EDGE's Places to Go in 2017: Vienna

This feature is part of EDGE's third annual Seven Gay Wonders of the World. This year's edition is "luxury" so be sure to check out our other decadent picks for the year!

Austria's capital has long been an epicenter of gay opulence, dating back to Prince Eugene of Savoy, who commissioned both Belvedere Palace and the Winter Palace as playgrounds for his same-sex trysts. Civil partnerships were introduced in 2010, while those visiting will discover countless caf�s, coffeehouses and culture catering to the LGBT community.

Isn't It Grand?
"Everything that is built can be built beautifully," boasts hotelier Florian Weitzer of his latest endeavor: the Grand Ferdinand.

The 1950s landmark building (ideally located on Vienna's famous Ringstrasse) features Lobmeyr chandeliers, rooftop pool, and superb cuisine at its namesake restaurant where you can indulge in Wiener Schnitzel and magnums of Dom P�rignon. And when you're ready to see the sights, you can rent a Maserati Quattroporte directly from the hotel.

Balls to the Wall
Take a break from the circuit party scene and up your game during Vienna's ball season, with a range of events from formal to wildly creative.

Highlights include the traditional Rainbow Ball (January 16); the Rose Ball, where a strict dress code gives way to house and techno music (February 4); and The Life Ball (June 10), the world's largest AIDS charity event.

Savory and Sweet
After a day of exploring, which may include iconic design shops such as Augarten Wien, Lichterloh and MAK Design Shop, discover culinary gems both contemporary and classic. Chef Oliver Lucas's Grace serves a curated menu with contemporary Austrian twists such as pumpkin with sesame, sauerkraut and salted lemon.

But no visit to Vienna is complete with out a decadent slice of the Original Sacher-Torte (considered "the most famous cake in the world") --chocolate cake layered with apricot jam and chocolate icing, served in the caf� of the legendary Hotel Sacher.