How to Spend 2 Days in Vienna

The elegant coffeehouses, live classical concerts, and picturesque architecture of Australia’s capital city draw visitors from far and wide. Plan ahead to see the many sides of Vienna, from its elaborate palaces to its bustling markets. Here are a few ways to spend two days in Vienna. 

Day 1: Highlights of History and Architecture

**Morning:**Discover the history and architecture of Vienna with an introductory tour. For a more personal experience, book a private tour that might include the impressive City Hall or a take a combination tour with skip-the-line tickets to Schönbrunn Palace and a city walking tour.

**Afternoon:**Maximize time in Vienna with a ride on the hop-on hop-off bus, which moves you through the city quickly. Visitors with children may want to visit Vienna’s Schonbrunn Zoo (home to more than 4,000 animals including giant pandas) and climb aboard Wiener Riesenrad, the city’s giant Ferris wheel. 

**Night:**Dinner in Vienna often comes with a classical music concert. Some evening music tours include dinner at historic spots, followed by a concert of Mozart’s music at concert halls such as the Musikverein. Alternatively, see Vienna illuminated at night during an evening boat tour along the Danube River. 

Day 2: Contemporary Culture and Classical Music

**Morning:**Get to know contemporary culture in Vienna with a food-themed walking tour. Bring your appetite and set out out to eat and drink your way through the city with stops at its coffeehouses, bakeries, and markets. Tastings of coffee, chocolate, and cheese are common on food-focused city strolls. 

**Afternoon:**Burn some calories from your morning market romp with a city bike tour. Learn about Vienna’s history from your guide during a cycle past top landmarks that might include the Vienna State Opera, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. 

**Night:**Evenings in Vienna are for music. Get dressed up and attend a classical music concert such as the Vivaldi Four Seasons Concert at St. Charles Church or Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert at St. Anne’s Church. At the Kursalon Vienna Concert Hall, a performance of Mozart and Strauss also includes accompanying ballet dancers.