership is open to all Viennese Heurige (of which around 100 exist). The association coordinates events, issues press releases, and does public relations and awareness-raising work. For Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), his stays in Heiligenstadt, which was at that time still a rural suburb of Vienna, were characterised by profound feelings. He suffered from hearing difficulties and hoped to find a cure by visiting the sanatorium in Heiligenstadt, which is located immediately adjacent to Mayer am Pfarrplatz. As early as 1802, Beethoven had documented, in his own distressed words, his despair over his hearing difficulties in the “Heiligenstädter Testament”. As we chanced upon this traditional restaurant one fine evening, after catching the local subway and tram over, I saw a traditional church at service, Katholische Kirche St. Jakob, and it was nice and homely and truly representative of an Austrian suburban Catholic Church service. I then walked around the environs of the Heuriger area to take in the ambience of this traditional tavern and restaurant atmosphere, to appreciate the sight, sounds and smell of this amazing place, a very special destination amongst the Austrians! Wine Flight Sampling For the wine tasting flight, we had an entire array of Mayer's 6 wines to sample from... this comprise of... SEKT BRUT - MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ Delicate perlage, an elegant aroma of grapefruit and meadow herbs, a creamy texture and a flattering dosage perfectly round off this Sekt made from Grüner, Veltliner and Welschriesling. This was fresh and enlighting! WIENER KLASSIK 2022 - MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ Fragrant and fruity notes. Medium body, drinkable and lively style. Well integrated acidity. GRÜNER VELTLINER 2022 - MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ Green apple and classic pepper aromas mould this wine. Subtie grapefruit and herbal spices on the palate. A classic and very typical Grüner Veitliner. The ideal accompaniment to food; something very special for me, as it's my first exposure to Gruner Veltliner.. RIESLING „NUSSBERG" 2022 - MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ A genuine explosion of aromas reminiscent on the nose of stewed apricots and passion fruit. An enormous fruit structure continues on the palate. The elegant acidity perfectly balances out the powertul body. An archetypal Riesling with a lot of class. GELBER MUSKATELLER 2022 - MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ The ancient variety Gelber Muskateller has its origin in the Mediterranean of the antiquity. With its heavy scent. and aromas of exotic fruit, this wine makes the perfect aperitif. The variety shows its broadest aroma spectrum when cultivated in the cool areas under the balancing influence of the Wienerwald hills. We love this! ZWEIGELT 2022 - MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ A bright ruby red wine with spicy aromas on the nose and bright berry fruit. Delicate bitter chocolate with elegant and mellow tannins on the palate, a spicy finish Food Sampling For the soup, we had the Old - Viennese soup pot with beef from pastured oxen, vegetables and soup noodles - this was tasty, simple but I like it. For the main course, we had the Mayers Fried Chicken which was from the Styrian organic free-range chicken, that is served in a basket The special thing about fried chicken is that it is baked out slowly - so it took about 20 minutes to prepare the dish, absolutely delicious, crispy and went so well with my 6 wines in my tasting flight. For dessert, we had the legendary cream slice which is based on an old house recipe with fruity berry pulp, very tasty and satisfying. With the accordion played by the in-house musician who was entertaining all the Austrian locals, corporate guests and families in this traditional tavern, I almost felt it was like Christmas minus the carols and hymns - such a homely and warm feeling! The Winery Weingut Mayer am Pfarrplatz, the epitome of Viennese Heurigen culture, has a century-old tradition crafting the finest Viennese wines in Heiligenstadt since 1683. The vineyards are situated entirely within the city boundaries of Vienna, in the 17th and 19th districts. Countless awards and prizes at national and international wine competitions emphasize the high quality of the wines from the House of Mayer am Pfarrplatz. Old vineyards planted generations ago. Flysch and marl soils with plenty of shell limestone formed 3 million years ago and more than 100 different tiny sites with considerably varying soil formations. Warm winds streaming in from the Pannonian plains versus the cooling influence of the Vienna Woods and the Danube River. All these unique factors produce great wines. Compliments Thanks to Tanja and Annabel for recommending the food and wine and looking after me at this beautiful tavern, and sharing the concept with me. Heuriger Mayer am Pfarrplatz Location: Pfarrplatz 2, 1990 Vienna Contact: +43 1 3701287 Website: https://www.pfarrplatz.at/en/

