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3 Days in Vienna: The Perfect Vienna Itinerary

Last updated: December 15, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 46 Comments

We think that three days in Vienna is the perfect amount of time for a visit. Three days will let you see the majority of the main sights in this beautiful city that you’re interested in, plus add in a few of the less well-known attractions, without being too rushed.

In this post, we’re going to share with you our idea of the perfect itinerary for three days in Vienna. As well as covering all the key attractions we think you’ll enjoy visiting, we’re also going to share some practical tips and advice for your visit, including tips on where to stay, where to eat, tips for getting around Vienna, and how to save money on sightseeing.

If you do have less time in Vienna, check out our itinerary for two days in Vienna . But now, let’s take a look at how to spend 3 days in Vienna.

3 Days in Vienna

Day 1 in vienna, mozarthaus vienna.

Vienna is very much associated with Mozart, one of the most well known composers of Classical music. Vienna was his home for many years during his prolific career, and he lived at a number of properties during his time in the city. Only one of these homes survives today – the Mozarthaus , which you’ll find in Vienna’s Old Town on Domgasse. Which is our suggested first stop on day one of our three day Vienna itinerary.

Mozart lived at this property for three years between 1784 and 1787, and it has been open to the public since 1941. In 2004 it was totally redesigned, and now the whole building is a centre dedicated to the life of the composer.

You don’t have to be a Mozart fan to enjoy a visit to this building – it’s a good insight into life in general in Vienna in the late 18th century. Naturally it’s also filled with information about Mozart and his life, so even if you don’t know much when you arrive – you’ll certainly know a lot when you leave!

The Mozarthaus is open daily from 10am – 7pm, and there’s an admission fee. You can see the official website for more details.

Entrance is included for holders of the Vienna Pass and the Go City Vienna Pass .

You can also buy individual tickets online in advance here .

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Just a short walk from the Mozarthaus is the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral , the seat of the Catholic church in Vienna. This is found right in the centre of the old town. and is hard to miss!

As you approach you will instantly notice the roof, which is decorated with glazed and painted tiles in an ornate design. There are also two large towers – the massive south tower, which stands at 136m tall, and the smaller north tower which is 68 metres tall. Both of these towers are open to the public, and can be climbed for a fee. As expected, the higher south tower offers the best views over the city.

Naturally, you can also go inside the cathedral, which is of a largely Romanesque / Gothic design, and predominantly dates from the Middle Ages. The three nave design with it’s huge columns is definitely an impressive sight and you can visit for free. You can also visit the Treasury.

This does require a small fee (included with the Vienna Pass), but you get to see more stuff and it offers good views of the main church interior from a first floor viewing area. The fee also means it’s a lot less busy, so you can enjoy the building without feeling too hemmed in.

Vienna State Opera House Tour

Vienna has a world famous state opera house which dates from 1869 and has played host to some of the world’s most famous singers and conductors.

If you are particularly interested in the Opera, then a night here watching a performance is likely to be an experience you will never forget. You can check performance times and buy tickets for shows at various venues in Vienna here .

However, you can also visit the opera house without seeing a performance, by taking a guided tour.

These last around forty minutes, and you’ll learn all about the fascinating history of the building, see all the main highlights, and even get a behind the scenes look at how an opera house is run.

Tours run a number of times during the day – see the official website for information and pricing.

Wien Museum

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Vienna, we suggest heading to the Vienna Museum, or Wien Museum.

This is spread out over a number of buildings across the city, but we recommend you visit the main building on Karlsplatz .

Spread across three floors, this building houses an excellent spread of artistic and historical exhibits that will give you an excellent overview of the history of Vienna, as well as some of its more notable artists and other residents over the ages.

On display you’ll find everything from neolithic finds through to Roman archaeological discoveries through to displays from the present day.

There are also notable artworks from Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele on display, as well as two incredible models of the city, one of which shows what Vienna would have looked like in the mid-19th century.

Even if you aren’t usually a “museum” person, we think you will enjoy the Wien Museum, and if you only visit one museum in the city, this should be it.

Karlskirche

Right next to the Wien Museum is the beautifully ornate Karlskirche, or St. Charles Church.

This is an 18th century Baroque style church with two impressive spiral columns on the exterior. It was built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, largely to celebrate the end of the plague in the city, and is dedicated to St. Charles, known as a plague healer.

It’s a striking building with the central dome and two spires, and the lake in front of it offers a lovely reflection as well.

Of course, you can also go inside, where one of the highlights are the spectacular frescoes that adorn the interior of the dome.

You can also take a panoramic elevator for a closer view of the frescoes. There’s an admission fee for the church, and you can see that and the opening times at the official website.

We’re going to round off our first day of sight-seeing in Vienna with a visit to one of Vienna’s most famous markets – the Naschmarkt . This is just a short walk from Karlskirche.

The Naschmarkt runs for almost a mile along Wienzelle, and is Vienna’s largest market by far. It’s also got some pedigree, having existed here since the 16th century – although back then if you came here you’d largely only be able to buy milk.

Today there is a lot more on offer than milk. You’ll find fruit and vegetables from the around the world, exotic spices, olives, cheeses, meat, seafood – almost anything you can imagine in fact. There are also many restaurants and food stalls serving everything from sushi to Viennese specialities. A fine way to end your first day exploring Vienna, we think you’ll agree!

Day 2 in Vienna

Spanish riding school.

One of Vienna’s most famous attractions is the Spanish Riding School, home of the Lipizzan horses. These horses and their riders regularly perform shows in the winter riding school arena, a purpose built building which dates from 1729. The shoes focus on classical dressage, and are rightly world famous.

However, you don’t have to book tickets for a show to see these beautiful horses in action. On a number of mornings through the week, the riders and the horses do training exercises in the arena, and you can watch these training exercises for a moderate fee.

It’s worth noting that these are training exercises rather than a whole show, so don’t go expecting to see an elaborate co-ordinated spectacle. If that’s what you’re after, you should attend an actual performance. Also note that photography is not permitted during the training.

If you are interested in the behind the scenes operation of the Spanish Riding School, you can also take a guided tour. We were lucky enough to be taken on a private guided tour, and very much enjoyed getting to meet the horses and learn about their lives.

Just be aware that for the horses’ health, you aren’t allowed to actually touch the horses (although as you can see from the photo, the horses did try and have a nibble on my hair in case it was actually hay!).

For information on times and prices, see the official website of the Spanish Riding School .

Entry to the morning exercise is included on the Vienna Pass and the Go City Vienna Pass . You can also book tickets online here .

I’m now going to suggest a number of museums and art galleries that you might be interested in visiting.

Visiting all three of these might be a challenge if you also want to do the activities at the end of the day, but I wanted to include them all so you can decide which sounds best to you.

You could also add them in to the first day of the itinerary if you have time. It all depends on your own pacing.

The first museum you should consider adding to your Vienna itinerary is the Albertina . This is an art museum, found in the Hofburg Palace complex, which is home to one of the largest print rooms in the world.

With over a million items in the collection, you are assured to see something you like, with art from world renowned artists from Monet to Cezanne to Picasso on display. It’s also home to the Hofburg Palace staterooms, which included as part of your entry fee.

The Albertina is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and until 9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. There’s an admission fee – you can see more at the official website here . Entry is included on the Vienna Pass.

Natural History Museum

If you prefer your museums to contain fossils, dinosaurs and other items of a natural history theme, then you should head to Vienna’s Natural History Museum .

This is housed in a spectacular building (Vienna has a lot of spectacular buildings), which was purpose built and opened in 1889 as a museum to house the Habsburg collection. Today, the museum collection contains over 30 milion items, collected over 250 years, and makes for an impressive visit.

The Natural History Museum will definitely be for anyone who loves to learn about the history of the earth, and there’s everything here from dinosaur skeletons to exhibits on the history of the solar system. You could easily spend a whole day just exploring this museum if you wanted to.

The Natural History Museum is open Thursday – Monday from 9am – 6.30pm, and Wednesday from 9am – 9pm. It is closed on Tuesdays and for public holidays. You can see full opening hours and ticket prices on the official website here . It’s also included on the Vienna Pass.

Note that directly opposite the Natural History Museum is the Kunsthistoriche Museum . This is built in the same style and is a museum to the arts. So you might opt to visit this instead of (or as well as!) the Natural History Museum.

Sigmund Freud Museum

With Jess’s background as a psychologist, naturally, we had to visit the Sigmund Freud museum in Vienna – and this might be something you are interested in as well.

The museum is housed in the former apartment and office of Freud himself, and has been open to the public since 1971. It’s not a huge space, but it does contain a number of items related to Freud including some of his clothes and part of his antiques collection.

The museum also has information related to the history of psychoanalysis and its influence on art and society. However, it does not contain much original furniture, as most of this was taken to London by Freud when he moved there, and is now in the Freud Museum in London.

There is a small fee to visit the museum, and do be aware that there can be a wait at busy times as it is not a large space and it is a popular spot to visit. You can see opening times and prices at the official website .

Included on the Vienna Pass and Go City Vienna Pass.

City River Cruise

We always enjoy taking a river cruise if it’s an option in a city, and Vienna of course has the Danube. A river cruise is a relaxing way to see a few sights whilst taking the load off your feet (and perhaps enjoying a refreshing beverage?), and there are a number of operators who run cruises in Vienna.

We took the tour with City Cruises Vienna on the MS Blue Danube, which was conveniently included on our Vienna Pass .

This was a fun and comfortable experience, and we saw parts of the city, including a lot of street art, that we hadn’t seen before. Cruises run throughout the year, but the schedule varies depending on time of year.

If you don’t opt for the Vienna Pass, you can book a cruise online in advance here .

Danube Tower

If you’re looking for a good view in Vienna, look no further than the Danube Tower . This tower, originally built to host the 1964 Viennese Horticultural show, is the tallest structure in Austria.

From the viewing platforms, which are 450ft above ground level, you get an excellent view of the entire city and much of the surrounding area.

As well as the viewing area (accessed by high speed elevator) there are also two revolving restaurants in the tower, which would make for a good spot for your evening meal. This would also be a great place to watch the sunset at the end of your second day exploring Vienna!

The Danube Tower is open from 10am – midnight every day, and there’s a fee for visiting. You can find out more on the official site here .

It’s included on the Vienna Pass, or you can buy tickets online in advance here .

Day 3 in Vienna

Schönbrunn palace.

No visit to Vienna is complete without a visit to the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace , home of the Habsburg empire.

This is a large complex with a lot to see and do, so we suggest you allocate at least half a day, if not more, to your visit.

You’ll also want to arrive as early as you can, as the queues here can become long as the day progresses.

On arrival, you’ll want to join those queues and book your time slot for the palace tour, as well as get tickets for whichever of the other attractions you want to visit. We’d highly recommend access to the gardens, which are massive.

Once you have your tickets and tour time set up, you can plan what to do for the rest of your visit.

There is so much to do at Schönbrunn, including a big zoo (the oldest in the Western world!), the Imperial Carriage Museum, and the Orangery. A visit to the Gloriette, a huge structure which crowns a hill here, offers great views of the palace.

We’d also highly recommend taking the time to visit the Apple Strudel show, where you can learn all about traditional apple strudel making techniques – plus eat a slice yourself.

Schönbrunn Palace is open every day, including public holidays. Closing times vary depending on the time of year, but it opens every morning at 8am, when tickets and display rooms are opened. You can see opening times and prices here .

Schönbrunn Palace is also included on the Vienna Pass , and we highly recommend the pass if you are planning on visiting the palace, which is relatively expensive due to all the various attractions on site.

If you don’t want to buy a pass, we recommend buying a ticket in advance to skip the lines, which you can do from the official site here .

Another option is to take a guided walking tour of the palace, such as this well reviewed one . This will also skip the lines, as well as give you lots of information and historical context about the palace.

To be honest, if you have the time and inclination, you could easily spend all day at Schönbrunn Palace, and we wouldn’t blame you if you choose to do just that. On a warm sunny day it’s definitely one of the nicest places to be in the city.

If you’d rather do a bit more sightseeing though on your third day in Vienna, here are a couple more options for you to consider.

Belvedere Museum

If you have time, we very much recommend a visit to the UNESCO world heritage listed Belvedere Museum .

This actually consists of two buildings, the Upper and Lower Belvedere. which were constructed  in the early 18th century as the summer residence for Prince Eugene, a military commander and statesman of the Holy Roman Empire.

The two palaces are separated by sloped landscaped gardens which contain a number of water features and sculptures, and are considered some of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.

Within the museum are a number of artworks, including the largest collection of Klimt paintings in the world, as well as works from Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Cezanne. The Upper Belvedere also affords an excellent view of the city.

The Upper Belvedere is open daily from 9am – 6pm (9pm on Fridays), and the Lower Belvedere is open daily from 10am – 6pm (9pm on Fridays). Each palace has an individual entry fee, and you can see full details of fees and opening times here .

Both are also included on the Vienna Pass, or you can buy your tickets online in advance here .

Time Travel Vienna

If you are travelling in Vienna as a family, or you prefer to learn about history in a more interactive way, then you might enjoy a visit to Time Travel Vienna .

This is a fun tour through 2,000 years of Viennese history, told through the medium of costumed guides, animatronic shows and a “5D” cinema experience, as well as various special effects and music.

The tour lasts around an hour, and is available in a number of languages. Definitely a fun way to learn about Vienna!

Time Travel Vienna is open daily from 10am – 8pm, with the last tour starting at 7pm. There’s a fee for entry, and you can check times and prices here , and book tickets in advance here . It’s also included on the Go City Vienna Pass.

Prater Park and Ferris Wheel

Last on our list of what to do in Vienna for three days, before we move on to some practicalities for your visit, is a visit to Prater Park.

This is an old traditional amusement park, a couple of metro stops from the old town centre, which is home to Vienna’s iconic Giant Ferris Wheel .

Originally built in 1897, this was the world’s largest ferris wheel for decades, right up until 1985 in fact. It was seriously damaged in World War 2, and today’s version is the rebuilt model from after the war.

If you’re visiting with a partner and  feeling romantic, you can even hire out your own cabin on the Giant Ferris Wheel and have a romantic meal . Group cabin reservations are also possible, perhaps if you are celebrating a special event.

Otherwise, you can just do what we did, and take the standard tour which lasts around twenty minutes, and offers lovely views of the city.

Prater Park itself is also a lot of fun, especially for families. There are rides, an arcade, a Madame Tussauds and a number of places where you can get food. One thing to be aware of though is that it attractions aren’t open that late all year round, so check opening times on the official website before you go to avoid disappointment.

For the wheel, there is a fee to ride it, and it’s also included on the Vienna Pass. You can also purchase tickets in advance here .

3 Day Vienna Itinerary Map

To help you with your planning, we’ve put together a map of all the attractions in our three day Vienna itinerary. You can see this below, and access the original on Google Maps here .

3 Day Vienna Itinerary Summary

• Day 1: Mozarthaus Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna State Opera House, Wien Museum, Karlskirche, Naschmarkt
• Day 2: Spanish Riding School, Albertina, Museum of Natural History, Sigmund Freud Museum, City River Cruise, Danube Tower
• Day 3: Schönbrunn Palace, Unteres Belvedere, Time Travel Vienna, Prater Park and Ferris Wheel

Where (and what) to Eat in Vienna

Vienna has a wide range of excellent restaurants and cafes to choose from, at a variety of price points. There are also plenty of bars of course. Local food specialities in Vienna include Wiener Schnitzel (a breaded veal cutlet), Tafelspitz (boiled beef) and of course, Apfelstrudel, or Apple Strudel.

Many of the restaurants throughout Vienna will serve the classics, with prices ranging from 13 – 18 euros for a main course in our experience. We enjoyed particularly good food at Zwolf Apostkeller  and Glacis Beisl , both of which serve high quality traditional Viennese food at reasonable prices.

Where to Stay in Vienna for 3 Days

As we often do when visiting a city like Vienna, we opted for an apartment . This was right in the city centre, and meant that we had room to work, cook meals and do our laundry.

Of course, there are plenty more options in Vienna, with everything from hostels through to mid-range hotels and of course, luxury five star hotels available. Here are some recommended options to consider:

• wombat’s CITY Hostels Vienna – Found in Naschmarkt, near the large city market, and close to the museum quarter, this is a highly rated hostel that offers both dormitory and private rooms at a great price. For hostels, also consider CH-Hostel .
• CH-Budget Centre Rooms – at the budget end of the spectrum, this is a well located guesthouse offering free wifi, private bathrooms and TV’s, with a good value breakfast also available.
• Motel One Wien-Staatsoper – just 100 yards from the Vienna State opera, this three star property is fantastic value. Air conditioned rooms are all en-suite, and WiFi is available throughout.
• Hotel Am Parkring – A highly rated and great value four star property that offers stunning views over the city from its high floor location
• Hotel König von Ungarn – Vienna’s oldest hotel, this four star property is well reviewed and rooms come with free wifi and air conditioning
• Hotel Imperial – a great value yet impressive 5 star luxury hotel in the heart of the city, with a range of rooms that include luxury amenities, marble bathrooms, and at the higher end, a butler service
• Grand Hotel Wien – a highly rated and centrally located 5 star historic property which offers 5 restaurants, luxurious rooms, spa and business centre. A fantastic choice at the high end

We recommend you checkout the Vienna listings on Booking.com if you prefer a hotel stay, we find they usually come back with the widest choice and best deals, plus once you book a few times you get access to Genius discounts, which can save you even more.

For more tips and ideas on how to get the best deals on accommodation (and more!), check out our comprehensive travel resources page .

How to Save Money on your Vienna Trip

As a European capital. Vienna is not exactly a budget destination, although there are ways that you can save money on your trip.

Nearly all the attractions on this list carry an entry fee, which ranges from a few euros up to thirty euros per person. So the cost of sightseeing can very quickly add up.

Thankfully there’s a solution, which is the excellent Vienna Pass . We’re big fans of using city passes like this to save money, and think that the Vienna Pass is one of the best value city pass cards available.

To give you an idea of the savings, if you visited all the attractions on the itinerary above, you’d be looking at over 250 euros in attraction entry fees per person.

With the Vienna Pass, all of the attractions above are included, with the exception of the Karlskirche, Wien Museum, Time Travel Vienna and the Vienna State Opera Tour. It also includes a great many other attractions not listed above, which means you can see even more should you want to.

And a three day Vienna Pass normally only costs 153 euros (as of April 2023). As you can see, this is a considerable saving.

Of course, you’ll want to check your own savings against the attractions you want to visit, and you can see many of the attractions covered by the Vienna Pass here . We definitely think you’ll find it saves you money, and the included Hop on Hop off bus is a real bonus as well for helping you get around the city.

Also check out the Go Vienna pass from Go City. They offer both a customisable pass for Vienna as well as an all-inclusive pass.

The inclusions are slightly different to the Vienna Pass, so depending on what you plan to see one of these options might work out better .

Finally, if you don’t think you’ll use the Vienna Pass enough to get value out of it, you might instead consider the Vienna City Card . This includes free transport around the city, as well as discounts at the major attractions and museums.

Where to see Live Music in Vienna?

A popular question that we are asked from visitors to Vienna is where to attend a classical music concert in the city.

There are many venues throughout the city which offer live music, from the opera house through to performances in churches, many of which will be classical music concerts.

Popular performances include:

• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Karlskirche
• Mozart and Strauss at Kursalon Vienna
• Classical Concerts at Schönbrunn Palace
• Classical Concerts in St. Anne’s Church
• Classic Ensemble Vienna in St. Peter’s Church

For more options, visit this page on the official website for Vienna, which has event listings for every type of musical event, and in particular, classic music lovers will want to check out the Classical Music listings .

You can also purchase tickets for live music in Vienna on this website .

How to Get Around Vienna

Vienna is a very walkable city for the most part, and the majority of this itinerary can be done on foot. There are a few locations that are a little further out of the old town centre, like Schönbrunn Palace, the Danube Tower and Prater Park, for which you might need to take public transport or a taxi.

Vienna has an excellent public transport system that includes a metro, buses, and trams. We invested in a three day travel card for our time in Vienna, which gave us free access to all the public transport options in the city.

To be honest though, we didn’t use it enough to really justify the cost – we found ourselves walking between most of the sights, or taking Vienna’s hop on hop off bus.

As discussed above, if you pick up a Vienna Pass , this includes a Hop on Hop off bus pass good for the duration of the pass, which is excellent value.

There are multiple routes around the city, including to all the major sights in this itinerary (including Schönbrunn Palace), and it’s a fun way to do a bit of sight-seeing whilst resting your legs as well.

If you don’t pick up a Vienna Pass or a travel card, instead consider the Vienna City Card . This includes free transport around the city, as well as discounts at the major attractions and museums.

Further Reading for your 3 Days in Vienna

We hope this post gives you nearly all the information you need to plan out your three days in Vienna.

However, we have some additional resources that we think you might find useful for planning your trip. Do check back from time to time and bookmark this page, as we’re always updating and adding new content to our sites to help you make the most of your travels!

• Our guide to spending 2 days in Vienna , if you are visiting for a shorter trip.
• We also have a number of other detailed itineraries , which cover cities, countries and road trips around the world.
• Visiting Vienna in summer? Take a look at our tips for visiting Europe in summer to make the most of your time
• Looking for a guidebook? We used the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Vienna , and found it very informative
• Planning to stay in an apartment? Check out our guide to over 20 websites that allow you to book apartments online to make sure you get the best deal

And that sums up our post on how to spend three days in Vienna! As always, we hope you found it useful, and that you have a wonderful trip! If you’ve got any questions or thoughts on how to spend three days in Vienna, let us know about them in the comments below!

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Marianna says

13th September 2023 at 9:42 pm

Hello there ! currently planning an (almost) 3-day city break to Vienna with my partner and stumbled upon your post.. it’s really very helpful, especially when (like us) , you don’t have enough spare time to plan trips ahead! thank you 😃 About Vienna pass, does it provide skip-the-line/fast-track access to the sights it includes? And would you need to book a slot separately to visit each sight, or you can just drop by, show your Vienna pass and get into the sight?

Laurence Norah says

14th September 2023 at 6:11 pm

Hi Marianna!

Thanks very much 🙂 So the Vienna Pass currently (September 2023) includes skip the line access to the following attractions:

Belvedere 21 – Museum of Contemporary Art Albertina Belvedere (Upper and Lower Belvedere) Desert Experience House Gloriette, Maze, Privy Garten, Orangery Garden and Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn Palace Gardens Hofmobiliendepot · Imperial Furniture Collection Imperial Palaces Schloss Hof and Schloss Niederweiden Imperial Treasury Vienna Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna (Museum of Art History) Leopold Museum mumok (Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation) Museum of Natural History Museum of Technology Schönbrunn Zoo Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel State Hall of the Austrian National Library

As far as I know you don’t need to pre-book with the Vienna Pass, you should just be able to turn up 🙂

Have a great time in Vienna and let me know if you have any more questions! Also, if you have any feedback about this guide after you have visited feel free to let me know 🙂

1st September 2023 at 8:20 am

I will be in Vienna on a business trip for 3 days. The hotel is in the center (Stephansplatz), I will use the metro twice a day. What card will be profitable to buy or single tickets. There will be no time to visit museums.

3rd September 2023 at 7:54 pm

Honestly, only using the metro twice a day I think buying single tickets will make more sense. A single ticket is currently €2.4, so two rides will be €4.8. A 24 hour metro card is €8. So unless you will be riding more, single tickets will make more sense.

Have a great time in Vienna!

Rachna says

20th July 2023 at 5:33 am

Love the itinerary. We are going from August 7- Aug 10. Do you think we can cover eveything in this. We also have a concert that we pan to see in one of the days. if u had to suggest 2 museums which one would you suggest n what will u leave .

24th July 2023 at 9:00 am

Thanks! Yes, you should be able to see everything on the itinerary. The Wien Museum is still mostly closed other than some temporary exhibits. In terms of which museums to visit, it really depends on what you are interested in seeing. If you prefer natural history (dinosaurs etc), then obviously the Natural History Museum would be a pick. But there are museums covering art, psychology, etc. So it really depends on what you want to see and what interests you 🙂

Enjoy Vienna!

Lea Tufford says

4th July 2023 at 9:55 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

Thank you for this wonderful information. My family and I are leaving for Vienna this Friday. We are visiting a few other places in Europe. Do you have any blogs on other cities?

5th July 2023 at 10:10 am

We certainly do! It will depend on where you are going but we have content on a number of European cities and destinations, including Rome, London, Paris and Barcelona. You can see all the areas where we have content on our destinations pages:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/category/destinations/europe/ https://independenttravelcats.com/category/travel-destinations/

Let me know if you have any questions, and have a great trip!

5th July 2023 at 1:40 pm

Hi Laurence,

Thank you for this. I see you have information on Munich and Berlin, which we are also visiting so I will check out those cities. Do you have any information on Salzburg and Prague? Those are the other two cities on our trip.

Kind regards, Lea

6th July 2023 at 11:44 am

I don’t unfortunately, I have visited both those cities but it was a very long time ago so my information is not up to date. I do hope you have a lovely trip though!

