Walk a few minutes across Münsterbrücke to Fraumünster, ideally before the busiest midday period. The main reason to go inside is the set of vivid stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti; admission is usually around CHF 5–7, and photography rules may be limited. The visit takes about 45 minutes, leaving time to browse the lanes around Storchengasse and the riverfront before lunch.
Have lunch at Zeughauskeller, a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant in a former 15th-century armory on Bahnhofstrasse. Expect hearty Swiss cooking—sausages, rösti, veal dishes, and seasonal plates—with lunch typically costing CHF 25–40 per person before drinks. It is popular and tables can turn quickly, but reservations are helpful in August; ask for a table in the historic main hall if available. From Fraumünster, it is an easy 5–7 minute walk.
After lunch, wander uphill through the Lindenhof quarter to Lindenhof, a peaceful, tree-shaded overlook above the Limmat. It is a good place to slow down after the morning’s churches and enjoy views toward Grossmünster and the old rooftops; allow about 45 minutes. Continue downhill toward the river, then follow the promenade from Bürkliplatz toward Bellevue for an unhurried early-evening walk beside Lake Zurich. Allow roughly 1½ hours, pausing at the water or one of the lakeside kiosks for a drink. This stretch is especially pleasant near sunset, and Bellevue has frequent trams back to Zürich HB and most central hotels.
Take an early S12 or S9 from Zürich HB toward Neuhausen Rheinfall; the journey takes roughly 50–60 minutes, and arriving around 09:00 keeps you ahead of the larger tour groups. From the station, follow signs downhill to Rhine Falls at Neuhausen am Rheinfall. Allow about two hours for the viewing platforms and, weather and water conditions permitting, the short boat ride close to the falls. The platforms cost roughly CHF 5–10 depending on the access area, while boat trips are typically around CHF 10–25. Wear shoes with a good grip—the spray makes the paths slippery—and keep a light rain layer handy even on a sunny day.
Continue by train or bus to Schaffhausen, then walk uphill through the center to Munot, the city’s circular 16th-century fortress. The climb takes about 10–15 minutes from the old town; entry is generally free, though the tower and steps can be warm in August. Afterward, wander through Schaffhausen Old Town, especially around Vorstadt, Vordergasse, and Fronwagplatz, looking for the elaborately painted façades and projecting oriel windows. For lunch, settle at Restaurant Güterhof on the waterfront, a handsome restored trading house beside the Rhine. Expect about CHF 30–50 per person; ask for a riverside table if available, and allow a relaxed hour rather than rushing through the meal.
Return to Zürich HB by train—usually around 40–50 minutes from Schaffhausen—and spend the afternoon at the Swiss National Museum, directly beside the station. Its exhibitions explain Swiss history, design, everyday life, and regional traditions, making it a good indoor counterpoint to the morning outdoors. Plan around two hours; admission is commonly about CHF 10–15, with reduced prices or free entry for some visitors, and opening hours are typically from late morning until early evening, though check the museum’s official website for the current August schedule. Afterward, keep the evening easy: the area around Zürich HB and Niederdorf is convenient for dinner, but avoid adding another major sightseeing stop after what is already a full day.
After arriving at Bern station, walk about 10 minutes through the old town to Zytglogge, Bern’s landmark medieval clock tower. Arrive shortly before the hourly performance—usually just before the hour—to see its moving figures and astronomical dial. The exterior is free; guided interior tours generally last around 45 minutes and cost roughly CHF 20–25, with times varying by season. From here, continue along Kramgasse for a few minutes to the Einstein House, where Albert Einstein lived while developing his theory of relativity. Allow about an hour; it is typically open from late morning into the afternoon, with admission around CHF 6–8. The apartment is small, so it is best treated as a focused visit rather than a long museum stop.
Walk uphill through the arcades to Berner Münster on Münsterplatz. The church itself is free to enter, while the tower climb costs roughly CHF 5–7; allow an hour, including the steep staircase and the superb view over the rooftops and the Aare valley. For lunch, settle into Restaurant Kornhauskeller, a short walk away on Kornhausplatz. Its grand vaulted interior is one of Bern’s memorable dining settings, and Swiss and European main courses usually run about CHF 35–60 per person. Reserve ahead if possible, particularly on a summer Friday. After lunch, leave the central streets via Nydegg and cross toward Altenberg; a gentle 15–20-minute walk brings you to Rosengarten. Spend the late afternoon among the roses and benches, looking back across the old town and the looping Aare—one of Bern’s best unhurried viewpoints.
