Vienna is a rich Central European cultural and historical hub that flaunts its artistic genius with an enviable panache. Here are some helpful tips on the best places to see and things to do in this charming Austrian Capital.

1. A Trip Down Vienna’s Artistic Memory Lane

For sampling the city’s celebrated tryst with Fine Arts, visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum. It's a destination that houses a mind boggling collection of the most splendid and rare pieces of art. Art purists from all over the globe come to watch the world class collection that includes works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Brueghel, Bosch and many more celebrated artists. The museum is broken up into several sections  and also houses masterpieces on ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian art. Watch the awesome medals and coin collection and some uncommon curios clocks. Visitors need more than a day to discover the true artistic beauty of this destination. It's open daily except Mondays from 10am to 6pm and on Thursday 10am to 9pm.

2. Haus des Meeres Aquarium Zoo

Check out Vienna’s lovely rainforest zoo with shark aquariums, venomous snake housing reptile shelters and a host of other wild animals preserved in their most natural habitat. There are glasshouses and a strategically built platform on the top of the attraction to give a stunning view of Vienna.

3. The Naschmarkt

This one’s a local gem located at the U4 subway station “Kettenbrueckengasse”. The largest market in the city, Naschmarkt is a superb medley of costumes, spices, antiques and oriental artifacts along with a bevy of open-air restaurants serving full-bodied Greek and Turkish preparations. Visitors note that it is illegal to exports antiques from Austria even though they have been purchased legally and you have a receipt to prove the same. The Secession area of the market is a tad more overpriced than other quarters so avoid picking up stuff from there. Tobaaco pipes and couture gowns are the prized catches in this bristling flea market.

4. Schloss Schönbrunn

The Schloss Schönbrunn has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the epitome of Vienna’s monarchial heritage. The Palace Park is filled with attractions and guided tours are available to take visitors through the forty sprawling rooms of the grand structure. Watch the 18 th century stately grandeur in the most elegant ambiance. A must visit.

5. Lainzer Tiergarten

This is a lesser known haunt that is a breathtakingly beautiful natural reserve located on Vienna’s border. It was the hunting ground of erstwhile monarchs and now houses charming palatial structures and a few animals within its rich ecological confines. The park is open daily from 8am till dusk and is closed from mid November to mid February.

Vienna is a versatile tourist destination that brilliantly amalgamates art, culture, nature and a rich monarchial heritage to contour into a splendid tourist haven.