Begin your cultural immersion by exploring the **St. Stephen's Cathedral**- a Gothic architectural marvel; climb the 343 steps to the top for the panoramic views of Vienna's skyline. Follow this with a visit to the **Hofburg Palace** - the seat of power of the Habsburgs. Spend some time walking around the **Kunsthistorisches Museum** that houses vast art collections from multiple eras. Wind up your day with a stroll around the vibrant **Naschmarkt** - Vienna's bustling market with fresh produce and street food.
Visit the **Belvedere Palace** that houses the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt's paintings, including the famous **"The Kiss."** Follow this with a visit to the **Vienna State Opera House**- a renowned symbol of Viennese culture. Stop by the **Sigmund Freud Museum,** where you can learn about the life and work of the famous psychoanalyst. In the evening, head to a concert in one of Vienna's iconic classical music venues like the **Musikverein** or the **Vienna Konzerthaus.**
Start your day with a traditional Viennese breakfast at a **Café Central,** one of the oldest coffeehouses in Vienna, followed by a visit to the **Schönbrunn Palace** - summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Walk through the 1.2 km long **Schönbrunn Palace Gardens,** home to many monuments, fountains, and rare plants. Make a stop at the **Hundertwasserhaus,** a public housing project with an unusual design created by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Finish off your day at a cozy cafe and savor the city's signature **Sachertorte cake.**
Total Estimated Costs= $93
Vienna's public transport system is efficient and affordable. Consider buying a 72-hour Vienna Card(19.90 euros) that offers free public transport and discounts on admission fees. Also, renting a bike is another good option for exploring the city. Expect to spend around 7-10 euros daily on transportation costs.
If you have an additional day, explore the **Vienna Woods** region or take a Danube river cruise. To condense your trip into two days, skip the Kunsthistorisches Museum or the Sigmund Freud Museum. Don't forget to try the local delicacies like **Wiener Schnitzel**, **Tafelspitz,** and **Apfelstrudel**!