Start at Château de Chillon in Veytaux, arriving around 09:30 if possible, before the lakefront coaches arrive. This is one of Switzerland’s most atmospheric castles: allow about two hours for the underground vaults, ramparts, chapel, and rooms overlooking Lake Geneva. In August it is generally open daily from around 09:00, with admission roughly CHF 13–15; check the official calendar for the exact 2026 hours. From Montreux, it is an easy 10-minute ride on the local train to Veytaux-Chillon, followed by a short lakeside walk. If you are driving, use the castle’s visitor parking rather than trying to leave the car in central Montreux.
From the castle, continue toward Montreux along the waterfront—about 45 minutes on foot, or take the train if you would rather save your legs. The Montreux lakeside promenade is at its prettiest between Veytaux and the center, with palms, sculptures, flowerbeds, and views across to the French shore. Near the center, visit the Queen Studio Experience inside Casino Barrière Montreux, housed in the former Mountain Studios where Queen recorded. Allow about an hour; it is usually open late morning through the evening, with admission commonly around CHF 10–12. It is a compact, engaging stop rather than a full museum, so it fits neatly before lunch.
Have a relaxed meal at Café Bellagio in central Montreux, budgeting approximately CHF 20–40 per person. It is a useful pause after the castle and promenade, though seating and service can be leisurely in summer—reserve or arrive slightly before the main lunch rush. Afterwards, collect your car and drive east along the lake before turning into the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO-listed landscape between Cully and Rivaz. Allow roughly 30–40 minutes to reach the vineyards, depending on traffic, then spend about two hours on a short section of the vineyard paths rather than attempting the entire terrace network. The viewpoints around Saint-Saphorin and Rivaz are particularly rewarding; wear proper shoes, carry water, and avoid walking in the hottest mid-afternoon sun. If you are not driving, use the train to Cully or Rivaz and follow the marked vineyard trails, but a car makes this stop much easier.
Start at the Olympic Museum in Ouchy, ideally around 09:30. From Lausanne station, take the M2 metro downhill to Ouchy–Olympique; the museum is a short, clearly signposted walk from there. Allow about two hours for the galleries, flame displays, films, and interactive exhibits—there is enough here to appeal even if you are not a serious sports fan. It is generally open from 09:00 to 18:00, though check the official schedule before setting out; admission is roughly CHF 20–25 for adults. Afterwards, spend an unhurried hour along the Ouchy waterfront, following the promenade past the harbor and parks for broad views across Lake Geneva toward the Alps. The path is flat and easy, and this is one of Lausanne’s nicest places simply to slow down.
Continue east along the lakeshore toward Pully, using the promenade where practical or taking a short local bus ride if you would rather save your legs. Pully’s Lavaux-facing lakeshore feels quieter than Ouchy, with benches, small park sections, and excellent views toward the terraced Lavaux vineyards across the lake; allow about an hour, and keep your plans flexible because this is best enjoyed as a wander rather than a checklist. For lunch, return toward the station area and settle into Café de Grancy in Sous-Gare, a relaxed local favorite with generous café fare and a lively neighborhood atmosphere. Expect around CHF 20–35 per person; arriving before 12:30 makes finding a table easier.
In the afternoon, take the M2 from Lausanne-Gare up to Riponne–Béjart, then walk into the old center for Lausanne Cathedral. The Gothic interior is usually open during daytime visiting hours, with opening times varying by season and services; entry is generally free, while the tower climb costs a small additional fee if available. Allow about 1½ hours to explore the cathedral and the steep historic lanes around Rue de la Mercerie and Escaliers du Marché. Wear comfortable shoes—the hills are part of Lausanne’s character—and leave the evening open for dinner in the old town or a lakeside drink back in Ouchy.
Once you arrive in Crans-Montana, head first to Crans and the Crans–Cry d’Er cable car. The lift rises quickly to open Valais views, with the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks sometimes visible on a clear day. Allow about three hours for the ride, viewpoints, and an easy section of the mountain paths; sturdy shoes and a light jacket are worthwhile even in August. Check the operating schedule before setting out, as mountain lifts generally run from morning into late afternoon and can pause in poor weather. A return ticket is typically around CHF 25–40, depending on discounts and passes.
