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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary

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Planning the perfect Vienna itinerary can see a bit overwhelming when you realise on every cobbled street corner, there’s something to admire here. There are baroque facades, imperial palaces and Viennese coffee houses. A home for intellects, artists and politicians, in order to soak in all of the sophistication Vienna has to offer, you’ll need 2 to 3 days in Vienna.

Austria’s capital city is filled with world-famous paintings, artefacts and relics of one of the most impressive European royal dynasties, and it has picturesque views of the Alps too. To make sure you don’t miss the best attractions or skip out on the lesser-known sites, read our Vienna itinerary to plan the perfect trip.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Vienna?

The majority of tourists are drawn to Vienna for its history. To feel truly satisfied with your trip, you’ll be wondering how many days you’ll need to spend in Vienna in order to get the most out of your trip.

A weekend will give you plenty of time to tick off all of those bucket-list attractions. Those 2 days in Vienna will give you ample time to explore palaces, museums and even have a slice of Sacher torte too.

But you might be wondering if you should extend your holiday by one day to give yourself a long weekend in the capital. If you have the time, 3 days in Vienna will give you time to squeeze in a day trip to the neighbouring capital city of Bratislava or over to Salzburg .

If a day trip isn’t your ticket, then a third day in the city will give you time to explore Vienna’s lesser-well known attractions.

Getting To and Around Vienna

For international arrivals, the easiest way to arrive into the city is by Vienna international airport. The airport is well-serviced by several public transport links, but the most convenient way to arrive is via the rapid transit railway (also known as the S-Bahn).

Services arrive at several stations including Wien Hauptbahnhof. A one-way single ticket costs €4.10, so they’re highly economical too.

If you’re travelling across mainland Europe, the easiest way to get to Vienna is by train to Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). You can jump on a direct train into Vienna from Rome , Budapest , Munich , Bratislava, Prague and many many more. You can check schedules and prices here.

Now that you’ve arrived in the city, you’ll want to know how to get around Vienna. On the whole, the city is a highly walkable city with most of its top sites located within walking distance of one another.

Because some of the sites are further out of the city, you will need to navigate Vienna’s public transport during your 3 days in Vienna. The best way to move through the city is on Vienna’s U-Bahn (the metro).

They’re highly frequent and run from 5 am all the way through to midnight. Vienna also has an extensive tram and bus network too – use CityMapper to navigate these. If you end up purchasing the Vienna City Card , public transit is included – along with entry into a number of different sites and museums. You can also get a travel card with the purchase of the Vienna Pass .

Waiting at Train Station for the Vienna to Graz Train

2 to 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary

Now that you’ve got a vague idea of Vienna’s sites and surroundings, you’ll be after a step-by-step Vienna itinerary to make the most of your 2 or 3 days in Vienna.

This is a great travel itinerary for first-time visitors getting to know the city who want to see the major attractions in Vienna.

Day 1 – City Centre Highlights

Free walking tour.

As we’ve already mentioned, Vienna is a highly walkable city so we recommend jumping on a free walking tour. Our favourite is the Red and White Walking Tour . They have an informative bunch of guides who offer tidbits about the city and local recommendations.

If you’re ever on a free walking tour, it is generally expected that those on the tour will tip their tour guide at the end. How much you’d like to tip is at your discretion (the tip is really about how much you enjoyed the tour).

But if you don’t fancy hopping on a free walking tour, then you can easily build your own or join a paid walking tour if that suits your schedule better. This will allow you to join more specialised tours such as this food tour .

Vienna Opera House

To see Vienna in 2 days, start your first day outside its world-renowned Opera House – the Vienna State Opera. Also known as the Wiener Staatsoper, this Opera House first opened its doors in 1869 and has since received a global reputation.

Its facade is grand and striking, a beauty that deserves to be admired.

If you want to watch an evening performance, then purchase tickets online well before you arrive in Vienna. Tickets for a night at the opera can be purchased for as little as €14 – it’s a bit of a bargain really.

The Albertina Museum

After you’ve ogled at the might of the Vienna Opera House, take a short walk over to Albertinaplatz where you’ll find the Albertina Museum.

The Albertina Museum houses one of the most important collections of art in the world. Inside its walls, there are around one million prints including paintings by Monet and Picasso. You can book entry tickets here.

Austria National Library

Once you’ve finished staring at some works of art, walk over to the Austrian National Library. The library houses several different attractions including the State Hall, the Literature Museum, the Papyrus Museum, the Globe Museum, the Esperanto Museum and the House of Austrian History.

Individual tickets can be bought for each attraction, if you want to visit more than two it is worth buying a combined ticket. At the moment, the State Hall is under refurbishment and will re-open its doors in 2023.

State Hall of the Austrian National Library

The Hofburg

Finally, it is time to walk on over to the Hofburg – an incredible place to visit on any trip to Vienna. The Hofburg is a labyrinth of monumental buildings and wings. To experience it in all its glory, make sure you enter from Michaelerplatz’s cobbled courtyard.

This part of the Hofburg is lined with statues of Heracles and soothing fountains. Here, you’ll find the classic horse-drawn carriages from the Spanish Riding School (they should be on your left).

As you walk through the Hofburg, you’ll find yourself in a courtyard with a large monument to Emperor Franz I. While you’re there, make sure you visit the Swiss Gates. These red and gold gates date back to the 16th Century and give the Hofburg’s exterior a pop of colour.

Straight ahead from the Swiss Gates is Heldenplatz (also known as Heroes Square). The balcony in Heldenplatz is where Hitler addressed a rally in 1938 – just standing in the square will give you the chills.

As well as walking around the Hofburg, there is plenty to see inside the imperial palace’s formidable walls. Inside the building you’ll find the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, the Imperial Silver Collection, the Spanish Riding School and many more.

You can gain entry to the Sisi Museum by itself, or you can purchase a combined ticket that will include a grand tour of the Schönbrunn Palace, the Sisi Museum, the imperial apartment and the silver collection as well as entry into the Vienna Furniture Museum.

You can also get tickets to the Spanish riding school or you can book a guided tour here.

Stephansdom

From the Hofburg, walk 10 minutes along Vienna’s winding cobbled streets to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The Gothic cathedral stands in a busy, bustling square.

Before touring around the cathedral, we recommend stopping for a drink or a light snack at one of the many bars surrounding the cathedral. Even though these bars are in a tourist hotspot, the prices are relatively affordable.

As you sip your drink, admire the outside features of the cathedral. One side of the roof is adorned with Green tiles including the Hapsburg house crest (a double-headed eagle). You’ll also notice a golden ladder on the side of the spire, which is referred to as the stairway to heaven.

Now, it’s time to head inside. The Cathedral’s attractions are separated into these distinct parts: the cathedral, catacombs, south tower and the north tower. If you’re planning on going to only one or two of these attractions, then you’ll want to purchase separate tickets.

