Vienna in Velvet: 48 Hours of Royal Treatment

There are weekend getaways, and then there are experiences that feel like you’ve stepped into a royal painting — and Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria, is nothing short of regal perfection. In just 48 hours, we immersed ourselves in imperial charm, world-class culture, and culinary indulgence, all while staying in the heart of it all. Why just visit Vienna when you can LIVE Vienna — or at least feel like 19th-century nobility for a couple of nights?

Our stay at the Grand Hotel Wien was the ideal match for this historic city. Dripping in chandeliers, rich fabrics, and old-world elegance, this luxury hotel envelops you in the kind of splendor that mirrors Vienna’s own aristocratic past. With its impeccable service and prime location near the Ringstraße, we felt like royalty from the moment we checked in. As you may know me by now, no hotel review is without the breakfast review and this one… well it was to die for! Pure elegance I wish I could pack away with me when we checked out.

Strolling through Vienna is like walking through a live museum. Every corner reveals Baroque architecture, hidden courtyards, and statues that seem to whisper stories of empires past. Of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to the Vienna State Opera. We were lucky to get last minute seats for a scenic booth watching “Swan Lake” — Hey, its tradition, artistry, and grandeur in one unforgettable evening. Velvet seats, golden balconies, and voices that echo through centuries.

Vienna doesn’t just tell history; it shows it — and nowhere is that more evident than the Belvedere Palace. Wandering its manicured gardens and stepping inside its opulent halls, we couldn’t help but feel a little royal ourselves. But what truly stole our breath? Standing face-to-face with Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” during the special exhibition. Art, romance, and history — all in a single, golden moment.

The food in Vienna deserves its own blog post — and maybe it’ll get one. From the perfectly crisp and tender Wiener Schnitzel to sipping espresso beneath the frescoed ceilings of Café Central, every bite here is a bite of history. And if you’re craving something livelier, the Naschmarkt offers a sensory feast of colors, spices, and international flavors. We wandered, we tasted, we repeated. Two days in Vienna is like a waltz — elegant, enchanting, and over far too soon. This city wraps you in brocade, feeds you like a queen, and whispers its secrets through symphonies and street corners. It’s a place that doesn’t just charm — it haunts you, in the best possible way. If you want to do it right like us… stay somewhere worthy of your crown, walk the palatial paths of old-world Europe, and don’t forget to stop for cake — because in Vienna, even dessert is noble.

Accommodation Tip: While a bit on the expensive side, the Grand Hotel Wien did check all my boxes. Location was perfect just minutes walking from the Vienna State Opera house and the central Kärntner Strasse. If you are into the more traditional feel & stepping back in time then this one is for you. Nothing modern about this establishment. We reserved the Deluxe room but managed to get upgraded to a fabulous suite that felt like a queen’s chamber in a palace. Not too bad for a weekend getaway! While there are plenty of good hotels around its totally OK to pamper yourself at least once and get the full royal treatment.

Excursion Tip: For two days in Vienna, you need not do a lot of planning ahead and do take the time to stroll through the beautiful streets taking in the regal architecture and stopping at the many fancy café’s around. If you decide to take on a cultural visit, then the Belvedere Palace does the trick. Make sure to buy tickets specifically for Upper Belvedere if you are looking to see the famous Klimt art exhibition. I am not a big art fan, but it does take your breath away standing Infront of these masterpieces.

Gastronomy Tip: Oh dear there is so much to eat in Vienna and for sure I came back a bit rounder than I left but… if I had to recommend then it would be the famous Figlmuller- Home of the original Wiener Shnitzel to start with. We were not prepared for the size of the Schnitzel so if you know you wont finish it on your own do order one of them to split. Another famous spot is the Café Central. Both these recommendations are long standing venues that do require reserving in advance so make sure to do so and avoid the long lines.