Come back down and make the short local journey to Lac de la Moubra in Montana, where a forested path loops around the lake in roughly 45–60 minutes. This is a good place to slow down: there are picnic lawns, shady benches, and a more relaxed atmosphere than the higher resort slopes. For lunch, continue to Le Mayen for fondue in a rustic alpine setting; budget approximately CHF 35–60 per person, and reserve ahead if dining on a weekend or during peak summer season. Allow about 1½ hours for the lake and meal rather than rushing between them.
Spend the later afternoon in the Montana village center, browsing the small boutiques and settling onto a terrace café for coffee or a cool drink. Around sunset, walk to Etang Grenon, an easy lakeside route with mountain reflections and pleasant evening light; allow about an hour. The area is walkable, but the local bus is useful if your accommodation is farther away—check the stop timetable on the Sierre–Crans-Montana network. For the return, keep the funicular and cable-car closing times in mind; taxis are available, but less frequent and more expensive after dinner.
Leave Crans-Montana around 06:30–07:00 and drive to Täsch, allowing roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic and the mountain roads. Park at the large Matterhorn Terminal Täsch garage, which is designed for visitors continuing by train; parking is approximately CHF 15–20 for the day. The shuttle to Zermatt takes about 12 minutes and runs frequently, but allow extra time for parking and buying tickets. From Zermatt station, walk a few minutes to the Gornergrat Railway and take an early departure, when the viewing platforms are generally quieter and the light on the Matterhorn is often excellent. Budget around CHF 90–120 return per adult, with discounts sometimes available through Swiss travel passes.
Get off at Rotenboden on the way up or down and follow the signed trail to Riffelsee, a straightforward walk of roughly 10–15 minutes each way. Allow about an hour for the lake, photographs, and the return to the railway. The famous reflection is never guaranteed—wind can disturb the surface and summer weather changes quickly—so bring a light layer, sunglasses, water, and shoes with decent grip. If clouds cover the Matterhorn, continue enjoying the high-alpine scenery rather than waiting too long; the railway operates at elevation, and conditions can shift within minutes.
Return to Zermatt and take the short electric-bus or taxi transfer toward Findeln, followed by the signed walk to Chez Vrony. Reserve ahead if possible, particularly for the terrace, and allow around 30–45 minutes for the uphill approach depending on where you are dropped off. Lunch typically costs CHF 40–70 per person; the menu focuses on beautifully presented Valais ingredients, including dried meats, local cheeses, and seasonal dishes, with an exceptional view toward the Matterhorn. After lunch, return to the village and spend the rest of the afternoon wandering Zermatt’s car-free lanes: look for the old Hinterdorf quarter and its weathered wooden barns, where the village feels much more traditional than around the main shopping streets. Zermatt’s shops generally remain open into the early evening, while cafés and restaurants continue later; remember that private cars are not permitted in the center, so use the electric buses or licensed taxis for longer transfers back toward the station and your shuttle to Täsch.
After arriving in Interlaken Ost, check in or leave your bags, then take a little time for lunch and a reset—the journey from Zermatt usually puts you into town around late morning or noon. If you are driving instead, use your hotel’s parking or one of the central public garages; street parking is limited and tightly controlled. The center is compact, so you can walk between the day’s stops, while the local buses are useful for hotels farther out.
Head to the Harderbahn station near Interlaken Ost and take the funicular up to Harder Kulm, allowing about two hours including the ride, viewpoint, and a short wander. The panoramic platform looks over Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz, with the Jungfrau range rising behind the town. In August, services generally run frequently from late morning into the evening, but queues can build in good weather; expect roughly CHF 20–25 for a return ticket, with discounts available through some Swiss travel passes. If clouds cover the peaks, do not linger too long—the town itself is more enjoyable than waiting for a view that may not appear.
Return to the center and spend about 45 minutes at Höhematte, the broad park beside Höheweg. This is the best easygoing spot to watch tandem paragliders descend toward the landing field, often passing dramatically in front of the mountains. Grab a drink or ice cream nearby, but keep an eye on the landing area and give incoming pilots plenty of space.
