Austria prides itself on its offering of free events and attractions. Many of the museums have free admission on certain days. The parks are free, the special events numerous.

Central Cemetery
It may sound strange to visit a cemetery while on vacation but this is Europe’s largest (with over 2.5 million graves) and the final resting place of many of the classical music masters. Ludwig Van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (commemorative grave), Johann (Sr. and Jr.) and Josef Strauss are a few names. Admission is free

Clock Museum, Beethoven Pasqualatihaus, Prater Museum

These are some of the many museums and places of interest having free days (usually Sunday).

The Clock Museum (Uhrenmuseum) hosts some of the most beautiful clocks in the world.

The Beethoven Pasqualatihaus is where Ludwig Van Beethoven lived and worked for many years. It includes some of his personal items.

Looking for the weird and the wonderful? Then stop in at the Prater Museum. There is a fortune-telling machine, the famous ventriloquist doll named Max, a dragon from a grotto ride and items from the freak and sensation shows of the past.

Christmas Markets

Vienna holds many festivals and special events throughout the year from free performances of classical music during the summer to spectacular New Year’s celebrations.

However, the ideal time for travelers to be in Vienna would be December. From the end of November until Christmas Day, Christmas markets are held throughout the city. City Hall hosts the classic market with lights and artwork decorating the trees. Stalls are set up with handicrafts and food. What to sample? The mulled cider or wine and the gingerbread.

Admission is free. The Christmas Markets are very busy (be wary of pickpockets) and are a great way to mix with locals.

The Spanish Riding School

One of the main reasons we went to Vienna was to visit the Spanish Riding School, home of the famous white Lipizzan stallions, the ballerinas of the horse world. The evening performance is quite expensive (but worth it for horse lovers) and can sell out. However, if travelers merely want to sneak a peek as the horses run through their paces, the morning exercise is less costly.

Vienna, with its free days at museums, beautiful parks, and many, many festivals, offers so much for the frugal traveler that it is almost overwhelming.

For more frugal travel tips on Vienna or other cities, visit http://www.freephotooftheday.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimber_Chin
Did you hear the story of a man who went through the cemetery in Vienna at night and heard strange sounds emanating from a crypt? The next day he spoke to a worker at the cemetery and told him about the incident. The worker then told him that the sounds were the sounds of Strauss de-composing.

You can have your own tall stories to tell when you join Club Freedom.

Posted on September 30th, 2007 by John
Filed under: Holiday stories, Vacation Tips