That being said, it makes more sense to purchase a combined ticket if you want to visit the entirety of the cathedral. You can also purchase tickets to see a concert here.

Day 2 – Schönbrunn Palace, Schloss Belvedere & Museums Quartier

Schönbrunn palace.

To see Vienna in 2 days, you’ll want to start your second day bright and early at the summer residence of the Hapsburg family, the Schönbrunn Palace.

It is one of the most famous examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. Head into the palace and move through the 44 rooms, including private apartments and staterooms, and other precious 18th-century interiors. A tour around the palace will take hours, and once you’ve come outside it’s not over there.

Take a stroll through the palace gardens to the viewing point. You’ll be able to soak in tremendous views of Vienna as well as glimpses of the Alps. When you’re here, sit down and have a coffee so you can really soak in those views.

There are numerous different tickets to purchase at Schönbrunn. Have a browse through the ticket options and pick one that piques your interest. You can also book a guided tour here if you want to learn more about the history with a travel guide and skip the line.

Karlskirche

After visiting the Schönbrunn Palace, it’s time to visit Karlskirche – an 18th Century cathedral. It dominates Vienna’s skyline, so it isn’t very easy to miss. On the outside, you’ll notice a large dome and two long columns. Entry into the cathedral is paid, and it’s worth paying the price for panoramic views of the city.

Schloss Belvedere

After visiting the cathedral, jump onto tram line D and head over to Schloss Belvedere. Formally two palaces, Schloss Belvedere is now a museum complex. Its collection of art ages from the middle ages all the way up to the present day.

Access to the majority of the gardens is largely free and accessible to the public. To visit inside, you’ll have to purchase a ticket here for the Upper Belvedere and you can purchase tickets here for the Lower Belvedere.

Museums Quartier

Spend the rest of the afternoon in the Museums Quartier. This former imperial stable is one of the largest cultural quarters in the world.

It’s an urban, edgy, part of the city where locals enjoy long summer evenings lounging around on bean bags and deck chairs.

You can easily spend a day in the Museums Quartier, but if you’re short on time make sure to see the Leopold Museum (you can pre-book tickets here ) and the Museum of Modern Art.

Day 3 – Day Trip from Vienna

Day trip to bratislava.

If you want to see Vienna in 3 days, there are a few ways you can spend your final day in the city.

Firstly, you can continue to explore Vienna a little deeper. You might want to return to the museum quartier and visit another museum or you might want to sit back and relax with a warm mug of coffee and a slice of cake. Take the time to, perhaps, visit the city hall and the nearby Rathauspark.

Alternatively, you could send your final day in another country. Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia) is only a one-hour train ride away from Vienna Central Station. Visiting Bratislava is really worth it if you have more time in Vienna to spend.

Because Bratislava is a small city, it can be easily explored within one day. Trains run every hour between the two capitals and can be purchased here. Alternatively, it is also possible to book a guided day trip if you don’t want to do the trip independently.

Once you’ve arrived in the capital, make a beeline for the Old Town. Head straight to St Michael’s Gate – one of the city’s last remaining fortresses. For great views of the city, climb to the top of the tower, but get there early to beat the crowds.

After you’ve taken in the views of the city, walk over to St Martin’s Cathedral. While it may not look impressive from the outside, underneath the cathedral lies a labyrinth of catacombs, which are worth a visit.

From here go for a wander around the main square where you’ll find brightly-coloured buildings. One colourful building in Bratislava that stands out, in particular, is the Blue Church. Officially known as the church of St Elizabeth of Hungary, it is a must-see if you’re a lover of whimsical buildings fit for a fairytale.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Vienna is a massive city with a range of choice when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re looking for an ultra-budget option or a plush luxury hotel, you’ll be sure to find it in the Austrian capital. If you’re wondering where to stay in Vienna, have a look at these great options:

Motel One Wien – Hauptbahnhof — For those travelling on a mid-range budget in Vienna , then this hotel is a fantastic option. Situated within easy reach of Vienna’s main train station they have a number of clean, comfortable and nicely decorated rooms on offer. There is also a breakfast option available each morning. Click here to see their availability

Hotel Brauhof Wien — If you’re looking for a luxury option in the Austrian capital, then this 4-star hotel is a great choice for you. They have a myriad of luxe rooms available, a fantastic location for exploring the city and a number of other great amenities to ensure you have an excellent stay. Click here to see their availability

Hostel Ruthensteiner — For budget or solo travellers, this hostel can be a fantastic option in Vienna. Family-run, they have both private rooms and dorm beds available, a central location for exploring the city and there are plenty of great common areas that make it easy to meet other visitors to the city. Click here to see their availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vienna hotels!

Vienna is a city of grandeur, dynasty and culture, so it’s easy to feel sophisticated when you’re exploring palace after palace. However you’ve chosen to spend your 2 to 3 days in Vienna, we hope you found our Vienna itinerary useful.

Are you planning a trip to Vienna? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Hope Brotherton

Hope is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Birmingham, England, she is passionate about budget-friendly travel and incorporating greener and more eco-friendly travel into her adventures. She keeps returning to Italy but loves to travel around any European country.

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 .

3 Days in Vienna - Vienna State Opera House

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.

3 days in Vienna - Tafelspitz Traditional Viennese dish Vienna

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.

There are 46 comments on this post

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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

Three Days in Vienna: How to Make the Most of Your Trip with our Ultimate Itinerary

Welcome to the enchanting city of Vienna, where history meets contemporary culture in a harmonious blend that will leave you spellbound. If you’re planning a three-day getaway to magnificent Austrian capital, look no further than our ultimate itinerary to help you make the most of every moment.

From exploring grand palaces and sampling decadent pastries to immersing yourself in world-class art and music, we’ve got you covered for an unforgettable experience in Vienna. Let’s dive into three days in Vienna packed with culture, beauty, and relaxing strolls!

Table of Contents

Day 1: Innere Stadt (Inner City), old Vienna

Exploring Vienna’s Innere Stadt (Inner City) in one day offers a glimpse into the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of Austria’s capital. Here’s a suggested itinerary for this day:

1. Start at Stephansplatz : Begin your day at Stephansplatz, the central square in Vienna’s Innere Stadt. Admire the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral ( Stephansdom ) with its distinctive tiled roof and towering spire.

More about Stephansplatz.

Price : free

Stephansplatz, view from the Stephansdom

2. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral : Explore the interior of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, including the ornate High Gothic nave, the beautiful stained glass windows, and the catacombs beneath the church. Consider climbing the South Tower for panoramic views of Vienna.

More about St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Price : Free to visit, guided tour from 10 Euro, climbing the south tower – 5.5 Euro.

