Linz, Austria

LINZ is Austria's third city and its most overtly industrial, a down-to-earth working town far removed from the usual tourist image of Austria; approaching from the east it's impossible to ignore the chemical plants, steelworks and dockyards . In contrast, the approach from the west along the Danube is idyllic, while the attractive Altstadt is the focus for a lively nightlife scene. Stuck with the PR nightmare of being "Hitler's home town", Linz nowadays projects a more progressive image, with a remarkable museum, Ars Electronica, dedicated to the "virtual" arts, that alone justifies a visit. This, a sprinkling of tourist sights and the buzz accompanying Linz's selection as European City of Culture 2009 ensure there's plenty to keep you amused for a few days.