A hotel with history In 1862, the Viennese Hotelier Anton Schneider acquired the premises where the Grand Hotel Wien stands today. A so-called maison meublée, a furnished house, was built according to the plans of the renowned architect Carl Tietz. The legendary Grand Hotel Wien, on Vienna’s elegant Ringstrasse, has been counted among the most luxurious hotels of Europe. Since then it has become a place of pilgrimage for the nobility, for the elite, for politicians, and for artists from all over the world. In 1894, Johann Strauss the Younger celebrated his 50th anniversary as a performer in the Ballroom of the Grand Hotel Wien. Since 1870 the Grand Hotel Wien has been the epitome for exquisite hospitality and refined luxury and this gorgeous branded hotel never fails to disappoint. The property has been a natural congregation point for Vienna's high society and discerning international guests, and you can view this with the profile of guests and clientele staying and paying patronage to their tea/bar lounge area in the afternoons. The Grand Hotel Wien offers a superb range of luxury rooms and suites, unrivalled gourmet dining and world leading customer service.  It is truly one of the finest luxury hotels in Vienna and always guarantees an experience to remember. We had the opportunity to experience the hospitality and indulge in luxury in the heart of Vienna with impeccable service, traditional sumptuous rooms, and a timeless ambiance. Checkin and Checkout was super quick and efficient and the staff, both at front office, the concierges, the bellboys (men, rather..) and also housekeeping staff were attentive; when I had problems with my glass door that opens to the terrace facing the "Ring", the staff came quickly to advise me on the solution without any fuss! well done! Luxurious rooms and suites The Grand Hotel Wien has 205 luxurious rooms and suites, all air-conditioned, guaranteeing the finest in comfort and the latest in technical facilities. All windows can be opened individually. 15 rooms and suites have their own terrace. I stayed in a luxuriously furnished Suites that ffer a spacious ambience of 60 m², and comes equipped with a king-size bed; the design of the room was eclectic with spacious comfortable seating, damask wallpaper and elaborate stucco designs that provide a luxurious living ambience, inherent to the style of the 18th century Austrian-style. The suite comes with a large desk, a safe and individually adjustable heating and air conditioning. It also feature a luxurious marble bathroom with double sinks, a large bathtub and integrated shower, as well as a separate toilet and bidet. In addition, the bathrooms are equipped with a heated mirror, radio, bathrobe, slippers and various amenities as well as hand sanitizer and dispensers. The perfect location The location in the heart of Vienna is unique, directly at the Ringstrasse and only a few steps from the State Opera House and the most elegant shopping mile in the city, the Kaerntner Strasse. Staying around the "Ring" as it is aptly termed affords convenience and accessibility to many tourist attractions, cafes, restaurants and lots to sight-see as a hub within the city! Direct access to a shopping mall The Grand Hotel Wien offers a direct access to the shopping mall “Ringstrassen-Galerien“, and we went here and toured around a bit, it was fun, convenient and accessible. The Grand Hotel Wien's Grand Brasserie is open daily. In the morning the friendly service team spoils its guests with an extensive breakfast. The generous buffet with sweet and savory delicacies is completed with various warm dishes which will be prepared freshly in the kitchen. The staff were attentive and also courteous and friendly - solid Viennese hospitality at it's prime! a showcase! We had a glass of sparkling wine, different fruit juices, coffee, tea and a huge spread of delicacies from bread, fruit, cheeses, to ham, to salmon, to sausages and naturally they cooked my egg in different ways from scrambled to sunny side up, omelette style, poached and benedict=styled; I truly enjoyed the outstanding breakfast buffet at the cosy Grand Brasserie and the great view on the famous Viennese Ringstrasse. In recent times, The Grand Hotel Wien has been named one of the Best City Hotels in Austria by readers of Connoisseur Circle. Connoisseur Circle is the market leader in high quality travel publications for German speaking countries, and this award was voted for by their readers and members of the general public. The Grand Hotel Wien rated highly across the board, where their expert team were praised for providing guests with unforgettable moments, passionate service and steadfast dedication. On this occasion, General Manager, Oliver Geyer said, “The whole team is thrilled to have been honoured in these awards. All staff at the Grand Hotel Wien go above and beyond to ensure every guest is met with impeccable service, amazing amenities and a host of personal touches to dazzle and delight. We are here to give everyone an experience to savour, every single day.” - such is the epitome of true traditional service-centric hospitality in a timeless hotel. Attached is a lovely gesture and greeting card with welcome fruit basket platter from the GM, Oliver Geyer. Grand Hotel Wien Address Kaerntner Ring 9A-1010 ViennaAustria Telephone +43 1 515 80 - 0 Website https://en.grandhotelwien.com/ Email info@grandhotelwien.com