3. Breakfast at Café Hawelka : Enjoy a Viennese breakfast at Café Hawelka, a historic coffeehouse located near Stephansplatz. Indulge in traditional pastries like apple strudel or Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake).

Café Hawelka is a historic coffeehouse located in the heart of Vienna, Austria. Here’s an overview of the place, including its address and average prices:

Café Hawelka is a beloved Viennese institution that has been serving locals and visitors alike since 1939. It is known for its cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, with its old-world charm preserved through the decades. The café’s interior features dark wood paneling, antique furniture, and vintage décor, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

One of the highlights of Café Hawelka is its traditional Viennese pastries, including the famous Buchteln (yeast buns) and Apfelstrudel (apple cake), which are made according to time-honored recipes. The café also offers a selection of coffee drinks, teas, and other beverages, perfect for enjoying alongside a sweet treat.

Café Hawelka holds a special place in Vienna’s cultural history, having been frequented by prominent artists, writers, and intellectuals over the years. Its walls are adorned with photographs and memorabilia, reflecting its rich heritage and storied past.

Address : Café Hawelka Dorotheergasse 6, 1010 Wien, Austria

Average Prices :

Coffee: €3-5
Pastries: €3-6
Light Meals: €8-12

Please note that these prices are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the specific items ordered. Additionally, Café Hawelka’s menu may include daily specials and seasonal offerings.

Overall, Café Hawelka is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the timeless charm of Vienna’s coffeehouse culture while indulging in delicious pastries and beverages.

Late Morning/Early Afternoon

4. Walk along Graben and Kohlmarkt : Take a leisurely stroll along Graben and Kohlmarkt, two of Vienna’s most famous shopping streets . Admire the elegant architecture, browse the upscale boutiques, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

More about Graben and Kohlmarkt .

Price : Free (unless you go shopping in many hi-end shops)

5. Explore Hofburg Palace : Head to Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Visit the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Silver Collection to learn about the lives of Austria’s emperors and empresses.

More about Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum

Price : From 14 Euro

6. Lunch at Demel : Treat yourself to lunch at Demel, a historic pastry shop and café located near Hofburg Palace. Sample delicious Austrian specialties like Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz, followed by a selection of decadent desserts.

Note : Book your table, as you will need to wait in line to be seated.

Café Demel is a renowned café and pastry shop located in Vienna, Austria. Here’s an overview of the place, including its address, average prices, and history:

Café Demel is known for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, featuring ornate décor, crystal chandeliers, and polished wood furnishings. The café exudes old-world charm and luxury, providing visitors with a quintessential Viennese café experience.

One of the highlights of Café Demel is its exquisite pastries and desserts, which are crafted with precision and skill by the café’s expert pastry chefs. From classic Viennese specialties like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel to elaborate cakes and confections, there is something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

In addition to its delectable pastries, Café Demel also offers a selection of coffee drinks, teas, and light meals, making it the perfect destination for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Address : Café Demel Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien, Austria

Pastries: €4-8
Light Meals: €10-20

Please note that these prices are approximate and may vary depending on the specific items ordered.

History. Café Demel has a rich history dating back to 1786 when it was founded by Ludwig Dehne. In 1857, the café was acquired by Christoph Demel, whose family would go on to establish it as one of Vienna’s most prestigious pastry shops.

Throughout its history, Café Demel has been patronized by royalty, aristocrats, and celebrities, earning a reputation for excellence and quality. It has been awarded numerous accolades and honors over the years, cementing its status as a beloved institution in Vienna’s culinary scene.

Today, Café Demel continues to uphold its tradition of craftsmanship and hospitality, welcoming visitors from around the world to indulge in its delicious pastries and elegant ambiance.

Overall, Café Demel is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of Vienna’s rich culinary heritage and a glimpse into its glamorous past.

7. Walk through Michaelerplatz : Wander through Michaelerplatz, a picturesque square located in front of Hofburg Palace. Admire the Michaelertrakt, the grand entrance to the palace, and the imposing Michaelerkirche (St. Michael’s Church).

More about Michaelerplatz.

Price : Free

8. Visit the Spanish Riding School : If time permits, attend a performance or take a guided tour of the Spanish Riding School, located adjacent to Hofburg Palace. Watch the elegant Lipizzaner horses perform classical dressage routines in the Baroque Winter Riding School.

More about Spanish Riding School .

Price : From 16 Euro

9. Dinner at Griechenbeisl : Enjoy dinner at Griechenbeisl, one of Vienna’s oldest restaurants, located in the heart of the Innere Stadt. Savor traditional Austrian dishes in a historic setting filled with centuries of charm and character.

Restaurant Griechenbeisl is a historic restaurant located in the heart of Vienna. Here’s an overview of the place, including its address, average prices, and history:

Restaurant Griechenbeisl exudes old-world charm and traditional Austrian hospitality. Housed in a historic building dating back to the 15th century, the restaurant features rustic interiors with wooden beams, antique furnishings, and cozy nooks, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The ambiance at Griechenbeisl is quintessentially Viennese, with a timeless elegance that transports diners back in time. Whether you choose to dine in the charming indoor dining rooms or the picturesque outdoor courtyard, you’ll be surrounded by centuries of history and character.

The menu at Griechenbeisl celebrates classic Austrian cuisine, with a focus on hearty and flavorful dishes made from high-quality ingredients. From Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz to traditional Austrian desserts, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Address : Restaurant Griechenbeisl Fleischmarkt 11, 1010 Wien, Austria

Main Courses: €15-25
Appetizers: €8-12
Desserts: €6-10

History . Restaurant Griechenbeisl has a fascinating history that spans over five centuries. Founded in 1447, it is one of Vienna’s oldest restaurants, with a storied past that includes hosting famous figures such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Johann Strauss .

The restaurant’s name, Griechenbeisl, translates to “Greek inn” in English, reflecting its origins as a gathering place for Greek merchants who lived and worked in Vienna during the Middle Ages. Over the years, Griechenbeisl has become synonymous with Viennese hospitality and culinary tradition, earning a reputation as a beloved institution in the city.

Today, Restaurant Griechenbeisl continues to delight diners with its timeless charm, delicious cuisine, and rich history. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner for two or a memorable meal with friends and family, Griechenbeisl offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Vienna.

10. Evening Stroll : Take a leisurely evening stroll through the Innere Stadt, soaking in the enchanting atmosphere of Vienna’s historic center. Admire the illuminated landmarks and bustling streets before ending your day.

Day 1 itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of Vienna’s Innere Stadt, from its iconic landmarks and historic palaces to its charming cafés and vibrant streets. Feel free to adjust the schedule based on your interests and preferences, and don’t forget to take breaks to relax and savor the beauty of Vienna’s city center .

Day 2: Palaces and gardens

Vienna has dozens of palaces and gardens and to visit all of them you will need several, very busy, days. Here is a one day schedule to see few of them.