For dinner, settle into Brasserie St. Georges, a relaxed central choice with brasserie classics and a comfortable setting; budget around CHF 30–55 per person before drinks. Reserving is sensible in August, particularly for an outdoor table. Afterwards, take an unhurried hour-long walk along Höheweg, browsing the grand mountain-facing hotels and shopfronts as the evening light fades over the peaks. It is pleasantly lively without requiring another attraction, and the promenade is close enough to Interlaken Ost or Interlaken West for an easy return by foot or local bus.
Start at Interlaken Ost and board an early BLS Lake Brienz boat toward Brienz—check the 2026 timetable the night before, as sailings are seasonal and less frequent than trains. The full eastbound cruise takes roughly 1½–2 hours depending on the service, with striking turquoise water and mountain views all the way to Brienz; a day pass or Swiss Travel Pass can reduce the fare, while individual tickets are typically around CHF 30–40. Sit outside on the right-hand side for the best views leaving Interlaken, and bring a light layer even in August.
Get off at Giessbach See, not Brienz, for Giessbach Falls. From the landing, the historic funicular—when operating—takes you uphill toward Grandhotel Giessbach; otherwise allow about 30 minutes for the forest path. Follow the marked trails behind the hotel to see the water tumbling over several limestone tiers, with viewpoints where the path passes behind the falls. Allow 1–1½ hours, wear shoes with grip, and confirm the boat’s return time before setting off, since the next sailing may be a long wait.
Continue by boat to Brienz and spend an unhurried hour along the lakeshore. The village is known for its carved wooden chalets and long woodcarving tradition; stroll the waterfront and the quieter residential lanes rather than trying to cover every attraction. Have a coffee or simple lunch near the landing, then take the regular train back to Interlaken Ost—the journey is about 20 minutes—or use the boat if the timetable suits. From Interlaken Ost, local trains reach Wilderswil in roughly five minutes; reserve a table at Restaurant Bären, a traditional inn where regional dishes such as rösti, alpine cheese, and seasonal meat usually run CHF 30–55 per person. Dinner reservations are sensible in August, and check the kitchen’s closing time before relying on a late meal.
After dinner, return toward Interlaken and take a gentle sunset walk along the Lake Thun waterfront on the Interlaken west side. The promenade around Neuhaus and Weissenaustrasse is the easiest option without committing to a separate trip into Thun; buses from Interlaken West take about 10–15 minutes, but check the final return service. The light is especially pleasant across the lake toward the foothills, and this is a good place to slow down after the boat excursion. Bring a jacket and mosquito repellent, and avoid walking close to the water after dark where paths become less well lit.
Leave Interlaken around 07:00 for the long drive to Schwangau, allowing roughly 5–6 hours before stops and summer traffic. The usual route runs through central Switzerland toward Liechtenstein, then across southern Germany via A8/A96; keep passports and rental-car documents handy, and check whether the car already has the required Swiss motorway vignette and Austrian vignette if your navigation routes you through Austria. A short coffee or fuel stop near Vaduz works well, but avoid turning this into a sightseeing detour—you will want the afternoon for the castles. On arrival, follow signs to the official visitor parking areas in Hohenschwangau rather than trying to drive up to the castles; parking is generally around €10–12 for the day, payable locally.
From the visitor center, take the shuttle bus or walk uphill to Neuschwanstein Castle. The walk takes about 35–45 minutes and is steep in places; in August, the shuttle queue can be long, so build in at least an hour between parking and your timed entry. The castle visit itself is relatively short, but allow about 2½ hours overall for the approach, tour, and the classic view from Marienbrücke—the bridge can close temporarily in poor weather or become crowded, so follow staff directions. Timed tickets are essential and are best reserved through the official Hohenschwangau ticket center; admission is roughly €21 for Neuschwanstein, with the exact 2026 price and entry time confirmed at booking. Afterward, visit Hohenschwangau Castle, the more intimate yellow royal residence below; reserve a separate timed ticket if available, and expect about two hours including the uphill walk and tour. If both castle tours leave you rushed, protect the Neuschwanstein booking first and treat the second castle as optional.
Walk down toward Alpsee, the clear lake at the foot of the castle hills, for an easy hour beside the water. The lakeside path is a welcome contrast to the busy castle approach, with shaded stretches and fine views back toward the wooded slopes; comfortable shoes are still worthwhile, and swimming is only sensible where officially permitted. Finish at Hotel Müller restaurant in Hohenschwangau, a convenient choice near the visitor-center and shuttle area, serving Bavarian dishes such as schnitzel, roast pork, and local dumplings for approximately €25–45 per person. Reserve ahead for dinner in August, and allow extra time afterward to reach your accommodation—the parking areas and narrow village roads become slow when the final castle visitors leave.
