Vacations don’t just have to be taking an annual two weeks – these days, more and more people are opting to take lots of shorter breaks throughout the year so that they can explore more places. If this sounds like you, then Vienna is definitely a destination you should consider. A rich musical history, a thriving performing arts scene, delicious wholesome cuisine and more Imperial palaces and baroque architecture than you’ll be able to see in a lifetime – this is a culture vulture’s paradise. Just check out what a typical weekend looks like…

Start off with Schönbrunn

This is right at the top of the list for sightseeing in Vienna, and if you kick off your day here, you’ll be able to beat the bulk of the tourists who head here early afternoon. Schönbrunn Palace is a grand, 1,441-roomed building located right in the heart of Vienna, and it’s been perfectly restored to provide visitors with an idea of what life would’ve been like for Imperial royalty. It’s sprawling grounds are also home to the Tiergarten Schönbrunn – the world’s oldest zoo – so it’s the perfect place to go if you’re an animal lover.

Have dinner at a beisl

After you’ve finished walking around the extensive grounds of Schönbrunn, head into town for some local cuisine. There are dozens of quaint bars and restaurants around, so you’ll be bound to find somewhere that suits your palate, but if you’re looking for a true taste of Viennese fayre, the best place to go to is a beisl – the Austrian version of a rustic bistro. You can try dishes such as schnitzel, gulasch and roast pork and dumplings, or if you have a sweet tooth, try the apple strudel and indulgent chocolate sachertorte.

An evening with an aria

No evening in Vienna would be complete without a stop by the Vienna State Opera. Austria’s capital has a long and rich history in the musical field, and many of the world’s most famous operas were composed and written right here. There are regular showings as well as ballets, classical concerts and seasonal music events if you’re heading to Vienna for something special. Make sure you pick up tickets well in advance though, as these shows are incredibly popular with the natives – booking through a site like viennaoperatickets.com will ensure you won’t miss out.

Go for brunch in the old town

After a good night’s sleep, it’s time to explore the Old Town. There are plenty of online routes available if you’d like to take a self-guided walking tour, but feel free to stop by a cute café for a spot of brunch along the way. The town far pre-dates Imperial architecture, and you’ll see many medieval and Renaissance marvels on your travels. We’d recommend heading for the main square, to crane your neck skyward and take in the ornate beauty of St Stephen’s Cathedral, before venturing inside to explore its catacombs and treasury.

Will you be heading to Vienna this summer?