1. Breakfast at Café Landtmann : Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Café Landtmann, a historic coffeehouse located near the Ringstrasse. Enjoy Viennese coffee and pastries while planning your day.

Café Landtmann is a historic coffeehouse in Vienna. Established in 1873 , it has retained its classic Viennese charm while adapting to modern tastes. The café’s interior boasts elegant decor with marble-topped tables, plush seating, and beautiful chandeliers, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance.

Café Landtmann is famous for its delicious pastries, cakes, and Viennese coffee specialties. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, as well as a cozy setting for meetings or leisurely conversations.

Address : Café Landtmann Universitätsring 4, 1010 Wien, Austria

Average Prices:

Light Meals: €8-15

Please note that prices may vary depending on the specific items ordered and whether you’re dining in or taking away.

History . Café Landtmann has a rich history dating back over a century. Since its opening in 1873, it has been a favorite meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and politicians, including Sigmund Freud , Marlene Dietrich, and Hillary Clinton. The café has also played a significant role in Vienna’s cultural and intellectual life, hosting literary salons, political discussions, and social gatherings.

Throughout its history, Café Landtmann has remained committed to upholding the tradition of Viennese coffeehouse culture while adapting to changing times. It has earned a reputation for excellence in both its cuisine and service, making it a beloved institution in Vienna.

Today, Café Landtmann continues to attract locals and tourists alike with its elegant ambiance, delectable treats, and historic charm. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely breakfast, a quick coffee break, or a relaxed meal, Café Landtmann offers a quintessential Viennese dining experience in the heart of the city.

2. Belvedere Palace and gardens : Head to Belvedere Palace, a magnificent Baroque palace complex located in the heart of Vienna. Explore the Upper and Lower Belvedere, marveling at the impressive architecture, stunning gardens, and world-class art collections, including works by Gustav Klimt.

More about Belvedere Palace .

Price : From 14 Euro for museums/galleries, gardens are free to visit.

3. Lunch at Plachutta Wollzeile : Make a break with a delicious lunch at Plachutta Wollzeile, a traditional Austrian restaurant located in Vienna’s city center. Indulge in classic Viennese dishes like Tafelspitz (boiled beef) or Schnitzel while reminiscing about your day exploring Vienna’s palaces and gardens.

Plachutta Wollzeile is a renowned Austrian restaurant located in Vienna, Austria. Situated in the historic Wollzeile street, the restaurant exudes traditional Viennese charm with its elegant yet cozy ambiance. The interior features classic wood paneling, crisp white tablecloths, and warm lighting, creating a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a memorable dining experience.

Plachutta Wollzeile specializes in traditional Austrian cuisine, with a focus on hearty dishes such as Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Wiener Schnitzel , and various meat and fish specialties. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and preparing dishes according to time-honored recipes, ensuring an authentic taste of Viennese culinary tradition.

Address : Plachutta Wollzeile Wollzeile 38, 1010 Wien, Austria

Main Courses: €20-35
Appetizers: €10-15
Desserts: €8-12

Please note that prices may vary depending on the specific items ordered and the time of day.

History . Plachutta Wollzeile is part of the renowned Plachutta restaurant group, which has been serving traditional Austrian cuisine in Vienna since 1987. The founder, Ewald Plachutta, is a celebrated chef and culinary expert known for his expertise in preparing classic Viennese dishes. Over the years, Plachutta Wollzeile has earned a reputation for excellence, attracting both locals and tourists with its delicious food, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance.

The restaurant’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Austria’s culinary heritage has made it a beloved institution in Vienna’s dining scene . Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of beef soup or a sumptuous steak, Plachutta Wollzeile offers a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Austrian cuisine.

4. Schönbrunn Palace and gardens . Spend the afternoon exploring Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens. Take a guided tour of the palace’s opulent interiors, including the State Rooms and the private chambers of Empress Maria Theresa. Afterward, stroll through the expansive palace gardens, visiting attractions like the Neptune Fountain, the Roman Ruin, and the Gloriette.

Arrival and Entry: Arrive at Schönbrunn Palace early to avoid crowds and purchase your tickets. Consider purchasing a combination ticket that includes access to the palace, gardens, and other attractions.

Palace Tour: Start your visit with a guided or self-guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace. Explore the opulent rooms of the palace, including the Grand Gallery, the Mirror Room, and the Imperial Apartments. Learn about the history of the palace and its former residents, including Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph.

Schönbrunn Gardens: After touring the palace, spend some time exploring the vast gardens surrounding the palace. Stroll along the manicured pathways, admire the ornamental gardens, and enjoy the scenic views of the palace and surrounding landscape. Be sure to visit the Neptune Fountain, the Gloriette, and the Maze & Labyrinth.

Schönbrunn Zoo: If time permits and you’re interested in wildlife, visit Tiergarten Schönbrunn , the world’s oldest zoo located on the palace grounds. Explore the zoo’s diverse habitats and see rare and endangered species from around the world.. Spend the afternoon exploring the zoo’s diverse collection of animals, including giant pandas, polar bears, and elephants. Don’t miss the Amazon Rainforest House and the Panda Garden.

Visit the Children’s Museum: If you’re traveling with children, consider visiting the Children’s Museum located within Schönbrunn Palace. The museum offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed to engage young visitors and teach them about life in the palace during the time of Empress Maria Theresa.

5. Dinner at Zum Schwarzen Kameel : After touring Schönbrunn Palace, take an underground or taxi ride back to the city center.

Zum Schwarzen Kameel is a historic restaurant and delicatessen located in the heart of Vienna. Established in 1618, it is one of Vienna’s oldest and most renowned culinary establishments. The interior of Zum Schwarzen Kameel exudes old-world charm and elegance, with ornate decor, marble countertops, and Art Nouveau-style accents.

The restaurant’s dining rooms are inviting and stylish, providing a sophisticated backdrop for enjoying a meal or a glass of wine. In addition to its restaurant, Zum Schwarzen Kameel also features a delicatessen offering a wide selection of gourmet foods, including cheeses, cured meats, pastries, and wines, perfect for purchasing as gifts or enjoying at home.

Address : Zum Schwarzen Kameel Bognergasse 5, 1010 Wien, Austria

Appetizers: €12-18
Desserts: €8-15

History . Zum Schwarzen Kameel has a storied history that dates back over 400 years. Originally founded as a tavern and guesthouse in 1618, it quickly became a favorite gathering place for Vienna’s aristocracy and intellectuals.

Over the centuries, Zum Schwarzen Kameel has evolved into a celebrated culinary destination, known for its impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and luxurious ambiance. The restaurant has welcomed countless dignitaries, celebrities, and discerning diners from around the world, earning a reputation as one of Vienna’s most prestigious dining establishments.