The Cafe Diglas at Wollzeile is a Viennese institution itself - commenced around year 1875 - a true culinary passed down through the generations, and a coffee house and restaurant juxtaposed to form as a popular destination that both locals and tourists will visit - steeped in history and culinary tradition with a touch of surprising flair and contemporary distinctive art. This historic Café keeps in full the traditional Austrian flavors and we hear the history of the Diglas family goes back to the time of their great great grandfather of the president owners was serving -in the family’s restaurants- the great Emperor Francis Joseph himself! The family name now graces four locations around Vienna with the oldest cafe-restaurant sitting on at the Wollzeile intersection; we can see the place adorned with old clocks on the end walls which are actually digital projections; and the window lamps have cute ballerina skirt lampshades which sit a=top each dining table and looks out to the street; kitchen utensils hang with chandeliers and a depiction of black and white photos reveal a collection of cool contemporary studio art. This long-established venue is open for breakfast, cakes & a daily-changing menu, with live piano in the evenings. One lunchtime, we explored and savored Vienna's culinary charm with lunch at Café Diglas where we ndulged in simple but yet delightful Austrian dishes in a cozy setting, a taste of tradition in every bite truly, it was packed with tourists and locals... We had a berry-based fritzy soft drink almost like the Almdudler, which is an Austrian soft drink with a flavour that is based on mountain herbs... and we had the Hungarian Goulash Soup - one of the best that I have tasted within Austria and in Vienna. The place was packed so I had to await for my seat, and the lady Erika quickly beckoned me to my corner seat next to those ballerina lamp shades, that has been specially reserved for me... haha, they knew I was coming.. For the main dish, I had to try the Original Wiener Schnitzel (fried escalope of vest) / potato-salad, so it was super tasty and my first schnitzel in Austria - super tasty! - schnitzels are super big in Austria, so obviously I cannot finish it, but it was so delicious - and for dessert, I chose the Diglas special style ice-cofee that comprise fresh cofee along with 2 scoops of Vanilla-icecream and whipped cream, what a delight, what a brilliant lunch meal! Website https://www.diglas.at/ Location Café Diglas Address: Wollzeile 10, 1010 Wien, Austria Phone: +43 1 5125765

Experience the high school of classical horsemanship in perfect harmony. Living tradition, the values of the past blending with the passion of the present Rosette Media Rating - Tourist Attraction 9.5/10 We have accorded a very high rating for this unique world-class UNESCO attraction - to see such beautiful horses being trained is truly a cultural legacy The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the only institution in the world which has practiced for more than 450 years and continues to cultivate classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the Haute Ecole – which can also be found on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The world-famous performances by the Lipizzans – the Ballet of the White Stallions – take place in the unique, baroque Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace, built under Charles VI. Since 1920, the stud located in the West Styrian village of Piber has been home to the famous Lipizzaners. As the only stud in Austria, Piber’s role is to breed Lipizzaner stallions which will later demonstrate their skills in the world-famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna. These performances are the result of years of training for the rider and their Lipizzans. From the young, boisterous stallions to the fully trained School Stallions, they enchant the audience with their performance in the School Quadrille, in the Schools on and above the ground and on the Long Rein. This atmosphere and the accompanying classical Viennese music make the wonderful presentation by the rider and their Lipizzans even more enjoyable. We went to site at Michaelerplatz 1 and it was so amazing~ truly full of tourists who have come all around the world to see these gorgeous horses! The Heldenberg in Lower Austria is the third site of the Spanish Riding School. On the one hand the stallions are trained and continually exercised at this location. On the other hand they spend their well-earned summer holiday as well as two to three additional six weeks breaks there enjoying a horse-friendly life. Moreover, in Heldenberg, third parties are given the opportunity to improve their horsemanship through various courses. The Training The Training offers you an insight into the exercises of the riders with their Lipizzaners. You will see both the exercise of the often still grey young stallions and the fully trained school stallions - our "white stars" - in the imperial setting of the baroque Winter Riding School, accompanied by classical Viennese music. The Training of the horses includes relaxation exercises, the refinement and perfection of lections, as well as the targeted strengthening of muscles. To keep the horses