MacQueen

• Transit - http://www.wienerlinien.at
• Buy a 2 day pass
• Stamp ticket once
• Red Bus City Tours start one block behind the Opera at the main TI
  • (€14 ticket from driver
  • departs hourly April-Oct 10:00-18:00
• Vienna City Walk

Two full days in Vienna let you cover the imperial highlights, classic coffeehouse culture, and some of the city’s best art without feeling completely rushed.
Day 1: Historic Center & Imperial Vienna

Morning

    Start at St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)
    Admire the Gothic exterior and colorful roof. Climb the South Tower (343 steps) for panoramic views if you’re up for it.
    Walk through the elegant shopping streets Graben and Kohlmarkt.

Midday

    Explore the Hofburg Palace complex (former winter residence of the Habsburgs).
    Highlights: Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and/or the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer).
    Optional: Spanish Riding School morning training (book ahead).

Afternoon

    Stroll parts of the Ringstrasse (Opera, Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater).
    Visit one major museum if time and energy allow:
        Kunsthistorisches Museum (world-class art collection), or
        Albertina (impressive graphic arts and modern exhibitions).

Evening

    Classic Viennese coffeehouse experience (Café Central, Café Sacher, or Café Hawelka).
    Dinner with Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz.
    Optional: Evening concert or opera performance.

Day 2: Schönbrunn & More Palaces

Morning

    Schönbrunn Palace (summer residence of the Habsburgs)
    Book a timed-entry ticket in advance.
    Do the Imperial Tour or Grand Tour of the interiors, then explore the vast gardens.
    Climb up to the Gloriette for the best view over the palace and city.

Afternoon

    Head to the Belvedere Palace (Upper Belvedere).
    See Gustav Klimt’s famous The Kiss and other Austrian art masterpieces.
    The gardens are also beautiful.

Late Afternoon / Evening

    Wander through the Naschmarkt (food market) for snacks, international food, or an early dinner.
    Optional alternatives:
        Prater park + Giant Ferris Wheel for a classic Viennese experience
        MuseumsQuartier for a more modern vibe

Practical Tips

    Transport: Get a 24- or 48-hour Vienna public transport ticket (Wiener Linien). The U-Bahn (especially U4 to Schönbrunn) is excellent.
    Tickets to book ahead: Schönbrunn Palace (timed entry is essential) and any concert/opera tickets.
    Coffee culture: Don’t rush the coffeehouses — order a Melange and take your time.
    Walking: Day 1 is very walkable in the center. Day 2 requires the metro for Schönbrunn.
    Food classics: Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte, and a proper Melange.