Today, Zum Schwarzen Kameel continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, offering guests a taste of Viennese culinary tradition in an elegant and timeless setting. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner, or a casual meal at the delicatessen, a visit to Zum Schwarzen Kameel is sure to be a memorable experience.

6. Evening stroll through Volksgarten and Burggarten . An evening stroll through Volksgarten and Burggarten in Vienna offers a delightful experience of nature, history, and relaxation. Here’s a info about what you might encounter during your stroll

Volksgarten . As you enter Volksgarten, you’re greeted by the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and the fragrance of blooming flowers. This meticulously landscaped garden, situated near the Hofburg Palace, provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets. In the evening, the garden takes on a magical quality as the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the pathways and flowerbeds.

As you meander through Volksgarten, you’ll encounter a variety of features, including:

Rose Garden : Admire the vibrant colors and delicate fragrance of the roses in the garden’s renowned Rose Garden. This meticulously maintained area showcases a stunning array of rose varieties, providing a feast for the senses.

Neoclassical Temples : Discover the garden’s neoclassical temples and monuments, which add a touch of grandeur to the landscape. These architectural gems offer a glimpse into Vienna’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Statues and Sculptures : Take a moment to appreciate the statues and sculptures scattered throughout the garden, each telling its own story and adding to the park’s artistic appeal.

Fountains : Pause by the tranquil fountains, where you can watch the play of light on the water and listen to the soothing sounds of cascading waterfalls.

Burggarten . Continuing your evening stroll, you’ll arrive at Burggarten, another picturesque garden located adjacent to the famous Ringstrasse. Here, the atmosphere is equally serene, with lush greenery and manicured lawns providing a verdant backdrop for your walk.

As you explore Burggarten, you’ll encounter several notable features, including:

Palmenhaus : Marvel at the majestic Palmenhaus, a striking glass greenhouse housing a diverse collection of tropical plants and exotic palms. Lit up at night, the Palmenhaus casts a soft, ethereal glow, creating a captivating sight.

Mozart Monument : Pay homage to one of Vienna’s most beloved composers at the Mozart Monument, located in the center of Burggarten. This elegant statue commemorates Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s time in Vienna and serves as a fitting tribute to his musical legacy.

Pond and Fountain : Pause by the tranquil pond and fountain, where you can watch the play of light on the water and listen to the soothing sounds of cascading waterfalls.

Peaceful Pathways : Follow the winding pathways and shaded alleys as they lead you through the garden, offering moments of quiet contemplation and reflection amidst the urban bustle.

As you conclude your evening stroll through Volksgarten and Burggarten, you’ll emerge feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired by the beauty of Vienna’s green spaces . Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely walk with loved ones, capturing photographs of the scenic vistas, or simply reveling in the serenity of nature, this experience promises to be a memorable highlight of your time in the city.

Price : Free.

Day 3: Arts and Culture

On the third day of your trip to Vienna, immerse yourself in the rich art and culture of this vibrant city. From world-renowned museums to stunning architecture, there is no shortage of activities to fill your day.

1. Breakfast at The Guesthouse Vienna Brasserie . This café is a stylish and contemporary and located in the heart of Vienna. Situated within The Guesthouse Vienna hotel , the café offers a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, with modern decor, sleek furnishings, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The atmosphere is inviting and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for everything from a casual coffee break to a leisurely brunch or afternoon tea.

Guests can enjoy a range of culinary delights at The Guesthouse Vienna Brasserie, including freshly brewed coffee, specialty teas, and an array of delicious pastries, cakes, and light snacks. The menu features both classic Viennese specialties and international favorites, all prepared with the finest ingredients and presented with exquisite attention to detail.

Address: The Guesthouse Vienna Brasserie Führichgasse 10, 1010 Wien, Austria

History . The Guesthouse Vienna Brasserie is part of The Guesthouse Vienna hotel, a boutique hotel that opened its doors in 2013. Since its inception, the hotel and café have quickly become popular destinations for both locals and visitors to Vienna, thanks to their combination of modern design, impeccable service, and culinary excellence.

While The Guesthouse Vienna itself is a relatively new addition to Vienna’s hospitality scene, it has quickly garnered acclaim and recognition for its commitment to providing guests with a memorable and authentic Viennese experience. The café, in particular, has earned praise for its delicious food and beverages, as well as its stylish and inviting atmosphere.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee, indulging in a leisurely meal, or simply taking in the ambiance, The Guesthouse Vienna Brasserie promises to provide a memorable and enjoyable dining experience in the heart of Vienna’s historic city center.

2. Start your arts and culture day at the Kunsthistorisches Museum , one of the most prestigious art museums in Europe. Located in a grandiose building that resembles a palace, this museum houses an impressive collection of masterpieces from renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Raphael. Take your time exploring the different galleries and don’t miss out on the spectacular ceiling frescoes by Gustav Klimt.

More about Kunsthistorisches Museum .

3. Next, take a short walk to the nearby Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum). This museum may not be as well-known as its sister museum but it is equally fascinating. Here you can discover an extensive collection of minerals, fossils, and taxidermy animals from around the world. The highlight of this museum is definitely the Venus of Willendorf – a prehistoric fertility figurine that dates back over 25,000 years.

More about Naturhistorisches Museum .

Price : From 15 Euro

4. For lunch, head to Naschmarkt – one of Vienna’s oldest and largest outdoor markets. Here you can find a wide variety of local produce as well as international delicacies. Grab some traditional Viennese dishes like schnitzel or goulash at one of the many restaurants or food stands dotted throughout the market.

Naschmarkt is Vienna’s largest and most famous outdoor market, offering a vibrant mix of culinary delights, fresh produce, specialty foods, and international cuisine. Stretching over a kilometer in length along the Wienzeile, Naschmarkt is a bustling hub of activity that attracts both locals and tourists alike. The market is divided into two main sections: the food market, where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and spices, and the flea market, where shoppers can find an eclectic array of antiques, clothing, jewelry, and household goods.

Naschmarkt is not only a place to shop for groceries and unique treasures but also a culinary destination in its own right. Alongside the market stalls, visitors will find numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants offering a diverse selection of cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re craving traditional Austrian fare, exotic Middle Eastern dishes, or gourmet street food, Naschmarkt has something to satisfy every palate.

Address: Naschmarkt Wienzeile, 1060 Wien, Austria

Produce: Prices vary depending on the season and vendor.
Street Food: €5-15 per dish
Restaurants: €15-30 per person for a meal

Please note that prices may vary depending on the specific items purchased and the vendor or restaurant.

History. Naschmarkt has a long and storied history that dates back to the 16th century when it began as a simple fruit and vegetable market outside the city walls of Vienna. Over the centuries, the market evolved and expanded, becoming a bustling marketplace where traders from across Europe came to buy and sell their goods.