6th July 2023 at 2:09 pm

Thank you Laurence,

Belle Wong says

19th May 2023 at 9:35 am

Thanks for the Info. For the Spanish Riding schools, to visit with the Vienna Pass, do you need to pre-book ? Can you go any time or need to go at specific timing ?

20th May 2023 at 2:24 pm

So with the Vienna Pass you can only visit the training which takes place in the morning. It should be between 10am and 11am, with the entry time is 15 minutes before that. You don’t need to pre-book as far as I know. Hopefully this answers your question!

Have a great time in Vienna and let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

30th August 2022 at 8:02 am

Thanks for this wonderful info

30th August 2022 at 11:16 am

My pleasure Anu, have a great time in Vienna!

John Wong says

11th July 2022 at 10:35 pm

Hello, Can you explain how to book the MS Blue Danube 75 min Boat Cruise ahead of time, with the Vienna Pass? E.g. Do I buy the Vienna Pass now, then the pass will give me some coupon code, and then I can use the code to book the Boat Cruise?

12th July 2022 at 11:23 am

As far as I know the Vienna Pass doesn’t currently allow for advance bookings in this way. Other city passes do allow this for sites with reservations, such as the Paris Pass for reservations to places like the Louvre, but this isn’t currently supported. What we did was we just went to the ticket office with our pass and booked our tour in person.

30th October 2021 at 7:55 pm

Thanks for all the good suggestions, but did I miss something? What about the Kunsthistorisches Museum?

31st October 2021 at 10:35 am

Thanks very much for your comment! So I also like the Kunsthistoriche Museum, which I included in my 2 day Vienna itinerary . I didn’t want to overfill this itinerary, but you are right in that it does warrant an inclusion. So I’ve made a note about it in the Natural History museum section.

26th February 2020 at 8:33 am

Thank you for this! One of the best blog posts about a city I’ve honesty ever read. You’ve given me plenty of ideas for our upcoming trip!!

26th February 2020 at 10:42 am

Thanks very much Anna – that’s appreciated! Have a great time in Vienna, and do let me know if you have any questions!

stuart rosen says

30th October 2019 at 9:09 am

Very informative

Looking to go in May is this a good time ? Also Saltzburg day trip can it be done in one day have limited time?

30th October 2019 at 11:00 am

Thanks very much. May would be a great time, the weather is likely to be fairly warm but it won’t be as crowded as the summer months. It’s one of our favourite months to travel in Europe.

It would be possible to visit Salzburg from Vienna as a day trip, although be aware it’s around a 2.5 hour train ride each way, so you will want to get an early morning train to make the most of your time in Salzburg.

Have a great trip!

David Lynn says

16th September 2019 at 7:17 am

Just read your blog and took some good notes. I will be in Vienna for just three days; 5 Oct – 7 Oct. 2019. Your blog was very helpful. Thank you very much! David

16th September 2019 at 8:23 am

Our pleasure David – have a great trip to Vienna 🙂

Mohini says

7th June 2019 at 5:14 am

Thank you for sharing such valuable information Lawrence Norah. We are travelling to Wien today and will be there for 4 days. Your blog has been of great help!!

7th June 2019 at 8:35 pm

My pleasure, have a great trip Mohini!

Jennifer Kates Ramlo says

27th May 2019 at 4:55 pm

Just read your blog regarding things to visit in Vienna. Thank you for the wealth of information! We will be there in a few weeks and I now have a better idea as to how to spend my time. I’ll be sure to look for other posts regarding some of the other cities we will be visiting. Thanks again.

27th May 2019 at 6:40 pm

Our pleasure Jennifer. Do let us know if you have any questions, and have a great trip!

26th May 2019 at 9:26 am

Very happy to stumble across your blog. Heading to Vienna on Jun 8th for 3 full days and will definitely use your travel tips to plan our itinerary. Thank you

26th May 2019 at 10:52 am

Our pleasure Helen! Have a great trip 😀

3rd March 2019 at 4:13 am

We will be going to Vienna end of March, thank for the helpful tip. If you don’t mind, can you tell us which apt you stayed at as we are looking for one with Airbnb Much appreciated

3rd March 2019 at 9:27 am

I don’t mind at all. To be honest though, we rarely share our AirBnB apartments as we find that many hosts don’t stay on the platform for more than a few years, and so our recommendations can go out of date very quickly. Our apartment was this one , however you’ll notice they are not currently taking reservations until July 🙁

1st March 2019 at 5:46 pm

Will be following this itinerary on our upcoming trip this weekend!

Thank you for sharing this…. looking forward to all that Vienna has to offer

2nd March 2019 at 8:00 am

Have a fantastic time Eddy, and do pop back to let us know how it went!

Vandana says

20th September 2018 at 6:14 am

We will be visiting Vienna on 4th October for 3 days this article is a big help .Laurence and Norah.We will follow it as it is .Thanks for sharing.

21st September 2018 at 2:21 pm

Thanks Vandana! Have a great trip, and let us know how it goes!

franklin says

31st August 2018 at 3:16 am

just found out your blog about Vienna in 3 Days. Enjoyed reading it very much. will be visiting Vienna in Mid-March 2019.

31st August 2018 at 10:27 am

Have a great trip Franklin 🙂

Kristall Spaces says

20th August 2018 at 3:12 pm

Fantastic article, thanks for sharing this 🙂

I have been to Vienna loads of times and loved every single visit.

The city is rich with culture and incredible architecture.

Other notable places in Austria I would visit are Salzburg, Berwang and Otztal.

George Tod says

27th May 2018 at 10:15 pm

Hi. We went to Wien last September and now plan a trip to Salzburg this September. Do you have anything recommendations on Salzburg accomodation, where to stay/ things to do and trips tp Halstadd

28th May 2018 at 2:08 pm

Hi George – unfortunately not, we’ve not travelling in Salzburg and we only share information from personal experiences. Have a good trip though!

Valdenio says

21st May 2018 at 5:28 am

Going to. Vienna for our 25th anniversary, Thanks for your itinerary and tips

21st May 2018 at 1:31 pm

My pleasure – happy anniversary and have a wonderful trip!

HiCinko says

17th April 2018 at 1:08 pm

Vienna seems to be quite an iconic place to visit.

18th April 2018 at 6:20 am

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Vienna in 4 Days: An Ideal Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Vienna has been on my bucket list for quite some time, but I actually knew almost nothing about it. Now, after seeing the best of Vienna in 4 days, I can safely say that your itinerary will not be empty. You’ll even need more time to fully explore it.

Vienna, one of the best places to visit in Austria , is where you can find incredible historical landmarks and architecture, world-class museums, amazing coffee, and drool-worthy cakes, all wrapped up in a classic European vibe.

Well, there’s a lot more to this city, but those are some of the things that you absolutely must experience while in Vienna, and here’s the itinerary that will help you do exactly that.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

4-Day Vienna Itinerary – Summary

Here’s what you’ll see in four days in Vienna:

Day 1: Schönbrunn Palace, Naschmarkt, the Spittelberg quarter.

Being such a highly-visited complex with lots of things to do and see, you might want to book a guided tour of the Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens .

Day 2: Vienna State Opera, Burggarten, the Butterfly House, Hofburg Palace.

Day 3: Hundertwasserhaus, Kunst Haus, the Vienna Ring Tram, St. Stephen’s Cathedral (one of the most beautiful European cathedrals ) + city center.

Day 4: City Hall and Parliament, Volksgarten, Maria-Theresien-Platz and its museums, MuseumQuartier.

If you want to get out of the city in one of the four days, consider taking a day trip from Vienna to Salzburg independently by train.

Alternatively, book yourself: 1. A guided day tour to Salzburg , the filming location of The Sound of Music 2. A day trip to the scenic Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey with wine tastings 3. A day trip to Hallstatt , a fairytale town in Austria

Other Things I Would Have Loved to Do in Vienna

Well, it’s impossible to do and see everything in Vienna in four days, so here are a few more experiences I would have loved to try:

• Visiting the Belvedere Palace , a UNESCO Site. Get your ticket here .
• Local wine tasting in a historic cellar .
• Visiting the historic Prater amusement park and getting on the Giant Ferris Wheel .
• Taking a Viennese coffee, cake, and chocolate tour .

You can also take a classic free walking tour of Vienna or a free night tour of Vienna that includes many of the landmarks mentioned on this itinerary.

Where to Stay for 4 Nights in Vienna

I stayed at the Ibis Styles Wien City and had a great experience.

Although it’s not located in the city center , it ticked all the boxes for me as far as price, general atmosphere and design, connection to public transportation, staff (which was available 24/7), breakfast, and room comfort.

With double, triple, and quadruple rooms, it can be a great hotel choice for couples, a group of friends, and even families. You can check the latest prices of Ibis Styles Wien City here.

If you prefer finding accommodation in the city center itself (which is pricier but more convenient), check out the highly-rated: 1. Boutique Hotel Das Tigra (mid-range) 2. Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol (4-star boutique)

For other accommodation options, read my roundup of some of the best places to stay in Vienna recommended by travel bloggers, or see the best areas to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets .

Vienna in 4 Days – Day 1

Schönbrunn palace.

The  Schönbrunn Palace is a beautiful baroque royal residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the Middle Ages.

Apart from being a residence of emperors and empresses (like Emperor Franz Joseph), the palace hosted important events and conferences, making people like six-year-old Mozart and Napoleon its guests.

The palace is one of Vienna’s most visited attractions, so if you want to take a tour inside it, you can book a guided Schönbrunn Palace and gardens tour in advance and skip the lines .

Touring the complex is free of charge, and you can easily spend a few hours wandering around the gardens.

You can also visit several other attractions (that have their own admission fee ):

• The historic Cafe Gloriette: Located on top of a hill, overlooking the beautiful gardens.
• The Imperial Carriage Museum (you can get your ticket in advance here ).
• The Orangery Garden.
• The Maze Garden.
• The Palm House.
• The Privy Garden.

If you’re visiting Vienna in winter as I did, most of these are closed, but if not, you’ll probably need more than half a day to fully explore the different activities in this amazing complex.

Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most famous market, and it offers a combo of market stands and restaurants in the same place.

To be honest, I had high expectations from this market, and it was quite underwhelming. Apart from some market shops selling beautiful produce like vegetables, bread, and cheeses, most stands were disappointing.

Also, most restaurants in the market seemed unappealing to me, and we ended up eating lunch at Neni which was one of the only spots that were packed with people.

I did like the concept and some of the stands, so I wouldn’t skip out on visiting the market.

If you want, you can also take a guided food tour of the Naschmarkt.

Tip #1:  If you love flea markets, that’s what you’ll get if you visit the Naschmarkt on a Saturday.

Tip #2:  In this area, you can find some really cool street art ( see this map for all street art spots in Vienna ) and unique buildings like Majolikahaus (Linke Wienzeile, 40).

Spittelberg Quarter

When I’m traveling to a big city, finding charming little corners like the Spittelberg neighborhood is like finding a treasure.

Although it’s a small area, it’s packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars, and its enchanting streets are the perfect place to spend an afternoon and evening.

If you’re planning a pre-Christmas visit, don’t miss Spittelberg’s Christmas market, which is super cozy and inviting.

Location:  Between Breite Gasse and Sigmundsgasse.

Tip: Only about a minute away there’s a really cute hidden cafe called Cafe in der Burggasse24 (Burggasse 24) you should totally check out.

Vienna in 4 Days – Day 2

Vienna state opera.

I admit it, opera is not my cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate Vienna’s Opera House , which is one of the city’s most important landmarks.

This incredibly beautiful building from the 19th century hosts more than 60 different operas and ballet productions each season, including a yearly ball (isn’t that mindblowing?). To learn more about it, you can book a behind-the-scenes guided tour (on some days, it takes place in the morning).

If you want to see a concert, you can purchase your tickets on the opera’s official website .

Who doesn’t love to stroll around parks and gardens? It’s a great way to take a little break from sightseeing and experience another side of a city.

I particularly loved Vienna’s Burggarten . Although it’s not a big park, it seemed super charming to me. Perhaps it’s because I got to see it covered in snow, and there were still hints of green and orange underneath it.

The Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus)

Right next to Burggarten, you can find a quirky yet interesting attraction that will make you forget that you’re in the middle of an Austrian city.

The Butterfly House is home to hundreds of butterflies that are flying freely in a rainforest environment recreated especially for them.

Here you can learn about the different types of butterflies and their life cycle and feel like a kid when you see them happily chasing each other.

With this amount of uniqueness, you’ll probably want to take beautiful pictures, so I feel like I should give you a heads-up that the humid setting makes it a bit challenging.

Coffee Break

If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in Vienna, it’s relishing a cup of Viennese coffee and cake. Since I’m a total sucker for local cafes, this important part of the Viennese culture was right up my alley.

Now, it’s quite difficult to pick out which Viennese coffee houses to check out (even if you have 4 days in Vienna and you can go to multiple places).

However, I wouldn’t skip out on institutions like Cafe Central (Herrengasse 14) and Demel (Kohlmarkt 14).

It’s not just the amazing coffee and cakes but it’s the entire atmosphere that feels elegant, sophisticated, and inviting all at the same time. Now, let’s talk about desserts.

After tasting Cafe Central’s strudel and kaiserschmarrn (Austrian shredded pancake), and Demel’s strudel and almond cake, I have one word for you: YUM.

Hofburg Palace

Once a royal residence and seat of government, the Hofburg Palace is now a huge palace complex that houses museums (like the Sisi Museum and The Imperial Treasury ), the Spanish Riding School , and other Viennese landmarks .

The amount of time you’ll need here obviously depends on your interests. You can either stroll around the complex for free or visit a museum or two (or more).

If you do plan to visit some museums, you can skip the lines by purchasing your tickets to the Imperial Treasury .

Vienna in 4 Days – Day 3

Hundertwasserhaus.

Being a huge fan of Antoni Gaudi (Spain’s most famous architect), I was thrilled to get to know Friedensreich Hundertwasser – an Austrian artist and architect who was influenced by him.

Amongst his creations, he designed the unusual Hundertwasserhaus .

This colorful work of art is actually an ordinary residential building (I don’t know about you, but I would be more than happy to live in such a quirky building), so you can only appreciate its exteriors.

The architect also designed the adorable Hundertwasser Village , a small shopping center right next to the Hundertwasserhaus. It houses a cafe and shops selling all kinds of Hundertwasser-style products.

Only a few minutes from the Hundertwasserhaus, you can find the Kunst Haus, another architectural creation of Hundertwasser.

This is a museum showcasing his work, but what I liked most about the place was the cafe on the ground floor.

It was probably one of the coolest cafes I’ve visited, and the coffee and the cheese strudel I had were not too shabby either.

Vienna Ring Tram

One of the most popular things to do in Vienna is walk alongside Vienna’s Ringstrasse.

It is a circular/ring road that passes through some of Vienna’s most important landmarks, like the State Opera, City Hall (Rathaus), and the Natural History Museum.

I’ve included some of them on this Vienna itinerary, but since the road is 5.3 km long (about 3.3 miles), taking a tram that runs alongside it seemed like a great way to explore the entire route.

You can definitely do it by walking, but you might need more than four days in Vienna if you don’t want to rush it. You can also explore the Ringstrasse with a local guide.

The Vienna Ring Tram leaves Schwedenplatz every half hour, and you can buy your tickets right on the spot (look for yellow coats).

You also get a set of earphones, so that you can listen to an informative audio guide about the different sights.

Walk Alongside the Danube Canal

When you get back to Schwedenplatz, cross the street and spend some time walking alongside the Danube Canal . This is one of the biggest areas where you can find really amazing street art.

Obviously, the canal is quite long, so feel free to explore different parts of it and check out this map to find the coolest street art spots.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Walk towards the city center and get to  St. Stephen’s Cathedral , an undeniably stunning Gothic structure from the 12th century and one of the most famous landmarks in Austria .

If the thought of climbing 343 stairs doesn’t make you cringe, you can get to the tower room and see Vienna from above (and take a closer look at the colorful tiled roof).

Also, try to spot the iron rooster on the roof, which connects to one of the most intriguing European myths and legends .

Explore the City Center (Old Town)

The area surrounding the cathedral is a maze of squares and streets packed with shops, cafes, restaurants, museums, churches, and other beautiful traditional buildings.

Take your time and explore this vibrant part of Vienna and don’t miss streets like Graben, Rotenturmstrasse, and Kärntner Strasse (as well as smaller hidden streets you’ll discover on your own).

Vienna in 4 Days – Day 4

City hall and the parliament.

Vienna’s City Hall is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. Its Gothic style makes it look like a cathedral rather than a city hall, and that’s what makes it unique.

Apart from its stunning facade, you can take a free guided tour inside the building on certain days of the week.

In winter , the city hall square (Rathausplatz) hosts the biggest Christmas market in Vienna, and parts of it turn into a giant ice skating rink.

Not too far from City Hall, you can see Vienna’s Parliament which is one of the most important landmarks in the city.

Volksgarten

If you feel like taking a little break from sightseeing, Volksgarten is a beautiful park that would be perfect for that. It houses a few buildings, monuments, fountains, and about 3,000 rose bushes.

If you’re not visiting during springtime, there will be a lot fewer roses, but this park is still a stunning spot you must see in Vienna.

Maria-Theresien-Platz and Its Museums

Apart from being a gorgeous European public square ,  Maria-Theresien-Platz sits between two very significant museums: the  Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum .

Both buildings were built in the 19th century, and if you look carefully, you will see that they are identical.

Another thing you can see in the square is the Maria Theresa Monument , honoring Empress Maria Theresa.

Tip: Skip the lines by buying tickets online to the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum) or combo tickets with the Leopold Museum or the  Imperial Treasury which will save you a bit of money.

Museumsquartier

If you think you’re in for just another museum complex, think again.

Vienna’s MuseumQuartier has become a cultural space where you can find all kinds of museums (including the famous Leopold Museum), performances, shops, cafes, and restaurants all in the same area.

Programs and events in the complex are constantly changing, so check the official website for the latest updates.

4 Days in Vienna – General Notes

Is 4 days in vienna enough time.

While I feel like I’ve seen many of Vienna’s highlights, I would have loved to spend at least one more day in the city itself and take 1-2 day trips.

Getting Around

Vienna’s public transportation is incredible. There are more than enough U-Bahn (Metro) and tram stations in the city so you can get anywhere easily. Simply buy a daily or multi-day travel card in advance or at one of the U-Bahn stations.

Where to Eat

We had our breakfast at the hotel, and since we had visited Vienna in late November (because Vienna is one of the top winter city breaks in Europe ), we ate most of our meals at the Christmas markets’ food stalls. So if you’re looking for recommendations for restaurants in Vienna, check out this guide .

Solo Travel

If you’re traveling alone, check out this solo traveler’s guide to Vienna (though Vienna can also be a great girls’ trip destination ).

Vienna City Card – Worth It or Not?

For unlimited use of public transportation and discounts on many attractions, I purchased the  Vienna City Card .

Most attractions are pretty pricey and don’t offer free admission if you visit them on certain days or hours (unlike other attractions in Europe), so the card was great in saving me money on museums and landmarks in Vienna.

Plus, the city card offers discounts on sightseeing tours of Vienna , day trips, concerts, and taxis from the airport to the city (and discounts in several cafes and restaurants).

Whether it’ll save you money or not depends on how much you’ll take advantage of these discounts .

The city card offers discounts on more than 10 attractions mentioned on this itinerary. Read more about it and get your Vienna City Card here.

Alternatively, you can also get a Vienna Pass , which is pricier but offers free entrance to many museums and attractions.

Related Posts

Planning your Vienna trip itinerary? Read more:

• Free museums in Vienna
• Cities to visit in Austria

Do you love European city breaks and were you inspired by my Vienna travel itinerary? Check out my:

• 3-day Turin itinerary
• 2-day Madrid itinerary
• 4-day Madrid itinerary
• 2-day Berlin itinerary
• 4-day Budapest itinerary
• 2-day Brussels itinerary
• 2-day Lisbon itinerary
• 2 days in Mostar
• 4-day Milan itinerary
• Long weekend getaways in Spain

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About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

4 thoughts on “Vienna in 4 Days: An Ideal Itinerary for First-Time Visitors”

I recently returned from a trip to Vienna and I have to say, it was a truly magical experience. The city is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and a rich cultural history. I was particularly impressed by the Schönbrunn Palace and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which both had incredible collections. The food was also delicious, particularly the pastries and coffee.

It’s such an elegant city! I can’t wait to go back!

I love your post! I am traveling to Vienna in March and I am so excited to visit! I am also traveling by bus to Salzburg. Have you ever been there? Do you have any recommendations?

Yay! I’m so happy you liked it! I LOVED Vienna 🙂 I would have also loved to take a day trip to Salzburg, but I didn’t have enough time :/

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

A 2-Day Vienna Itinerary: The Ultimate Weekend In Vienna, Austria

Planning to spend a weekend in Vienna? This 2-day Vienna itinerary is packed full of tips on where to visit on your city break.

Vienna is one of my favourite European cities for a weekend break. It’s bursting with classical architecture, has several stunning parks and a great food scene too. Once you get to know it you’ll realise it has a wonderful independent spirit too. 

Art lovers, history buffs and culture vultures will adore visiting the city’s top museums. Meanwhile, those looking for cool things to do in Vienna will enjoy checking out areas such as Neubaugasse and Prater.

If you’re keen to pack a lot into your weekend in Vienna, you’ve come to the right place! Rather than lay out a timed 2-day Vienna itinerary, I’ve decided to pop together a list of suggestions on places to visit, depending on your interests.

If you want to get to grips with Austrian and Viennese culture, no doubt places like Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg and Vienna State Opera House will be top of your list. However, if you’re planning a low-key weekend in Vienna, and would like some offbeat suggestions too, you might enjoy the urban landscapes around the Danube Canal or seeing the city from a different angle from the giant ferris wheel.

I’ve really enjoyed my trips to Vienna. It’s a very walkable city, so my advice is to get out on foot and explore with your eyes and ears wide open.

Ready to start planning your trip to the Austrian capital? Here’s my guide to planning a Vienna city break.

How To Get To Vienna

Vienna is very easy to reach. If you’re travelling from outside of Austria, you can fly to Vienna International Airport. From there, the city centre is accessible by train in under 30 minutes, or you can hop in a taxi.

Austria benefits from being within the Schengen Countries Zone – a group of 26 European nations with no border controls between each other. This means it’s really easy to reach Vienna from any of its neighbouring countries, by car, train or bus. Most non-European citizens will need a Schengen visa to enter Austria, so definitely check before you travel.

Once you’re in the city, you might find it handy to pick up a Vienna City Card or a 2-day sightseeing card. You can use these for any journeys on the city’s public transport system (subway, tram, bus and train).

A 2-Day Vienna Itinerary

So, you’ve got 48 hours to spend in Vienna? Whether you want to see all the famous sights, or visit some quirky and unique spots, here are my suggestions for places to visit on the ultimate weekend in Vienna.

Visit Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg is the name given to the large palatial complex in the heart of Vienna. These days it’s home to the Austrian government and is where the President of Austria conducts business from.

There’s so much history in this part of the city, and it’s well worth going just to look at the incredible architecture. Don’t miss the oldest part of the building – the Alte Burg, a medieval fortress constructed in the 13th century, known today as the Swiss Wing.

You can buy tickets to enter the Vienna Hofburg, where you can visit the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments and Silver Collection.

Be A Big Kid At Prater

Vienna is a city with its very own theme park in the centre. Located within Prater (a large park area) is a big amusement park with lots of rides and games, along with places to eat and drink.

Unlike Disneyland Paris and many other theme parks, it’s free to enter. You simply pay for the rides you want to go on (most are around 5 EUR). I went on the Praterturm – the tallest swing in the world. It’s one of the best things to do in Vienna and perfect if you want to see the city from a whole different angle.

Book A Ticket To The Opera

Culture vultures will relish the opportunity to step inside the world-famous Wiener Staatsoper. Vienna State Opera House was built in 1869 and is absolutely stunning inside. It’s incredible to believe the horseshoe-shaped auditorium, had to be completely rebuilt after the Second World War.

Each season, Vienna State Opera House plays host to over 350 performances of world-class operas and ballets. Book a ticket, pop on your chicest outfit and enjoy a cultural experience like no other.

Wander The Danube Canal

If urban landscapes are more your thing, I’d recommend taking a walk along the Danube Canal. There are paths on either side of the water, and the walls are covered in colourful street art and graffiti. It’s like one long open-air art gallery!

If you’re planning your weekend in Vienna for the summer months, you could stop by one of the city’s ‘beach bars’. There were several along the edge of the water, with deck chairs, cocktail menus and some with real sand!

Alternatively, spend an afternoon in the sunshine at Badeschiff Wien – Vienna’s floating pool boat! As well as a large swimming pool, the large boat has a bar, restaurant and lots of sunbathing areas on board.

Visit The Natural History Museum Vienna

If you’re interested in science and nature, take a trip to the NHM Vienna. One of the largest museums in Austria, it’s home to 39 exhibition rooms containing more than 100,000 objects.

Commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph and opened in 1889, it’s another building in Vienna’s city centre boasting beautiful classical architecture.

Exhibitions change regularly, and when I last checked there was one on food waste, another on radioactivity and another on spiders. This is a great place for families spending the weekend in Vienna.