motivated the famous Schools above ground, which are presented during the performances, can be seen only sometimes at the Training. Each stallion group is exercised according to its different training level up to High School lections. A Guided Tour - Take a look behind the scenes of the Spanish Riding School in an exlusive tour of the Spanish Riding School you will visit the unique baroque Winter Riding School, the Summer Riding School with one of the world’s largest oval horse walkers and the stables of the Lipizzan stallions, which have been housed in the Stallburg (one ofVienna’s most prominent Renaissance building) for more than 450 years. You will see the various locations that make up the special charm of our historic institution and you will learn about our history, equestrian traditions and about our stars – the Lipizzan stallions! The Education of the Stallions Remontenschule, Campagneschule and High School - From Paddock to Capriole The training of the stallions starts at the age of about four years. The young horses move from the Lipizzan stud Piber to the training center Heldenberg where they do their first steps under the saddle. The training takes place according to the teachings of classical equitation to the directives of Excellency Holbein and Chief Rider Franz Meixner. The primary objective of this training is not fundamentally different from any other horse training and can be outlined with the goals of suppleness, obedience, permeability and tranquility. The task of the classical horsemanship is to study the natural movement predisposition of the horse and to cultivate through systematic training in the highest possible elegance of the high school. In training people and horses are at eye level at all times and the horse determines when it is ready to learn the next lesson. The result of this approach is an incomparable harmony between rider and stallion, as it is only achieved today in the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Lipizzaner horses are particularly suited for this task: they are frugal, strong and particularly talented for classical equitation and have an extraordinarily good memory - all qualities that the rider must know and use for the common work. The Spanish Riding School and its Lipizzan Stud Piber, birth place and home of the world famous white stars, are honored by the UNESCO for a second time: The knowledge concerning the breeding of Lipizzan horses has been added to the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 1st, 2022. Visitor center at Michaelerplatz in the Hofburg (under the Michaelerkuppel): Michaelerplatz 1, A-1010 ViennaTel: +43 1 533 90 31-0Email: office@srs.at Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 until 16:00 hrs (see website for any changes in opening days/hours) Contact: Spanische Hofreitschule Michaelerplatz 1 A-1010 Wien Tel: +43 1 533 90 31-0 Email: office@srs.at Website: https://www.srs.at/en/

On October 26, 2023, Vienna, the renowned world capital of music, unveiled its latest cultural gem, the House of Strauss. This interactive museum pays tribute to the illustrious Strauss family, renowned for composing timeless masterpieces such as "The Blue Danube". Together with renowned exhibition planners and the experts from WISF (Viennese Institute for Strauss Research), an interactive exhibition was created to allow visitors and enthusiasts around the world to sample and attest to the story of the Strauss dynasty with strong hints of their legacy coming alive around you, the visitor. The House of Strauss blends light classical music in the form of regular concerts (throughout 2024), fine dining in the Casino Kulinarium restaurant under head chef Stefan Glantschnig – with a beautiful outdoor dining area – as well as an interactive show that brings the cultural legacy of the Strauss dynasty to life. A multi-sensory experience over 2,000 m² Visiting the House of Strauss and wandering through the rooms takes you into a world of 19th century entertainment culture in Vienna, featuring scenes from ballrooms, concert halls and stories from that period. A specially created app in several languages guides visitors through the entire exhibition. The tour is narrated by Thomas Strauss, the great-great-great-great-grandson of Johann Strauss I. The multimedia backdrop features acoustics and animated visuals, LED walls and sculptures shown via projection areas make it possible to experience the zeitgeist in all senses of the term. Visitors take part interactively: either as performers in an operetta, on the digital music stand or other areas that encourage participation. A Glimpse into the World of Strauss: The House of Strauss-Museum, located in Vienna's Döbling district, immerses visitors in the rich tapestry of 19th-century Vienna. From ballrooms and concert halls to stories of that era, the museum offers a multimedia experience that captures the essence of the time. Unlike traditional music exhibits, visitors actively become part of the scenery, participating in operettas digitally, experimenting with digital music stands, and engaging with interactive stations to develop a new appreciation for music. The Octagon Experience: At the heart of the 1837-built Casino Zögernitz lies the Octagon, where the legendary "The Blue Danube" waltz by Johann Strauss Jr., Vienna's unofficial anthem, comes to life. Eduard Strauss, the great-grandson of Johann Strauss, lends his voice to this iconic piece, accompanied by a text display. The Viennese waltz – both the music and dance – is the epitome of Viennese and UNESCO World Heritage.  