Leave Schwangau around 07:30–08:00, driving through Füssen and over the Fern Pass. Allow 2½–3½ hours, with extra time for August traffic and any delays on the pass. Before crossing into Austria, confirm that your rental car has a valid Austrian motorway vignette if your chosen route uses the autobahn; the Fern Pass itself is generally the more scenic approach. On arrival in Innsbruck, leave the car at your hotel or use a city-centre garage such as Congress Garage, then walk to the Hungerburgbahn station beside Congress Innsbruck. The Hungerburg and Seegrube cable cars together take you from the city to dramatic alpine viewpoints in about three hours. Check the live operating status before setting out, and bring a light layer—even in August, the upper station can feel distinctly cool and windy.
Come back down to the compact Altstadt and stroll through the medieval lanes to the Golden Roof, Innsbruck’s famous late-Gothic balcony on Herzog-Friedrich-Straße. Half an hour is enough to admire the façade and browse the surrounding arcades; the small museum inside usually takes longer, so only add it if the weather has closed in. From here, it is a short walk across Pfarrgasse to the Imperial Palace Innsbruck in the Hofburg quarter. Allow about 1½ hours for the grand state rooms, Imperial apartments, and Habsburg history. Check the official closing time for your date—summer hours are commonly into the early evening, but last admission is earlier.
Stay in the old town for dinner rather than driving again. The area around Hofgasse, Pfarrgasse, and Herzog-Friedrich-Straße has several solid Tyrolean choices; Gasthof Alt Kitzbühel is a good option for regional dishes, while Weinhaus Happ is convenient near the Golden Roof and typically offers classics such as käsespätzle, dumplings, and schnitzel. Budget roughly €25–45 per person before drinks, and reserve if possible because August evenings fill quickly. After dinner, take an unhurried walk along the illuminated arcades and the Inn riverfront—one of the nicest low-effort ways to finish your first evening in Innsbruck.
Allow roughly 2–2½ hours for the drive from Innsbruck to Salzburg, following the Inn Valley toward Kufstein and then the German Alpine foothills. Leave early enough to reach the city around 10:00; August traffic can build near Kufstein and the German border. If you are still using a car, avoid driving into the compact center—use a central garage such as Mirabell-Congress-Garage, then walk a few minutes to Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Start with the formal parterres and Pegasus Fountain, where the classic view lines up beautifully toward Hohensalzburg Fortress. The gardens are generally open from early morning until dusk and are free; allow about an hour, while the palace itself has more limited access and occasional event closures.
Cross the Salzach River via Makartsteg, then continue into Getreidegasse, a five-minute walk from the gardens. This is the best place to enjoy Salzburg’s old-world character: look above the shopfronts for the wrought-iron guild signs and slip into the small passageways off the main lane rather than treating it only as a shopping street. For a coffee or light bite, Café Tomaselli on Alter Markt is a reliable historic stop, but expect a busy room in August. Keep lunch fairly light and leave room for dinner; a quick sandwich or pastry from Bäckerei Fenzl is more practical than a long restaurant meal today.
From Getreidegasse, walk a few minutes through Franziskanergasse to St. Peter’s Abbey, then have dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, one of Europe’s oldest restaurant sites. Reserve ahead for an indoor table; budget approximately €35–70 per person, more for tasting menus or concert-associated dining. Afterward, make your way to the Hohensalzburg Fortress funicular at Festungsbahn, just beyond St. Peter’s Cemetery. Visiting late afternoon is ideal for softer light and fewer heat-soaked crowds; allow about two hours for the state rooms, museums, courtyards, and sweeping views over the rooftops and surrounding mountains. Check the final funicular descent time before starting the visit, and bring water—the fortress hill is exposed even when the Old Town feels shaded.
For this day, take the car rather than the train: the stops in the Wachau Valley are awkward without one. Leave Salzburg around 07:00, allowing roughly three hours of driving on the A1 to Melk, with a short break if needed. Before setting off, confirm that the rental agreement permits travel into Germany if your route or vehicle instructions require it, and check where you will return the car in Vienna. In Melk, follow signs for the abbey parking areas below the town; from there it is a short uphill walk.
