Prague and Vienna in four days
 

We have two full days to explore both cities. Having not been before, I am looking forward to any suggestions as to how to make the most of our two days in each city. Travelling will take up the other days so we can plan early mornings and late nights to experience as much as possible. Would be lovely to hear your suggestions. We love architecture, shopping, meandering and I have always dreamed of waltzing in Vienna in a gorgeous ball gown, Not thinking that's going to happen but any offbeat ideas are surely welcomed.

2 days each. Both cities offer lots of meandering opportunities.

Do the usual sites in Prague; the castle, bridge etc. Stop by the Mucha Museum and see that he was more than a commercial artist. Have a drink at the "Fred and Ginger" (Frank Ghery) Unless things have changed since we were last there, the food wasn't memorable. Book an opera.

Two days in each city - very short time. Honestly, if it were me, I would choose one, sty four days, and plan to come back for the other on another trip.

Of the two cities, Prague is my favorite by far. But others may prefer Vienna - to each his own.

In Prague - just outside the castle is the Lobkowicz Palace. I think it's one of the most interesting museums ever - the narration (headsets) is amazing.

Queen Anne's Summer Palace and the gardens there is another wonderful place to spend time meandering.

Shopping.. keep in mind that at least in Vienna ALL stores except for some souvenir shops and two grocery stores are closed on sundays and public holidays. And usually close earlier on saturdays.

Architecture.. Prague has obviously the more beautiful old Old Town, Vienna more impressive Imperial buildings from the time when it was the seat of the Austro-Hungarian empire. A stroll down the Ringstrasse boulevard from the Hofburg @ Kunst- und Naturhistorische Museums to Votivkirche - along the Parliament, city hall and Burg theater is awesome. In addition, you will have Schönbrunn (get tickets in advance if you plan to visit) and Belvedere.
Also the Secession architecture (Art Deco/Jugendstil) is amazing in Vienna.

Prague is also my favorite. Although, Vienna has amazing art. We stayed across from the Secession and the dome is lovely and loved the museum.

The time of year of your visit might influence your final plans. Winter? Christmas markets. Spring and Autumn? Vineyard meandering in Vienna. Summer? Palaces and art museums to escape the heat.

Spring and summer offer farmer's markets, food festivals, and outdoor opera in Vienna; autumn has harvest festivals; January is ball season. February? We count the days until the half-term break when we can depart for the nearest chance of sunshine.

Vienna is not a shopping city; aside from boutiques (and boutique prices), there's little more than upscale designers found across the globe and mass producers like H&M, Zara, and so forth. Vienna lacks a true department store, as well. In fact, I take two weekends a year and head to Prague for clothes shopping. Prague has at least two department stores and a handful of preferred labels from France. Plus, unlike in Vienna, stores do not close at 1800 on Saturdays and all day on Sunday.

I hope this is helpful.

no kidding, you don't go to Vienna for clothes shopping. When people say they like "shopping" on a vacation, I'm not sure what that means as a hobby.

I hope it means just some small local knickknacks or crafts unless you come from some place where you can't buy anything or things are more expensive than Austria, wherever that might be. Even then, I wouldn't do it in Vienna.

People don't really want true dept stores any more very much, they are all closing in the US. People don't want to buy clothes in the same store as a washing machine and tools much. I know Vienna has Steffl which is sort of like a dept store only for clothes, shoes and accessories with the usual international brands. There was also a mall not too far from where I stayed on Mariahilferstrasse. Not that I'd go to a place like that on vacation, I don't even like going to malls at home.