In the late 19th century, Naschmarkt underwent significant redevelopment, with the construction of permanent market stalls and the addition of covered market halls. This transformation helped Naschmarkt solidify its reputation as Vienna’s premier market and culinary destination, attracting a diverse array of vendors and visitors from near and far.

Today, Naschmarkt remains a beloved institution in Vienna, beloved for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse offerings, and rich history. Whether you’re shopping for fresh ingredients, sampling international cuisine, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of the market, a visit to Naschmarkt is an essential experience for anyone exploring the Austrian capital.

5. Visit Albertina Museum . Albertina is an important art museum in Vienna, whose extensive collection of drawings and prints was started by Duke Albert of Saxen-Teschen, who moved his personal collection to the palace.

More about Albertina Museum .

Price : from 12 Euro

6. To end your day on a high note, attend a performance at one of Vienna’s famous concert halls such as Musikverein or Konzerthaus . This is your chance to experience Vienna’s rich musical heritage with performances by renowned orchestras or chamber ensembles.

Price : From 20 Euro

7. Evening stroll. End your last day in Vienna with a walk along Ringstrasse Boulevard – often referred to as “the ring” – which encircles Innere Stadt. Here you will see some of Vienna’s most magnificent buildings such as Parliament House , City Hall (Rathaus), and Burgtheater illuminated at night.

8. If you’re in the mood for some traditional Viennese entertainment, head to a Heuriger – a traditional wine tavern where you can enjoy local wine and live music. Alternatively, you can also experience Vienna’s vibrant nightlife scene at one of its many bars or clubs.

With so much history and culture to explore, day 3 in Vienna is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be plenty of walking involved, but the sights and sounds of this beautiful city are well worth it.

Recommended hotels

Vienna is a city that combines rich history and culture with modern charm. With its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder that Vienna is a top tourist destination. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city and looking for the perfect place to stay, we’ve got you covered with our list of recommended hotels.

1. Hotel Sacher Wien

If luxury is what you seek, look no further than Hotel Sacher Wien . This five-star hotel has been in operation since 1876 and is known for its impeccable service and elegant design. Located in the heart of Vienna’s historic center, it offers easy access to popular attractions such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the State Opera House. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms. Be sure to try the famous Sachertorte at their renowned on-site café.

2. Grand Hotel Wien

Another luxurious option located in Vienna’s city center is the Grand Hotel Wien. This grand dame has been welcoming guests since 1870 and boasts opulent rooms with high ceilings, chandeliers, and antique furnishings. The hotel also offers a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options including an award-winning restaurant serving Austrian delicacies.

3. Boutiquehotel Das Tigra

For those seeking a more intimate experience, Boutiquehotel Das Tigra is an excellent choice. Located in Vienna’s first district – Innere Stadt – this four-star boutique hotel offers stylishly decorated rooms with comfortable beds and modern amenities such as Nespresso machines. Its central location allows for easy exploration of Vienna’s main sights on foot.

4. Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom

With its sleek contemporary design by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom stands out among traditional Viennese hotels.With floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Danube River and the city skyline, this five-star hotel is a visual delight. The rooms are modern and spacious, with luxurious bathrooms featuring rain showers and Hermès toiletries.

5. Hotel Sans Souci Wien

Located in Vienna’s trendy Neubau district, Hotel Sans Souci Wien offers a unique blend of contemporary design and Viennese charm. This boutique hotel also features an excellent spa with a sauna and steam bath, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Be sure to try their restaurant’s innovative fusion cuisine.

No matter which hotel you choose from our recommended list, you’re sure to have an unforgettable stay in Vienna. Book now and get ready to explore this magnificent city!

How to move around Vienna?

Vienna is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do, but navigating around it can be intimidating for first-time visitors. However, with a little bit of planning and the right information, getting around Vienna can be an enjoyable experience. In this section, we will outline the various modes of transportation available in Vienna and provide tips on how to make the most out of each option.

1. Public Transportation

The public transportation system in Vienna is efficient and well-connected, making it the ideal choice for traveling within the city. The main modes of public transport include buses, trams, and trains operated by Wiener Linien. You can purchase single tickets or day passes at any station or ticket machine using cash or credit cards. These tickets are valid for all forms of public transport and allow you to transfer between them without having to buy another ticket.

Pro tip: Consider purchasing a 72-hour Vienna Card which offers unlimited access to all forms of public transport as well as discounts on popular tourist attractions.

One of the best ways to explore Vienna is by foot! The city has many pedestrian-friendly areas that are perfect for strolling while taking in its stunning architecture and cultural sights. Walking also allows you to stumble upon hidden gems that may not be mentioned in guidebooks.

Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes as some parts of the city have cobblestone streets which can be challenging to walk on.

Biking is another popular mode of transport in Vienna, thanks to its extensive network of bike lanes and rental services like Citybike Wien. You can rent bikes at any station using a credit card and return them to any station across the city.

Pro tip: Be sure to follow traffic rules while cycling in the city as Viennese drivers are known for their strict adherence to road regulations.

Taxis are readily available throughout the city and offer a convenient way to get around, especially if you are short on time. However, taxis in Vienna can be expensive, so it is advisable to negotiate the fare before getting in.

Pro tip: Consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt for a more cost-effective option.

5. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

For a hassle-free way to see all the top attractions in Vienna, consider taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour. These buses operate on different routes and allow you to get off at any stop of your choice and explore at your own pace before hopping back on.

Pro tip: Buy your tickets online in advance for discounted rates and to avoid long queues at ticket booths.

6. Getting from and to the airport

The most convenient and quickest way is by taking the City Airport Train (CAT), which takes only 16 minutes to reach Wien Mitte station in central Vienna. This train operates every 30 minutes between 5:36 am and 11:39 pm daily. Another option is taking the S-Bahn (suburban train) line S7 or S2 which also stops at Wien Mitte station but takes slightly longer than CAT.

If you prefer a more affordable option, you can take a bus or shuttle service from the airport to different parts of Vienna . There are regular buses operated by Postbus or Blaguss that run between the airport and various stations within the city center. You can also book a shared shuttle service or private transfer for added convenience.

There is always option of taxi, but this is most expensive way to travel.

Navigating Vienna can be overwhelming at first, but with these transportation options and tips, you’ll be able to move around like a local in no time. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and consider purchasing a Vienna City Card which offers unlimited use of public transportation as well as discounts on attractions and activities. Now that you know how to get around, let’s dive into our ultimate itinerary for three days in this magnificent city!

What souvenirs you can buy and where?

When visiting Vienna , you will undoubtedly want to bring home some souvenirs to remember your trip by. Luckily, the city offers a wide variety of unique and traditional items that are perfect for taking home with you. From delicious treats to intricate crafts, here are some top souvenirs you can buy and where to find them while in Vienna.

