The Innere Stadt is not the only place in Vienna where attractions meet you at every corner. If you venture outside Ringstrasse, there are so many attractions worth seeing you'll be spoilt for choice. Don't miss the following:
1. Schloss Schonbrunn, reached from Landstrasse Wien Mitte by U-bahn U4 (8th stop) or Tram 10, is a huge palace which was formerly used as a summer retreat by Emperor Franz Josef. There are many attractions inside, the highlight being the Great Gallery which overlooks the garden. In addition to this, don't fail to inspect the Emperor's bedroom and the majestic banquet room, both decorated with fine gilded furniture and beautiful portraits. You can opt for one of two tours: one covers the whole palace, the other goes through a shorter route. In each case, together with the entrance ticket, you'll be handed a personal audio guide in English. Some distance away from the palace, the Gloriette monument, the Zoo and the Palm House charge separate entrance tickets but roaming about in the palace gardens is free. Here you can easily spend a whole day walking along the garden paths from one attraction to the other.
2. The Prater fun park, reached from Stephansplatz by U-bahn U1 (3rd stop), Tram 5 or Tram 21, is a large place aimed primarily for the young. Entrance to the park and the adjoining sports complex is free. A ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel from whose rotating cabins the view of Vienna and its surroundings is excellent is a must for any visitor, young or not so young. However, some breathtaking rides are recommended only for those who are fully fit.
3. On a Saturday morning, visit the flea market behind the Naschmarkt at Linke Wienzeile 6, within walking distance of Karlsplatz metro station. More than anything else, it is a top venue for buying items to add to your collections. Obviously it attracts numerous collectors of old postcards, badges, medals, stamps, coins, hand tools and army memorabilia. If you intend buying, remember that bargaining is essential because prices aren't cheap. Check as best you can if the things you intend buying are truly authentic and in good working order.
4. Schloss Belvedere, also within walking distance of Karlsplatz, is a large Baroque palace which houses the Austrian Gallery. It has two sections: Untere Belvedere, entrance from Rennweg 6A and Obere Belvedere, entrance from Prinz Eugen strasse 27. Both sections are worth seeing but if your time is limited, stick to Obere Belvedere. Here the highlights are the rooms which contain collections of works produced by Austrian artists of the 19th century.
5. Stroll along Dr Karl Lueger Ring and see the wonderful, elaborate architecture of the neo-Gothic Rathaus. Don't miss admiring the red geraniums which adorn the windows and balconies. On the other side of the ring opposite the Rathaus, the Baroque National Theatre built in the 19th-century is also worth a look. Continue along Dr K. Renner Ring where the huge Athena statue directs visitors towards the entrance to the Austrian Parliament, another imposing edifice, which is topped by the national flag of Austria.