Next up, Vienna! If you read yesterday’s post, you know I was already head over heels in love with Austria, and Vienna only cemented that for me. The city is an artistic, coffee and wine lover’s dream! The Viennese charm is real, and I am fully drinking the kool aid. Whereas in Innsbruck we only had a day to experience the city, we actually got a little bit more time in Vienna…but not much! Our two and a half day excursion expanded just a bit beyond this list, but I’ve picked my favorites that are all definitely doable in a 24 hour span:

• We did Rick Steves’ walking tour on our first day in Vienna and it was fantastic. It gives a great overview of the city and lets you meander through some of its most-walked streets. The tour along with stopping to gawk, take photos, and explore a bit more, took our group of three a little under three hours. (Also a hit: the Ringstrasse Tram Tour, which you could do in just under half an hour if you don’t stop… but you’ll want to stop and look around!)
• A must-see in Vienna, the classic St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture with a breathtaking multicolored tile roof. There are 30-minute guided tours of the cathedral and catacombs available, as well as four daily mass services (only two on Saturdays). We opted not to attend any of the formal events, but just wandering through the magnificent structure (and all around it, while listening to Rick Steves) still imparts its grandeur.
• Discovered by way of Rick Steves, Buffet Trzesniewski is a phenomenal spot to stop for finger sandwiches and pfiffs (tiny, adorable beers!). I’d recommend planning your walking tour first thing in the morning, and you’ll for sure need a mid-morning snack and the many, many, MANY! sandwich varieties are a perfect choice for any palate.
• Another not-to-be-missed attraction in Vienna is Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens. While you could easily spend a day or two dedicated to exploring every nook and cranny of the grounds, I really enjoyed our afternoon visit which was right around 3 hours. It was enough time to do the Grand Tour (Pro Tip: Get the Sisi Ticket — purchasable on your phone or online ahead of time — and you can skip all the lines, plus gain access to The Imperial Furniture Collection and The Vienna Hofburg which houses the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum. A great value if you are staying in the city for another day or two!), explore the gardens for a bit, and grab a beer after walking up to the Gloriette.

Have a favorite Viennese attraction, historic site, or snack? Visiting the city of music in the near future and already starting your “must see” list?? Let us know in the comments!