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Vienna illuminated during the opening of the Vienna cultural Festival this week. Photo: Reuters

Even before Conchita Wurst's Eurovision triumph helped burnish Austria's tolerant image, Vienna was already popular with gay tourists, attracted by the mix of high-brow culture and history - and also fun.

"You won't see bare bottoms or smutty word plays like you do for other cities. Vienna is sticking to its brand - classical and elegant," the city's tourism chief Norbert Kettner said.

"If you just want to party 24 hours a day, there are better cities. But if you are interested in quality cuisine and culture - and also partying - then you should come to Vienna."

The Rosa-Lila Villa is a meeting point of the gay community. Photo: AFP

Vienna's baroque imperial splendour, UNESCO-protected cafe culture, world-class classical music and over 100 museums have long made it a hit with tourists -- straight or gay.

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In the last decade the number of overnight stays by visitors sampling Schoenbrunn palace, Sachertorte cake or Klimt's "The Kiss" has rocketed 60 per cent to almost 13 million in 2013.

The tourist board has made a point of trying to attract gay tourists, with a special guide and a Facebook page called "Gayfriendly Vienna" - currently fronted with a photo of Conchita Wurst.

Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst. Photo: Reuters

Continued here:
Vienna: Europe's favourite gay city even before Conchita Wurst's Eurovision win