A spa resort since the Roman Empire, Baden ('baths') has to this day preserved its reputation as Vienna's weekend retreat. Originally open only to the Viennese aristocracy, it now offers much needed relaxation to every hard-working soul. The traditional thermal baths (Römertherme) and open-air thermal baths (Thermalstrandbad) are great for spending a relaxing afternoon. After dark, check out the legendary casino, but be sure to wear formal attire in order to be admitted. Spend your winnings at the restaurants or cafés on Hauptplatz square and surrounding streets.
Getting there: Frequent suburban trains run from Vienna's Meidling station in the direction of Payerbach-Reichenau or Wiener Neustadt, taking 20-30 minutes. Postbus 360 to Baden Casino (40 minutes) leaves from the Opera House; and trams (€5.40) from there depart to Baden Josefsplatz every hour, taking one hour.