Travel: 28 hours in Vienna

Saturday, 10am Walk to the metro at Stephansplatz and take the Red Line (U1) to Sdtirolerplatz. Explore the Belvedere (Prinz Eugen-Str. 27, admission 11.50, www.belvedere.at), the Baroque palace turned gallery that hosts Klimt's The Kiss.

2pm Visit St Stephen's Cathedral in Stephansplatz.

3pm Get a caffeine fix in the world-famous Caf Demel (Kohlmarkt 14).

4:30pm The Naschmarkt (at Green Line, Kettenbrueckengasse) is the best of Vienna's markets. You're certain to find a place to eat among its huge selection of mid-price restaurants.

7:30pm See a concert at the State Opera House (www.wiener-staatsoper.at). Standing-room tickets are offered at slashed prices before shows.

Sunday, 10am See the apartment where the world's favourite operas were written at The Mozart House (Domgasse 5, admission 7.50, www.mozarthausvienna.at). There is also a museum dedicated to the composer.

1pm Schloss Schnbrunn (Schnbrunner Schlossstrasse 47, 8, www.schoenbrunn.at) is a former imperial palace in magnificent gardens on the outskirts of the city. Travel by the Green Line (U4) from metro station Schnbrunn.

4pm Ride on the Riesenrad Ferris wheel seen in The Third Man. (Prater 90, 7, www.wienerriesenrad.com)

7:30pm Dine at renowned upmarket Mediterranean restaurant Plachutta (Wollzeile 38, 16-20 per person, www.plachutta.at, 00431 5121577).

9pm Horse-drawn carriage rides leave regularly from Stephansplatz. Take a tour of the city's avenues at night and see the illuminated monuments in style.

THE FACTS Flights from Edinburgh to Vienna start from around 158 with KLM (www.klm.com)

This article was first published in the Scotsman, July 31, 2010