Vienna is in general a more expensive city. I guess you get what you pay for- it was THE CLEANEST city I have been in really and so elegant and beautiful.
They call it “Wien” pronounced “Vien”
Food
Cafe Sacher (attached to Hotel Sacher): You must go here and eat the Sacher Torte. Its a delicious, perfect, not-too-rich-but-so-rich chocolate cake that was invented by a chef in Hotel Sacher. Hotel Sacher takes up a lot of store fronts across from the opera house, but try to eat in the cafe because its worth the experience and their other desserts are good too. I’m sure their food is equally delicious.
Palmenhaus: really delicious food. The restaurant was really gorgeous. It was very airy and filled with plants and trees and right next to the butterfly house from the museum. It is also located in the garden of the Hofburg Palace, so the views can’t be beat. The food was good, definitely touristy, but they had typical Viennese food and the location was worth it. You can even eat outside, in the garden itself!
Opera House Cafe: This is literally attached to the opera house and if you want to see an opera or a ballet but not pay for the ticket, simply eat here. The food is good and the livestream the performance. Best of both worlds. We were even able to sneak into the theatre when it ended. I was obsessed.
Activities
Opera: The opera house is gorgeous so worth at least taking a tour of. I’m pretty sure you can get standing room seats for the theatre that are cheaper and you don’t have to stay the whole time.
Hochstrahlbrunnen Fountain: located in Schwarzenbergplatz, it’s a really gorgeous fountain/square area
Hofburg Palace: DO IT. It’s a gorgeous palace and they had one of the greatest exhibits on Empress Elizabeth (Sisi) which I was obsessed with. Basically she’s now my new favorite Empress and you learn so much about her and you get to see some clothes, personal items, her imperial apartments, etc.
Schonbrunn Palace: The summer palace. Looks gorgeous. We saw a Mozart Experience (ballet/concert/opera) there which was overpriced but worth seeing if you are obsessed with Mozart and the aforementioned performances. If not, just look at the palace.
Mozarthaus: Exactly what it sounds like.
We took the train to Salzberg to see the Sound of Music Tour and if you have time to spare, I would 100% recommend this. If you are obsessed with the Sound of Music and also enjoy pretty things, GO. It is also accessible by train from Budapest and Munich.
whatisshedoing 
Pingback: National Lampoon’s Vacation! « whatisshedoing