Learn About Austria’s History At Schönbrunn Palace

Ready for an incredible photo opportunity? Located to the west of Vienna city centre, the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site of Schönbrunn Palace is the most visited tourist attraction in Vienna and one of the most famous buildings in Austria. People often visit on a day trip, and it’s worth booking tickets in advance as it can get very busy.

The incredible Rococo palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers and dates back over 300 years. Inside the palatial imperial residence are 1,441 rooms, many of which you can visit on the guided tours. There’s lots of info on the Habsburg Monarchy as well as the architecture and significance of the building itself.

If you want to learn even more about this period of history from the 16th century to the end of the monarchy in 1918, you could also pay a visit to Vienna’s Museum of Military History.

Schönbrunn Palace’s vast gardens are well worth exploring too. They feature an orangery, palm house, fountains, a maze, a zoo, desert house and several water features. You can enter parts of the Palace Park free of charge too.

Explore Trendy Neubaugasse

Looking for Vienna’s coolest neighbourhoods? Take a trip to Neubaugasse and peruse the independent shops, eyeing up chic vintage items and cute homewares.

Don’t miss homeware store Felicitas, Kitsch Bitch for funky clothes and vintage wares at Bootik 54. Oh, and if you get peckish there are some great hipster cafes and healthy food stores around Neubaugasse Street too.

Marvel At Vienna’s Belvedere Palace

There’s no shortage of grand buildings in the centre of Vienna. I found myself snapping so many photos as I wandered the city on my weekend in Vienna.

The two Belvedere palaces (Upper and Lower Belvedere), were built in the early eighteenth century as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. They’re located in a beautiful park area featuring landscaped gardens.

If you’re interested in art, definitely pay a trip to Upper Belvedere. It’s the most visited art museum in Austria, and features works by Klimt, Monet, and Van Gogh. It’s a great addition to your 2 day Vienna itinerary. 

Get To Grips With Vienna’s Famous Cafe Culture

Vienna is known for its fancy coffee houses, and you’ll see plenty of classical style cafes as you wander around the city centre.

If you want to sit and enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake where the city’s intellectuals, composers and high-fliers once sat, head to Café Frauenhuber (the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna), Café Mozart, Café Central or Café Sperl. They’re filled with old-world charm and a nod to Vienna’s traditions.

Or, if you’re craving something more modern, there are plenty of cool, hipster cafes to visit too. I’d recommend checking out Burgasse24 (a cool vintage store with its own café), Amerlingbeisel (a cute café tucked away in a courtyard with a leafy canopy), Cafe Latte (another hidden gem, with big orange lanterns hanging overhead) and Das Möbel Cafe (a café dedicated to showing the works of independent designers).

Watch A Magical Display At The Spanish Riding School

If you’d like to learn about Vienna’s history and traditions, book a ticket to the Spanish Riding School. Established in the 16th century, this Austrian institution is dedicated to the preservation of classical horsemanship and the training of Lipizzaner horses (a prized breed of horse).

Seeing these creatures move is like watching elegant ballerinas! You can watch training sessions and performances in the baroque Winter Riding School in the Hofburg Palace, right in the centre of Vienna.

Dine In a Palm House

One of Vienna’s prettiest dining spots, Palmenhaus is located in one of the old greenhouses overlooking Burggarten – one of the parks right in the centre of the old town.

The building is magnificent, filled with tall palm trees and foliage, and while prices are a little higher than other restaurants, the setting is unique. I was impressed with the reasonable lunch menu, with dishes under 12 EUR.

I hope this 2-day Vienna itinerary gives you lots of inspiration for your trip. If you’re looking for other suggestions of things to do on a weekend in Vienna, check out my guide to unique and quirky things to do in Vienna .

This blog was produced in in collaboration with AXA. 

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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Vienna travel guide

Beautiful destinations and useful tips for your vacation

Vienna! We have fallen head over heels in love with the Austrian capital and are already looking forward to our next visits to Vienna.

Honestly, we could even imagine living there. If you stroll through the pretty streets of the city, you will feel the joy of life of its people.

The city is not only pretty, but also has a lot to offer. There are, of course, the famous sights such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Prater and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

But there are also great beach bars along the Danube, lively market squares, the Naschmarkt with its delicacies, many great restaurants and, of course, Vienna’s nightlife. You will definitely not get bored in Vienna!

On this page you will find our reports and tips for your city trip to Vienna.

Hi! We are Jenny & Basti.

We’re head over heels in love with photography and traveling. We turned our shared passion into our profession and have been at home everywhere in the world ever since. On 22places we share everything about our travels: with a lot of attention for details, inspirational, authentic, and above all: always honest. On our travel blog, we share useful travel tips and give you practical photography advice.

Our blog posts about Vienna

What to Pack for a City Trip?

Things to See and Do in Vienna [+ Travel Tips]

Vienna: Hidden Gems and Spots You Shouldn’t Miss!

Where to Stay in Vienna: Our Favorite Areas and Hotels!

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Home » Europe » Austria » Vienna

EPIC 3-DAY VIENNA ITINERARY (2024)

Vienna is not only Austria’s capital, but it is also a hub for artistic and intellectual genius! This vastly beautiful and sophisticated city was once the home of Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud. Even Einstein was known to enjoy the splendor of Vienna!

It’s easy to see how people worldwide flock to enjoy the exquisite glory that Vienna provides, as well as explore the many historical and fascinating sites it boasts.

Our complete three day Vienna itinerary will take you on an unforgettable journey, leading the way and making sure that your trip is overflowing with non-stop beauty. Let the stress of planning ease, and keep this guide with you to ensure you have yourself an amazing three days in Vienna!

This ancient city lies on the banks of the Danube River and is known for being the birthplace of free-thinking and artistic advancement! Vienna’s cafes are set within an inspiring ambiance, and it is said that you will feel as if you have consumed both time and space, yet only coffee will be found on your bill!

A Little Bit About this 3-Day Vienna Itinerary

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You can see Vienna’s gorgeous sites walking along the streets, and exploring this picturesque city on foot is a must!  Take in the upbeat rhythm of Vienna’s streets as you enjoy many statues and imperial architecture. There are cafes everywhere, as well as art galleries and plenty of museums. Walking is one of the best ways to get around Vienna as a lot of the attractions can be found close to each other.

However, Vienna is huge and there can be times when you will need a faster and less strenuous way to get around! The train stations and underground subways are wonderful ways to get from A to B in Vienna, and they can be found in most of the big cities.

You can also book tickets with U-Bahn metro systems. You can see the places for these buses quite easily as they are marked with a blue cube that has a white ‘U’ on it. You can save money with these by booking a day pass online or getting Vienna’s local travel card. There are also buses and taxis found within Vienna, and this makes for a quick way to travel.

If you are wanting to travel in your own time, you can also hire a car or bike in Vienna. This is a great option when travelling, and it gives you a lot more freedom. If you don’t trust your GSP, you can hire a private driver to take you from place to place and show you some of the best streets!

If need be, the airport also offers reasonable ticket prices for a flight from one part of Vienna to the next.

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3-Day Vienna Itinerary Overview

Day 1 in Vienna: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien , Austrian National Library , St. Peter’s Catholic Church , St. Stephen’s Cathedral , Vienna Opera House

Day 2 in Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace , Naschmarkt , Secession , Karlskirche , Albertina , Mariahilf

Day 3 in Vienna: Volksgarten , Rathaus , Prater , Museum of Applied Arts , Hundertwasser Apartment House and Museum , Danube Canal

More Places to See in Vienna: Central Cemetery , Wien Museum Mozart Apartment , Belvedere Palace , MuseumsQuartier

With a Vienna City Pass , you can experience the best of Vienna at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

A huge part of planning a trip to Vienna is knowing which neighborhood you want to stay in! Ask yourself what kind of place you are looking for – peaceful or bustling? Do you want to be close to Vienna points of interest or do you enjoy long journeys? Would you like to experience the luxurious side of Vienna, or are you more interested in the quirky parts? All of this comes into play, but we will share some of the best options of where to stay in Vienna!

If it’s your first time in Vienna, then the area of Innere Stadt is the best place for you to stay. This neighborhood is central and is also where most of Vienna’s beautiful historical sites can be found. You can see all of the best architecture and do some magical sightseeing without having to travel far. One of the best parts about this neighborhood is that it is surrounded by the Ringstrasse wall, which once used to be the city’s official wall.

Neubau is by far the coolest place to stay in Vienna! This is where Vienna showcases its trendy art galleries, cafes with unique character, and plenty of designer clothing shops. The restaurants in this area are also well worth checking out and provide tasty cuisine set in unusually decorated buildings.

If you want to learn more, be sure to read our awesome guide on the COOLEST areas in Vienna !

Best Hostel in Vienna – Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna

This remarkable hostel provides spotless accommodation that is also conveniently close to the Wein Westbahnhoff station. The hostel members pride themselves on the cozy and friendly vibe that exudes from their establishment. There is also an amazing garden and music area for you to put your feet up and relax after a long day of adventuring!

Best Airbnb in Vienna – Unbeatable Home in Prime Location

Discover Vienna on foot while staying smack dack in the city center in this modern but cozy apartment. And if you do plan to venture out, this home is footsteps from the bus station.

Do you like meeting new people on your travels? If that’s you, this is the spot to be; the private room is in a huge home where you share the space with a few people that will quickly feel like family you may end up going o future adventures with during your time here.

Not to mention, even with a house full of people, the place continues to stay immaculate. With a full kitchen to use whenever you please as well as a cozy living area that has an organized space to play board games or cards, you may not even leave home!

Best Budget Hotel in Vienna – Pension Wild

This budget-friendly hotel also happens to be a historical building in Vienna dating back to 1904! It has been renovated and provides elegant accommodation for those in Josefstadt. The hotel is close to two subways, both the Rathaus and Volkstheater Underground Stations. The rooms are comfortable and the staff is always smiling. This may be the best place to stay in Vienna during your visit!

Best Luxury Hotel in Vienna – House of Time

Enjoy 5-star treatment with an incredibly charming, artistic touch at The House of Time. These fancy suites are exquisite, each with their own theme. The hotel offers not only luxury accommodation, but  style and an unforgettable hotel ambiance like no other. You can even book a room that has its own private room service, onsite bar, mini bar, and so much more are offered at the House of Time.

We’re going to spend our first day in Vienna admiring some of the finest landmarks in the city.

9:00 AM – Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

One of the best things about Vienna is its unique and rich artistic history; we’re going to start the largest art museum in the country on our first day in Vienna! The Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien is a magnificent building that hosts many priceless artworks, but its very structure is also a masterpiece.

It showcases excellent architecture with an artistic ambiance! Stroll the gardens and admire the external features of the building, then make sure to tour its interior. One of the most unforgettable parts of this museum is the signature octagonal dome.

Enjoy remarkable exhibitions, displays, and breathtaking artwork from the Viennese masters.

By the time you finish with the museum, you’re probably going to need a jolt of energy. Sit down for a relaxed meal and a cup of fresh coffee or a hot cup of tea at the museum’s cafe before leaving.

• Cost:  €16.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
• Getting there:  There are two U-Bahn stops nearby: Volkstheater (Line 3) and the Museumsquartier (Line 2).

12:00 PM – Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library is the largest library in the country so expect a library that oozes with grandeur of a whole new kind! There are over twelve million items in its enormous collection. The library building itself has been standing since the fifteenth century and carries a beautiful history of its own (that you can read up about when you are there). It was originally built as a part of the glorious Hofberg Palace and Sisi Museum.

The Austrian Library is also made up of three wonderful museums, the Papyrus Museum, the Globe Museum, and the Esperanto Museum. The oldest book in the entire library is a medieval clerical scripture called  ‘Evangeliar of Johannes of Troppau’, from 1368. It’s worth looking at because it is full of coloured drawings and beautiful calligraphy!

The impressive baroque State Hall is an immeasurable beauty! Marvel and stand in the middle of the cathedral-like oval dome, which is suspended by marble columns that are entirely covered in magnificent frescoes. There are also galleries of carved wood where you will find over 200,000 books that have been meticulously bound with precious leather.

There are wooden stairs on wheels to cross over the two stories of books! You will also see historic personalities that have been sculpted from pine marble and plenty of earth globes that are over 400-years-old.

When you’re ready to move on and/or you’re feeling a bit hungry, head over to Café Hawelka for some lunch!

• Cost:  €8. Free for those nineteen and younger.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours.
• Getting there:  It’s a 10-minute walk to the Library from the Kunsthistorisches through the Burggarten.

3:00 PM – St. Peter’s Catholic Church

Also known as the Peterskirche, this Roman Catholic Church is one of the major Vienna landmarks and a highlight for any Vienna itinerary! Even from its exterior, it boasts a magnificent amount of classic domes, reliefs, and exquisite statues. Once you open those doors and step inside, you will have your breath taken away by this church’s uniquely colorful interior and form.

St. Peter’s Church was originally built in the 18th century, and it embodies all the architectural design qualities of that time. You can catch free concerts and recitals, so there is always a chance to enjoy an extra bit of fun when you visit!

This church is a captivating Baroque structure and has so much to offer everyone who visits! From gorgeous domes and artwork to well-designed interior details, there is a lot of magnificence fitted into a small space.

Begin your trip in Vienna with a place that captures the soul of this wonderful city!

Insider Tip:  You won’t need to go inside the church to marvel at its beauty, and most of its best features are seen from outside. Be sure to ride the elevator to experience one of the best views in Vienna!

• Cost:  €8-10 depending on if you want to go up to the dome by elevator or by foot.
• How long should I stay here?  An hour or less.
• Getting there:  If you dropped by Café Hawelka for a bite, St. Peter’s is less than 5 minutes away by foot via Graben Street.

4:00 PM – St. Stephen’s Cathedral

• Food Recommendation: Enjoy a luxurious meal at Cantinetta Antinori Gastronomie GmbH and be sure to try one of the many delectable wines made on the family estate!

Vienna has a host of fascinating and significant buildings, and St Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most revered! It is the main mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and is where the seat of the Archbishop is, therefore, it is the most important Roman Catholic church in the whole of Austria!

The exterior of the church is made of impressive limestone walls and boasts a variety of intricately detailed statues of both Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The most eye-catching and enchanting part of St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the decorated and colorful mosaic roof that has been made of 230,000 tiles and its intimidating Imperial Double-Headed Eagle that pops out in the black tiles!

The church’s tallest tower is known affectionately as ‘Steffl’, and it stands at a staggering 136 metres (446 feet) high. It is now renowned as an icon of the city’s skyline! The interior of the church is even more breathtaking, and your eyes might very well pop out in sheer amazement as you take in the luxurious and detailed design and artwork!

NOTE: We’re going to end our first day in Vienna at the Opera and shows usually start at 7:00 pm. We can either a) have a small snack before the show and then another at intermission or b) have a proper dinner before. If we choose plan b then we’ll need to leave St. Stephens by 5:00 at the latest. There are plenty of (expensive) restaurants around Innerstadt to choose from – just make sure you make reservations ahead of time.

• Cost:  Free! But it is €5.50 to enter the towers.
• How long should I stay here?  Depends on how much you want to eat before the next destination. If you just want to eat a bit, you can spend more time at the church.
• Getting there:  St. Stephen’s is practically across the square from St. Peter’s.

7:00 PM – Vienna Opera House

The Vienna State Opera House is one of the most famous and revered opera houses in the entire world, and it hosts a large variety of performances that are rich with culture and tradition. It is a true legacy of Vienna’s artistic accomplishments.

Each season, the schedule will feature 350 shows of more than 60 different operas and ballets! Every night there is a world-class artist among a permanent ensemble of Vienna Opera House members, accompanied by an orchestra. The orchestra is also impressively made up of the same artists from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

Enjoy world-class performances for a dazzling night out in Vienna! You can also enjoy events at the Vienna Opera House, such as special banquets and balls.

• Cost:  Tickets can be anywhere from €2-315 depending on where you sit and what show is being performed.
• How long should I stay here?  A typical opera is usually around 2.5-3 hours long.
• Getting there:  The Vienna Opera is less than 10 minutes walk from St. Stephen’s.

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When you travel to Vienna, there are some places that you can’t miss! Enjoy your second day in Vienna with these amazing sights and beautiful places.

9:00 AM – Schönbrunn Palace

  The jaw-droppingly exquisite and extravagant Schönbrunn Palace is a treasure trove of Viennese history and a place of opulent luxury! The palace, once the home of the famous Habsburg rulers, has 1,441-rooms and an unending amount of excellent features and displays throughout both the gardens and indoors. This palace was

The palace itself boasts a Baroque architectural design and is sure to make you feel like royalty as you stroll through the many halls and enjoy the mesmerizing gardens! Feast your eyes and take in one of Vienna’s most significant cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks.

Insider Tip:  You can sometimes end up waiting in lines for hours and hours, so be sure to book your ticket online before arriving, so that you can skip the queue and have a guided tour!

• Cost:  €16-52 depending on which pass you want.
• How long should I stay here?  1.5 hours inside and 1.5 hours in the park.
• Getting there:  Schönbrunn and Hietzing are the two nearest metro stops; both are served by Line 4.

12:00 PM – Lunch at Naschmarkt

Can you imagine a market that could be described as luxurious? Vienna is probably the only place in the world where there is a luxurious authentic market. There is an endless variety and range of products. Whilst strolling, you will never cease to find something new to see, taste, and simply enjoy!

Opened in the 16th century, the market has a history and used to serve as a marketplace for the Austrian empire to sell goods to farmers from overseas and outside of the city. In today’s time, the Naschmarkt provides a vast array of services! It is a priceless place to enjoy Viennese cuisine and experience the language and culture of the local people.

Each stall is set up with the intention of catching your eye, so expect grand appearances, bright colors, and impressive displays. Fresh fruits are arranged to dazzle, food is cooked with flavorsome spices, and many ingredients are laid out. There is no better place to indulge in Viennese food! Be sure to add this onto your three day itinerary in Vienna!

The city’s melting pot of culture is showcased here in a truly fantastic way, and people-watching is one of the things you will find yourself doing. There are families that have been in Austria for centuries who make cheese and baked goods, as well as ethnic vendors who have come from all over the world to live and trade in Vienna.

The Naschmarkt is open every day of the week, except for Sundays. If you’re visiting Vienna in December, be sure to come for the Christmas markets as well!

• Cost:  Varies. Meals usually cost around €15.
• How long should I stay here?  2 hours give or take.
• Getting there:  Take Line 4 from Schönbrunn Palace and get off at the Kettenbrückengasse stop.

2:00 PM – Secession

The Secession is a fascinating exhibition and structure of huge significance. Built in 1897, it marks the beginning of modern art in Vienna and pays homage to the powerful movement. When it was first introduced, it was highly controversial and clashed with the extremely traditional and conservative idea of art in that era.

Secession is a monument that honors the first designers and artists who were devoted to their forward-thinking and internationalist view of art! This is one of the very best and most interesting places to visit in Vienna !

• Cost:  €9.50
• How long should I stay here?  Less than an hour.
• Getting there:  The monument is around 5 minutes walk from the Naschmarkt via Wienzeile Street

3:00 PM – Karlskirche

Also known as St. Charles Church, Karlskirche is a fascinating, religiously significant marvel in Vienna! One of the main features of this magnificent church is its massive cupola, which was the last piece of work done by an eminent Viennese architect, Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach.

Karlskirche was built in the seventeenth century, and it was constructed because of a vow taken by Emperor Charles VI during a plague epidemic in Vienna. The church pays homage to the patron saint, Saint Charles Borromeo, and you can even find exhibits in the church that display his now very old traveling clothes!

The High Altar has been renovated but maintains its original design and captivating appearance. This is one of the best places to visit in Vienna on your second day!

Insider Tip:  If you are a lover of classical music and gospel, be sure to check out the church concerts performed on a regular basis.

• How long should I stay here?  An hour; maybe longer if you go inside.
• Getting there:  Cross the main street and Resselpark; the church is less than 10 minutes walk from the Succession.

4:00 PM – Albertina

If you love all things art and drawing, then you MUST visit the Albertina during your three days in Vienna! This museum is home to over 65,000 drawings and approximately one million old master prints. In fact, it has one of the largest and most important print rooms in the whole world!

The museum is special to Vienna, but it is also a monument that holds heralds of history from days long past and can give insight into the world’s artistic past.

You can also enjoy a host of majestic graphical words from the modern era, as well as impressive photographs and architectural designs.

• How long should I stay here?  Until closing (1-2 hours).
• Getting there:  The museum is located back in Inner Stadt and it’s about a 15-minute walk from Karlskirche.

7:00 PM – Mariahilf Neighborhood

After a long day of exploring Vienna, it’s time to sit down and have a nice meal and tall stein of beer. The best area to unwind in the city is definitely the district of Mariahilf.

Mariahilf is currently one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Vienna is very popular with younger crowds. Some of the coolest Viennese cafes and bars are located around this quarter so it makes for an excellent place to blow off some steam and get stuck in a long conversation. There are a lot of students around so the conversations may veer towards the academic what’s currently ailing society.

Cafe Kafka is one of the most notorious coffee house in the area and worth dropping by for a quick drink. Fair warning though: it can be noxious inside as smoking is allowed indoors here.

Secret Garden is a very charming vegetarian restaurant tucked away in an even more charming back alley of Mariahilf.

Finally, Stehbeisl is one of the best bars in Vienna thanks to the ambiance – imagine fancy dive with cheap beers and pictures of American rockers.

• Cost:  €3-4. €10-15 for an affordable dinner.
• How long should I stay here?  As long as you want!
• Getting there:  You’ll need to backtrack past Kunsthistorisches and beyond the MuseumsQuartier. A bit of a walk from the Albertina but still less than 20 minutes away.

Are you wanting to know which places to visit in Vienna? Well, our itinerary covers a variety of places to go and things to do during your visit. If you plan on spending a weekend in Vienna , three days, or even a week, these activities will guarantee that you have an amazing time!

9:00 AM – Volksgarten

The Volksgarten is an extremely scenic public park that is apart of the Hofberg Palace, and it is well worth seeing! The park itself was built over the historical site of the city fortifications that got destroyed by Napoleon in 1809.

The park boasts historical value, pristine gardens, soothing fountains, and a gorgeous place to stroll about and enjoy one of Vienna’s most sculpted flower and bush formations. Start your morning easy and get the cobwebs out of your eyes before we start day 2 of our Viennese itinerary.

After you finish your walk in the park, be sure to drop by Café Landtmann in front of the Rathaus. It is one of the most famous coffee houses in Vienna and was one of Sigmund Freud’s favorite places to frequent.

• Cost:  Free.
• Getting there:  Take Line 2 and get off at Volkstheater.

10:00 AM – Rathaus

The Rathaus is Vienna’s City Hall. It is also the most expensive monument that has been built in Vienna during the 19th century!  It was originally constructed between 1872 to 1883 and has an incredible neo-gothic design.

There is a lovely 100-meter tall tower that resembles a cathedral bell tower, and it sticks out like an oddly beautiful sore thumb! The tower is topped by a significant statue of a regal armored knight holding a lance. In fact, you will find statues of Viennese nobels all over the Rathaus grounds.

One of the must-see sights is found on the eastern side of the building, and it is a wonderful loggia that leads you into the interior of Rathaus. From here, you can walk up a sleek staircase to view the extravagant banquet hall.

• Cost:  Guided tours can be bought on-site to see the halls but there’s not much time today.
• How long should I stay here?  An hour.
• Getting there:  The Rathaus is across the street (Universitätsring) from the Wolksgarten.

12:00 PM – Prater

Officially known as Wurstelprater , Prater is one of the most fun and exciting amusement parks in Vienna! Not only will you find a host of incredible sites, rides, and uncanny food stalls, but you can also enjoy an iconic ride on Vienna’s most popular and world-renowned symbol – the Wiener Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel. Movie buffs will also interested to hear that this Ferris wheel is where one of the most famous scenes from The Third Man – an iconic movie starring Orson Welles and made in Vienna – was filmed.

For those who are not interested in the theme park, there’s still plenty of green space to wander around. We suggest grabbing a  wurstel  (sausage) or something else to go from one of the stands back at Wurstelprater and then having a little picnic on a hill somewhere.

• How long should I stay here?  3-4 hours.
• Getting there:  Take the U-Bahn (Line 2) from the Schottentor stop near the Rathaus and get off at Messe-Prater.

3:00 PM – Museum of Applied Arts

Also known as MAK, the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts is an extraordinary museum and one of the most fabulous structures in Vienna! One walk around here will have you feeling inspired and invigorated with a fresh new set of eyes to lay on the world. It has been around since the eighteenth century and has a lot to boast about in terms of its function and architectural properties!

The museum traces the artistic history of Austria and emphasizes current art accomplishments. You will find every kind of exhibition displayed here, from baroque glassware to industrial design awards. The museum is also known for hosting remarkable temporary exhibits. It will be sure to add a sense of excitement to your visit, and you may be lucky enough to see one!

The building of the Museum of Applied Arts is a masterpiece in itself, and you could spend plenty of time admiring the ceiling, which is a gorgeous neo-renaissance design. This one-of-a-kind museum is a museum of Austrian art, design, and also history. It offers a huge variety of insight into all of these fascinating areas!

