Each city has something unique to offer the world of technology. Whether it’s a vital tool or just a simple gadget, we’re impressed and have listed them below. So without further ado, here are the top five destinations for the tech tourist.

Beijing

We had to put Beijing at the top of this list for their approach to traffic jams. They’re currently experimenting with what they call the 3D Express Coach, also known as the ‘straddling bus’. It is effectively a bus on legs, whose body spans two lanes of a road but which lets cars travel beneath it. Supplementary power will come from solar panels on the roof, and it’ll be 90% cheaper to build than a comparable length of subway. Trials have yet to start, but they’re supposed to begin towards the end of 2011.

Tokyo

The government of Tokyo is extremely keen on near-field communications technology – the kind of gadgets that let you and your smartphone ‘check in’ when you arrive somewhere significant. They’ve taken it further in Tokyo though. The aim is to create a Minority Report style city where everything is referenced using NFC, accessible to locals and allowing tourists to ‘see the sites’.

Technology has already played a part in overcoming Tokyo’s navigation problems. The city has many unnamed streets, so in the eighties maps were sent by fax to prospective visitors. Tokyo was responsible (in part) for the proliferation of fax machines, and then later GPS for the same reason.

Dubai

While Dubai appears to be the epitome of sleek modernity, there have been some stumbling blocks. The internet is highly regulated and very expensive, with the average broadband package costing around $40 a month. What’s more, the government is anxious not to let companies use VPN connections to bypass their own cumbersome internet structure.

On the other hand, Dubai has built some incredible things. The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building at 828 metres, built using the world’s tallest ever concrete pumping and serviced by the world’s fastest elevators (40mph).

Vienna

Vienna University is at the forefront of 3d printing technology. While the technology isn’t new, Vienna University has produced a small, cheap one – their version weighs about 1.5kg and will probably cost around €1200 ($1,700), making it a viable addition to the manufacturing and healthcare industries.

 

London

 

A simple app called Tube Status is a must if you’re going to be in London for any length of time. The ancient and idiosyncratic London Underground (aka the Tube) is prone to failure – this app will warn you before you descend the escalators.

Claire Tucker writes on behalf of Tripbase. When she isn’t travelling, she’s usually planning her next trip.

Images: Erman Akdogan, chusico

 

Take public transport

Vienna’s public transit system is efficient and affordable and consists of rail, commuter rail, underground, trams, and buses. Single rides will only set you back about 2 euros, and passes for 1, 2, 3 and 7 days are available. You can enjoy unlimited rides across the network for just 14 euros from Monday to Sunday.

 

 

Take the free Mozart walking tour

The self-guided Mozart walking tour comes from the Vienna Tourism Board free as a downloadable PDF file. Paying homage to Vienna’s strong musical history, there are several other musician’s walks available, tracing the life and times of Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms, Gluck, Salieri, Schubert, Schönberg and more.

 

Eat at the markets

Vienna is home to 26 permanent open-air markets, the most popular of which is Naschmarkt. Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, pastries and meats, and you’ll eat well on the cheap. Other popular and inexpensive dining options are snack bars where you can find pizza, kebaps, Austrian sausages and hot dogs. Or try a biergarten for heaping platters of Viennese sausages and sauerkraut served with overflowing beer steins.

 

 

 

Sleep cheap

Though the city has no shortage of grand hotels that offer every luxury, it’s not too difficult to find more affordable hotels in Vienna as well. Hostels and small guesthouses offer a surprising value, and if you’re staying longer, an apartment rental can be a great deal. The Apartment Owner Association of Vienna has 250 properties which are independently rated with edelweiss symbols: two for economy, three for standard or four for premium, so it’s easy to know what type of quality to expect.

 

 

 

Get the Vienna Card

If you plan on going to multiple museums and getting around by public transport, invest in a Vienna Card. Good for 72 hours, the card offers 210 discounts at museums and sights, theatres and concerts, and in shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as significant discounts on public transportation, all for just 18.50 euros.

 

 

 

By Katie Hammel of BootsnAll

Download mTrip’s Vienna Travel Guide

Photos by Krister462, viZZZual.com, dottorpeni, furibond

Website: Schoenbrunn Palace
Address: Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse 47 | 1130 Vienna | Austria

Opening Hours:
April 1st to June 30th
 – 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
July 1st to August 31st – 8.30 am to 6.00 pm
September 1st to October 31st – 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
November to March 31st – 


8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Ticket sale starting at 8.15 am
. Entrance to exhibit area at 8.30 am

As such a culturally rich city, each street, building and neighborhood in Vienna tells a unique story. There is so many monuments, museums and attractions to set your eyes on. Get the most out of your stay while visiting Vienna.

A few more suggestions for your trip include:

Download mTrip’s Vienna Travel Guide