As locals, we think it's best to spend your whole life in Vienna. If moving is out of the question and your time budget only allows for two days, you don't have to miss out on the beauty of the city. We'll show you what you can discover on a short trip to Vienna, from imperial splendor to culinary highlights. In contrast to more expansive cities like Berlin, you can quickly get from one end of the city to the other in Vienna and can experience so much in just one weekend. We recommend the Vienna Welcome Card, which you can get not only for one day or as a weekly pass, but also for exactly 48 hours.

Day 1: Historic Vienna and cultural highlights

Morning: St. Stephen's Cathedral and Vienna city center 

The best way to start your city trip in Vienna is with a visit to the imposing St. Stephen's Cathedral, right in the heart of the city center. The Gothic building with its ornate decorations and mosaic-like roof tiles is one of Vienna's most famous landmarks for good reason. If you're feeling sporty, you can climb the 343 steps of the south tower and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city from the top. A visit to the deep catacombs is also worthwhile.  

After visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral, take a leisurely stroll through Kärntner Straße and Graben. These elegant streets are lined with well-known designer stores, historic cafés and historical buildings. If you want to make a nice stopover, we recommend a visit to the legendary Zum Schwarzen Kameel, where Viennese politics and high society like to meet for a mélange. 

On the way, you should also stop at the Plague Column on the Graben, an ornate Baroque monument that commemorates the plague epidemic of the 17th century. Want to know more about Vienna's buildings? Then you can optionally start your day with a sightseeing tour - with the Vienna Welcome Card you get a 20 percent discount. 

Lunch: Traditional Viennese cuisine 

While your head is filling with new impressions, is your stomach empty? You can take a lunch break in one of the authentic Viennese restaurants such as Plachutta or Figlmüller. They serve classics such as Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz, and if you're lucky you might even catch a waiter with classic Viennese charm (which means: humorously grumpy). If you prefer experimental cuisine, you should stop by the Spelunke.

Afternoon: Hofburg Palace and MuseumsQuartier 

On a short trip to Vienna, a detour to the Hofburg, the former residence of the Habsburgs, is a must. If you want to know some exciting background facts, the House of Habsburg tour, which tells the story of the rise and fall of one of the most powerful European ruling families of the last millennium, is well worth a visit. Or are you more interested in the life of the iconic Empress Sisi? Then the adjacent Sisi Museum is sure to suit your taste. Incidentally, the Vienna Welcome Card gives you a discount for both options.

Then it's off to the MuseumsQuartier: the spacious, open square is dotted with all kinds of seating options, such as the popular “Enzis”, where you can make yourself comfortable. In summer in particular, you'll find lots of students here, and there are plenty of places to satisfy your hunger and thirst. And of course there is no shortage of art and culture: we particularly recommend the Leopold Museum, where you can marvel at works by Klimt, Schiele, Kokoschka and many other representatives of modernism. 

Evening: Viennese dinner and culture

Heurigen are to Vienna as tapas bars are to Spain: For the first evening of your city break in Vienna, we recommend a visit to one of Vienna's Heurigen. As some of them are located just outside the city, you might want to treat yourself to a cab - with the benefits of the Vienna Welcome Card, you'll also save money. If you prefer to stay in the city center, you can have a snack at the elegant Café Landtmann. 

If you want to end your day in Vienna with a particularly classy highlight, then a visit to a performance at the Vienna State Opera should definitely be on your agenda. The performances at the Volksoper are a little more down-to-earth, but no less worth seeing. Prefer something a little more relaxed? Then we recommend the Theater in der Josefstadt.

Day 2: Imperial charm meets modern ease

Morning: Schönbrunn Palace

Even beautiful Vienna is no fun when you're hungry, so start the second day with a hearty breakfast: for real old Viennese flair, we recommend the Café Museum, Café Korb or Café Hawelka.

Then it's off to Schönbrunn Palace - which is anything but an insider tip, but simply a must-see during a short stay in Vienna. Take part in a guided tour to explore the magnificent rooms. Afterwards, you can visit the Orangery, the Maze, the Desert House, the Crown Prince Garden, the Gloriette or the Tiergarten - the latter is of course particularly recommended if you are traveling with children. You will never be bored in Schönbrunn. 

Lunch: Viennese market flair

At Schönbrunn, you can jump straight onto the U4 subway line and travel to Kettenbrückengasse. Get off there and throw yourself into the hustle and bustle of the Viennese Naschmarkt: in addition to market stalls with smells and tastes from all over the world, you will also find many small eateries for a cozy lunch. Our favorite places are NENI, Deli and Tewa, all three of which serve the best oriental cuisine.

Afternoon: Giant Ferris Wheel and Prater Hauptallee

The morning with Schönbrunn Palace is as classy as the afternoon is fun: how about a visit to the Vienna Prater? In addition to the iconic Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, you will find countless other rides for every desired level of adrenaline. Admission is free, you only pay for the individual attractions. So it's worth a visit even if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground. Just treat yourself to a langoustine and stroll through the colorful hustle and bustle. 

Things are much quieter on the directly adjacent Prater Hauptallee. You can stroll along the four-kilometre-long straight road past venerable chestnut trees to the Lusthaus (or turn around earlier). 

Evening: finish with a view over Vienna

You should round off your successful weekend in Vienna with a delicious cold drink - preferably with a view of the whole city. The Dachboden, the stylish bar at the 25hours Hotel, is not only a meeting place for guests from the city, but is also a popular spot for locals to enjoy a drink with a spectacular view. Fine snacks and exquisite cocktail creations are also available at KLYO directly on the Danube Canal: Although the view here is not quite as high, it is particularly romantic in the evening with a view of the reflecting water surface. 

To get from one end of the city to the other quickly during your two days in Vienna, you should check out the mobility benefits of the Vienna Welcome Card. And in this article, we show you the classic tourist attractions - and what you can do instead when you visit Vienna.