Vienna in 2-3 days
Day 1
Take the metro out to Schloss Schönbrunn, the huge summer palace of the Hapsburg monarchs. Head back into central Vienna and check out Stephansdom (St Stephen’s Cathedral) at the very heart of the city, take a tour around the Ringstrasse on the tram for a tour of the city’s stunning buildings (the whole loop only takes 30 minutes), then have a leisurely a coffee at one of the many great coffee houses. In the evening take in a performance of ballet or classical music at the State Opera or People’s Opera.
Day 2
Start at the Belvedere, another impressive former palace that’s home to a great art gallery specialising in Gustav Klimt. Checking out Klimt’s remarkable The Kiss and Judith is highly recommended. Take a short tram ride to the Hofburg (the old imperial palace). Stop for a coffee. After this, take your pick of one of the great museums or galleris and wander around at your leisure. After all this, head to a wine bar for an authentic taste of Austrian eating and drinking.
Day 3
Head out to the Wiener Riesenrad (Vienna giant wheel) – the ferris wheel affords great views across the city. The redeveloped Museumsquartier is worth a wander – take your pick of several renowned museums or galleries, The Haus der Musik has interactive sonic experiments you can try for yourself – over the road is the 1516 and it’s great home-brewed beers.
