Begin your day wandering the cobbled lanes of the Innere Stadt with a morning Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)-climb the south tower for sweeping views-then stroll along the Graben to admire the baroque Pestsäule (Plague Column). Pause at the legendary Café Central for a rich melange and a slice of sachertorte while watching Viennese life unfurl; afterwards, explore the nearby Hofburg Imperial Palace exterior and the elegant Michaelerplatz for introduction to the imperial history you'll dive deeper into this afternoon.
After a relaxed museum-style lunch, cross into the grand arcades of the Kunsthistorisches Museum to admire its Old Masters and imperial collections, then step next door to the flamboyant Naturhistorisches Museum for a brisk contrast of natural wonders. Wander south to the leafy Burggarten to see the Mozart statue, sip a coffee at the genteel Palmenhaus Café, and finish with an atmospheric visit to the ornate Albertina (home to modern graphic works and prints) to set up your evening concert plans.
As dusk falls, enjoy an elegant dinner at Figlmüller or a cosy supper at the traditional Plachutta Wollzeile, sampling classic Wiener schnitzel or tafelspitz, then stroll toward the ring for a post-meal walk past the illuminated facades. Cap the night with an intimate concert at Musikverein or Wiener Konzerthaus (book ahead) for a taste of Vienna's legendary music scene, or linger over a nightcap at the atmospheric Loos American Bar to reflect on the day's imperial sights.
Start with a tranquil morning in the grand gardens of Schönbrunn Palace-wander the manicured avenues to the Gloriette for panoramic city views, then explore the ornate rooms of the palace on a timed Grand Tour to avoid lines. After the palace, head to the nearby Tiergarten Schönbrunn (one of the world's oldest zoos) for a charming stroll among historic enclosures and seasonal animal talks before pausing at the park cafe for a Viennese breakfast.
Cross the Ring to the Belvedere Palace complex and wander the snow-dusted baroque gardens before diving into the Upper Belvedere to see Gustav Klimt's iconic The Kiss and the museum's sweeping Austrian art collection. Afterward, stroll toward the nearby Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna for a peaceful winter walk among greenhouses and seasonal displays, then warm up with a late-afternoon coffee and pastries at the charming Café im Park (or a nearby Konditorei) while planning your evening concert or dinner in the city center.
As daylight fades, cross back toward the Ring and enjoy an atmospheric dinner at Steirereck im Stadtpark for modern Austrian cuisine with elegant plating, followed by a relaxed post-dinner stroll through Stadtpark to see the golden Johann Strauss memorial under evening lights. Finish the night with cocktails and live jazz at the intimate Porgy & Bess (reserve ahead) or a digestif at the historic Café Sacher Wien to savour sachertorte and reflect on the day's palace and art discoveries.
Begin with a leisurely exploration of the bohemian side of Vienna at Naschmarkt-sample fresh pastries from a Konditorei, taste local cheeses at a specialty stall, and sip a strong coffee while people-watching. From there, wander into the nearby MuseumsQuartier to visit the contemporary exhibits at MUMOK and the lively courtyard cafés, then pause at Leopold Museum's cafe for a warming snack before your afternoon gallery-hopping and concert plans continue the city's cultural thread from the previous days.
Spend a creative afternoon exploring the quieter galleries and design shops around the MuseumsQuartier: start with contemporary Austrian design at MAK - Museum of Applied Arts and then browse cutting-edge exhibitions and vinyl stalls at MQ Libelle and nearby concept stores. Pause for a late-afternoon tasting at Zum Schwarzen Kameel for open-faced sandwiches and local wines, then wander toward the Danube Canal to catch street art along the walk and relax with a riverside cocktail at Das Loft Bar & Lounge as the city transitions toward an evening of music.
As twilight deepens, wander to Heuer am Karlsplatz for a seasonal Austrian dinner in a convivial bistro setting, then head to Wiener Staatsoper Café & Bar for a stylish aperitif under views of the opera house. Cap the night with an intimate live-music set at Jazzland or a late recital at Haus der Musik (check evening listings) to stitch together the day's visual arts with Vienna's living musical tradition.