Travelling Article - Strictly Vienna

 Last year Mercer ranked Vienna the number one city in the world in their quality of living survey for a second year running. This month Travelling Actuary Eve Hartridge investigates what's so different about the city that apparently meant nothing to Ultravox.

 
 Two events happened in 1981. Firstly, The Insurance Companies Act was passed affecting the actuarial profession as we know it today. Secondly "Vienna" by Ultravox was awarded the prestigious prize of "Single of the Year" at the Brit Awards, affecting how I've always viewed the Austrian capital - grey and dull if you were wondering. This year I was lucky enough to visit Vienna and quite simply had a ball (pun was intended). Vienna is steeped in history and bound together with culture- so much more than whirls, waltzes and Wolfgang Amadeus. It's difficult to know where to start, but after my second Sachertorte of the trip I've managed to list some ideas for you.

 
 Where To Stay
 Vienna is best seen on foot or by tram so a central location is key. The Ring Hotel is well placed on the Ringstrasse road which contains the city and is only a stone's throw from The stunning opera house and old town attractions. The Hotel describes itself as a "casual luxury boutique hotel" and remains true to this description, which is a welcome change from some of the more traditional and arguably more stuffy hotels nearby. The Ring is also a perfect venue for corporate entertaining; the business district is just around the corner and clients can not fail to be impressed by the understated appeal of this place. In addition to an excellent restaurant it's worth keeping some time aside to visit the well appointed in-house spa too.
 www.theringhotel.com

 
 Where to Eat
 Vienna is famous for sweet treats, however if you'd like to try something other than mouth watering cakes and pastries there are some fantastic restaurants tucked away if you know where to look.
 For fine dining head to the Grand Hotel Wein and book a table at Le Ciel which offers outstanding French cuisine. Le Ceil is also the venue to spot VIPs from film, politics and even the odd member of the royal family have been known to pop in for dinner. Sadly not a schnitzel in sight though.
 www.leciel.at

 
 For the authentic Austrian experience get along to Weiner Rathauskeller, located in the basement of the Town Hall. This cellar location offers stellar Austrian food at good prices often with a musical accompaniment. There is no mistaking where you at the Weiner Rathauskeller and fun is pretty much a guarantee.
 www.wiener-rathaukeller.at

 
 To be honest, music and good food flows through Vienna like the famous Danube. It is very easy to lose an afternoon in one of the many cafes enjoying the sights and the sounds and of course plenty of strudel.

 
 Where to Party
 Vienna is thankfully not famed for a hedonistic party scene, so the vibe is remarkably calm and grown-up.
 Bars are to be spotted on every street corner, but a real gem worth a visit is The Sky Bar offering stunning panoramic views of the city and strawberry daiquiris to die for. Understated chic, perfect for a summer's evening.
 www.skybar.at

 
 The Vienna Casino is the biggest and arguably the best gaming establishment in the city. The bars are sophisticated and the gaming rooms on split levels. If you like a 'flutter' this is where the high rollers of Viennese society some to play so be sure to avoid the big buy-in games
 www.wien-casinos.at

  

 What to See
 I could list all of the cultural 'must-see' sights in Vienna, however that would make very dull reading indeed. A really good way to get a feel of a city and then decide for yourself what to go back and explore in more detail is by segway. City Segway Tours offers a fantastic tour of Vienna lasting around 3 hours where you can zip around with an experienced guide pointing out some of the detail that you just don't get from a guide book. I really enjoyed The Museum quarter and retrieving knowledge about the Habsburg dynasty that I thought was long forgotten from School days. Seeing Klimt's Kiss and visiting the Spanish Riding school were also high on my agenda and didn't disappoint.
 www.segway-vienna.at

 
 Something a little bit different
 At this time of the year, once the clocks go back and the evenings draw in a remarkable phenomenon takes over in my family; Strictly Fever. One of the best activities that you can learn in Vienna is how to dance the waltz. The award winning Elmayer Dance School is located in central Vienna and Elmayer himself is the equivalent of Len Goodman on Austrian 'Strictly Come Dancing'. A charming man and great teacher with tremendous amounts of patience which is just what I needed. By the end of the hour long lesson I felt I had the basics but was still a few points off a 'Seven!'
 www.elmayer.at

 
 On a Saturday evening there's only one place to be (especially if you've spent the afternoon learning to Waltz) and that's at the ball. Each week there are events held at various grand locations and it is just simply part of Viennese society to attend. The balls are expertly ran and a true black-tie occasion, unlike so many events I attend, the dance floor is empty until the final couple of hours when the affects of the alcohol are in full swing. In Vienna it's the opposite; find and maintain your spot on the dance floor and once you hear the first few opening bars of Struass be sure to stand firm. Joking aside, dancing The Waltz of The Blue Danube in Vienna is a real life fairy tale experience not to be missed.

 
 Getting There
 BMI have recently launched a new route to Vienna and I can't fault them. Their business class equals any competitors, the lounge is superb and their service exceptional.
 www.flybmi.com