• Cost:  €12.
• Getting there:  From the beginning of Wurstprater, it’s about 10-15 minutes walking back across the Danube Canal.

5:00 PM – Hundertwasser Apartment House and Museum

The artist in which this entire adventure pays homage to is Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and -although his name might be a tongue twister- it is well known to all Viennese households. The Apartment House is one of his very first and very influential designs. He was an architect with a love for out-of-the-box thinking and a dream to inspire people all over the world to create their own paradise on earth!

The apartment is one of Vienna’s highlights and shows off remarkable Antoni Gaudi style architecture. It is a real sight to behold and an eye-catching gem on your three day itinerary in Vienna.

The Hundertwasser Village is found just opposite the house, and there is a building that has an entire forest for a roof! The village itself is a small shopping center, complete with a handful of beautiful souvenir shops.

The museum is a short walk from the apartment and provides excellent insight into the world of this famous Viennese artist! The museum building has a beautiful interior design and is worth having a look at. You can also enjoy a selection of his artwork and become inspired by someone who has left a magnificent footprint of love and art as his legacy.

The Hundertwasser Apartment House can be seen from outside all day every day, however, the infoshop is only open from 9 am to 5 pm. You can see the village every day from 9 am to 6 pm and the museum from 10 am to 6 pm.

• Cost:  €11.
• How long should I stay here?  1 hour is fine.
• Getting there:  From the Kunsthaus, it’s a 5-minute walk to Hundertwasser.

7:00 PM – Danube Canal

Spend your last day in Vienna lounging by the lazy Danube Canal. Whilst a fairly unremarkable sight on its own, during the summer the canal can get pretty busy with pedestrians. Lots of people come here at the end of the day to relax and drink beers with friends!

There are lots of bars and restaurants around the Danube Canal. Strandbar Herrmann is probably the best of the bunch and features some excellent DJ sets. There’s also Badeschiff Wien, similar to Strandbar, as well as Motto am Fluss, which is a bit fancier. Regardless of which you end up choosing, relaxing with a large beer and some chips is the best way to end your Vienna itinerary.

• Cost:  €4-7 for a drink. €10-15 for a dinner.
• How long should I stay here?  The rest of the night!
• Getting there:  Find Lowengasse street and then grab Tram 1 at Hetzgasse stop. Ride for a couple stops on then Strandbar will be on the right.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Vienna

Innere Stadt

Innere Stadt is the most central neighbourhood in Vienna, and where most of the historical sights are located. It is your best option to stay there if you are visiting the city for the first time, as you will be close to everything and in the centre of the action.

• Get a slice of Austria’s most famous cake at the Sacher Hotel
• Get a glimpse of the Habsburg’s family life at the Hofburg
• Visit Stephansdom, Vienna’s most famous religious building

Ready to go BEYOND our three day Vienna itinerary? Here some other places to check out around the city!

Central Cemetery

If you want to know what to see in Vienna that is unusual and mysterious, then the   Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery in English) definitely falls into that category! Some may not be comfortable with it, and therefore you can skip this option if that is the case, however, there is a serene atmosphere and a sense of beauty found at this cemetery that is unique to Vienna.

The Central Cemetery’s origins have a rich history, and it was built due to the overwhelming jump in population (approx. one million inhabitants) in 1874. It is the largest and most beautiful cemetery in Austria and one of the largest in the world.

The cemetery is full of ancient monuments and gorgeous statues.  You will also find a beautiful church through the main gate, known as the  Church of St. Borromeo.

Take the chance to relish your life whilst in a place that honors the dead and enjoy the way this cemetery has found a way to celebrate the lives of those who have passed.

Insider Tip:  To get the full spectrum of the Central Cemetery, it’s best to book a tour!

• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours.
• Getting there:  The Central Cemetary is pretty far away from the city center. To arrive, you’ll need to take commuter train S7/S2 or tram 71, not the U-Bahn.

Wien Museum Mozart Apartment

One of the best things to see in Vienna in three days for all history and classical music lovers is to visit Mozart’s Apartment at the Wien Museum. You can walk in the footsteps of this iconic, revered, and gifted musician.

Feel the ambiance of this special place, a place where Mozart once sat and wrote his world-famous music! You can even glimpse the very same views he had and feel the inspiration that came forth from it all.

The apartment has been untouched since 1787 when Mozart last lived here, and it is a true monument of the composer’s long and rich legacy.

There is also a Mozart Museum onsite that has incredible historical knowledge about the life Mozart lived in Vienna, as well as insight into his musical masterpieces.

Dive into this beautiful, significant spot and learn about one of the world’s most gifted musicians ever to grace us with his talent!

• How long should I stay here?  Around 1 hour.
• Getting there:  Mozart’s apartment is located very near to St. Stephens Cathedral. Stephansplatz is the nearest U-Bahn stop (Line 1 and 3).

The Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace is very similar to the Schönbrunn Palace: both are formally royal estates turned museums, both are opulently designed, and both are quite massive (though the Schönbrunn is bigger).

What The Belvedere offers that the Schönbrunn Palace does not though is one of the finest collections of art in Vienna, including one of the most hyped paintings in the modern era: The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. Considered by many to be a tour-de-force and even greater than the Mona Lisa , buying a ticket for the Belevedere Museums is worth seeing The Kiss alone.

There’s more to the Belvedere than just Klimt’s masterpiece though. The museum features other works of art by Klimt’s contemporaries and predecessors and the halls of The Belevedere itself are still remarkable. Be sure to find the Marble Hall in Upper Belvedere and then look up at the ceiling.

• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
• Getting there:  The D Tram will drop you off right in front of The Belvedere.

MuseumsQuartier

The MuseumsQuartier is a semi-enclosed area of Vienna that is made up of 4-5 different museums. It’s a good place to visit in Vienna if you want to see a couple of different exhibitions in a row without having to walk around the city.

The Leopold Museum is probably the most popular attraction in the district as it features the most impressive collections. Dedicated mostly to the modernists and the Succesionist movement, this museum features works of art from many of the greatest Viennese painters, including Schiele, Klimt, and more. The Schiele is particularly impressive and shouldn’t be missed by anyone interested in his work.

The  MUMOK  located across the plaza from the Leopold. This is one of the leading contemporary art museums in Vienna and features much more modern pieces from recent decades. It’s a bit more minimal and less crowded than the Leopold and is best for those who like both art and technology together.

Other institutions of note in the MuseumsQuartier are the  Architekturzentrum Wien  (architecture) and the  ZOOM Kindermuseum  (children’s).

• Cost:  €20,90 for all four museums. Individual tickets vary.
• How long should I stay here?  Depends on how many museums you visit.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

When traveling the world, it’s vital that you choose a time of year that suits your individual travel needs and desires. Knowing when to plan a trip to Vienna depends on what you want to see, how you want to experience it and whether or not you want to visit during peak season. Our Vienna itinerary will share some options to help you plan your trip!

Vienna has an oceanic climate, with pleasantly warm summers and icy dry winters. Peak season in Vienna is during spring and summer, with summer falling between the warm months of June to September. This is when most people flock to enjoy the good weather and get all of their sightseeing done in the sunshine.

If you want to experience a winter wonderland (complete with snowfall and Christmas markets ) then visiting Vienna in December is perfect. If rainy days spent in coffee houses sounds like something you want to make the best of, then visit in June, as this is when Vienna has the most rainfall on average.

The best periods to visit Vienna are typically between April and May, or September and October.  The weather is delightful and mild, with no extremes of any kind during these months. The upside of visiting during these months- as opposed to peak season- is that the prices of accommodation stay reasonable and don’t skyrocket.

Vienna has a truly impressive public transport network. Practically every part of the city is serviced by some sort of transit whether it be by bus, tram, or metro. Such connectivity makes backpacking in Vienna extremely easy.

For a city of its size, Vienna’s underground metro network is very impressive. The metro, or U-Bahn , is composed of six different lines that pretty much cover all of the top sights in Vienna . Even if you’re staying in the middle-of-nowhere Vienna like Donaustadt, you can still be in the city center in a half hour.

When using the metro, note that there are no turnstile kiosks where you would validate your ticket to gain entry BUT you still need to stamp it at a separate machine like it was back in the Industrial Fuckin’ Revolution.

What the U-Bahn doesn’t cover, trams and buses do. The tram network extends very far out into the outer neighborhoods of Vienna -. Ottakring, Funfhaus, and Wahring all have dedicated lines. So, again, don’t feel cut-off if you’re staying further outside the city center.

At 2.40 euro, tickets for public transport are a bit on the expensive side. They’re only good for one ride as well, which is a bit annoying. Since there are very few if any places that require to show a ticket, some people take a risk and ride without one. I’ll let you make that call yourself whether or not it’s worth dodging the occasional tram cop.

If you’re spending more than three days in Vienna and think that it would be worth it, buy a transit pass. You can buy a 48-hour pass for 14.10 euros or a 72-hour pass for 17.10 euros.

Depending on when you visit Vienna, you’ll need to pack accordingly i.e. warm clothing in the winter and lighter clothing in the summer; perhaps some outdoor gear as well if you plan on going to the Austrian Alps. For information on what to pack, refer to our general backpacking packing list article.

Although Vienna is not a prime spot for crime, it is always good to know some general knowledge about keeping yourself and your belongings safe while enjoying our Vienna itinerary. In fact, Vienna is a preferred travel destination because of it’s low crime rate, so we don’t expect you will run into trouble, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

You may come across a lot of “Mozarts” dotted around Vienna, and these are typically panhandlers trying to sell tickets to concerts or performances. To get them to back off, simply state a strong ‘no’ and move on. You should be left alone. Buy your tickets from companies directly, as you don’t want to fall prey to a scam.

While traveling in Vienna, be aware of the cyclists. The cyclists in Vienna are super fast, and it can be easy to bump into them if you don’t look where you are going. Avoid this by keeping vigilant on the roads. There is a section clearly marked on the roads for cyclists, so this isn’t a major issue, but just make sure not to veer into this section by accident.

Keep in mind all of the general safety rules, such as not leaving your belongings unattended in a public space and making sure you don’t walk around with your handbag open wide. Try to avoid walking alone at night, as it is always safer to have a trusted company with you whilst walking.

For more information about keeping safe during your travels, read our list of crucial safety tips !

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Vienna

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Vienna itinerary.

How many days are enough in Vienna?

Having 2-3 full days to explore Vienna will allow you to visit all the top attractions.

What should you include on a 3 day Vienna itinerary?

No trip to Vienna is complete without exploring these top places to visit: – Kunsthistorisches Museum – Schönbrunn Palace – Naschmarkt – Hundertwasser Apartment House

Where should you stay for a weekend in Vienna?

The Innere Stadt is the best area to stay in for a short trip. The heart of the city, it provides easy access to top attractions and is well connected to other areas.

What are the best day trips from Vienna?

Got time to explore further afield? Check out these top day trips: – Vienna Woods and Mayerling – Carnuntum – Salzburg – Hallstatt

Your trip to Vienna will be full of blissful galavanting, aesthetic scenery, unending historical knowledge, gorgeous imperial buildings, and plenty of priceless gems! Vienna has so much magic, and with our three day Vienna itinerary in hand, you will know all the best places to go and soak it all in!

The memories made on this adventure will be kept for an entire lifetime, and you will have stories to share with loved ones forever.

To make sure you can visit every hotspot, you need to have the right travel budget. Find out how expensive Vienna is , and how to use a couple of tips and tricks to keep a bit of money in your pocket. Even if you’re pushed for time then there are still some great day trips to take from Vienna too.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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The ultimate 3 days in Vienna itinerary.

Our 3 day Vienna itinerary covers all of the best things to do in Vienna , including where to stay , where to eat and all of the best of Vienna’s attractions . There are so many wonderful things to see in Vienna so let’s get started. We have it all covered for you in our Vienna travel blog.

3 day Vienna itinerary

Before going to Vienna, Austria we knew that it was going to be pretty. We weren’t however prepared for Vienna to leap frog every other European city that we have visited and jump straight into lead position of our favourite cities. Vienna is just so charming, with each street being prettier than the next. Without a doubt it is one of the most elegant cities that we have been to, with architecture dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire that will take your breath away. There is so much to see and do in this gorgeous city and quite frankly it is hard to fit it all in. We are narrowing it down for you with our list of the best things to do in Vienna and covering it all in our ultimate 3 day Vienna itinerary .

3 days in Vienna Travel Guide

No matter how much time you have in Vienna there is plenty to keep you entertained. Whether it is 3 days or 2 weeks we guarantee you will not be bored in this beautiful city. We had 3 days in Vienna and literally ran all over the city, packing as much in as possible to road-test the best things to do in Vienna, so that you can get the most out of your time there. It might not seem plausible but in one day we walked just under 60,000 steps! Ok it might have involved a slight detour to a golf shop for Mister Lavin but we literally wanted to see it all so that we could tell you guys the best things to do in Vienna in 3 days. We really want this to be a comprehensive guide to Vienna , so that you can best plan your time in this wonderful city.

If you find yourself having a long layover in Vienna and don’t want to spend your time waiting in the airport, check out this guide on what to do during a long layover in Vienna .

What is Vienna famous for?

Apart from the most wonderful art and architecture, Vienna offers many unique experiences. From traditional coffeehouse culture, magical Christmas markets to vineyard hopping in the city itself! Where else can you find such a diverse range of things to do within a city?

How do I get to Vienna?

Vienna’s central European location means that getting to Vienna couldn’t be easier. Vienna airport is approximately 9 miles outside of the city and many airlines fly directly there. To keep costs low we flew through good old Ryanair with Laudamotion but airlines such as KLM, AerLingus, AirFrance and Lufthansa all have direct flights there. I recommend using Skyscanner or Hopper to find your cheapest flights and be sure to check out my blog on the must have apps for travellers so that you can find cheap airline tickets.

Getting to the city itself from the airport is easy. We took the City-Airport-Train (CAT) and found ourselves right in the city centre within 15 minutes.

The train is a comfortable way to travel to Vienna from most European cities. The tickets issued by Sparschiene  Österreich and  Sparschiene Europa  are a particularly affordable way to travel. As these tickets are released in blocks, they should be booked as early as possible (up to six months before departure).

Night train  ÖBB Nightjet

Traveling overnight makes sure you don’t waste valuable holiday time. You can choose a standard seat, couchette or sleeper carriage and arrive in Vienna rested and ready to explore. Individual seats or entire compartments can be booked (e.g. a private compartment in the couchette car for a special price, particularly suitable for families). Discounted Sparschiene tickets can also be booked on all  night trains

The  Westbahn  only offers connections for passenger trains between Vienna and Salzburg. People under 26 years of age can ride the train as often as they like with the Sommerhit ticket during the summer holidays.

Automobiles:

If you choose to drive to Vienna or take the bus you can be assured a safe journey on Vienna’s network of motorways. As  tolls are compulsory  on all motorways and expressways in Austria, you will also need a vignette to use  Vienna’s city motorways . You can find detailed information on the  toll charges  here. The  route planner  will help you find the best way to Vienna.

Where to stay in Vienna

I am about to recommend one of the most fun hotels I have ever stayed in! With a bright neon sign on the way in announcing “We’re all mad here” and bicycles lined up outside encouraging you to “ride it like you stole it”, I just knew this was my kind of place.

Every room at the 25 hours hotel in Vienna is designed in a quirky circus theme that will heighten all of your senses. Everyone is welcome here and the daft and the curious are most definitely celebrated. You can choose your room size from M to XL. I stayed in a M and it was more than enough size wise. Some rooms even come with a bath on your balcony!

The 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier lies directly between the Volkstheater and Town Hall on 1–3 Lerchenfelder Strasse and is only a four minute walk from the Volkstheater U-Bahn station. This means you can easily get to all of Vienna’s main sights.

25 Hours (the extra hour is for party!) is a hotel that boasts both a Mermaid’s cave and the best rooftop bar. This hotel is most definitely an experience and one that I highly recommend.

How to get around Vienna.

Vienna is more than just Schnitzel and Sachertorte, although let’s admit it both of those things alone are reason enough to visit Vienna. Vienna’s top attractions are easy to get to because the city is relatively small. We mostly used the city’s public transport to get around and with the Vienna City Card you will also get discounts to some of Vienna’s museums and attractions.

The four main forms of transport are U-Bahn (subway), Schnellbahn or S-Bahn (local train), Straßenbahn ( tram ) and Autobus (bus). Vienna works on an honesty system with no ticket barriers at stations and no formal, permanent ticket checks on the subway, local trains, trams and buses. You just hop on and off without inspection. You still need to buy a ticket however! We had a scary experience in Prague where we had bought our ticket for the tram but didn’t realise that you had to validate it. Within seconds we were being dragged off the tram by two burly tram ticket inspectors with threats of being brought to a police station unless we payed a really hefty fine. It is a mistake we will never make again!

So a lack of ticket inspection in Vienna doesn’t mean that there is zero ticket inspection, so avoid the embarrassment and the large fine by always purchasing (and validating if neccessary) your ticket. You can buy your tickets from ticket offices in the main stations, ticket machines in stations, the Wiener Linien online store and (for some basic tickets) from  Trafik  newsagents/tobacconists.

What to eat in Vienna

The best way to experience a city is through its food in our opinion. Here’s a quick look at some of the must-eats during your 3 days in Vienna:

Sacher-tort  – This famous chocolate cake is one of the most decadent desserts and is shipped all over the world.

Schnitzel – you can’t go to Vienna without a wiener schnitzel. The most famous is Figlmüller Bäckerstraße but there are plenty of restaurants around that serve this dish.

Finger sandwiches – These little sandwiches are the perfect light lunch or snack. Be sure to stop by Trzesniewski, who made these sandwiches popular, to sample some.

Apple strudel – Sweet, cinnamon and apple filled pastry. Need I say any more?

Coffee  – If you have been here for a while you will know that I like my coffee and enjoying a coffee in Vienna is a must. Café Central is a gorgeous place to soak up the grandeur of Vienna with some amazing coffee and sacher-tort .

3 days in Vienna itinerary

So without further ado here are the best things to do in Vienna. I was able to visit all of these attractions during my 3 days in Vienna itinerary so feel free to choose as many of these spots that you would like to visit in your 3 days in Vienna.

Day 1: 3 days in Vienna Travel Guide

Visit saint stephen’s cathedral.

Our first stop was Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. Partly because it was the first spot listed on our Google map and partly because I just had to see those colourful tiles.

This beautiful Gothic Cathedral was completed in 1160 but was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt in the 14th century. It is one of the most impressive Cathedral’s in Europe. If it is good enough for Mozart to get married in and Haydn to sing as a choir boy in then it is good enough for us!

One of my favourite features is the beautiful mosaic tiled roof. To enjoy the view you can go to the top of either the North or South tower. The climb to the South Tower is 343 steps and remains the highest viewpoint in Vienna. The North Tower has a lift which is refreshing to see for traveller’s with some disability or for those like me travelling with chronic illness . Often we have to miss out on the view because we cannot make the climb. And here it would really be a shame because this view does not disappoint.

Don’t miss out on the beauty inside the Church. While we were visiting there was a beautiful exhibition by Peter Baldinger who transformed the central nave of the church into a sky of stones. The choice of stones was deliberate, referring to St. Stephen, the patron saint of the Cathedral, being stoned to death for his faith.

A fun thing to find in St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the “Freedom handle”. When facing the front of the cathedral from the street, on the left hand side there is a small metal handle known as the freedom handle. Police can’t arrest anyone inside the Church because it is a sanctuary, so criminals would come for protection. Because of the criminals the priest decided to close the Church and rumour has it that the handle was inserted after it closed. If a criminal holds the handle , they are still considered to be in the Church so can’t be arrested. I’m not sure how true this is but it makes for a fun story.

Austrian National Library

I am a big book nerd so the Austrian National Library, one of the largest Baroque libraries in Europe, was one of my favourite places that we visited during our trip. It is so beautiful inside but gets pretty crowded so it is worth trying to make it here just as it opens at 10am. We came here straight after St. Stephen’s Cathedral as it is close by.

The former Court Library was created in the first half of the 18th century as a private wing of the Hofburg Imperial residence. Standing here under the beautiful fresco ceiling I was in my element. It costs €8 to enter the library which, in all essence is only this room. To me it was worth every penny to be here and imagine what it was like in times gone by.

Among the exhibits are two exquisite Venetian baroque globes: one for the earth and one for the sky, each with a diameter of more than one meter.

Walk in the footsteps of Mozart

You can’t come the whole way to Vienna without learning at least a little bit about Mozart. Mozart was actually born in Salzburg, Austria but he has become the adopted son of the city of Vienna and his presence can be felt everywhere. If you are going to have a Mozart museum, then where better to put it than in the house he once lived in? You can almost smell the history in Vienna’s Mozarthaus, which offers insights into the man, his music, and the city around him.

Mozarthaus is the only Mozart apartment in Vienna that survives today and you can find it located on Domgasse 5, 1010 Wien.

Hofburg Palace

Standing outside Hofburg Palace was when we really felt like we were in Vienna. This is the image of Vienna we all see when we think about this beautiful city. It is right next to the Austrian National Library and the Spanish Riding school so it makes sense to visit these all on the same day.

Visiting Hofburg Palace is one of the best things to do in Vienna during your 3 day Vienna itinerary. Another residence of the Habsburg Empire, you can really get a sense of what it must have been like to live here by visiting The Imperial Apartments . Other highlights include The Sisi Museum , The Spanish Riding School and The Hofburg Treasury .

Catch a performance at the Spanish Riding School

We reccommend catching the world-famous performances of the Lipizzaner, the “Ballet of the White Stallions”, on day 1 of your 3 days in Vienna. Performances take place in the magnificent baroque winter riding school in the Hofburg Palace, built under Charles VI from 1729-1735. The demonstrations are the result of many years of training and intensive work by the riders and their Lipizzaners. It is an incredible atmosphere and a wonderful experience to see the performance of these skilled riders accompanied by classical Viennese music!

Soak in Rooftop views at Lamee Rooftop Bar

After all that sightseeing it is time for a well deserved break. We visited Lamee Rooftop bar for a drink and a spot of food. With the best views of the city, Lamee Rooftop Bar at Lichensteg 2, 1010 Wien, is the perfect place to take a minute to soak it all in.

Explore MuseumsQuartier

In the afternoon head back towards your hotel (if you decide to stay in 25hours Hotel) to explore MuseumsQuartier. Spread over 90,000 square metres in central Vienna and including 60 cultural institutions, the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna is one of the largest districts for contemporary art and culture in the world. The sky is the limit at the MuseumsQuartier. Historic architecture meets contemporary design. High culture meets subcultures.

The spectrum ranges from fine art, architecture, music, fashion, theater, dance, literature, children’s culture, game culture, and street art to design and photography so there is sure to be something for everyone. The good news is that you don’t have very far to stumble back to your hotel after day 1 of your 3 days in Vienna itinerary to enjoy some good food and rooftop views of the city from the hotel bar.

Day 2: 3 days in Vienna Travel Guide

Enjoy the quirky architecture of hundertwasser house.

The colourfully decorated exterior façade of Hundertwasser House in Vienna draws attention to itself almost magically. Designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, residents of this private apartment block are allowed to decorate the façade around the windows however they like. It is a beautiful backdrop for your Instagram photos but be sure to bring your wide angle lens as it is difficult to capture with a standard one.

It is located on Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Wien and is, unfortunately, not located close to a metro station. To reach the nearest metro station   Landstraße Wien Mitte you have to walk about 900m. If you prefer to avoid this walk, you can ride with the metro U1 or U4 to the station Schwedenplatz. Change there to the tram line 1 towards Prater Hauptallee. The tram line 1 stops approx. 100m in front of the Hundertwasser House at the station Hetzgasse. From there you just have to go approx. 100m into driving direction along the Löwengasse to the corner Kegelgasse and you will have found the alley where the apartment block is located. To be fair when you get close you can’t miss it! The quirkness of the area of Vienna is very popular with tourists so we are suggesting to get there early on day 2 of your 3 days in Vienna to really get to enjoy the area and capture photos without people in them (damn do we wish we had a wide angle lens!)

Across from Hundertwasser House is Hundertwasser Village. An eco-friendly “shopping center” converted out of an old tyre workshop. Here you will find a bar, cafe and some souvenier shops. If you need a bathroom break it is worth the 80 cent entrance fee to hear the running commentary in both German and English of what Hundertwasser himself thought of organic waste and what his design process involved.

Visit the iconic Vienna Opera House and Albertinaplatz

Head first to Abertinaplatz where you will get the best view of the magnificent Vienna Opera House. This busy square is located directly below, and in front of, the Albertina Museum which sits in an elevated position above the surrounding buildings. It is accessed by quite a wide and long staircase but there is also an escalator for those of you with energy limitations. I still struggle with stairs after my Lyme disease .

There are some really cute shops in this area such as Wilhelm Jungmann & Neffe that really deserve a visit. It is a hidden gem in Vienna and one of the few businesses that have survived the 20th century. The mere fact that these businesses made it through this period must be considered a remarkable achievement as in many cases the world, quite literally, collapsed around them.