Interior designer Denis Košutić is responsible for giving the House of Strauss that finishing touch. From the Octagon, visitors enter the Strauss Hall, an acoustically brilliant space that has undergone two and a half years of meticulous restoration. Its grandeur, with stunning ceiling frescoes and shimmering crystal chandeliers, harks back to the opulent ball and concert nights, now bathed in a fresh light. Using state-of-the-art technology, the Maestro virtually presents his most famous compositions on a grand stage with LED walls and digital 3D avatars. "The Blue Danube" is perhaps the most famous work of the composer dynasty Johann Strauss and Sons. Dedicated to the comprehensive work of the Strauss family, the splendid ball and concert nights of the past, and Vienna's role as the leading music capital, the new interactive museum "House of Strauss" in Vienna's 19th district, Döbling, unfolds in the original and meticulously restored spaces of Casino Zögernitz. The Ballroom was a venue where the Strauss family, along with many other musicians and composers like Joseph Lanner and Carl Michael Ziehrer, directed and played. House of Strauss is the new museum for Vienna's musical landmark. LED-SHOW: German: from 10 o´clock on every full hour English: from 10:30 on every half hour Starting in February 2024, the Strauss Hall will host concerts. Casino Kulinarium Since its reopening in April 2023, the Casino Kulinarium has been catered for by toque chef Stefan Glantschnig. Dishes, ingredients and flavors that have been popular in Vienna dating back to the k+k era but which are increasingly being forgotten are reinterpreted and tastefully presented by him. This restaurant will feature Viennese cuisine with influences from our neighboring countries - newly interpreted and given a new meaning and taste. We sampled the awesome dinner here provided by Chef Felix with my host Glenn. The English Menu is not ready, so I will use the Austrian version to share... We had the KLARE RINDSSUPPE, comprising of Speckknödel, Grießnockerl, Frittaten. Schnittlauch und Wurzelgemüse; and then we had the SPANFERKELRÜCKEN consisting of Erdäpfel-Schwammerlstrudel, Babykarotte, Liebstöckelol, Bratnsafti ajnd last the ZWIEBELROSTBRATEN including this in the dish was Schupfnudeln, Rostbratensoße, frisches Gemüse, Röstzwiebel, A full-on wonderful amazing experience at this all-new thematic museum called the House of Strauss in the 19th District of Vienna. Address House of Strauss at the Casino Zögernitz Döblinger Hauptstraße 76 1190 Vienna Contact info@houseofstrauss.at Web Information https://www.houseofstrauss.at

Introduction : Mythos Mozart is a one-of-a-kind unique and immersive experience that celebrates the life of the greatest composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in history. Mythos Mozart is special and unique as it combines the tapestry of music, technology, sound, special efforts, lighting, performing art and architecture, together with a blend of lavish spatial experience, stereo effect and media staging as a central core to delight each visitor. Visitors will get to experience a moment when 1,500 LED candles mystically illuminate a sacred space and Mozart's Requiem is played over dozens of loudspeakers. When they dive into a painted, poetically animated 360-degree panorama of the city with scenes from Mozart's time, fly over the roofs of Vienna in a balloon, or experience a ride through the Magic Flute - such is the magic and mystery of this themed museum. When they play along interactively in the room "Mozart's World of Music" and on instruments from around the world in the "Kleine Nachtmusik", and when they immerse themselves in his creative world of ideas of light and music in "Mozart's Genius" under thousands of synapses, senses and sensations flow through to delight each visitor. Mythos Mozart ultimately reaches its finale in the fantastic, digital image worlds made up of millions of pieces of data, created with artificial intelligence, in the last room: "Mozart Forever", which is pretty remarkable as they gather a synopsis of images, photos, sound pieces, text and history interspersed with collated cultural views, sight and sound to give a truly tech-driven sensorial Mozart experience. Background : Mozart spent the last year of his life at the "Kleines Kayserhaus" at Rauhensteingasse 8, in a representative apartment on the first floor until his death on December 5, 1791. Here he composed masterpieces such as "The Magic Flute", his Clarinet Concerto and the Requiem. Pietro di Galvagni - a successful Italian merchant, patron, art collector and Viennese resident by choice from 1819 - had the house replaced by a new building in 1848 and erected a bronze bust in Mozart’s memory, which can be seen today in the entrance area of ​​MYTHOS MOZART. In 1896, Otto Wagner built an elegant "Metropolitan Clothing Palace" on Kärntner Straße for the