If you stayed in Dubai for the festive season and are now in dire need of a grab-a-scarf-and-a-pair-of-boots getaway to colder climates beyond Ski Dubai, Vienna is the ultimate cultural destination for desert-weary dwellers.

Founded in the first century by the Romans, the stunning cityscape pulls in millions of visitors a year, hungry for glimpses of its 24,000-year-old artifacts and UNESCO heritage sites. Here, even the clubbing is refined, with city folk preferring the ‘Sitz-Clubbing’ (sitting down, having a drink and listening to the music) to the all-out partying to be found at the likes of Flex, Roxy and the Latin-flavoured Club Havana.

However, at the end of the day, the architecture and history is the star here, with the enchanting Schonbrunn Palace – built as a rival to the majesty of Versailles – the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) and Mozart House all within swooping distance for culture vultures.

Also famous for its coffee culture, make like a native and eschew the coffee chains for your own slice of Kaffeehauskultur accompanied by a slab of the legendary Sachertorte in one of the many local coffee shops.

While you're there...

Hit the Vienna opera ball
This is Euro-glam at its most decadent. Mingle with heads of state, VIPs and celebs at the annual ball – held on February 19 this year – at the State Opera House. Begun in 1877 by the Emperor Franz Joseph, make sure you pack your finest to adhere to the legendarily strict dress code – floor-length is de rigueur for ladies.

Enjoy the classics
This year marks the 200th anniversary of composer Joseph Hadyn’s death and the city is set for a year-long celebration of his works, with over 100 events planned. Head for events at the Baroque Basilica Maria Treu, which will be complementing their concerts with dishes from Haydn’s era – and a Hat And Wine Spectacle!

Have a good wine
Austrian wine will be a revelation for grape-lovers, because it’s rarely exported and therefore still thrillingly new. Visit Gumpoldskirchen – a wine-growing village half an hour from Vienna.