 Today, entering Jungmann & Neffe is a bit like stepping back in time as the interior design reminds one of the time when the Ringstraße (Ring Road) was built. It is only when you step inside and see the grandeur of the decor will it be evident that they were suppliers to the Royal house. They are still a family owned business and sell high quality fabrics.

At the bottom of the steps of The Albertina Museum is a sausage stand that sells the most sought after sausage in town. The queue for Bitzinger Würstelstand can be up to one hour long but trust me, it is entirely worth it.

Visit Vienna Opera House on day 2 of your 3 days in Vienna

You simply must visit the iconic Vienna Opera House on day 2 of your 3 day Vienna itinerary. Although we know it as Vienna’s Opera House it is actually called Wiener Staatsoper and it is one of the leading opera houses in the world. Its past is steeped in tradition. Its present is alive with richly varied performances and events.

Mister Lavin has taken me to an opera in Prague and a ballet in Warsaw but seeing a performance here is still on my bucket list. Each season, the schedule features 350 performances of more than 60 different operas and ballets. Every night, you can witness world-class artists alongside the permanent ensemble members on the stage accompanied by a unique orchestra. The members of this orchestra also make up the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. What an amazing thing to experience?

If you don’t have time to catch a show you can still take a guided tour of this impressive building and we highly reccommend that you do. During a 40-minute tour, you will learn a lot of interesting facts about the history of the opera house, its architecture and in fact the opera business. From the foyer, you will walk up the grand staircase through the state rooms (Tea Salon, Marble Hall, Schwindfoyer, Gustav Mahler Hall) and then on to the magnificent auditorium (with a view of the stage). You will get behind the scenes information that regular opera goers aren’t privy too so it was one of our favourite things to do during our 3 days in Vienna.

Have your own Jesse and Celine moment in Kleines Cafe

Okay so before going to Vienna I totally pictured myself and Mister Lavin having our very own Jesse and Celine moment in Kleines Cafe. A romantic notion, I know, because the reality of this moment turned out completely differently.

I had told Mister Lavin that I wanted to get here Before Sunset (whoops wrong movie!). He insisted that he have one more pint to watch the end of the six nations rugby game that was on. As a result we had to walk super fast to get here only to find it closed. I got so angry we almost ended up in a full blown argument when a man in a Santa suit walked by, saving the day as we both burst out laughing. Even though I didn’t get to eat here I believe that the food is unbelievable.

So no Jesse and Celine moment for me but that doesn’t stop you from having yours at this iconic little cafe.

Enjoy the beauty of Belvedere Palace

Another beautiful Baroque style building by architect Johan Lucas Von Hildebrandt, the Belvedere was used as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Belvedere Palace is one of Europe’s most stunning Baroque landmarks. This complex, which is comprised of the Upper and Lower Belvedere and an extensive garden, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today the Belvedere houses the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann. Highlights from the holdings  Vienna 1880–1914  are the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings including the world renowned The Kiss.

Relish Vienna’s nightlife and find Vienna’s Cute Traffic Lights.

A fun thing to do in the city is to find all of Vienna’s cute traffic lights. You will find them all throughout Vienna. There are three individual symbols to find both in red and green. All couples representing a male couple, a female couple and a male/female couple and they are so frickin cute. They even have names “Let’s go together “, “Feeling” and “The voice of love”. They were designed at the time Vienna hosted the Eurovision to highlight the city’s views of inclusivity.

Finish day 2 of your 3 days in Vienna in style

Vienna is best known for its iconic cafe scene and trendsetting restaurants but nightlife? When you think of good nightlife in Europe you think of cities like Bucharest and not Vienna, right? But Vienna’s nightlife is something that needs to be experienced. It offers offering everything from grimy rock bars to shimmering cocktail joints and rooftop bars with unparalleled views of this most beautiful city? 

One of our favourite spots is Donau . The biggest river in Europe gives its name to a hidden techno bar. Tucked behind a metal door between Mariahilferstraße and the MuseumsQuartier, this inconspicuous club’s neoclassical arches are lit with stunning daily-changing projections. It draws underground electro, house and techno DJs but we go more for the atmosphere than the music. Drinks are relatively cheap, and the club has its very own Würstelstand for after-hours snacks.

Check out Naschmarkt Deli when the sun goes down in Vienna. Enjoy the stimulating atmosphere of little Istanbul, a vibrant and colourful hangout. It is the place to go not only around midday, but also at night a huge crowd is attracted by the break beats and easy listening provided by Viennese DJs as well as occasional “guest stars”.

It is the perfect place to stop in after a wander through Naschmarkt. If you are not in the party mood you can have just a snack, a leisurely meal   (often inspired by Asiatic cuisine) or a quick espresso. Make sure you look out for the wallpaper with the giant beans on the ceiling.

Or enjoy a more sophisticated dining experience with live music at Calea Dinner Club . The exclusive dinner club surprises with an urban jungle and offers live music regularly. Walking down into the underground Calea Dinner Club you will be amazed. An urban jungle is waiting for you here. Artistically designed walls of moss bring nature indoors and is honestly breathtaking.

Or simply soak in the rooftop views from Attic the cosy rooftop bar at 25hours Hotel .

Explore Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens

From the 18th century to 1918, Schönbrunn was the residence of the Habsburg emperors including the very beautiful Sisi. You really can’t go very far in Vienna without hearing about Sisi and I urge you to learn more about her fascinating life while you are there.

How do I get to Schönbrunn Palace?

This magnificent palace is a little outside of the city center but it is easy to get a tram directly there. The palace is on tram lines 10 and 58, bus route 10A, and U-Bahn (Subway) route U4, all of which stop at Schönbrunn station.

It was designed by the architects Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and Nicolaus Pacassi and is full of outstanding examples of decorative art. Together with its gardens, the site of the world’s first zoo in 1752, it is a wonderful example of Baroque architecture. Inside you will find over 1,400 majestic rooms.

We only had a short time to explore and I knew that if I went in to see those beautiful rooms I would never leave. Interior design is my thing! Despite the incessant rain we decided to explore the gardens and Palmenhaus instead. Probably not the best idea considering how wet we got and that we were meeting friends for lunch. The rain did make it difficult to appreciate these gardens and I can only imagine how beautiful they are in full bloom in the Summertime.

So we hope you liked our ultimate guide to spending 3 days in Vienna. This list is by no means exhaustive and you could come back to Vienna with another list of things to do but these were our favourites. Vienna really surprised us by how much we fell in love with this city and we know that we will most definitely be back. I can only imagine how beautiful the Christmas Markets in Vienna are.

Hopefully next time we will have more time so that we can take it at a slightly slower pace. We still get raised eyebrows when we mention our 60,000 steps in one day but two different step counters don’t lie.

* Disclaimer : we worked with Vienna Tourist Board during our stay in Vienna and had complimentary accommodation in 25Hours Hotels. We are however not obliged to say that we loved it, we genuinely did, and all thoughts and opinions are our own

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If you loved this you might also like:

The best Instagram spots in Warsaw

10 Reasons why Vilnius should be your next city break

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The ultimate 2 day Dublin itinerary

Until next time you crazy kids!

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11 Comments

Great Post ! I have read your other posts which are really informative for any traveler . Thanks for sharing such a beautiful informative information on the blog.

Loved your photos !

Oh thank you that means alot

Thanks for the extensive guide! You definitely managed to fit a lot into 3 days! Vienna has always been on my list places to visit but even more so now after reading your post! These buildings just look so inspiring ?

Vienna quickly became my new favourite city. It is such a chic and stylish place to explore. Thank you for your comment Alicia.

Whoa, I really like the Alice and Wonderland theme of the hotel. It really does have a quirky touch to it. I would have taken lots and lots of photos just by the room itself! Not to mention that the architectural design of these places in Vienna made me fall in love with the harmonious mix of gothic and modern design.

The circus theme of the hotel is incredible and adds a real fun element to your stay.

I loved Vienna when I visited back in December for the Christmas markets. It was absolutely stunning and magical and definitely became one of my favorite European cities as well! Such a great blog. I also wanted to stay in 25 Hours Hotel, but they were sold out when I went. Guess I’ll have to go back. 🙂

Next time for sure ?

Oh this is really the perfect blog post about Vienna! You mentioned all the most beautiful places there and I truly love all the photos so much. Well done Nicola!

Thank you so much Lina. I just fell in love with Vienna but I think you already know that! Such a beautiful city.

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3 Days in Vienna Itinerary: Food, Tips, Maps!

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

I had such a fantastic 3 days in Vienna. The time whizzed by and I could have totally stayed forever. If you’re planning a visit to Austria ‘s capital, let me share my Vienna 3 day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. I was expecting really beautiful, ornate places from Vienna but I didn’t realise it had such a cool and quirky side to it with loads of impressive Vienna street art and hipster bars down by the canal. The last time I visited Austria was actually the first time I went abroad EVER on a family holiday when I was 14. My memories of it obviously aren’t the strongest but I definitely rekindled my love for the country this time around.

3 DAYS IN VIENNA ESSENTIALS Copy of Lonely Planet Vienna // Lonely Planet Austria Accommodation: Browse hotels in Vienna (Booking.com) // Browse hostels in Vienna (Hostelworld) Getting there: flights ( Skyscanner ), train ( RailEurope ), bus ( FlixBus ) Tours & activities: GetYourGuide Pre-book your Vienna airport to city transfer Travel insurance: True Traveller (European travellers) / Hey Mundo (other nationalities) / Safety Wing (digital nomads)

Looking for European mini breaks? Check out:

• How to spend 3 days in Copenhagen
• The perfect 3 day Budapest itinerary
• A weekend in Sofia, Bulgaria
• How to spend 2 days in Hamburg, Germany
• 3 day Porto itinerary
• How to spend 3 days in Lisbon
• 2 perfect days in Milan, Italy

How to get to Vienna

There are many ways to get to Vienna … By air: The international airport is well connected with Europe and the rest of the world. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights. Getting from the airport to central Vienna: There’s easy access to the city as the City Airport Train takes just 15-minutes to get from the airport to Wien-Mitte station in the heart of the city. Alternatively, pre-book your Vienna airport to city transfer . By car: If you plan to drive in Austria, pick up a car hire in Vienna from Rentalcars.com . Train: You can also arrive by train from neighbouring cities including Prague and Bratislava into the Wien Hauptbahnhof. Book tickets on RailEurope . Bus: To arrive by bus, take a FlixBus into the international bus terminal. FlixBus runs all around Europe and is by far the cheapest way to get around, even if the journeys take slightly longer than the train.

Where to stay during 3 days in Vienna

Here are a few accommodation options during your Vienna 3 day itinerary: Hotels in Vienna: Boutiquehotel Stadthalle (from €100 a night) is one of the best boutique hotels in Vienna boasts bright, comfy rooms, a spacious garden area and a superb continental breakfast. For a more affordable option with clean, comfy rooms and all your amenities, book at B&B Hotel Wien-Hbf (€60 a night). Best hostels in Vienna: If you’re going solo and looking for cheap accommodation, I’d recommend the Meininger chain. I’ve stayed a few times in Germany and they’re clean with everything you need. The Meininger downtown hostel has a lounge and games room for meeting other travellers and a kitchen where you can cook to keep the costs down. It’s also right beside the lovely Augarten. For a quirky stay with gardens and allegedly a free stuff basket (say what?) I’ve heard good things about Ruthensteiner Hostel , too.

Getting around during 3 days in Vienna

Vienna is generally a walkable city with many of the key attractions closeby and very few rundown or unsafe areas you’d want to avoid. We walked a lot during our 3 days in Vienna and only took the S-Bahn a handful of times. There are a few areas slightly further out of the city that would be too far to walk, for example the Hundertwasser House to the east to Vienna, and the most popular attraction in Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace. For these attractions and any others you don’t want to walk to, board the S-Bahn which is Vienna’s underground Metro network. These trains leave regularly and cover all areas of the city. Prices are as follows:

Top activities in Vienna

• Vienna Mozart Concert (€55)
• Ghosts and legends of Vienna night walking tour (€15)
• Evening dinner cruise (€59)

Is the Vienna card worth it?

I seem to spend hours weighing up whether city cards are worth the money! In many European cities, museums are free so it often doesn’t worth it. Although there are lots of free things to do in Vienna , not many of the museums are free. If you’re planning three days in Vienna and want to see as much as possible, it’s probably worth it, especially since you get skip-the-line priority on most activities (very useful during summer weekends!). The Vienna pass can be booked for 1, 2, 3 or 6 days of sightseeing. The 2 or 3 day pass is best value. Book the Vienna PASS for free entry to attractions & skip-the-line access.

Vienna itinerary – day 1

So you can enjoy the city as much as I did, I’ve put together this 3 days in Vienna itinerary including sightseeing, cafes, best meals and more. Enjoy your 3 days in Vienna!

Morning – shopping at the Naschmarkt

At the Naschmarkt , you’ll find souvenirs, bric-a-brac, jewellery and some seriously delicious food. The market has plenty of cafes serving everything from breakfast to traditional Austrian cuisine. The fruit stalls are amazing and I found all my favourites from my Asia trip like dragon fruit and mangosteen. What better way to start 3 days in Vienna than wandering in the sunshine with some fresh fruit and coffee?

Read next: Complete guide to the Naschmarkt Vienna

Not a clue where to start or what to buy? Take a tour & picnic with a local guide .

My favourite vendors were the stalls selling Middle Eastern food. It’s not just run-of-the-mill falafel: you’ll find baklava, olives, tomatoes stuffed with feta, and figs filled with Parma ham and walnuts. We picked ourselves up a picnic and ate it at the Alfred-Grünwald-Park across the road.

Getting to the Naschmarkt: The closest station is Kettenbrückengasse which is on the U4 (green) underground line. Walk out of the station and you’re there.

Day 1 afternoon – Schönbrunn Palace

While we just spent a couple of hours at  Schönbrunn Palace , you could invest a whole day. As well as admiring the stunning building itself, you can climb the hill to the Gloriette structure, visit the Palm House, explore the labyrinth maze or go to the zoo. We had our sights set on the apple strudel show which happens once hourly but sadly we missed the last one of the day (4pm) and salvaged the situation by eating it at the cafe instead. Some things like going inside the Palace cost extra but you can still go and enjoy the free bits like we did.

Schönbrunn Palace is open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm. There are various prices depending on what you wish to see. The website will tell you about Schönbrunn Palace ticket options but we took the Schönbrunn Classic Pass for €29.50 which included an audio guide tour around the Grand Palace, Privy Garden, Maze & Labyrinth, Orangery Garden and Gloriette building looking out over Vienna. This was enough for us but you can upgrade to include to the Grand Tour or Imperial tour if you’re interested in seeing the staterooms and private of ex-emperor, Franz Joseph.

Book a skip-the-queue ticket and guided tour .

Getting to Schönbrunn Palace: Catch the green U4 underground line to Schönbrunn and follow signs to the palace.

Sunset drinks during 3 days in Vienna

If there’s one bar I’d recommend visiting during your 3 days in Vienna it’s Das Loft on the 18th floor of the Sofitel Hotel. We worried we would be out of place at the fancy bar and restaurant in our casual day clothes but it was fine. Prices weren’t too insane. The cocktails were expensive at €15 but a glass of wine was €6 and a beer €5 which was well worth it when you consider the view you’re getting.

Getting to Das Loft: Back on that trusty U4 line to Schwedenplatz station. Look out for the Sofitel Hotel which is just across the bridge from the station exit.

Where to eat during 3 days in Vienna

Vienna is full of choice with traditional Austrian restaurants in all levels of fanciness from XXL Brünner Stadl for cheap eats and lots of more upmarket restaurants in Vienna should you want them.

There are plenty of places for vegetarians too (though you may not end up with traditional Austrian food). We headed to a place I’d read about online, Der Wiener Deewan for all-you-can-eat , pay-what-you-want curry. What a cool idea! It was a chilled soup kitchen vibe where you served yourself ladles of veggie or meat curry. I ended up with loads of my faves like palak paneer which is a spinach-based curry I loved in India.

Getting to Der Wiener Deewan: The closest station is Schottentor. However, if you’re following my Vienna itinerary step by step, you can walk from Das Loft to Der Wiener Deewan in 15 minutes.

Vienna itinerary – day 2

Keen to fill our Vienna 3 day itinerary, we got up early to explore the city centre. Of course, that started with coffee!

Day 2 morning – get your caffeine fix

We started our day over cappuccinos at Kleines , a long-standing cafe in a gorgeous square. For such a central location, it didn’t feel too touristy and doesn’t seem to have changed much since its heydey either. The interior is worth a peep, too with tiled floors and newspapers on the walls. Kleines has been open since 1936 and was particularly popular with a bohemian crowd in the 1970s. While we just stopped for morning coffee, the breakfast dishes looked amazing. Silver trays of eggs, ham, cheese and fresh bread were brought out to other guests while we looked on, regretting having eaten cereal in our Airbnb.

Getting to Kleines: It’s a five-minute walk from Stephansplatz underground station on the U2 and U4 lines.

Day 2 Vienna itinerary – morning walking tour

There are loads of walking tours you can take during 3 days in Vienna including free ones but we decided to see some of the highlights at our own pace. Check out some of the following spots which are all close together:

The Hofburg

If you visit two palaces in Vienna make them Schönbrunn and Hofburg. Unlike Schönbrunn which you’ll want to watch the S-Bahn to, Hofburg is right in the centre of town which makes it easy to include in your walking tour. You can choose to wander the grounds for free or pay to go inside to the Imperial Apartments and museum. Either way, you’ll be impressed by the baroque architecture dating back to the 13th century.

Personal note – you will see horse and cart rides at Hofburg. I would always encourage you to use your judgement and do research before engaging in any activities with animals around the world.

Hofburg was once the imperial palace during days of the Habsburg dynasty from 1804 to 1867. Nowadays, it’s the residence and offices of the President of Austria. It’s crazy to think the president lives in such a busy, central location. I’m assuming there’s a sneaky back entrance so he can get in and out without bumping into thousands of tourists!

Back of the Hofburg Palace & Burggarten

The front of the Palace is most popular but round the back you’ll find an equally pretty area with gardens, a pond and a Mozart statue complete with giant music note made of flowers. The Habsburg dynasty didn’t do anything by halves! You could easily spend a half-day just at The Hofburg but we did an hour’s recce before continuing with our Vienna itinerary.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

One of the most distinctive buildings in Vienna is St Stephen’s Cathedral built in Romanesque, gothic style. You’ll see it from afar thanks to the black, green and white stripes of the rooftop made from elaborate tiles. We climbed the 334 stairs to the top of this beaut which wasn’t as tough as I expected. However, the top was a little disappointing. Rather than an open top, we found ourselves in the finish point of a gift shop with smeary windows. The tower climb was $5.50 or alternatively, you can head underground on a catacombs tour .

Zum Figlmuller

This rustic row of shops is down the most atmospheric alleyway. You can browse jewellery and trinkets here as well as see a collection of Vienna’s best doorways. Insta heaven!

Day 2 Vienna itinerary lunch

There are so many places to eat in central Vienna whether you fancy a sit-down meal or a quick bite between sightseeing. I took the latter option and had a quick schnitzel from a takeaway stall outside the Hofburg Palace. It wasn’t the fanciest meal of my Vienna trip but I wasn’t complaining. For highly-rated schnitzel in Vienna, you could try Plachuttas Gasthaus zur Oper which claims to serve the best in the city or Figmüller which has been serving its original recipe for 110 years!

We continued our walking tour before stopping for…

Day 2 afternoon tea break – Cafe Diglas

My family are pros at stopping for tea and cake and we outdid ourselves by stumbling across many of the best Vienna coffee houses including the lovely Cafe Diglas on Wollzeile street. The pretty pink outside is a prelude to the classic style inside. If you don’t believe me, check out the extravagant lampshade above our table and the chandelier made out of teacups. You should also pay a trip to the bathroom where the clear doors turn frosted at the flick of the lock!

We tucked into Sachertorte which is famous in Vienna. For the original, head to Cafe Sacher , While I didn’t try it there, the one we did have at Cafe Diglas was very tasty and chocolatey.

Learn about Viennese coffee-house culture & visit cafes with a local guide .

Day 2 late afternoon – Hundertwasser Village

Seasonal note: in winter you might want to move this stop to the next morning or next day to see it in daylight. Pre-book tickets for the house and museum .

By 5.30 pm we’d finished our city tour and arrived at the Hundertwasser Village which was somewhere I’d been keen to see the whole trip. It was built in 1990 by Friedensreich Hundertwasser who apparently hated straight lines so made everything curvy. It’s a unique piece of architecture definitely worth adding to your Vienna 3 day itinerary simply to compare it with the classic palaces you’ve seen so far! Getting to Hundertwasser Village: Catch the underground to Landstraße (on the green U3 or orange U4 line) and walk for 10 minutes. This attraction is a little far from the rest of Vienna’s tourist attractions but worth the trip. Personally, I’ve never seen anywhere like it before.

Day 2 evening – sunset on the Prater Ferris wheel 

No 3 day Vienna itinerary would be complete without a spin on the Prater Ferris wheel. Just a 15-minute walk from the Hundertwasser Village is this permanent fairground with rides and a Madame Tussauds. We were mainly there for the Ferris wheel which is the world’s oldest. It was a bit pricey at €10 for a 20-minute spin (and there was a pretty long queue) but the views of the city were worth it. Looking for Vienna’s best city views? I’d say the Prater Ferris wheel, St. Stephen’s Cathedral Tower and the Gloriette panorama at Schönbrunn Palace.

Tip: Book a skip-the-queue ticket at no additional cost

Getting to Prater: the nearest station is Messe-Prater which is on the U2 line. If you’ve been to Hunderwasser House previously, it’s within walking distance.

Day 2 Vienna itinerary – dinner

We ate dinner at Swing Kitchen . Feeling like we’d walked a marathon that day, we crashed at the Opernhaus branch of Vienna’s vegan burger chain. I went for a ‘cheese’ burger which was made with a bean patty, lots of salad and a soft roll. At €8 for a burger, chips and drink it was a bargain.

Evening drinks by the canal

After 12 hours on our feet in the heat we were exhausted so headed back to the apartment but if you want to head for drinks, I’d recommend the canal area. There are tons of quirky bars decked out in fairy lights where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere, plus lots of the boats double up as restaurants.

Or why not book an evening canal cruise ?

Vienna itinerary – day 3

With our 3 days in Vienna about to draw to a close, we made a solid effort to see as much as possible before our flight. Whether you have a full day or a half-day, here are some options for sightseeing before you go.

Street art tour

On our final morning in Vienna, we took ourselves on a street art tour around Vienna, snapping some of the colourful urban art around the canalside. I enjoyed this tremendously because I have a bit of an obsession with street art around the world (as I’m sure you know if you’ve visited this website before!). In a city like Vienna with so many grand palaces and traditional architecture, I enjoyed finding this alternative, quirky side to the city even more.

Read next: Vienna street art guide

The street art is pretty easy to locate but if you fancy taking a tour with an expert, consider booking a street art tour (€30).

Day 3 Vienna itinerary – lunch at Erich

We finished our street art tour at Erich which has awesome breakfasts, tacos, skewers and cheese melts. I couldn’t decide between skewers and ended up with the platter of one of each of them, plus two tasty bruschettas. Joni tucked into a sweet potato bowl with brown rice and spinach and we both had our fave cocktails, Hugos. Gutted I can’t find these in England!

Getting to Erich: You’ll find Erich on Neustiftgasse which is just around the corner from the Museums Quarter. Catch the purple U2 underground line to Museumsquartier underground station. Dessert was ice cream down the street at Veganista . I had a scoop of raspberry and a scoop of lavender and we mused over how good vegan ice cream tastes!

Day 3 Vienna itinerary – afternoon at Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace is a gorgeous set of Baroque palaces well worth adding to your Vienna itinerary. The Austrian Gallery Belvedere is home to the famous painting, The Kiss by Gustav Klimt which shows two life-size gold figures in an embrace.

Apparently, it was deemed risque by a Victorian audience (even though the couple are fully dressed) but is now worth $135 million. The €16 entrance fee doesn’t seem so bad now, does it? Belvedere is open 10am-6pm, 7 days a week and you can eat delicious strudels and sacher torte afterwards in the cafe. To learn about the art, take a world-class art tour of the grounds, palaces and museum with a qualified art historian.

Getting to Belvedere Palace: You can walk from central Vienna in 30 minutes or catch the red U1 line to the nearest metro station, Südtiroler Platz.

Day trips during 3 days in Vienna 

If you have any extra days to spare, why not add a day trip to your Vienna itinerary? My fellow Europeans probably won’t appreciate the novelty of visiting a whole new country in a day trip but I know many of American and Aussie readers will. Local day trips from Vienna include Liechtenstein Castle, Salzburg, Hallstadt Village and Castle Franzenburg, while international trips include Budapest (Hungary), Brno (Czechia) and Bratislava (Slovakia). Book a return Vienna to Bratislava boat trip down the Danube River .

