Entry Ticket Upper Belvedere, Klimt's Kiss & Permanent Collection

Your visit starts at the wrought-iron gates of the Upper Belvedere. Skip the ticket lines by booking a time slot in advance and head straight inside. The palace layout is smart. It leads you from medieval altarpieces right through to the 20th century. You’ll see the shift from the polite portraits of the Biedermeier era to the rebellious energy of the Viennese Secession. Move at your own pace. Stop to read the placards or just stare at the frescoes. The building is as much of a draw as the canvases. Take a moment in the state rooms to admire the golden stucco and massive windows. You'll get a 180-degree view of the tiered gardens and the city skyline. It's spectacular.

Head to Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27 in the 3rd district. It's easy to reach. Catch Tram D to the 'Schloss Belvedere' stop or take the U1 subway to 'Südtiroler Platz' and walk. The doors open at 9:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM daily. Aim for an early slot or late afternoon to miss the worst of the crowds. You must pick a specific entry time when booking. Don't be late. Once you're in, stay as long as you like, though two hours usually covers the highlights. Toss a €2 coin in a locker for your backpack and umbrella. They aren't allowed in the galleries. Audio guides cost an extra €5 at the cloakroom. And don't skip the gardens. They're free and worth the stroll.