Neumann family. Badly damaged in the war, it was rebuilt by the architect Carl Appel as the Neumann department store. After an eventful history, it is now known as the STEFFL department store. The Attraction and Mozart Experience : Vienna's new Mozart experience "Mythos Mozart" provides for one of the world's best multimedia experience for all the senses in a creative fashion, via a 60-minute tour through five rooms, with a combination of music, performing art, architecture, and technology, through a visible and tangible encounter with Mozart MYTHOS MOZART begins in REQUIEM - MOZART'S DEATH, a mysterious room with 1,500 candles, designed by the British-German lighting designer Moritz Waldemeyer. From there, visitors enter to VIENNA 1791 - MOZART'S CITY where they stroll through the busy streets of Vienna, climb over roofs in a balloon and finally find themselves in front of Mozart's death house - in a varied animated 360° panorama of historical views. In WORLD MUSIC - MOZART'S LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, visitors can interact with instruments from all over the world in the "Little Night Music", in GENIUS - MOZART COMPOSING they immerse themselves in Mozart's creative world of light and music under thousands of synapses. For the finale, Turkish-American New Media artist Refik Anadol used artificial intelligence and millions of data points on Mozart to create a fantastic visual world in MAGIC FLUTE - MOZART FOREVER. The musical director of MYTHOS MOZART, Walter Werzowa composed and rearranged the soundscape that underlies the overall experience. Together with the stars of tomorrow, students from the mdw - University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, he re-recorded the music in an exclusive partnership. These recordings from the Hofburgkapelle, the Synchron Stage Vienna and the Schönbrunn Palace Theatre will be available as a soundtrack in the on-site shop. Appreciation goes to Milene Platzer for hosting me and a wonderful curated experience at this technology-laden cultural-centric Mozart experience! Location : MYTHOS MOZART occupies the entire lower level of the STEFFL Department store on Kärntner Strasse 19 in the heart of Vienna, just a few steps from St. Stephen's Cathedral and the State Opera. Opening Hours: MON - FRI | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.SAT - SUN & HOLIDAY | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Address: MYTHOS MOZART Kärntner Straße 191010 Vienna +43 1 93056 800 E info@mythos-mozart.com

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, located in Vienna, Austria, is one of the most renowned art museums in the world. Housed in its festive palatial building on the Vienna Ring Road, it is crowned with an octagonal dome. History and Architecture The Kunsthistorisches Museum, often referred to as the Museum of Art History, was opened in 1891. It was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I to house the extensive art collections of the Habsburg family, and it was opened at the same time as the Natural History Museum, Vienna which has a similar design and is directly across Maria-Theresien-Platz. The two buildings were constructed between 1871 and 1891 according to plans by Gottfried Semper and Baron Karl von Hasenauer, and later completed by Carl Hasenauer. The emperor commissioned the two Ringstraße museums to create a suitable home for the Habsburgs' formidable art collection and to make it accessible to the general public. The buildings are rectangular, with symmetrical Renaissance Revival façades of sandstone lined with large arched windows on the main levels and topped with an octagonal dome 60 metres (200 ft) high. The interiors of the museums are lavishly decorated with marble, stucco ornamentation, gold-leaf, and murals. Collections The museum boasts an impressive collection of European art spanning from the Middle Ages to the modern era. The Picture Gallery is home to works by great masters from Dürer to Raphael, Titan and Tintoretto, Rubens and Velázquez, to Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection, as well as the Coin Cabinet, are also part of the museum's holdings. Of particular interest is the world’s largest collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which includes such famous paintings as The Tower of Babel, Peasant Wedding, and Hunters in the Snow. It also houses the Best of Bruegel – the world's largest collection in Vienna - 12 masterpieces united. Exhibits The museum is divided into various departments, including the Picture Gallery, the Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection, the Kunstkammer (Chamber of Art and Wonders), and the Coin Cabinet. Each department showcases a specific aspect of art and culture, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of different artistic periods and regions. Dinner at the Museum Dinner at the Kunsthistorisches Museum was an amazing experience for me, offering the opportunity to enjoy a unique and elevated dining experience in its magnificent setting or otherwise known as the Cupola Hall Restaurant; the grandeur, the magnificence, the music, the background, the ambience, the style, truly overwhelms and when that is juxtaposed with a classique fine dining