Related read: How to spend 1 perfect day in Bratislava

Photos from my Vienna 3 day itinerary

Some of my favourite moments in Vienna were stumbling across places I’d not been looking for (isn’t that the most fun anywhere?) from cathedrals to street art and shopfronts. I’ll finish this blog with a few random sights we came across whilst wandering…

Vienna is one of my favourite cities I’ve visited recently so I’m sure you’ll love it too!

Where next?

Travelling in Central Europe? These are a few of my favourite cities nearby Vienna…

• Bratislava, Slovakia : I loved spending 1 day in Bratislava and exploring the excellent food and drink scene . If you need reasons to visit Bratislava , have a read of my blog! You can catch a train in 1 hour or take a river cruise.
• Prague, Czech Republic: Before visiting Vienna, I ate endless food in Prague and also checked out Cesky Krumlov , a lovely city in South Bohemia known for spectacular Cesky Krumlov Castle . It’s easy to catch a FlixBus between Cesky Krumlov and Vienna.
• Budapest, Hungary: Who doesn’t love Budapest? From hot spas to synagogues, castles and quirky ruin bars, you can easily spend 3 days in Budapest while indulging in the fantastic Budapest food scene . Budapest is a 2.5-hour drive from Vienna or you can catch a train or Flixbus.

MY TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING AUSTRIA Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For trains , I use RailEurope . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Flixbus . Find journeys between European countries from €1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide . For food tours pairing travellers with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s some of the most affordable insurance out there but still covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Thanks for reading my Vienna 3 day itinerary

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary: Food, Tips, Maps! ”

I love Vienna. It is one of my favorite destinations. The atmosphere there is so aristocratic and people are really friendly to the tourists. You have done great job with this article / guide. I like the pictures, as well 🙂 What did you like the most in Vienna? My favorite place is Schoennbrun Palace.

Thanks so much Yoanna!! You’re right – everyone I met there was lovely. That was one of my favourites, too – I also really liked the street art!

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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL BLOG IN VIENNA

Planning a trip to vienna best vienna holiday itinerary.

Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by gregor

This guide streamlines your Vienna trip, featuring top attractions, unique activities and much-loved eateries. Intended for first-time visitors, we provide practical tips and suggested itineraries for 1-4 day stays in Vienna. Get ready to discover and savour the historic and vibrant city of Vienna!

If you are looking for a great holiday destination, Vienna (Austria) is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Enjoy iconic attractions like the Hofburg Palace , Empress Sisi Museum , and Schönbrunn Palace as you explore Vienna’s rich history and culture. Indulge in local delicacies while taking in the breathtaking views of Vienna’s historic cityscape. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Vienna!

Here are the TOP 10 Reasons why you must visit Vienna.

Planning your First Trip to Vienna – What to do in Vienna – Best Vienna Itinerary

When is the best time to visit vienna.

If you're keen on delving into Vienna's cultural wealth, consider visiting during the spring months of March to June, or autumn, September and October. It's a great time to explore the city’s historical sites and museums. For those who prefer the lively city attractions or relishing in Vienna's dynamic nightlife, summer is the ideal season. For instance, picnic in Prater Park or enjoy open-air concerts during warm June to August days. But remember, the best time to visit really depends on the experiences you crave most in Vienna. So, plan your trip accordingly and you're bound to have an unforgettable time!

See also the detailed review: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT VIENNA, AUSTRIA

How Long Should You Stay In Vienna?

Visiting Vienna can be a great experience, and it can take you anywhere from three to five days to get the most out of your trip.

When someone tells me that they’re going to spend just 1-2 days in Vienna I feel like they’re most likely not going to love it. I mean, it’s possible to have a great time but if you do it right and prioritize what you want to see. During such a short visit most tourists head to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn, and some other tourist attractions, and therefore experience crowds, long lines, and not the real local Vienna.

Take your pick and spend some time actually enjoying these things instead of rushing through everything.

Here are some valuable Vienna Itineraries for visiting Vienna

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO VISIT VIENNA?

• Best of Vienna in 4 hours – Layover in Vienna
• The Perfect 1-Day Vienna Itinerary
• The Perfect 2-Days Vienna Itinerary
• The Perfect 3-Days Vienna Itinerary
• 4 DAYS IN VIENNA – BEST VIENNA TRAVEL ITINERARY

What you need to know before traveling to Vienna Austria

Before any trip, it is always good to have some essential information. Check out these tips to be prepared for your trip to Vienna:

• Currency: Euro(€)
• Language: German
• Voltage: 230V
• Power sockets: Type F

As seen above, Austria uses the Euro therefore, if you need to change currency, be aware of the exchange rates.

The  official language in Austria is German , and even though most people can communicate in English, it is always useful to learn a few words or phrases. Some of them are danke, meaning thank you, and bitte, meaning you’re welcome or please.

• Another useful tip is that in Austria, the  standard voltage is 230V while the power sockets are Type F,  so be sure to have the right travel adaptor.

Austria’s entry requirements

Austria is  part of the European Union (EU)  and the  Schengen area . 

Non-EU travelers can only  stay in the Schengen region for up to 90 days within 180 days. You will need a  valid passport for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country  and it  must be issued within the last 10 years . 

Check if you need to apply for a Schengen visa  from an Austrian consulate or embassy and apply for a visa before you leave your home country.

How To Travel To Vienna: Arriving By Plane

Vienna International Airport, the city's primary terminal, regularly welcomes flights from major airports worldwide. Depending on your point of departure and travel time, fares are typically reasonable. Upon touchdown, you'll find numerous public transport services at your disposal. Most international flights land at Vienna International Airport, which is mere minutes from the city centre. Buses, trains, and taxis are readily available, offering fast, cost-friendly routes and frequent services. Your exciting Viennese adventure commences immediately upon arrival, thanks to the airport's seamlessly integrated transportation network!

Just touched down at Vienna Airport and pondering the best way to reach the city centre? In our section "How to Travel to Vienna by Plane", or the new subsection "Transfers from Vienna Airport to City Center", we highlight various modes of transportation at your disposal. Here, you will find the most reasonable options, including taxis, buses, trains to shuttles, which offer a means of transport from the airport to the city centre. We have collected all viable choices for you. Additionally, for those interested in the most common, fastest, or cheapest medium, we've included a brief overview. You can find more details, such as fares and schedules, by following the related links. Stay tuned for a smooth transition to the next tier of information.

BEST WAYS TO GET FROM VIENNA AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTER

How to get around Vienna

Metro in Vienna (U-Bahn) is very easy and safe to use. It might be slightly intimidating at first due to the huge amount of different lines, but once you figure it out you’ll use it all the time.

Keep your Vienna metro ticket until you’ve exited the metro system at your final destination because the police might be checking your tickets inside the station.

VIENNA’S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM – GETTING AROUND IN VIENNA

Where to buy a Public Transportation ticket in Vienna

• there are ticket machines at most underground stations
• points of advance sale
• Tobacconists also sell tickets
• Onboard the tram at an increased rate of EUR 2.60 per ticket
• Buy tickets online:  Wiener Linien Online Shop

On many Metro lines, the doors to the train do not open unless you press a button or lift a handle. Remember it if you don’t want to miss your station or look funny.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Options for accommodations in vienna.

Vienna is a beautiful city, and there are many options for accommodations. Visitors can choose from a variety of hotels, hostels, and apartments. Hotels range from budget-friendly to luxury, with a wide selection of amenities such as swimming pools and spas. Hostels provide an affordable option for travelers on a budget and often have shared rooms and communal areas.

For longer stays, apartments offer more space and privacy than hotel rooms at comparable prices.

Additionally, Airbnb provides unique listings in Vienna that allow visitors to experience the city like a local. No matter what kind of accommodation you’re looking for, Vienna has something that will suit your needs.

BEST LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN VIENNA

Tips for finding the best deals on hotels/hostels/Airbnb’s in Vienna

Finding the best accommodation deals in Vienna can be easier with the right strategies:

• Compare Prices : Always check different websites for the same accommodation to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
• Look for Discounts : Keep an eye out for special offers or discounts, which can sometimes be found on booking sites or directly from the accommodation provider.
• Consider Longer Stays : For extended visits, renting an entire apartment could be more economical and offer added space and privacy compared to a hotel room.
• Travel in Low Season : Booking during off-peak times can lead to significant savings, as many places lower their prices.
• Research Thoroughly : Read reviews from past guests and use comparison websites to scope out the best deals available.

By following these tips, securing a great deal on your stay in Vienna can be straightforward and rewarding!

What areas of Vienna are best for tourists to stay in

• City Center (Innenstadt, 1st District) : Heart of Vienna’s attractions, including Stephansdom Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. This area boasts easy access to public transport, dining, and shopping, making it a top pick for first-time visitors.
• Mariahilf (6th District) : Celebrated for its lively nightlife, Mariahilf is a haven for those who enjoy evenings out, with an abundance of bars, clubs, pubs, and cafés.
• Landstrasse (3rd District) and Wieden (4th District) : These districts offer cultural attractions such as Karlskirche (St. Charles Cathedral), appealing to those interested in Vienna’s rich cultural tapestry.
• Neubau (7th District) : A shopper’s paradise, Neubau is known for its bustling shopping streets, perfect for those looking to indulge in retail therapy.

No matter where you choose to stay in Vienna, each district offers a unique experience that contributes to a memorable visit.

Best Things to Do and See in Vienna

Must-see tourist attractions and must-do activities in vienna.

Vienna is a beautiful city full of must-see attractions and exciting activities. Take a stroll through the city center’s romantic cobblestone streets to take in the stunning Baroque architecture, such as the centuries-old Schönbrunn Palace.

Enjoy Vienna’s unique old-world charm by taking a ride on one of its iconic horse-drawn carriages , or explore the modern art galleries and boutiques housed inside the historic Ringstrasse.

For a more cultural experience , you can visit Vienna’s famous museums or spend an afternoon at one of its beautiful parks and gardens.

THE BEST 12 MUSEUMS YOU NEED TO VISIT IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA TRAVEL GUIDE (UPDATE 2023)

Famous Viennese Coffee Houses and Viennese Food

Of course, no trip to Vienna would be complete without sampling some of its famous Viennese cafés and restaurants – you’ll find plenty of delicious local dishes to try.

VIENNA FOOD GUIDE – TRADITIONAL VIENNESE FOOD YOU MUST EAT IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

BEST COFFEEHOUSES IN THE CITY CENTER OF VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Outdoor activities in Vienna

Additionally, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Vienna, from cycling along its riverside paths to sailing on the Danube Canal. With so much to see and do, Vienna is sure to provide an unforgettable holiday experience for all visitors!

Local favorites that should not be missed while visiting Vienna

Visiting Vienna can be an unforgettable experience, and there are plenty of local favorites that you should not miss. Be sure to enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee at one of the traditional Viennese cafés for a truly authentic experience.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try some Sachertorte – a rich chocolate cake with apricot jam and topped with creamy chocolate icing.

17 BEST DESSERTS IN VIENNA YOU MUST KNOW

The famous Wiener Schnitzel is also a must-try. This breaded veal cutlet is served with potatoes and lemon wedges, and it is the perfect comfort food.

WHERE TO EAT THE BEST WIENER SCHNITZEL IN VIENNA (RESTAURANT TIPS + PRICES!)

Be sure to spend some time strolling along the cobblestone streets of Vienna, exploring its many museums, galleries, and historical sites. Finally, end your visit with a night out at one of Vienna’s renowned classical music concerts or Opera performances – you won’t regret it!

ULTIMATE GUIDE VISITING THE VIENNA OPERA HOUSE, AUSTRIA

Day trips and excursions from Vienna that make great additions to your itinerary

Vienna is a great destination for a city break, but there are plenty of interesting day trips and excursions available to make your visit even more special. From exploring the romantic Wachau Valley , visiting Salzburg with its cobbled streets and Baroque architecture, or heading to Hinterbrühl Caves (Seegrotte) , there are lots of places to explore within a few hours of Vienna. For something more active, try cycling along the Danube path or take a cruise along the river itself. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding hills.

Whatever you decide to do, Vienna is surrounded by some amazing attractions that make great additions to any itinerary!

TOP 10 – DAY TRIPS FROM VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Best 6 City Day Trips Hallstatt, Salzburg, Prague, Budapest Bratislava, and Ljubljana

Vienna is an optimal starting point for day trips to some of the most noteworthy capitals in Europe such as  Bratislava, Budapest, Prague , and  Ljubljana . Additionally, it serves as an incredible base to discover more of Austria. Some of the greatest day trips from Vienna include  Salzburg  and  Hallstatt .

BEST CITY DAY TRIPS FROM VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Where to Eat & Drink in Vienna

Traditional viennese dishes and drinks you must try while there.

When visiting Vienna, Austria, it is essential to try some of the traditional dishes and drinks that the city has to offer. A must-try dish is Wiener Schnitzel, a fried cutlet of veal served with a side of potatoes or salad. Other traditional dishes include Tafelspitz, boiled beef served with applesauce, horseradish, and root vegetables; Gulaschsuppe, a hearty beef-based soup; and Kaiserschmarrn, shredded pancakes with raisins and powdered sugar. For drinks, be sure to sample Austrian wines such as Grüner Veltliner or Blaufränkisch. If beer is more your style, you should try one of the local craft beers like Ottakringer or Ottakringer Radler. With so many delicious traditional Viennese dishes and drinks to choose from your trip will be unforgettable!

The best restaurants and bars in Vienna

Vienna is a city that offers an abundance of fantastic restaurants and bars. Whether you’re looking for traditional Austrian cuisine, world-famous Viennese coffeehouse culture, or trendy and modern bistros, Vienna has it all. For an upscale dining experience, be sure to visit Steiereck, considered one of the best restaurants in Austria. Other top picks include Plachutta Wollzeile, offering delicious Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz; Figlmüller with its famous schnitzel; and Café Diglas for a delightful Kaffee und Kuchen. When it comes to bars and pubs, Zum Schwarzen Kameel stands out as one of the city’s most popular spots. With its traditional food menu, an impressive selection of beers from around the world, and lively atmosphere, it’s sure to please even the pickiest traveler.

Shopping & Other Activities in Vienna

Popular markets and shopping districts in vienna.

Vienna is an incredible city full of interesting places to shop. From the iconic Naschmarkt to the bustling Flea Market, there are plenty of spots to find unique items and explore the city’s culture.

Naschmarkt has been around since the 16th century and is a great place to find traditional Viennese food, souvenirs, and antiques. The Flea Market is held every Saturday morning in what was once Vienna’s Roman city center. Here you can find a variety of handmade jewelry and vintage clothing.

NASCHMARKT VIENNA GUIDE – MOST POPULAR VIENNESE FOOD MARKET

There are also many shopping districts located throughout Vienna where you can find designer boutiques, modern department stores, and international chains. Mariahilfer Strasse is one of the most popular, with over 600 stores ranging from high-end fashion houses to budget-friendly options. There is something for everyone in Vienna’s markets and shopping districts!

Luxury Shopping in Vienna

Vienna is an excellent destination for luxury shopping. There are numerous designer boutiques, shopping galleries and high-end department stores to explore. One of the most famous shopping areas in Vienna is the Kärntnerstrasse, which boasts a wide range of luxury brands such as Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more. The Golden Quarter is another popular area with many exclusive boutiques, art galleries and jewelry stores. You can also find a variety of international luxury brands at the Vienna International Airport Shopping Center or at one of the city’s many malls. Whether you’re looking for designer apparel, luxury accessories, or exquisite jewelry, Vienna has plenty of options to choose from when it comes to luxury shopping.

LUXURY SHOPPING IN VIENNA GUIDE (STORES, MAP AND VIDEO GUIDE)

Outdoor activities like biking, hiking, etc near Vienna

Vienna is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, boasting a vast array of parks and natural spaces perfect for a wide range of activities. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Vienna Woods : Just a stone’s throw from the city center, the Vienna Woods offers serene paths for biking and hiking, ideal for those looking for a peaceful escape into nature.
• Mountain Biking : For the more adventurous, the Semmering region nearby presents an extensive network of mountain biking trails, catering to various skill levels.
• Water Activities : The city’s proximity to numerous lakes and rivers means swimming, fishing, and boating are readily available for water sports lovers.

Vienna caters to all types of outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect activity to enjoy in the great outdoors.

TOP 5 VIENNA PICNIC SPOTS WITH A WONDERFUL VIEW

Conclusion for planning a Trip to Vienna!

Planning a trip to Vienna is an exciting process. From researching the best places to stay, the top attractions and activities, and the most delicious food and drinks, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. With its rich culture, history, and art, it’s no wonder why Vienna is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or have planned a longer stay, Vienna has something to offer every traveler. The key to having a successful trip is planning ahead and organizing your itinerary so that you can make the most of your visit. Make sure to research what you would like to do before arriving in Vienna to maximize your sightseeing time and experiences. With adequate planning and preparation, you are sure to enjoy all that Vienna has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions about Planning Your Holidays in Vienna

How many days do you need for vienna.

Depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for, there are a variety of things to do in Vienna. If you’re looking for culture and history, then exploring the city’s historic landmarks is essential. Viennese architecture is renowned worldwide and many buildings will take your breath away . There are also several museums and art galleries that could keep you occupied for hours . For those who enjoy the outdoors, Vienna has some beautiful parks and gardens that make for pleasant strolls throughout the day. Shopping lovers will have plenty of options in the city center with its many shopping streets and designer stores. Finally, don’t forget about food – Vienna has some fantastic restaurants and cafés offering both traditional Viennese dishes and international cuisine. So no matter what kind of traveler you are, Vienna has something for everyone – just make sure to plan ahead so that you can fit everything into your stay.

How much does a vacation in Vienna cost?

A vacation in Vienna can be just as expensive as in any other big city, but with a little bit of planning you can make it quite affordable.

Accommodation costs vary depending on the type of hotel or apartment you choose, but you can find budget options starting around €60 per night.

Food and drink costs will depend largely on your own preferences, but there are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafés throughout the city.

Sightseeing is also relatively inexpensive compared to other European capitals, with most attractions costing less than €20 for admission.

Depending on your budget and what activities you plan to do, a vacation in Vienna could cost anywhere from €300-€1000 per person for a few days. However, with careful planning, it’s possible to enjoy Vienna without breaking the bank.

What is the best month to go to Vienna?

The best time to visit Vienna is during April, May and September.

During these months, the city is generally at its most pleasant, with temperatures comfortable enough to be able to walk around and explore all that Vienna has to offer. The days are long and sunny, and you can expect plenty of outdoor activities such as walking tours, boat trips on the Danube River or exploring the many parks in Vienna. You’ll also be able to enjoy some of the cultural events like the opera, a concert in one of Vienna’s famous music halls, or take part in one of the festivals that take place throughout the year such as Wiener Festwochen. In short, there’s something for everyone during these months.

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Visiting Vienna, Practical Tips & Things to Do (Local Expert Advice)

Why You Should Listen to Me?  

I was born and have lived in Vienna my whole life. (Not like other “Travel Bloggers & “Travel Websites” who pretend to know Vienna just for visiting 1 or 2 times). I live and work in the City Center of Vienna and have seen and tried most of the things to do in Vienna I recommend, but I have also seen several things you should definitely avoid (making a few mistakes on my way too).

I am very confident in giving you the best  Vienna travel tips

17 Best Desserts in Vienna You Must Know

13 best classical concerts in vienna 2024.

18 top things to do in Vienna

Jul 1, 2021 • 8 min read

Cycling on Danube Island in Vienna's Donaustadt district. © Balakate/Shutterstock

Museums filled with masterpieces, brilliant baroque streetscapes, sumptuous palaces and epicurean delights, naturally Vienna is an unmissable stop on your Europe adventure.

Now with street art, craft beer brewing, an analogue-only hotel stay, and summer ‘beach bars’, contemporary Vienna continues to flourish as a creative cultural hub.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

The jewel in Vienna's artistic crown is its Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna . As well as accumulating vassal lands, the Habsburgs assembled one of Europe's finest collections of art and artefacts. Housed inside a majestic neoclassical building, the highlight of this incredible cache is the Picture Gallery, an encounter with a vast and emotionally powerful collection of works by grand masters, such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder's evocative and 'industrial' Tower of Babel from the 16th century or the bright plenitude of Giuseppe Arcimboldo's Summer.

Vienna’s coffee houses

Great works of art have been created in these 'living rooms' of the Viennese. Patronised by luminaries such as Mahler, Klimt, Freud, Trotsky and Otto Wagner in their day, Vienna's Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) were added to the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. Many retain their opulent original decor, and often specialise in a particular cake, such as the Sacher Torte, an iced-chocolate cake with apricot jam once favoured by Emperor Franz Josef, at Café Sacher. New-wave coffee houses are putting their own twist on the tradition.

MuseumsQuartier

Have you had enough of culture yet? No? Good, because the MuseumsQuartier (MQ) is a 90,000 sq metre exhibition space encompassing 60 cultural institutions ranging from fine art, music, theatre, and dance to game culture, street art and photography. Highlights include – including the Leopold Museum , MUMOK , Kunsthalle Wien , Architekturzentrum and Zoom but there are multiple micro-museums and creative spaces to explore. It’s also one of the key locations for the annual Wiener Festwochen (Vienna Festival) held over six weeks in May and June.

The annual Calle Libre street art festival focuses on one guiding theme as celebrated artists respond across curated walls for a week each summer. Founded almost a decade ago by Jakob Kettner, the festival brings together live paintings, street art works, guided tours, film screenings and workshops for urban aesthetics. You’ll get the chance to learn more about Vienna’s burgeoning street art scene, discover works from local and international artists, and find out what issues are shaping and challenging the city today. 

Ringstrasse Tram Tour

For a spin around Vienna's architectural highlights, jump on a tram and travel along the Ringstrasse , one of Europe's most magnificent streets. The circular boulevard of imposing state buildings was carved out of the space once occupied by fortifications protecting Vienna from Ottoman Turk attack in the 16th century. You’ll pass the Monument to the Victims of Fascism at the former Gestapo headquarters site, the neoclassical facade of Parlament, Austria’s parliament, the Athena Fountain, and Äusseres Burgtor (Outer Palace Gate). The Roman gate leads the way to the Imperial Palace, the Hofburg.

Schloss Schönbrunn 

The magnificent rococo former summer palace and gardens of the Habsburgs are a perfect place to experience the pomp, circumstance and gracious legacy of Austria's erstwhile monarchs. A visit to 40 of the palace's lavishly appointed rooms reveals the lifestyle and the eccentricities of Europe's most powerful family. Beyond the Unesco-listed palace, Schloss Schönbrunn Gardens invite a stroll past pseudo-Roman ruins, along bucolic paths winding through leafy woods and a stopover in the gardens' highlight, the Gloriette, with mesmerising views of the palace and city beyond.

Hofburg Palace 

The former wintering ground of the Habsburg monarchs for over 700 years, Hofburg is a living palace today. One of the biggest palace complexes in the world, it now houses a fine collection of museums, is home to the Austrian president, Austria's National Library and public offices. It is also the temporary home of the Austrian Parliament while the main building undergoes renovations expected to be completed in 2024. 

Donauturm tower

The newly renovated 1960s modernist Donauturm tower offers panoramic views across the city and the Danube river. It’s also located in one of the most beautiful and largest parks in the city, the Danube Park making it doubly worth a visit. From the top you’ll see the entire surrounding region of Vienna on a clear day. Who can resist booking a sunset meal at a rotating restaurant at 170m high? This is peak tourist, and we love it. The set-price Viennese three-course meal includes lift tickets.  

Whether it's coffee houses, local dining, or a pub crawl, there are a host of tours on offer to the best places to eat and drink in Vienna. Bi-lingual local tour guides guide visitors to different, seasonally appropriate (Christmas market foodie tour anyone?) locations to show off the best the city has to offer. One popular outfit founded by local couple Melinda and Thomas, Vienna Food Tours covers the variety of cuisines that influenced Viennese food: sampling appetizers, a sausage stand, mains, and of course something sweet to round it off over a whole afternoon. 

Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel 

It’s famous among cinephiles as the place Graham Greene sent his fictional character Harry Lime for a slow rotation in the 1949 film The Third Man. The 1897-built Riesenrad , otherwise known as the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, rises above the beautiful green open spaces of the Prater in Vienna’s 2nd district. A ride takes you high above the city and the wooded parkland and meadows below. Save some time to explore the Prater by foot or bicycle after you return to ground level.

Schloss Belvedere 

Living up to its Italianesque name 'beautiful view', this 18th-century palace and garden ensemble is deceptively close to Vienna's city centre while still creating a feeling of being worlds apart. Symmetrical, finely sculpted and manicured gardens overlooking Vienna's unfolding skyline connect two exquisite palaces dedicated to a who's who of Austrian art. Gustav Klimt's painting The Kiss is a highlight. The masterpieces on display are complemented by interiors so stately that they're worthy of a visit in their own right.

Stephansdom 

A Gothic reminder of another age, the Stephansdom is Vienna's heart and soul. The awe-inspiring cathedral lords over the city, topped by an intricately tiled roof, with its distinctive row of chevrons and Austrian eagle. Below the cathedral are the Katakomben (catacombs), with their eerie collection of the deceased; inside, a magnificent Gothic stone pulpit presides over the main nave; and rising above it to dizzying heights is the South Tower with its viewing stage offering dazzling panoramas over town.