Spend about two hours at Melk Abbey, arriving close to opening time—summer hours are commonly around 09:00–17:30, but verify the 2026 schedule before departure. The Imperial Corridor, marble hall, library, and terrace overlooking the Danube are the highlights. Afterward, have a light lunch in Melk rather than lingering for a formal meal; Stiftsrestaurant Melk is the convenient choice near the abbey, while the cafés around Hauptplatz are better for coffee and cake.
Drive east along the Danube toward Dürnstein, allowing about 45 minutes depending on traffic and the riverside route you choose. The best experience is to slow down through the vineyard villages rather than staying entirely on the main road. Near Dürnstein, pause at a signed roadside viewpoint above the valley—there are several pull-offs between the villages, with broad views over the river, terraced vines, and the blue-and-white church tower of Dürnstein. Give yourselves about an hour here, and avoid parking on narrow village streets unless a marked space is available.
Continue toward Vienna in mid-afternoon, allowing roughly 1¼–1¾ hours from the Wachau Valley, depending on traffic. Return the car promptly if it is not needed in the city; central Vienna parking is expensive and street spaces are difficult to find. If your accommodation has a garage, unload first and leave the car there rather than driving around the center.
After checking in, walk or take the U-Bahn to Naschmarkt in Wieden. The market is liveliest earlier in the day, but its restaurants and food stalls make an easy first-night dinner; budget around €15–30 per person. Choose a table at Neni am Naschmarkt for Middle Eastern-style sharing plates, or browse the stalls for something casual. Many market stands close by early evening, so aim to arrive before 19:00; restaurants generally stay open later.
Finish with an hour around the Ringstrasse, either on foot or by a short evening drive if you have retained the car. Follow the grand boulevard past the Vienna State Opera, Hofburg, Parliament, Rathaus, and Burgtheater—the buildings are especially atmospheric once illuminated. If driving, keep to the outer ring and expect tram traffic, one-way systems, and limited stopping; walking from Karlsplatz toward Rathausplatz is calmer and gives you a better look at the architecture.
Start early at Schönbrunn Palace, reaching Hietzing around 9:00–9:30 by U4 from central Vienna; the ride takes roughly 15–20 minutes. Begin with the palace interior while the crowds are manageable, then wander through the formal gardens toward the Neptune Fountain and Gloriette. Allow about three hours in total. Palace opening times and ticketed room tours vary by season, so reserve a timed entry online; expect roughly €25–35 for the main interior tour. Wear comfortable shoes—the gardens are much larger than they look.
Take the U4 back toward the center and walk to Café Central in the Innere Stadt, allowing around 25–30 minutes door to door. This is a good place for a leisurely Viennese coffee and cake rather than a rushed lunch: order a melange, an Einspänner, and something from the pastry case, usually €12–25 per person. There can be a queue at midday, but it generally moves steadily; if the wait is long, use it as a chance to stroll along Herrengasse before returning.
From Café Central, walk a few minutes to the Hofburg, following the palace complex through Michaelerplatz. Spend about two hours with the imperial apartments and historic state rooms, taking time to appreciate how the complex grew into a small city within the city. Tickets are commonly around €20–25, and the final admission is earlier than closing, so check the official schedule before setting out. Continue on foot through the pedestrian streets to St. Stephen’s Cathedral at Stephansplatz. Allow about an hour to see the nave, chapels, and patterned roof; the cathedral itself is generally free, while tower or treasury access costs extra. The surrounding square is lively, but step into nearby Graben for a quieter browse through the elegant side streets.
Finish at Belvedere Palace in Landstraße. From Stephansplatz, take the U1 to Südtiroler Platz–Hauptbahnhof and walk about 15 minutes, or use a short taxi ride if you are ready to slow down. Visit Upper Belvedere for Klimt’s The Kiss and the museum collection, then leave time for the landscaped gardens between the Upper and Lower palaces. A timed museum ticket is advisable in August and usually costs roughly €18–20; the gardens are free. Afterward, stay in Landstraße for dinner rather than crossing the city again—Salm Bräu is a practical nearby choice for hearty Austrian food and house beer, while Steirereck is the splurge option if reserved well ahead.