experience, it is simply magical! As I immersed in art and flavor with dinner at Kunsthistorisches Museum, it truly allowed me to indulge in a cultural feast surrounded by masterpieces; creating an absolutely memorable dining experience right in the heart of Vienna District 1. The restaurant is located in the heart of the museum, providing a stunning and elegant setting for diners. The Cupola Hall itself is a grand space with a dome ceiling, intricate architecture, and opulent decor. The restaurant offers a menu featuring a combination of Austrian and international cuisine, providing a culinary experience that complements the artistry of the museum. Every Thursday evening, the domed hall of the Kunsthistorisches Museum is transformed into a unique dinner location. Diner can look forward to sophisticated dishes made from high-quality products in exciting combinations. A romantic evening for two or an exquisite dinner with friends or business partners - Dinner in the Museum is the right choice for something extraordinary and special, truly a place that is unique in Vienna. The location in the historic domed hall with a view of the Maria-Theresien-Platz ensures an exclusive ambience and I was truly spoiled with culinary delights by their amazing team. So I was truly blessed to arrive in Vienna on a Thursday so I get to partake of this sensational and unique classical dining encounter in a beautiful museum!! For starters, we had a bevy of a 3 course savoury taste sensation consisting of Tuna, where the tomato and wasabi was melange with miso and sesame. Then came the Butternut Pumpkin Carpaccio which breathed kumquat and quince, pumpkin seeds and chiogga beet. The Duck Liver Parfait was the last dish that came along with tonka bean brioche, sweet wine and grape, simply exquisite! Lastly, we had the Chestnut soup with truffle foam, just yummy! We had the Scallop main course, consisting of wakame, samphire, lobster foam and cauliflower; the creation was just heavenly, tasty and superb! For dessert, we had the Sweet carrot comprising of cake, ice cream, rock candy and mousse; simple as it sounds, the combination was meticulously well done! Special thks to my host, Vlamidir for hosting me and also taking care of me during this awesome twinning-dining experience at this awesome museum! Unforgettable! Ambiance Diners can enjoy their meals surrounded by the museum's impressive art collection and the unique architectural elements of the Cupola Hall. The ambiance is often described as refined and luxurious, offering a one-of-a-kind setting for a memorable dining experience. Reservations It's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak hours or busy seasons, to secure a table in this popular and unique dining location. Overall, dining at the Kunsthistorisches Museum can be a delightful experience for art and culture enthusiasts, combining exquisite cuisine with the splendor of the museum's surroundings. Prices and Information Every Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. € 65,- per person€ 30,- children aged 6 to 12Children under the age of 6 eat free of charge incl. laid table with bread and butter and a 5 course menu. Easily book a table for up to 6 people ONLINE. For larger reservations, Pls contact by phone on +43 (0)50 876-1001 or by email at khm-sales@gourmet.at! Please note that a visit to our café-restaurant is only possible with a valid ticket for the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Website and more information https://www.khm.at/en/explore/offers/cafe-restaurant/dinner-at-the-museum/

Ottakringer is the last large brewery remaining in Vienna, Austria, and is located in Ottakring, the 16th district of Vienna. Today, the Ottakringer Brewery employs around 180 people, brews 420,000 hectolitres of beer annually and achieved a turnover of around 60 million euros in 2021. But they don’t just produce beer: Thks to their unique event locations on the brewery grounds, which we visited, they have also become an integral and indispensable part of Viennese city life. With over 15 different Beers, it commenced business in 1837 and is a family owned business, winning Multiple international Beer Awards. The Ottakringer BrauWerk has their own unique Craft Beer Brewery and we can truly taste the freshness, genuinity and structure in every drop ; it is the First Brewery in Austria to achieve the AMA seal of quality and is one of the few Brewery Shop with delivery Service in Vienna, amazing! We had a great tour of the entire venue on their guide-conducted Brewery tour where we learnt all about their history, the brewing process and the variety of their beers! At the start and at the end of the tour, we tasted an entire array of their freshest beers together. They have tours in both English and German and they usually conduct them on Thursday and Saturday, duration is about 90 minutes, at the price of 19,90 € I would like to thks my brewery guide Semon for taking us on the tour and recommending which beer I should sample and giving me a beautiful experience at this brewery! OTTAKRINGER BRAUWERK Website : https://www.ottakringerbrauerei.at/en/ Address: Ottakringer Platz 1, 1160 Vienna T: +43 1 49 100 – 5480 Email : office@brauwerk.wienwww.brauwerk.wien