Copa Cagrana Beach

Just beyond the city centre, nestled by the Donauinsel, lies Copa Cagrana Beach , a stretch of sandy beach bars, pop-up food stalls and a large open-air TV viewing area that locals flock to in the summer months. Only open between June and September Vienna makes the most of the holiday atmosphere with volleyball courts, trampolines and green space beside the water. Nibble on delicate Trześniewski sandwiches (open finger sandwiches) as you look across the Donaukanal, or satiate your summer cravings with a fresh spritzer.

Vineyard hiking

The hills surrounding Vienna are awash with vineyards and views, ripe for hiking and tippling in equal measure. Held in autumn (typically late September or October), the annual wine hiking day sees over 190 winemakers set up small wooden huts along the popular walking paths above Vienna, where thirsty hikers can stop in to try the fresh wine harvest of the year. Pick up your glass from one of the hiking-day stations at the bottom of the trail, and meander your way from Neustift to Nussdorf, Strebersdorf to Stammersdorf, or the shorter Ottakring to Neuwald route. The ‘hikes’ themselves are quite low impact and allow plenty of time to stop, sip and enjoy the fresh air.

VHS, vinyl and typewriters

Seeking a true digital detox can be challenging, with a constant barrage of tech an unavoidable part of our daily lives. To help you stay offline and relax, 25 Hours hotel has collaborated with Supersense cafe to create the first ‘analogue hotel room’ for your perfectly curated escape from modern life. Replacing wi-fi and wide screens with a typewriter, VHS player and vinyl records, the suite offers a stylish retreat to the simpler technologies of decades gone by. Perfect for a truly unplugged weekend getaway. If you want to explore further, book a bicycle from their friends at Schindelhauer.

Craft beer has come of age in Vienna with a number of bars specialising in locally made brews. Just off Mariahilferstrasse, Ammutson Craft Beer Dive 's commitment to fresh tap beer from local microbreweries is a welcome addition to the scene. While stalwart craft beer venues like Beaver Brewing Company continue to provide a hearty mix of delicious food, alongside their expansive and regularly changing craft beer menus. Beer drinkers, on your marks...

Christmas markets 

Vienna's much-loved Christmas market season runs from around mid-November to Christmas Eve. The Christkindlmärkte atmosphere is magical with stalls in streets and squares selling wooden toys, festive decorations and traditional food such as Würstel (sausages) and Glühwein (mulled wine). The centrepiece is the Wiener Weihnachtstraum Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz but you'll find Christmas markets across the city including at Schloss Schönbrunn.

Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus: 15th district

The 15th district is experiencing a rejuvenation thanks to community driven events, interesting stores and markets. Brunch and coffee lovers can get their fill at Landkind , Das Augustin and Turnhalle im Brick 5 , and see Austria’s best barista slinging lattes at GOTA Coffee Experts . Hidden down the district's side alleys is the unique indie art gallery, Improper Walls , and quirky stores such as Metaware , a ‘gift shop for nerds & geeks’.

In the evenings, there’s a wealth of food and drink options to explore in the district, from Das Eduard’s pita burgers on its outdoor terrace, to indie bar ein affee and wine haven Reinwein . Vegetarians can enjoy the secluded delights of restaurant and art gallery Hollerei , a short walk from Meidling Hauptstrasse station.

This article was first published in May 2019, last updated by Tasmin Waby on 29 June 2021.

Free things to do in Vienna Best day trips from Vienna The 7 best things to do in Vienna with kids

This article was first published May 2019 and updated July 2021

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Turn your dream vacation into reality

Ultimate First-Time Vienna Itinerary (+ Map)

• December 26, 2023

A complete Vienna itinerary for first-timers (+ a map, the best day trips and how to save more than €60 with Vienna Pass).

Vienna (Wien) is the capital of Austria and its largest city. Once home to the powerful Habsburg monarchy, the city still preserves its imperial grandeur. Splendour Baroque architecture, imperial palaces and lavish coffee houses, the capital of Austria has it all!

Vienna is also known as a City of Music. Many famous musicians and composers lived and worked here (for example Strauss, Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart and Brahms).

The perfect Vienna itinerary

This Vienna itinerary for three days is perfect for you if you are visiting the city for the first time. It covers all the places you must see.

If you want to try some of the restaurants from the itinerary for dinner, better make a reservation or go for an early dinner.

Already have a hotel booked? See whether your hotel is in a good area in my guide to Where to stay in Vienna .

At the end of the article, you can find a map of this Vienna itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

The perfect Vienna itinerary (for first-timers)

Day 1 : St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Plague Column, St. Peter’s Church, Imperial Palace, Parliament Building, Vienna Rathaus, Giant Ferris Wheel

Day 2 : Spanish Riding School, Burggarten, Vienna State Opera, St. Charles’s Church, Soviet War Memorial, Belvedere Palace

Day 3 : Schönbrunn Palace, Danube Tower

Vienna itinerary – Day 1

Have breakfast at le bol.

08:30 AM – 09:30 AM Start the day with a breakfast at Le Bol or L. Heiner .

L. Heiner has the typical atmosphere of a Viennese café. Take a cup of coffee and a delicious piece of cake to sweeten your day.

Le Bol is a French café and it is a great place if you want something substantial for breakfast. Their Croque-monsieur is mouth-watering.

See the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral

09:30 AM – 11:30 AM The Gothic cathedral, Stephansdom, is one of the most famous sites in the city. The entrance is free, but there are areas within the church that you have to pay for.

The Treasury is worth it unless you are also planning to see the Imperial treasury in Hofburg. In this case, choose one of them.

The catacombs can be visited only with a guide ( see more info here ).

You’ll need about 2 hours to explore all areas of the cathedral (including the paid ones). The free visit takes no longer than 30min.

Admire the Plague Column

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM The Plague Column (Pestsäule) is erected to celebrate the end of the Great Plague epidemic in 1679. The column is right in the centre of the most famous shopping street in the city – Graben.

Visit St. Peter’s Church

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) is easy to miss, but don’t! Although this Baroque Roman Catholic church is small, it is a real gem inside.

Have lunch at Trześniewski 

12:30 PM – 02:30 PM For lunch stop at Trześniewski or Hopferl . Trześniewski offers delicious little sandwiches. You can choose from many variations. They go along great with a cold beer.

Hopferl is a traditional Austrian pub and it is a nice option for a longer lunch.

Explore the Imperial Palace

02:30 PM – 04:30 PM Hofburg is the former Imperial Palace. It houses three museums: the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection. Buying a ticket for Hofburg allows you to enter all of them.

Continue your walk through the imperial Wien with a visit to the Imperial Treasury. It is a stunning museum and a must even for a limited time. Here you can see one of the largest emeralds in the world. You need to buy a separate ticket for the Imperial Treasury (it’s not included in the ticket for Hofburg palace).

Austrian Parliament Building

04:45 PM – 05:00 PM You can’t pass without noticing this beautiful white building in a Greek style. Since the 19th century, this is the place where the Austrian parliament conducts its sessions.

Be amazed by Rathaus

05:00 PM – 05:15 PM Rathaus is the City Hall. The word “Rat” in German means council. The Neo-Gothic building of the Rathaus is outstanding, especially at night. If you have a chance to take a look at it in the evening, do it!

Prater and Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel

05:45 PM – 07:00 PM No visit to Wien is complete without a ride on the Giant Ferris wheel. The 64.75-metre (212 ft) tall Ferris Wheel does only one slow turn (a 20min ride).

This attraction is in the Prater, a huge amusement park. If you are not into such parks, you can skip it. Just go for the Ferris Wheel.

To get there take metro line U2 (Direction Seestadt): from station Rathaus to Praterstern Bf – 4 stop.

For dinner, I suggest you take the metro back to the city centre instead of looking for a place to eat around the Prater. There are two great places to dine close to St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

If you love spare ribs, go to Ribs of Vienna . They offer more than 20 variations of ribs.

If you prefer a traditional Austrian restaurant, try Gasthaus Pöschl .

More ideas for your Vienna itinerary – Day 1

If you have more time check out these attractions, too. They are close to the sites from the first day, so you can easily add any of them to your Vienna itinerary (if you are ahead with time).

Learn more about Mozart’s life

Mozarthaus is the only remaining home in the city of the famous composer Mozart. He lived here from 1784 to 1787. Discover the musical side of Wien by visiting Mozart’s former apartment ( book your ticket here ).

Watch the clock show at Anchor Clock

Ankeruhr Clock is a famous clock in Art Nouveau style. At every hour the clock shows some historical figures and at noon all of them parade. If you want to see the show at 12:00 PM, go 15 minutes early as there is usually a big crowd.

Clock Museum

I found the Uhrenmuseum fascinating. It houses about 700 clocks from around the world, some of which date even to the 15th century.

Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial

Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial is a moving memorial in the heart of the Jewish quarter. It commemorates the Austrian victims of the Holocaust. It’s also known as the Nameless Library. This concrete library is filled with books put backwards on the shelves.

Visit the cat café Neko

Tucked away in some side streets, this cat cafe is a must for every cat lover. It’s not fancy, has no entrance fee and five lovely cats are there to welcome you. Go early on weekdays for fewer crowds.

Votive Church

If you take a walk along Ringstraße a beautiful sandstone church in neo-Gothic style will come in your sight. The history of Votive Church (Votivkirche) began with a failed assassination attempt. In 1853 during one of his regular walks around the city, Emperor Franz Joseph was attacked from behind.

He was stabbed in the collar with a knife by the Hungarian nationalist János Libényi. The attack was unsuccessful. Although the emperor was heavily wounded, his life was out of danger. János Libényi was arrested for an attempted regicide and later he was executed.

The emperor’s brother, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, decided to build a church in gratitude to God for the salvation of the emperor. Maximilian asked the people for donations and after a year the needed amount was gathered.

The name of the church Votive Church (Votivkirche) derives from the fact that it is built entirely by donations (votive offerings).

Vienna itinerary – Day 2

Have breakfast at joseph brot.

08:30 AM – 09:30 AM Start the second day of the Vienna itinerary for 3 days with breakfast at Joseph Brot. A great bakery for pastries, coffee and of course Eggs Benedict.

Spanish Riding School

09:30 AM – 11:30 AM The Spanish Riding School is a traditional riding school for Lipizzan horses with a history of more than 450 years. You can attend a morning exercise of the school and see the beautiful and lively Lipizzan horses in action.

The performances take place at the Winter Riding School (Winterreitschule) in Hofburg.

To look behind the scenes, take a  Spanish Riding School Guided Tour . You’ll learn about the lives of the horses and even see them in their stables.

Burggarten and Mozart Statue

11:45 AM – 12:15 PM Take a rest in the Burggarten and see the famous Mozart Statue that is created in 1896.

Wien State Opera

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM Pass along the beautiful 19th-century-old building of the Wien State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper).

12:30 PM – 02:30 PM Choose between Café Museum and Phil . Café Museum is a traditional Viennese café where you can order a lunch beside the usual cakes and coffee. Or you can eat a few pieces of cake instead of lunch as I did. Phil combines a regular coffee shop with a bookstore.

Visit St. Charles’s Church

02:30 PM – 03:00 PM St. Charles’s Church (Karlskirche) is an outstanding Baroque church from the 18th century. There is a fee to visit the church, but the entrance ticket also includes the elevator to the dome.

Schwarzenbergplatz and Soviet War Memorial

03:15 PM – 03:30 PM The memorial is built to commemorate the Soviet soldiers who fell in the Battle of Vienna in World War II.

Tour the royal Belvedere Palace

03:45 PM – 05:30 PM Belvedere Schloss used to be the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. The Palace is housed in two buildings separated by a huge park.

The Upper Belvedere houses the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings. Here you can see his iconic masterpiece the Kiss (Lovers).

The Lower Belvedere houses temporary exhibitions, but it’s worth visiting because of the few restored rooms. So if you want to find out how the palace looked back in its glorious days, don’t miss the Lower Belvedere.

Taste some Viennese food

Finish the day with dinner at Wiener Wiazhaus or Salm Bräu .

Salm Bräu is a few centuries old brewery. It is worth visiting for the beer.

However, I love the food in Wiener Wiazhaus more.

More ideas for your Vienna itinerary – Day 2

Natural history museum and kunsthistorisches museum.

These identical buildings from the 19th-century house the Habsburgs’ collections.

If you are into art and history, Kunsthistorisches Museum is the better choice. I found their Egyptian and art collections fascinating. You can buy a combo ticket for the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Imperial Treasury and save some money.

On the other hand, the Natural History Museum houses the unique 29,500-year-old statue of Venus of Willendorf and enormous dinosaur skeletons. It’s a really tough choice if you’re short on time.

Admire the art at Albertina

Albertina served as a residence of Habsburgs for more than 100 years. Nowadays it’s a must-see art museum. You can admire exhibitions of French and German expressionism, Russian avant-garde and many more. The museum also houses one of the largest graphical collections in the world.

Tour the sumptuous staterooms and see some incredible art. Get your fast-track ticket to Albertina here .

Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library is a must-see for every book lover. Its lavishing interior is something not to be missed. You can visit the State Hall, Literature Museum, Globe Papyrus and Esperanto museum. Keep in mind that State Hall is located separately from the other museums.

Imperial Crypt

The Imperial Crypt lies beneath the plain-looking Capuchin Church. It’s the final resting place of the Habsburg dynasty. About 150 Habsburgs are laid to rest here, among them are 12 emperors and 18 empresses. You can tour the crypt on your own.

St. Michael’s Church

Michaelerkirche is one of the oldest churches in the city. The church is mostly known for its crypt. Around 4,000 bodies are buried in the crypt from 1631 to 1784. Due to specific climatic conditions, the corpses are well preserved. The crypt can be visited only on a guided tour. It takes place from Thursday to Saturday at 11:00 AM and 01:00 PM in front of the church.

Explore the food market, Naschmarkt

Naschmarkt is the best-known market in the city since the 16th century. The market has about 120 stands and restaurants, that ensure you a colourful culinary experience.

To learn more about Naschmarkt and try delicious delicacies, take a gourmet food tour .

Vienna itinerary – Day 3

Have breakfast at waldemar tagesbar.

08:30 AM – 09:30 AM Start the last day of the 3 perfect days in Vienna itinerary with breakfast at Waldemar Tagesbar .

Explore the royal Schönbrunn Palace

09:30 AM – 01:30 PM

Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) is the former imperial summer residence of the Habsburgs. It has over 1400 rooms! The rooms in the palace are well preserved and you can see only 40 of them. There are different kinds of tickets for  Schönbrunn Palace .

To get to Schönbrunn Palace take metro line U4 from Karlsplatz or Schwedenplatz to Schönbrunn metro station.

The gardens are huge, so be prepared for a long walk.

There a lot of fearless squirrels you can feed with nuts. I don’t go there without a package of walnuts in my pocket.

The most interesting sites in the gardens are Gloriette, the Maze and the Palmenhaus. For all of them, you will need a ticket.

At the entrance of the palace, there is an Imperial Carriage Museum (Kaiserliche Wagenburg).

As you see there are a lot of options to choose from and you will have to make a choice. If you want to see all of this you will need a full day, not only the morning. It is up to you.

Also, you can attend an Apple Strudel Show. You’ll see how the original Viennese apple strudel is made. Also, a tasty warm piece of strudel will wait for you at the end of the show.

Don’t forget to book your Apple Strudel Show ticket in advance.

Where: Schönbrunn Palace’s Café Residenz When: Daily 11:00 AM – 04:00 PM at the top of the hour Duration: 15-20 min

01:30 PM – 02:30 PM Have lunch at Café Restaurant Residenz or Landtmann’s Jausen Station . Both of them are located on the grounds of the palace.

Zoo or Danube Tower

02:30 PM – 06:00 PM If you are done with the palace and the gardens you have two options for the afternoon. You can visit the amazing zoo in the garden of the palace or the Danube Tower.

The Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) is the oldest one in the world and it is huge. It takes hours to see it all. You need an additional ticket for the Zoo unless you choose a Schönbrunn Pass that includes an entrance to the zoo.

If you stick with this option you can have dinner at Brandauers Schlossbräu or Plachutta. Brandauers Schlossbräu is a typical Austrian pub, while Plachutta is a little more formal.

Danube Tower

The tower (Donauturm) is far away from the palace and you have to use public transport.

Take metro line U4 (Direction Heiligenstadt): from station Schönbrunn to Schwedenplatz – 9 stops. Then change to metro line U1 (Direction Leopoldau): from station Schwedenplatz to Kaisermühlen – 5 stops. From there you have to walk about 1,5km to reach the Danube Tower.

A huge calm park surrounds the tower. From the top of the 252 metres (827 ft), you can enjoy spectacular views. Book your skip the line ticket for Danube Tower here .

For dinner return to the city centre and try Gasthaus Pfudl or Restaurant Pürstner . Both of them serve delicious Austrian food.

Mozart and Strauss Concert

Finish the day with the magical works of Mozart and Strauss. Attend a concert of Wien Mozart Orchestra in period costumes at the Golden Hall (it’s the most famous concert).

More ideas for your Vienna itinerary – Day 3

Museum of technology.

This is one of the best technology museums I’ve ever been to. It’s very interactive and it’s huge. The museum is close to Schönbrunn Palace, so you can combine it with a visit to the palace.

St. Francis of Assisi Church

The church is built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. It’s very different from the other churches in the city, it resembles a small castle. The church is located a bit out of the city centre. Yet you can easily reach it from the metro, getting off at Vorgartenstraße station.

Hundertwasser House

Hundertwasser House (Hundertwasserhaus) is a colourful and extraordinary house. It’s designed by the famous architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The house can’t be visited, but you can tour Kunst Haus Wien . It is also designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Schönbrunn Palace – it’s one of the most popular attractions with long queues. Buy your tickets in advance from the official website or use Vienna Pass to skip the line.

Spanish Riding School – one of the most popular activities in Vienna, so book tickets in advance here .

Giant Ferris Wheel – if you don’t have a Wien Pass, book tickets ahead to avoid waiting in line.

Attend a classical music concert – tickets for the most popular concerts sell out fast, so book as early as you can ( see all concerts here ).

How to save money on your Vienna itinerary

The Wien Pass is a great way to save money from entrance fees. Find out more details in this Vienna Pass review .

The pass includes:

• free admission to over 60 attractions
• fast-track entry at many sites
• unlimited rides on the hop-on-hop-off buses
• boat cruise along the Danube Canal
• guided walking tour

By using Wien Pass (€149 for 3 days) you will save €61 .

• sightseeing – €135 (all sites from the itinerary except Karlskirche)
• hop-on hop-off buses – €36
• boat cruise – €24
• walking tour – €15

Total without the card – €210 If you use the card – €149 Total savings – €61

Getting around in Vienna

Find a detailed map of the itinerary here .

Wien has a well-developed public transport network. You can get to every part of the city in no time. In most cases, you’ll need to use the metro only to go to Schönbrunn Palace or Danube Tower. Otherwise, the city can be explored easily on foot. There are different types of tickets .

During my trip, I mostly used the Weekly Pass (Wochenkarte). It’s a great option for a longer stay within a week. This ticket is valid from Monday 12:00 AM until next Monday 09:00 AM. To reach the airport by the S-Bahn (if you have the weekly pass), you’ll need only a supplementary ticket for Vienna outer zone (Aussenzonen).

Another option is the hop-on-hop-off bus . It’s a great and easy way to tour the city.

Also, you can take a ride on the famous Vienna Ring Tram . This tram is the only one that completes an entire round of the Ringstrasse boulevard.

How to get to Vienna

Vienna is easily accessible by train from any major European city. The Central train station is about 2km away from the Historic centre (you can easily reach it by metro). Check timetables and book tickets online at ÖBB official site .

If you’re arriving by car, it’s best to choose accommodation with available parking. Find more information about parking in Vienna .

Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat) is located about 20km outside the city. There are several ways to get to the city centre from there:

• if your accommodation is close to Wien Mitte – Landstraße, use the  City Airport Train that takes you to the city centre only for 16min
• another option is to take the  S-Bahn (suburban train)

Day trips from Vienna

Wachau valley and melk abbey.

A trip to the magnificent Melk Abbey is one of the most popular excursions from Vienna. Leopold II, Margrave of Austria founded the abbey in 1089. Soon it became famous for its extensive manuscript collection. Today, the abbey is a stunning example of Baroque architecture.

During the winter you can visit the abbey only with a guided tour.

How to get to Melk Abbey

• organized tour – this Wachau Valley tour is one of the most booked day tours. It combines a visit to the medieval Melk Abbey with a boat cruise on the Danube River.
• by train – take a regional train from Wien Westbahnhof to Melk Bahnhof (1-hour journey). From there it’s about 800m to the abbey.

Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, is one of the most popular places to visit near Vienna. It’s a vibrant city with a unique mixture of 18th-century buildings and Soviet-era architecture. An impressive castle, quirky statues and a modern UFO tower add a little bit of atmosphere to the city.

Find out how to see everything in just one day with this Bratislava itinerary . 

How to get to Bratislava

• by bus – it’s the cheapest option (3 times cheaper than the train, 1h journey). Take FlixBus from the Erdberg bus terminal (the FlixBus station is right next to the metro station Erdberg).
• by train – take a train from Wien Hbf to Bratislava hl.st. (1h journey). From there it’s about 1.5km to the Old Town.
• by water – take the Twin City Liner boat (1h 15min journey).

Salzburg Located at the heart of the Alps, this picturesque city is a true Baroque gem. It’s also the birthplace of the world-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Highlights of Salzburg include the Cathedral, Mirabell Palace, Hohensalzburg Castle and Mozart Museum.

You’d better spend at least 2 days here and explore the city at your own pace. See the best hotels to stay in Salzburg .

The easiest way to get from Vienna to Salzburg is by train (2h 30min journey). Check timetables at ÖBB official site .

Budapest is known as Paris of the East. And there is a reason why. It’s an outstandingly picturesque city due to its architecture spanning from Baroque to Art Nouveau style. Some of the top attractions are Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Hungarian Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Find out the must-see sites in this Budapest itinerary . It’s better to add an overnight stay for this destination.

How to get to Budapest

• by bus – the cheapest option. Take FlixBus from Erdberg bus terminal (about 3h journey).
• by train – take a train from Wien Hbf to Budapest-Keleti train station. (2h 40min journey).

A colourful city with medieval charm. Prague is located about 4 hours away by train or car. Thus you’d better add it as a next stop in your itinerary, not a day trip. For more information check out my complete itinerary for 3 days in Prague . 

How to get to Prague

• by bus – the cheapest option. Take FlixBus from Erdberg bus terminal (about 4h journey).
• by train – take a train from Wien Hbf to Praha hl.n. (4h journey).

How many days in Vienna

Are 3 days in vienna enough.

3 days (or 3 nights in Vienna) is the perfect amount of time. You’ll need 2 days to explore the main attractions in the Historic Old Town and 1 full day for Schönbrunn Palace.

I hope that my suggested itinerary for Vienna will be helpful for you.

2 or 3 days in Vienna?

The Historic Centre is walkable and you can tour it in one day. However to visit the Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Spanish Riding School and Belvedere Palace you’ll need one more day. So, 2 days in Vienna are enough to visit almost all popular attractions (without Schönbrunn Palace).

Regarding the Schönbrunn Palace, it’s located out of the city centre (a 30min journey from the city centre). You’ll need at least half a day to explore the palace and its gardens. In addition, there is a lovely zoo. Thus, if you want to see everything you’ll need one whole day.

What if I don’t have 3 full days in Vienna?

If you have less than 3 days, skip the last day of the itinerary that includes Schönbrunn Palace, Zoo and Danube Tower. They are all located a bit far from the city centre and you’ll lose time in transportation. All other attractions are within walking distance from each other.

Best time to visit Vienna

For sunny weather, visit the city from May to September. The high season starts in June and ends in August. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the city in late spring or early autumn.

Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert  takes place every summer in May-June in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. It’s a spectacular event, not to be missed.

In September-October, the famous Wiener Wiesn-Fest takes places. This is the Viennese version of Oktoberfest.

Winters are freezingly cold and windy. Nevertheless, December is a great time to visit Vienna because of the Christmas markets. Find out  which is the best Christmas market in Vienna .

Practical information about Vienna

Austria is a part of the Schengen Agreement (the European border-free area). So you don’t need an Austrian visa, but rather a Schengen visa. If your country is part of the Schengen Agreement, you’ll need only a valid passport or ID card.

The official currency of Austria is Euro. The most popular credit cards are Visa and Mastercard and they are accepted in many places. However many of the restaurants or even supermarkets accept payments only in cash. Also, American Express is not popular and accepted in only a few places.

Austria is a German-speaking country. However, most people speak good English, too. 

Austria operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. The associated plug type is F.

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Public Transportation

Airport Guide

48-Hour Itinerary

Top Things to Do

Top Museums

Naschmarkt Guide

Austrian Foods to Try

Best Restaurants

Nightlife in Vienna

Best Places to Taste Wine

Your Trip to Vienna: The Complete Guide

Vienna Guide: Planning Your Trip

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Vienna looms large in the popular imagination as a European city that's steeped in history and elegance. When you picture the city, you might imagine well-dressed denizens drinking coffee in lavishly decorated cafés, or enjoying an evening at Vienna's world-famous opera. Its reputation for quaint—or even old-fashioned—style is a firm one. Yet the capital of Austria is more diverse and contemporary than you might imagine. Dynamic yet relaxed, the mid-sized city harbors trendy galleries, world-class wineries, a vibrant nightlife scene , and plenty of youthful energy.

