Going to EURO 2008 in Austria and Switzerland?

I certaitly am. So if you are looking for places to visit during your stay there, I will give you, every week, tips on nice places to visit, good food, and so on on both Switzerland and Austria.

Today’s choice: Schonbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace

Schonbrunn Palace
The palace has been in the possession of the Habsburg rulers since Maximilian II, and at the end of monarchy to the ownership of the Republic of Austria. Empress Maria Theresa did major rennovations and used to take the whole family (11 daughters and 5 sons) there during the summer, including little Marie Antoinnete, who would later become Queen of France. The palace was considered the summer residence of the Empress and her family.

Do not forget to visit the gardens!

Hofburg Palace
This palace is located in Vienna and has housed the entire Habsgurg generation, especially during the winter season. Now, it is the residence of the President of Austria.

You will get to see the imperial apartments, with state rooms used by Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth, which evoke courtly tradition and imperial lifestyle in the 19th century.

You can also visit the Sisi (Elisabeth of Bavaria) museum. In six rooms you can explore the life and complex personality of the famous empress in an exhibition free from the usual clichés associated with Sisi.