Capital of Austria, and former Imperial seat of the Holy Roman Empire and later of Austria-Hungary is often referred as the Europe’s cultural capital. The historic centre of Vienna, designated UNESCO World Heritage site is truly an open air museum which impresses with its splendid architecture and historical monuments.

The main tourist attractions in Vienna include the imperial palaces of Schonbrunn and Hofburg, Belvedere (palace), Karlskirche (St. Charles’s Church), Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral), Schatzkammer (Imperial Treasury), Spanish Riding School, Prater Park and the Wiener Riesenrad, Burgtheater (National Theatre), Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) and series of other museums such as Freud House and Mozart House. A must see is also the Vienna Opera House. After all, Vienna is the city of Mozart, Haydn, Strauss and other classical geniuses. However, Vienna is also a modern and dynamic city but there is a perfect harmony between the “old” and “young” making Vienna literally the city of culture. The best example of the stunning blend between tradition and modernism is the Museumsquartier featuring both Baroque and Modern architecture.

It is always a good time to visit Vienna including winter when it is particularly charming due to Christmas markets found on virtually every corner.

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers is the third largest city in Southeast Europe (after Istanbul and Athens) and is becoming increasingly popular tourist destination. The White city (Serbian name “Beograd” means White City in English) is one of the oldest cities in Europe and an important “bridge” to the East since the ancient times. The city has a turbulent history and was frequently caught between two fires, in first place between the Austrian and Ottoman Empires. Thus the city reveals much of both Austrian and Turkish influence as well as unique Communist elements, while the city’s spirit and way of life kind of resemble the Mediterranean view on life.

Belgrade is probably best known for its nightlife, especially for floating bars and clubs on the river Sava and Danube which have become a major tourist attraction. Must see are also Kalemegdan and Belgrade Fortress, Knez Mihailova Street, Temple of Saint Sava – the largest Orthodox church in the world, Skadarlija – a street known for fine restaurants offering typical national cuisine, Old Palace – Royal Palace of the Obrenović dynasty today housing city assembly, Beli dvor (White Court) and the Avala TV Tower offering spectacular view over the city.