Read on for our full tips on planning a vacation in Vienna, including information and advice on the best time of year to visit, the best things to see and do, where to eat, and how to get around.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit:  The city is at its best in the summer, when long days, lively festivals, and a relaxed ambience reign. In the early winter, holiday markets and postcard-perfect scenery offer a cozy backdrop.

Language : German is Austria's official language, though English is commonly spoken in Vienna  .

Currency: The Euro has been Austria's official currency since 2002   .

Getting Around :  As Central Vienna is fairly small, it's easy to get around on foot. The extensive tram system is also user-friendly and practical, though some visitors may want to use the affordable city bike scheme (note that sticking to bike paths is recommended).

Travel Tip:  If you're visiting during high season, remember that early birds succeed in avoiding the biggest crowds. We suggest hitting up museums, palaces, and other popular attractions as soon as they open, and going on weekdays if possible.

Things to Do

If you've never been to Vienna, visiting the main museums and monuments in the Hofburg Palace Complex —including the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Silver Collection—is highly recommended. Also spend a few hours exploring the nearby MuseumsQuartier , where museums like Leopold Museum and Kunsthalle Wien feature masterpieces from the likes of Gustav Klimt. After that, wander through the old-fashioned, grand streets of the city center and then perhaps take a walk along the Danube River. If you have room in your schedule, consider taking a river cruise to see some of the city's key sites from the picturesque vantage point of the water. Note that the Vienna Pass includes a river cruise in addition to entry to numerous other popular city attractions and monuments.

• Stroll through Schonbrunn Palace 's breathtaking rooms and gardens and learn more about Vienna's Imperial history as well as the royal families that lived there.
• Pay a visit to the Secession Haus to see Gustav Klimt's magnificent "Beethoven Frieze" mural and marvel at the building's distinctive golden facade.
• Admire the harmonious Gothic architecture of St-Stephens Cathedral ( Stephansdom ) and take in panoramic views of the city from its southern tower, which rises to some 223 feet.

Explore more Viennese sights and attractions with our full-length articles on the  best things to do in Vienna and the best day trips outside the city . The city is home to more than 100 museums  , so check out our guide to Vienna's top museums to help narrow your choices.

What to Eat and Drink

Situated at the border between Western and Eastern Europe, Vienna offers a rich and diverse culinary culture. Local dishes are influenced by a number of traditional cuisines, including Germanic and Eastern European, and the city's unpretentious restaurant scene melds innovation with tradition. In the spring, local produce such as fresh asparagus is star of the show in the city's numerous, relaxed bistros and more formal tables. Specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte chocolate cake, and Tafelspitz (boiled beef or veal with applesauce) have seen numerous creative spin-offs and adaptations, and vegetarian and vegan travelers can find plenty to eat in the capital.

The city's traditional coffeehouses aren't simply an excellent place to try a typical Viennese melange (similar to a cappuccino) or espresso. They're the center of a vibrant, casual food culture, and a place to meet friends over lunch or an early dinner. Meanwhile, open-air markets and beer gardens are popular places to enjoy a casual al fresco drink or meal.

This city is also home to one of Europe's most important wine-growing (and tasting) centers. Vienna's outskirts harbor dozens of authentic wineries that produce traditional (primarily white) wines such as Gruner Vetliner and Riesling. Starting from late spring, it's a beloved tradition to gather in the Heurigen (winery restaurants and outdoor terraces) to taste the local bounty. And in the fall, the city hosts a number of festive harvest celebrations that also place wine at the center of celebrations.

Explore our articles on the best foods to taste in Vienna , top Vienna restaurants , and the best places for wine-tasting in the Austrian capital .

Where to Stay

When deciding where to stay in Vienna, you should take your budget and travel needs into consideration. The city offers a diverse range of accommodations at numerous price points, from large international hotel chains to small boutique hotels and apartment rental services. We recommend that you browse deals and book your accommodation several months in advance to lock in the best rates.

It can be substantially more expensive to choose a hotel in the city center, close to the most popular tourist attractions. To save money, consider booking a hotel or an apartment rental in a neighborhood a bit further outside the center (but do try to make sure you're close to a tram or U-Bahn station so you can easily get to the sights). In addition, visiting during the off-season (spring and fall) may mean you can find better deals on accommodation.

Read our recommendations on the best Vienna hotels. If you're looking for something a bit upmarket to celebrate a special occasion, see our guide to Vienna's most luxurious hotels .

Getting There

You can also easily reach Vienna by train from European capitals including Prague, Munich, and neighboring Bratislava. Driving is not generally necessary given the extensive European train network and abundance of cheap flights from other capitals on the continent. If you do decide to drive to or around the city, make sure to study Austrian and European traffic rules and rent a car with a reliable GPS navigation system. 

Vienna International Airport is Austria's largest airport, and is located in the town of Schwechat (around 11 miles southeast of the city center). It serves as a regional hub for major European airlines such as Austrian Air, Air France, and Lufthansa, as well as low-cost carriers such as EasyJet. This is a comfortable, manageable airport with ample shopping and dining facilities. Getting into the city center using dedicated airport trains is easy and relatively quick, taking between 30 to 45 minutes on average.

Money-Saving Tips

• Consider buying a Vienna City Card , which gives you unlimited transportation on the city's tram, bus, and subway network and offers discounts on a variety of popular Vienna attractions. The Vienna Pass (mentioned above) is another popular money-saving option.
• Low season in the Austrian capital (generally spring and fall) can be less expensive, thanks to lower airfares and hotel rates.
• Enjoy annual events such as the Long Night of Museums, which sees the capital's major museums open to the public for free through most of the night in early October.
• You can travel around the city by bike using Vienna's Citybike scheme . The first hour is entirely free.
• In the warmer months, consider packing a delicious picnic of Viennese breads, pastries, fruit and other goodies, and taking it to one of the city's parks or gardens (such as the one at Schonbrunn Palace) .
• Enjoy a variety of inexpensive local foods and sit-down restaurants by paying a visit to the Naschmarkt, Vienna's largest and most popular outdoor market. 
• Enjoy  free concerts  in the open air during the summer, as well as outdoor movies.

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This Gorgeous European City Is Known for Its Fairy-tale Palace, Wiener Schnitzel, and Christmas Markets

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Vienna (Wien in German), Austria's capital city, is rich in history, architecture, art, music, food, and wine. Located on the River Danube, Vienna dates back to a Roman era settlement. Most of the city's many Baroque buildings were created under Empress Maria Theresa (18th century) and Emperor Franz Joseph (19th century), and today they stand in contrast to modern glass and steel structures.

Beautiful buildings, walkable streets, delicious food, and lots to do both indoors and outdoors make Vienna a wonderful vacation destination. Voted one of the most livable cities in the world, Vienna's city limits include vineyards, parks, and the forested Vienna Woods (Wienerwald in German), a protected natural landscape. A dog-friendly city, Vienna permits dogs on public transportation as well as in restaurants and shops. The "coffee culture" features prominently in Viennese life, and coffee houses are places to relax, socialize, and enjoy the city's famous desserts.

Called the "City of Music," Vienna was home to classical composers Schubert, Mozart, Haydn, Strauss, Brahms, and Beethoven. Vienna is known for its Ball Season when, from November until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, nearly 500 balls take place—with the Viennese Waltz and elegant formal attire in full display.

Central European Time Zone (CET) UTC +1

Seasonally: Central European Summer Time (CEST) UTC +2

For mild, although sometimes chilly weather, spring and fall are pleasant times to be in Vienna. Fewer tourists make it easier to see the city's attractions, and hotel rates are lower. Summer is warm and sunny with temperatures in the high 70s and perhaps a bit more rain. It's also a lovely time there, but the city sees more visitors during the high season, reflected in hotel prices.

Christmas markets and magical decorations attract tourists in winter, despite colder temperatures. The ball season from November until February can be fun even if you're not ready to waltz onto the dance floor. Ball gowns, traditional Austrian dirndls, live music, and the festive atmosphere create memorable experiences.

So it seems that there's no wrong time to visit Vienna. Take a travel umbrella, warm clothing, and remember the well-worn adage, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes."

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Currency: Euro

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Language: German

Hello - Hallo Good Morning - Guten Morgen Good day - Guten Tag Good Evening - Guten Abend My name is… Ich heiße… What is your name? - Wie heißen Sie? How are you? - Wie geht's? I'm well - Mir geht's gut. How much is that? - Wie viel kostet das? Where is the bathroom? - Wo ist die Toilette? Men - Herren/Männer Women - Damen/Frauen Please - bitte Thank you - Danke

Calling Code: +43

The letter ß, unique to the German alphabet, is used in many words to replace "ss."

Snow globes, a favorite souvenir of Vienna, have been produced there for more than a hundred years by the Perzy family in their 17th district factory. They depict St. Stephen's Cathedral, landmarks, animals, cakes, and more. The snow globes, made in a variety of sizes, are favorites at Vienna's Christmas markets.

Vienna is the only world capital with wineries within its city limits. In the city's outskirts of Grinzing, visitors can hike, bike, or visit a Heuriger, a seasonal wine tavern. Most of the wineries produce white wines, mainly Grüner Veltliner, Weissburgunder, Rheinriesling , and Gemischter Satz .

Danube Island, built as part of a flood protection system, has become a major recreation center with a beach, waterpark, restaurants, and nightclubs. An annual open-air music event, Danube Island Festival ( Donauinselfest ) is held there.

Austria's national dish is Wiener Schnitzel , thin cutlets of veal, breaded and fried. It's usually served with parsley potatoes or potato salad. Veal is most commonly used, but chicken may also be prepared as schnitzel.

Sacher Torte , one of Vienna's most famous desserts, is a rich chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered with chocolate. It's said to have first been prepared by Franz Sacher, a 16-year old apprentice, for Prince Metternich in 1832 when the head chef was ill. National Sachertorte Day in Austria is December 5.

In addition to coffee and sweets, Vienna is known for hot dog stands where you can choose either sweet ( süss ) or spicy ( scharf ) mustard.

If you live outside the European Union and your single local Vienna shopping bill exceeds EUR 75.01, you can claim a refund of the Austrian value added tax. Ask the seller for a Global Blue Cheque and the Global Blue Envelope that includes a list of all refund offices. (Global Blue is an international payment provider for tax free shopping.) While you are buying, make sure the original invoice is stapled to the Global Blue Cheque.When you leave Austria (or the European Union), go to the customs officer at the eValidation service counter at Vienna International Airport and get your Global Blue Cheque stamped on presentation of your purchase. Then cash your refund at one of the more than 700 refund offices world wide, including at Vienna airport. Alternatively, send the Global Blue Cheque of your Vienna shopping to Global Blue and they will transfer the money to you.

Vienna's public transportation network is extensive. Buses, trains, trams, and underground lines operated by Wiener Linien make getting almost anywhere in the city quite convenient. Ticket machines are located at underground stations, tobacconists, online, and on board (with a slightly increased rate.) In addition to single tickets, passes are available for longer periods of time.

The subway is called U-Bahn; local trains are Schnellbahn or s-Bahn; the tram is the Straßenbahn, and Autobus is the bus.

Taxi stands can be found throughout Vienna.

Uber operates in Vienna for ridesharing.

From Vienna International Airport , there is bus, train, and taxi service into the city as well as Uber for ridesharing.

The Vienna City Card provides discounts on tours and attractions as well as free public transportation on most lines. CityBike Wien operates approximately 120 bike stations around Vienna, one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe.

Grand Hotel Wien

Address: Kärntner Ring 9 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 51580-0 Website

This opulent hotel dating to 1870 offers luxurious furnishings, five restaurants, two bars, and the Grand Spa No.605. Their elegant rooftop terrace, open from March through October, features panoramic views along with cocktails, bar snacks, and traditional breakfasts. The hotel is centrally located near the Vienna State Opera and Kärntner Straße shopping.

Ritz-Carlton Vienna

Address: Schubertring 5-7 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 31188 Website

Located in downtown Vienna, the luxury hotel features 201 guest rooms including 43 suites. The historic building was once four palaces that have been connected, and modern amenities include fitness center, indoor pool, and spa. An excellent steakhouse, Italian restaurant, cocktail lounge, and seasonal Atmosphere Rooftop Bar provide a range of dining offerings.

K & K Palais Hotel

Address: Rudolfsplatz 11 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 53313 53 Website

This centrally located hotel is housed in the former residence of Emperor Franz Joseph. Modern air-conditioned rooms include flat-screen TV's, coffee machines, minibars, and elegant furnishings. Family-friendly amenities include playground, laundry facilities, snack bar, and available child care.

Hotel Imperial

Address: Kärntner Ring 16 1015 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 501 100 Website

Built for the Duke of Wurttemberg in 1863, the palatial building offers 76 rooms and 62 suites, all elegantly furnished with authentic antiques. Conveniently located near Vienna State Opera and St. Stephen's Cathedral, the hotel is also ideal for designer shopping. Family-friendly options include babysitting service, connecting rooms, and children's menus.

Hotel Sacher Wien

Address: Philharmoniker Str. 4 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 514 560 Website

This classic Victorian-era hotel features 152 exquisitely furnished rooms and suites that combine tradition with modern amenities. Fine dining restaurants and cocktail lounges are available, and guests should not miss Café Sacher 's world famous Sacher-Torte. Child care is available, and the "Petit Sacher" program provides a welcome gift and special amenities for children.

Park Hyatt Vienna

Address: Am Hof 2 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 22740 1234 Website

Set in a 100 year old former bank, the elegant hotel features 143 spacious guest rooms including 42 suites, as well as a spa with a sauna and pool. The hotel's location in the Goldenes Quartier is convenient to shopping, museums, churches, and attractions. In keeping with the theme, The Bank Brasserie & Bar presents exceptional dining and relaxed ambiance.

Hotel Daniel Vienna

Address: Landstraßer Gürtel 5 1030 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 90 131-0 Website

This centrally located hotel features 116 contemporary style rooms with modern amenities at a budget-friendly price. Their onsite bakery, restaurant, and breakfast buffet are popular with guests and locals. Pets are welcome, and bicycles are available to rent when weather permits.

Mraz & Sohn

Address: Wallensteinstraße 59 1200 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 3304594 Website

This family-run fine dining restaurant has received two Michelin stars for its creative approach to Austrian and internationally-influenced cuisine. Multi-course tasting menus offer an experience that's both sophisticated and casual, with friendly, attentive service. Reservations recommended.

Address: Am Heumarkt 2A, Innere Stadtpark 1030 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 71 33 168 Website

Located in Vienna's Stadtpark and set in a modern mirrored glass building, the restaurant features rural Austrian cuisine in creative presentations. Fresh seafood, produce from the terrace gardens, wild boar, and more are treated in novel ways. Choose the tasting menu or dine a la carte, and call ahead for a reservation.

Address: Burggarten 1 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 533 10 33 Website

Set in an 1822 greenhouse overlooking Hofburg palace gardens, the updated modern glass and steel structure is stunning, offering both indoor and outdoor dining. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, and the dinner menu includes seafood, steaks, and (of course) schnitzel. Reservations are suggested.

Address: Burggasse 2 1070 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 5222520194 Website

The Michelin Guide describes the restaurant's cuisine as modern Austrian which can be ordered a la carte or as a tasting menu, with wines that focus on Austria's vineyards. Indoor and outdoor tables are available, and the menu includes traditional wiener schnitzels, veal, bisque, and desserts. Located near Vienna's museums; reservations are recommended.

Address: Praterstraße 1 1020 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 906168110 Website

Located on the 18th floor of the modern hotel SO/Vienna, Das Loft offers panoramic views of the city through expansive windows, while a colorful illuminated ceiling created by multimedia artist Pipilotti Risi shimmers overhead. International fare is served starting with breakfast, and innovative dishes match the decor in creativity. Cocktails and a selection of wines from Austria and around the world are available.

Café Central

Address: Ecke Herrengasse, Strauchgasse 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 5333763 Website

Established in 1876 and set in Palais Ferstel , a palatial Italianate mansion, Café Central attracts tourists and locals who dine on Viennese dishes, coffee specialties, and bakery items in the historic setting. Through the years famous figures like Freud and Trotsky as well as poets and writers have dined there, so a stop at Café Central should be on every visitor's itinerary.

Address: Mariahilf, city center 1060 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 400005430 Website

Vienna's largest and best known food market is located on the Vienna River, with more than 120 market stands selling produce, fish, cheese, international street foods, sweets, snacks, local products, and sit-down restaurant meals. The market dates to the late 16th century, and some stalls have been there for over 100 years. On Saturdays, a flea market next door offers books, record albums, antiques, and more. Closed on Sundays.

Schönbrunn Palace

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraß 47 1130 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 81113239 Website

This magnificent 18th-century palace is one of Vienna's top attractions for its architecture, history, and Baroque gardens. Tours take visitors through the rooms once used by Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Maria Theresa to see the furniture, art, and sumptuous décor.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Address: Stephansplatz 3 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 515523054 Website

Also called Stephansdom , the cathedral was built as a 12th-century Romanesque church, and it has been reconstructed several times as recently as post World War II, combining its original design with Baroque and Gothic architecture. Visitors can tour the 14th-century catacombs in an underground labyrinth or climb one of the towers for a view of Vienna from the roof walk.

MuseumsQuartier

Address: Museumsplatz 1 1070 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43/1/523 5881 Website

Located in central Vienna, the complex includes 60 cultural institutions covering contemporary art, history, architecture, music, fashion, theater, dance, literature, photography, street art, and children's culture. Guided tours are available, and the exterior courtyard is designed for visitors and locals to enjoy with unique furniture, cafés, and restaurants.

The Spanish Riding School

Address: Michaelerplatz 1 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 533 90 31-0 Website

The riding school was established with the introduction of the famous Lipizzaner horses from Spain in the 16th century. Today, a variety of tours and performances demonstrate equestrian skills and take visitors behind the scenes for exercise and training sessions.

Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)

Address: Maxingstraße 13b 1130 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 87792940 Website

The world's oldest zoo dating back to the mid-18th century, the Vienna Zoo was built in the Gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. Visitors can enjoy the exhibits on their own or choose from a variety of tours that include backstage tours, themed tours focusing on a favorite animal, and morning experiences in the rainforest or aquarium followed by breakfast.

Address: Riesenradplatz 7 1020 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 7280516 Website

With a history that dates back to the 18th century, the 3,200-acre amusement park was rebuilt after World War II. The Prater is home to roller coasters, old-fashioned theme park rides, the Giant Ferris Wheel, Haunted Castle, the Prater Museum, Planetarium , 5-D cinema, and more.

Address: Kohlmarkt 14 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 535 1717 0 Website

Vienna's oldest café and bakery is an experience as well as a place to indulge in cakes, pastries, strudels, petit fours, and coffee. The experience is the opportunity to enjoy the same recipes loved by Emperor Franz Joseph served in traditional style by Demelinerinnen , waitresses in black dresses with white lace collars. You can also watch through a glass wall as bakers work, marvel at the window display, and take home a classic sacher torte to enjoy later.

Ringstrassen-Galerien (Ringstreet Galleries)

Address: Kârntner Ring 5-7 and 9-13 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 51 25 181 Website

Two buildings connected by a glass bridge creates a unique atmosphere for the 16-floor mall that includes offices, luxury apartments, and restaurants as well as retail shops. Stores offer clothing, accessories, jewelry, toys, art, gifts, flowers, and more in a gorgeous setting.

Donau Zentrum (Danube Center)

Address: Wagramer Strasse 94 1220 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 20347 22222 Website

This huge mall includes more than 250 stores and a multiplex cinema as well as at least 50 restaurants. Conveniently linked to the city center via metro, Austria's second largest shopping center is popular among locals and tourists.

Address: Inner City 1010 Vienna, Austria

One of the oldest and most elegant streets in Vienna, Kohlmarkt is home to jewelers and international luxury fashion brands including Cartier, Chanel, Armani, Burberry, Gucci, and more. Browse the high end shops and enjoy the grand historical architecture of the area.

Hamtil & Sôhne

Address: Herrengasse 2 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 532 1803 Website

This store offers unique souvenirs, gifts, lamps, and locally-made products. An interesting selection of children's toys, games, and puzzles make clever gifts.

Steffl Department Store

Address: Kârntner Straße 19 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 930 56 0 Website

This upscale department store features a wide variety of clothing and accessory brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Furla, Chloe, Patagonia, in a convenient location. Rest a bit after shopping at the SKY Café and enjoy views of St. Stephan's cathedral and Vienna's skyline.

Tostmann Trachten

Address: Schottengasse 3a 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 533 533 1 Website

This is the best place to purchase locally made traditional Austrian clothing. In business for more than 60 years, Tostmann offers dirndls for ladies and lederhosen for gentlemen. Choose from a variety of styles for adults and children.

Augarten Wien

Address: Obere Augartenstraße 1 1020 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 211 24 200 Website

Europe's second oldest porcelain manufacturer and purveyor to the Habsburg court, Augarten still produces timeless objects meticulously designed and painted. Dinnerware, vases, figurines, teapots, and collectible objects are available at the shop.

Innere Stadt (1st District) is the city center where most hotels, stores, restaurants, and attractions are located. St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Vienna Opera House, Parliament, and many museums are located in this district. The Ringstrasse, once the city's fortifications and now a fashionable boulevard, circles the district.

Leopoldstadt (2nd District) , once Vienna's Jewish quarter, is now a trendy area a short subway ride from the central city. Prater Park, Vienna's amusement park, is in this district as is the modern art museum and Augarten porcelain factory.

Landstrasse (3rd District) includes Stadtpark, Schwarzenberg Palace, Belvedere Palace, and several embassies and consulates. Stadtpark features lush lawns, playgrounds, and the excellent restaurant Steirereck im Stadtpark for Austrian cuisine.

Mariahilf (6th District) features the busy Mariahilferstrasse shopping street and the Naschmarkt produce and dining market as well as theaters and pubs. Vienna's aquarium is in this district, housed in a World War II air defense tower built by Hitler's engineers.

Neubau (7th District) includes the Spittelberg quarter, a lively cultural and upcoming trendy area. Bordering the MuseumsQuartier, this neighborhood's Christmas market is a popular winter destination. The large museum complex, formerly Imperial Stables, features bars, restaurants, shops, and an appealing outdoor area that attracts locals and tourists.

Hietzing (13th District) is home to Vienna's most popular tourist attraction, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Vienna Zoo. An elegant residential area with gorgeous 18th- and 19th-century summer residences, the district includes the Klimt Villa , with an exhibition of the artist's life and work.Döbling (19th District) borders the Vienna Woods and is home to exclusive residences as well as lush woodlands, wineries, and vine covered hills. Explore wineries or stop at a wine tavern. Hiking among hilly trails is popular here as well.

The climate of Vienna is continental with cold winters and moderately warm summers. Winter is cold and gray, with an average of 21 inches of snowfall each year. Snowfall is frequent, but generally not abundant.

January is the driest and coldest month, and July is the warmest and wettest. Hurricanes do not occur in Austria, and there is a chance of tornadoes during summer. Winter, December through February, is quite cold, and the weather starts warming in late March. Spring is mild and pleasant, and summer temperatures are warm, reaching into the 80s at times. Fall is mild, an ideal time to visit Vienna.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month. Average annual precipitation is 23.9 inches, with somewhat more rain occurring between May and August.

January 27°F - 37°F February 29°F - 42°F March 34°F - 50°F April 42°F - 61°F May 50°F - 69°F June 56°F - 75°F July 60°F - 80°F August 59°F- 79°F September 52°F - 69°F October 44°F - 58°F November 36°F - 47°F December 29°F - 38°F

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11 replies to this topic

Thank you Jonathan B…

Thanks for this little trip report!

Interestingly, some visitors regard the morning practice of the horses at the SRS as "rather disappointing", but good to know that you like it (maybe because they practiced something extraordinary on the day you were there).

Michael S , I think you’ve highlighted the difference between those who just go to the SRS practice to tick the experience on their list, and those who go because they appreciate the skills and training that underpin the actual performance. I always enjoy seeing the Bereiters coaching their colleagues and the junior riders. Very understated but fascinating to watch.

Hi Jonathan – love your enthusiasm about my city.

Even more so – you discovering Gerstner, did you do it at the Palais Todesco next to the Staatsoper?

Having lunch or just coffee & cake at their “Salons Privés” is one of the “Hidden Treats” in Vienna – a great alternative to standing in line at Sacher or Café Central and a great staring point for an afternoon stroll to Vienna’s antique quarter.

Thanks for the review Jonathan! Was the little Serbian restaurant this one? I am going in May and will go and have a look.

http://www.restaurant-sokace.at/

Walter S is the Palais Todesco Gerstner open for lunch and or cake/coffee? When I looked at their website it appears to be for groups or functions. Hoping it is as it looks wonderful. We are looking at going to a coffee place that is not so touristy and more for locals.

Awesome you had a great time!

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