4 Best Sights in Baden, Vienna Woods, Lake Neusiedler, and the Danube River

A former 19th-century bathhouse—one which Emperor Franz Josef frequented on his visits to Baden—was converted in 2009 to a museum highlighting Austria's internationally renowned abstract artist Arnulf Rainer. Exhibits also include other contemporary greats, including Damien Hirst. Rainer's work has been displayed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and other noteworthy museums.

Known locally and affectionately as Beethoven's Haus der Neunten, or Ninth House, since he composed his Ninth Symphony while living at this address, the house was fully restored after workers discovered artwork within that dated back to the time Beethoven lived there. The art, which hung on the walls of Beethoven's summer apartment, has been fully restored as well.

One of the biggest draws to Baden, outside of the spa, is the vast, lovely, sloping Kurpark almost smack in the middle of town. It was created back in 1792 for Austria’s beloved Empress Maria Theresa. But as her highness only occasionally made her way to this Vienna outpost, the locals were free to enjoy it themselves, and they’ve been doing so ever since. In summer the park is in full flush: concerts are held each weekend afternoon under the hundred-year-old music pavilion, and operettas are performed at the arena (it's fitted with a glass dome, which comes out when it rains.)

Children of all ages will enjoy this enchanting museum, which has four rooms with dolls dating from the late 1700s to the 1950s, alongside other exhibits.