Food & Drink Souvenirs

One of the most popular food souvenirs in Vienna is Mozartkugeln, or Mozart balls. These chocolate confections are named after the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in Salzburg but spent much of his life in Vienna. You can find these delectable treats at any souvenir shop or specialty chocolate store throughout the city.

Another must-try souvenir is Sacher Torte, a rich and decadent chocolate cake invented by Franz Sacher in 1832. The original recipe remains a well-guarded secret at Hotel Sacher , but you can purchase pre-packaged versions at various shops around town.

For those who enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea, Vienna has plenty of options for souvenir mugs and blends. Visit one of the many coffeehouses around the city to pick up a mug featuring an iconic Viennese landmark such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral or Hofburg Palace. You can also purchase traditional Viennese coffee blends like Wiener Melange or Einspänner to take home with you.

Handicrafts & Arts

Vienna is known for its rich history of arts and crafts, making it an ideal place to pick up unique souvenirs. One popular item is Augarten porcelain, which has been produced in Vienna since 1718 and features fine hand-painted designs on delicate white porcelain pieces.

For those interested in fashion and accessories, visit one of the many boutiques selling Dirndls (traditional Austrian dresses) or Lederhosen (leather trousers) for a truly authentic souvenir. You can also find beautifully crafted jewelry, including pieces made with the famous Swarovski crystals.

Other notable souvenirs include hand-blown glassware, wooden toys, and hand-painted Easter eggs. These items can be found at markets and specialty shops throughout Vienna, such as Naschmarkt and Spittelberg Christmas Market.

Books & Music

As the birthplace of many famous composers, Vienna is also an excellent place to pick up music-related souvenirs. Visit one of the many music stores in the city to purchase sheet music or recordings by Mozart, Beethoven, or other Austrian musicians.

If you’re interested in literature, Vienna has several bookstores that sell both classic and modern works by Austrian authors. Stop by Shakespeare & Company for a unique selection of English books or visit one of the larger chain bookstores like Thalia or Libro.

There are plenty of fantastic souvenirs to choose from in Vienna. Whether you prefer food and drink items, handicrafts and arts, or books and music,

With so much to see and do in Vienna, it can be overwhelming trying to plan a short trip. However, with our ultimate itinerary, you can make the most of your three days in this beautiful city. From exploring historical landmarks and indulging in delicious Viennese cuisine to experiencing the vibrant culture and nightlife, our itinerary has something for everyone. We hope that this guide has given you all the information you need to create an unforgettable trip to Vienna. So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing adventure!

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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.

Traveling to the beautiful city of Vienna? This is the best 4-day Vienna travel itinerary including travel tips and all the best things to do in Vienna Austria that will fuel your wanderlust.

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, 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.

four days in Vienna - spittelberg quarter

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.

4 day vienna itinerary - hundertwasser house

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 ).

what to see in vienna in 4 days - Kunst Haus cafe

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 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.

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
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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4 Days in Vienna Itinerary: Explore the City of Music

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If you’re visiting Vienna and in dire need of an in-depth itinerary – you’ve hit the jackpot. Our ultimate 4 days in Vienna itinerary helps you find incredible historical landmarks and explore this Austrian city via walking tours and day trips.

Vienna is one of Europe’s best places to visit for a cultural experience like no other. The city boasts a range of stunning Baroque architecture, world-class museums, art galleries, and fabulous Christmas markets, serving a classic European vibe.

4 days in Vienna itinerary: at a glance

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As the capital city of Austria, Vienna boasts an extensive amount of historical monuments, art museums, and some of the best things to do in a central Europe itinerary .

Here’s a quick rundown of your epic 4 days in Vienna itinerary,

Day 1 of 4 days in Vienna itinerary: Take the day to explore Vienna’s Old Town or Innere Stadt. This UNESCO site offers a range of activities, from shopping to visiting famous museums. Visit Karlskirche, Vienna Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Austrian National Library, Burgtheater, or Golden Hall.
Day 2 of 4 days in Vienna itinerary: See how many of Vienna’s 100 museums you can visit in a day by strolling through the Museumsquartier. During the holidays, Miss Spittelberg’s Christmas Market is the star of the show. Check off Kunsthistorisches, Natural History Museum, Leopold Museum, Sisi Museum, and Albertina Museum.
Day 3 of 4 days in Vienna itinerary: Let your hair down and enjoy some of Vienna’s more adventurous attractions. The giant Ferris wheel gives sweeping views of the city and is an excellent place for a photo op. Visit Spanish Riding School, Butterfly House, and Mozart House.
Day 4 of 4 days in Vienna itinerary: Your final day in Vienna is dedicated to visiting the most notable landmarks in the city starting with the Belvedere Palace. Next, the Schönbrunn Palace complex is a three-in-one package with the Palm House and Cafe Gloriette within walking distance.

Getting around Vienna

Getting around Vienna is super easy.

You can use the city airport train, which is centrally located about 10 minutes from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to get around town without any hassle. It costs about €12 for a single trip and €21 for a return.

Vienna is a very walkable city, so there’s no need to hire a car unless you want to venture out on a day trip to nearby places like Prague or Budapest.

The first two days in Vienna of this itinerary can all be done by walking or hopping on the readily available public transport.

Another great thing to have is the Vienna City Card . It gives you access to more than 60 museums, unlimited access to the city’s yellow hop-on-hop-off buses, and priority access to popular sights.

You can personalize the city card to your itinerary and choose whether you’d like a 24-hour (€17), 48-hour (€25), or 72-hour (€29) pass.

Alternate Option: You can also get the Vienna Pass which is great for sightseeing . You can buy it for 1, 2, 3, and 6 days, and it provides you free admission to over 70 attractions to explore in your Vienna travel itinerary.

Plus it has unlimited rides on the hop-on hop-off buses. Get your Vienna Pass here!

Where to stay for the perfect Vienna itinerary

To conquer Vienna in 4 days, you’ll need a great place to stay that offers all the amenities that will facilitate a seamless trip. Vienna boasts numerous hotels that suit every traveler’s budget.

Vienna is the gorgeous capital city of Austria. This post is a quick itinerary guide to help plan your getaway to Vienna. Explore the city's top highlights like the Hofburg Palace, enjoy a recital at the Opera House and experience the beautiful cafes in the evening. This is your perfect 48 hour Vienna Itinerary #vienna

Here are a few options to consider when choosing where to stay in Vienna :

Hilton Vienna Park — Get all you need, from a buffet breakfast to a luxe room with a 40-inch TV and amazing city views at the Hilton Vienna Park Hotel. Located in the city center across from a huge park, the hotel offers easy access to the most popular attractions. Book your stay here
Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof — Enjoy modern comforts at Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, with stunning Baroque and Art Déco furnishings, two saunas, and a spa where you can get various special treatments. This hotel is steps away from the Imperial Palace, giving views of its iconic domes. Check availability here
The Leo Grand — Step back in time at Old Town’s elegant Leo Grand hotel. The hotel offers charming rooms with beamed ceilings, Austrian decor elements, and access to historical landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Book your stay here

Day 1 of 4 days in Vienna itinerary: Explore Vienna’s historic city centre

Kickstart your Vienna itinerary with a guided tour around the historic centre – a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town, or “Innere Stadt,” is located at the heart of Vienna and lined with upscale shops and cafes along the pedestrian-only Kärntner Strasse and Graben.

