Two-Day Vienna Adventure

Bookending My Graz Visit 

When it comes to Austria, most travelers tend to focus their trips around Vienna, with Graz as a potential quick side trip. I decided to flip the script. My recent trip prioritized Graz, using Vienna as a convenient and enjoyable gateway on both ends of my itinerary. While Vienna deserves more exploration than I had time for, I’m glad I approached this visit with a unique perspective. Here’s a glimpse into how my two-day Vienna adventure complemented my Graz trip.

Arrival in Vienna

One Day Only, Making It Count

With less than 24 hours in Vienna ahead of my route to Graz, I dove straight in, taking the metro to the Innere Stadt, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the historic heart of the city. Wandering the old town, the museum quarter, and the stunning gardens made for a picture-perfect day. One thing I love about Vienna is how effortlessly you stumble upon beauty, from architectural marvels to peaceful green spaces to small alleys with artistic murals.

I even managed to meet up with Karen, a fellow traveler from New Zealand. Together, we explored the city's historical charm and indulged in some delicious local fare. Dinner was in a gorgeous garden setting, where I ordered a breaded chicken salad with beans and potatoes, paired with a local wine. Of course, I had to take a bite of her Wiener schnitzel! Tasting iconic dishes while surrounded by Viennese elegance? Not a bad start to the trip. 

Off to Graz 

The Heart of My Austria Stay

The next morning, I boarded a train to Graz after a bit of transportation drama. You know those travel moments where everything seems to go sideways? I missed the bus I booked, scrambled to find an alternative, and after multiple Uber fails, finally made it to the train station, only to find that the train was delayed and ultimately canceled! By the time I sank into my seat on a later train with a sandwich in hand, all I could do was laugh about the chaos with my seatmates.

But all of that felt worth it the moment I arrived in Graz. Smaller and quieter than Vienna, Graz charmed me with its picturesque streets, hilltop views, and lively yet laid-back vibe. Summer suited it perfectly. I’ll never regret prioritizing my time there during the high tourism season, even if it meant less time in Vienna.

Read about my stay in Graz here!

Returning to Vienna

Familiar Yet Fresh

Coming back to Vienna after Graz felt like returning to an old friend, but with lessons learned. This time, instead of the train, I took a bus (thanks to some extreme weather-related changes). Smooth sailing this time around, though I found myself thinking how the unpredictability of travel just adds to the story.

I stayed near the main station for convenient airport access, but even that part of the city had its share of surprises. There was a great selection of cafes and restaurants nearby, which allowed me to enjoy one last schnitzel and an Austrian beer. Sitting there with my meal, I reflected on the mix of chaos and discovery that makes travel so memorable.

Reflections

Vienna in Two Snapshots

Although my time in Vienna was brief, the city left an impression. Its rich history, impressive architecture, and vibrant food scene make it a destination worth lingering in. Yet, I’m equally glad I made time for Graz, savoring the quieter corner of Austria during the height of summer.

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Would I go back to Vienna? Absolutely! There are opera houses to sit inside, museums to wander through, and meals to linger over in quaint cafes. But for now, this whirlwind two-day taste of the city surrounding my adventures in Graz gives me plenty to cherish.

Pro Tip

If you’re planning a similar itinerary, don’t stress when travel throws a wrench in your plans. Whether it’s missing a bus or swapping your mode of transport last minute, every hiccup becomes part of the adventure. Vienna, Graz, or otherwise, travel is all about balance and adaptability.

Wherever you are, enjoy every bite, every turn of the cobblestone streets, and every unexpected twist along the way.

For more excursions from Graz read about my Whirlwind Road Trip Through Austria and Slovenia