Plateplotter VIENNA

Where to eat and what to do if you find yourself with 24 hours in Austria’s capital of culture – Vienna:

9.00am: Breakfast like a king

Stroll through the gorgeous grounds of Schonbrunn Palace where you can start the day with some strudel and coffee at Café Gloriette while taking in sweeping views of the city. All high ceilings and soaring glass-paned windows, the café is housed in a former garden pavilion perched on a hill and is the perfect place to ponder the grandeur of Hapsburg life.

In and around the area: Marvel at the opulence of the Neptune Fountain, tour the former imperial summer residence or, if you happen to drop by during winter, don’t leave without visiting the quaint Christmas market in front of the palace for some warming gluhwein and delicate hand-made baubles.

11.30am: Market stop

Stop by Vienna’s famous Naschmarkt for a mid-morning nibble. The open air market offers a jumble of stalls selling fresh shellfish, fruit and vegetables, meats, cheeses and more – with little cafes tucked in between that are perfect for grabbing a sacher torte.

In and around the area: Visit the elegant Belvedere Palace to contemplate the city’s most beautiful tribute to love, Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss.

2.30pm: Enjoy a taste of Vienna's cafe culture

You can’t leave Vienna without a taste of its Wiener schnitzel and the best place to enjoy a feather-light version with a perfect golden crumb is the landmark Café Landtmann. Sit in its glass atrium to watch the beautiful people pass by or retire indoors for a cozy meal with this classic Austrian dish playing a starring role.

In and around the area: Marvel at the impressive Gothic might of the Rathaus or Town Hall before taking a spin with Strauss at a Viennese Waltz lesson at Blitz. The studio offers one hour walk-in classes that are the perfect introduction to the dance that caused a scandal when it first made an appearance in elegant ballrooms across Europe.

7.00pm: Get sky high at Le Loft

Head across the river to the stunning, psychedelic ceiling-ed rooftop bar at the Sofitel for sun-downers paired with a birds-eye view of Vienna. As evening descends on the city and the lights begin to sparkle over the steeple-pierced skyline, you’ll struggle to know where the swirly ceiling ends and the sky begins.

In and around the area: Wander along the Danaukanal – part of the legendary Danube River, before heading to the city’s commercial heart at Stephansplatz to admire the bold splendor of St Stephen’s geometric multi-coloured roof and indulge in some holiday shopping.

9.00pm: Dine in the park

For a modern meal served with old-school elegance, there are few places to beat Meierei at Stadtpark. From platters of oysters on ice, a fantastic selection of local cheeses and superbly drinkable wines, the restaurant is run by the same team behind its more famous Michelin-starred cousin upstairs, Steirereck, and offers a fantastic ambiance and an inspired menu of seasonal cuisine. If the food at this little gem doesn't do it for you, its green-floored freshness and beautiful location in Stadtpark definitely will.

In and around the area: Soak in the classic architectural elegance of the city minus the crowds with a late-night wander through its beautiful old streets, squares and boulevards.