I recently visited Vienna, with its grand palaces, world-class music venues, and rich culinary traditions, and experienced a perfect blend of cultural immersion and delightful gastronomy. Here's a snapshot of my three-day itinerary that covers the must-see sites, iconic music experiences, and delicious Viennese cuisine. I have included some things I did not do but were on my list. You know, time can get away from you. And yes, the photos were mostly taken with my phone.

Day 1: Imperial Splendor at Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

Morning: Schönbrunn Palace

I started my first day by visiting Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Schönbrunn is one of Vienna's most famous landmarks. I took a Grand Tour to explore 40 of the palace’s opulent rooms, including the Great Gallery and the apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). Unfortunately, they do not let you take pictures inside the palace. I suspect it’s so you will buy a color guide in the gift shop when you are done.

After the tour, I took stroll through the gardens, which are stunning year-round. Each tree is numbered and is immediately replaced when it dies or becomes diseased. I took a walk up to the Gloriette, a monumental structure offering panoramic views of Vienna. I grabbed a (not so good) coffee & strudel at the café inside the Gloriette. Maria Theresa used to have breakfast from this spot. Much of Vienna appears to be a monument to this famous Archduchess and Queen.

Lunch: Traditional Viennese Cuisine

For lunch, I headed to the nearby Gasthaus Kopp, a cozy spot known for serving authentic Wiener schnitzel, one of Vienna's signature dishes. The crispy, golden-brown schnitzel is best enjoyed with a side of potato salad or parsley potatoes. I was blown away with how tender it was.

Afternoon: Schönbrunn Zoo or Palm House

If time allows, you could visit the Schönbrunn Zoo, the world’s oldest zoo, located within the palace grounds. I did not, however, due to the weather. Alternatively, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Palm House, a historic greenhouse with exotic plants.

Evening: Classical Concert in a Church

Vienna is synonymous with classical music, and there’s no better way to experience it than attending a concert in one of the city’s historic churches. St. Charles Church (Karlskirche) often hosts Vivaldi's Four Seasons, performed by talented musicians in an acoustically stunning environment. These evening performances capture the magic of Vienna’s classical music scene. I caught a concert at the smaller St. Peter’s just a few blocks away. It featured Mozart and Vivaldi compositions. I was only distracted by the cute kids in the pew in front of me. Classical music was not their thing, as you can imagine.

Day 2: Art, Palaces, and Belvedere’s Masterpieces

Morning: Belvedere Palace

On my second day I went to another palace. This time it was the Belvedere Palace, a Baroque masterpiece that’s home to one of the finest art collections in Austria. The Upper Belvedere houses Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”, one of the most famous paintings in the world, along with works by Schiele and Kokoschka. I took a couple of hours exploring the artwork and then the expansive grounds, which include beautiful fountains, sculptures, and manicured gardens.

Lunch: Café Schwarzenberg

Then I was in for a treat. If you can, make your way to Café Schwarzenberg, one of Vienna’s oldest coffeehouses, for a relaxed lunch. Try the Tafelspitz (boiled beef) or indulge in a classic Viennese dessert like Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) or Sachertorte (chocolate cake). I had all of these on my trip. The strudel in the Gloriette at Schönbrunn was not good, but here it really was fantastic!

Afternoon: Museum Quarter and Naschmarkt

In the afternoon, you should visit the Museum Quarter, home to contemporary art galleries and museums such as the Leopold Museum and the MUMOK. If you're more in the mood for a culinary exploration, head to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s famous open-air market. Here, you can sample local cheeses, sausages, pastries, and international delights. I opted for the Museum Quarter; however, contemporary art is not my thing. There is some weird stuff out there.

Evening: Opera or Concert at Musikverein

Music lovers universally adore Vienna. Book tickets in advance for a performance at the legendary Vienna State Opera or the Musikverein, known for hosting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Both venues provide an unforgettable evening of world-class music in grand settings. I have never heard so much great music in such a short time.

Day 3: City Landmarks, Coffeehouse Culture, and Mozart

Morning: St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace

I began my final day with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), Vienna’s most iconic Gothic structure in the center of the city. You can climb the south tower for breathtaking views of the city or take a tour of the catacombs. I did the latter. There is so much history. I remember the discussion about the plague – seriously brutal.

Next, I headed to the Hofburg Palace, the winter residence of the Habsburgs. I was able to explore the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum (they really love Sisi), and the Imperial Silver Collection. Don't forget to visit the Spanish Riding School, where you can watch the elegant Lipizzaner horses train in a majestic Baroque setting. Unfortunately, this was an item on my list I missed, but I’m not a horse person. If you are, I am sure you would fit it in.

Lunch: Figlmüller

Stop by Figlmüller, a popular spot near St. Stephen’s, famed for serving oversized Wiener schnitzels that hang over the edges of the plate. This is the perfect place to experience another round of the city’s famous schnitzel, paired with a refreshing glass of Austrian wine. I had a local crafted beer at the waiter’s suggestion. Be sure to tip your servers here. It’s expected, but it doesn’t have to be as much as the U.S.

Afternoon: Mozart House and Coffee Break

After lunch, delve into Vienna’s musical history with a visit to Mozart's House, where the composer lived and created some of his most famous works. The museum offers insight into Mozart’s life and the cultural landscape of 18th-century Vienna. I also visited Mozart’s childhood home in Salzburg so this completed my Mozart tour!

Vienna’s coffeehouse culture is a UNESCO-recognized tradition, so wrap up the afternoon at Café Central, an elegant coffeehouse that was frequented by famous intellectuals like Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky. I visited several coffee houses on my trip. Order a Melange (Viennese coffee) and pair it with a slice of Sachertorte or Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake with raisins, if you are into that). I preferred the sachertorte.

Evening: Heuriger in Grinzing

For a relaxing end to your trip, you could head to the wine-growing village of Grinzing on the outskirts of Vienna. Visit a traditional Heuriger, a wine tavern, where you can enjoy local wines, hearty food, and live folk music. The charming, rustic ambiance offers a true taste of Viennese hospitality. Unfortunately, I had to catch a train to Salzburg so I missed out on this item on my list.

Final Thoughts

Vienna's grand palaces, art treasures, and music traditions create a perfect itinerary for three days of exploration. Whether you're strolling through Schönbrunn’s gardens, listening to a concert in a Baroque church, or savoring schnitzel in a historic café, Vienna will leave you with memories of imperial elegance and cultural richness. Yes, I ate like a king, but I did so much walking through the city, the museums, and palaces, that I actually lost weight. Go figure!