You’ll also find Vienna city hall, a handful of museums, churches, and art galleries.

Marvel at the Karlskirche

The Karlskirche is one of Vienna’s symbolic landmarks. The outstanding Baroque church boasts a stunning white exterior and an iconic blue oval-shaped dome.

Karlskirche’s interior is even more impressive, with ornate plasterwork and magnificent frescos on the ellipsoid dome.

Apart from the gorgeous architecture, the Karlskirche is also known for hosting classical music concerts and serving some of the best views of Vienna.

Explore the Vienna State Opera House

The Vienna State Opera House is one of the leading opera houses globally. Its fame comes from the long history of amazing performances by the likes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

This opera house has a whopping 2,284 total capacity, hosts about 70 productions annually, and never repeats a performance for two consecutive nights.

If you’re only spending one day in Vienna , visiting the Vienna State Opera is a must. Missed out on a ticket? Not to worry — the Vienna Music Society or Musikverein is a concert hall nearby where you can catch the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra live (more on that below).

Admire St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Many tourists visit Vienna for its outstanding architecture, and it’s easy to see why. The St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks, with towering pointed arches, stained glass, and an elaborate exterior.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a 12th-century Gothic structure that’s seen extensive renovations to attain its original beauty after being bombed several times during World War II.

If you’re up for an adventure, climb up the cathedral’s 343-stair tower, also known as a “Steffl”.

Tip: Book St. Stephen’s Cathedral tickets for a classical music concert here.

Explore the Hofburg Palace complex

The Hofburg Palace is a beautiful Baroque royal residence that housed Austrian sovereigns for more than 600 years. Its apt location in the city center makes Hofburg Palace an unmissable attraction when visiting Vienna.

The 13th-century imperial palace has an interesting history, as it was the seat of power for the Habsburg dynasty.

Currently, the Hofburg is the official residence and office of the president of Austria and a popular tourist attraction.

You’ll also find other Vienna landmarks like the Imperial Treasury, which houses the Holy Roman Empire regalia, the Spanish Riding School, and Sisi Museum.

Tip: See the Hofburg Palace, the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and the extravagant Silver Collection via this private guided tour.

Visit the Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library houses more than 12 million items across its various collections, making it the largest library in Austria.

At the heart of the Austrian National Library, you’ll find the State Hall, the largest Baroque library in Europe.

This impressive hall is about 262 feet long and 66 feet high, crowned by a dome with beautiful frescoes. The State Hall alone holds more than 200,000 books, including the most extensive collection of Martin Luther’s Reformation Era writings.

Attend a German-language play at the Burgtheater

The Burgtheater is Austria’s national theater and one of the oldest in Europe. It dates back to 1741 when an entrepreneur asked Empress Maria Theresa’s permission to convert a disused building into a stage.

Burgtheater is dedicated to the art of spoken word and rendering intriguing German plays.

If that’s not your thing, you can also take an English-guided tour through the building. You’ll learn about the theater’s history, personalities, and many entertaining anecdotes.

The artistry in Burgtheater is also one to note; the building boasts two glorious staircases and impressive ceiling murals by Ernst Klimt and Gustav.

Alternate Option: Catch a show at the Golden Hall in Wiener Musikverein

Getting the chance to watch a show or concert at the Golden Hall in Wiener Musikverein is an experience like no other. Beloved by music lovers all around the world, it has a reputation for hosting some of the most amazing and unique shows available.

Its impressive architecture lends to its extraordinary sound and atmosphere, where visitors can lose themselves in the perfect combination of notes, acoustics, and lighting.

The Musikverein is located in Vienna’s famous Innere Stadt district and has been thrilling locals and tourists alike since 1870 – so don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this incredible experience!

Day 2 of 4 days in Vienna itinerary: Check out Vienna’s best museums

Vienna is home to more than just a handful of museums. With about 100 museums and collections dotted across the city, Vienna is a haven for art lovers and history enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches is an art history museum located in the iconic Museum Quarter opposite the nearly-identical Natural History Museum.

Built in 1891, the museum hosts twelve out of 40 eminent works of Pieter Bruegel the Elder — making it the world’s largest collection of the artist’s work.

Kunsthistorisches Museum also hosts an array of masterpieces by Europe’s most famous artists like Raphael, Rembrandt, and Durer. This art museum also carries ancient Egyptian relics and artifacts.

Tip: Get a skip-the-line ticket and explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum and its extraordinary collection of imperial-era art.

Explore the Natural History Museum

Just a short walk from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, you’ll stumble upon Vienna’s Natural History Museum. Thanks to the museum’s 20 million objects, you’ll see breathtaking displays of nature.

The Natural History Museum also boasts extensive collections of dinosaur skeletons and meteorites, as well as a display of various insects from across the world.

Spend some time admiring the museum’s ornate frescoes and halls.

Marvel at the Maria Theresa Monument

The Maria Theresa Monument is an iconic sculpture of Empress Maria Theresa, who ruled Austria under the Habsburg dynasty from 1740 to 1780. This towering bronze sculpture weighs about 44 tonnes and took 13 years to complete.

You’ll easily spot this monument, as it’s right in the middle of the Kunsthistorische and Vienna’s Natural History Museum.

Stroll through the Leopold Museum

If you’re a fan of modern art, particularly Austrian art, then you’ll love the Leopold Museum. Housing about 6,000 pieces, the Leopold Museum is known for its extensive collection of paintings by the enigmatic Egon Schiele — the largest in the world.

This museum’s plain interior allows you to focus on the artistry and creativity of the artworks. You’ll love strolling through the galleries admiring Jugendstil, Wiener Moderne, and Impressionist art.

Tip: Admire Austrian art from the likes of Oskar Kokoschka, Gustav Klimt, and Richard Gerstl, to name a few, with this Leopold Museum entrance ticket.

Admire Austrian fashion at the Sisi Museum

Head to the Imperial Palace to learn about the life of fashion icon and trendsetter Empress Elisabeth, the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph, at this personalized museum.

The empress, nicknamed Sisi, was famous for her beauty and fashion. This museum takes a deeper look into the private life of the famed empress, with several exhibits displaying her clothes, jewelry, and personal letters.

Tip: Walk through the rooms of Empress Elisabeth’s imperial apartments at Hofburg Palace with this guided walking tour of Vienna.

Walk through Albertina Museum

If you’re looking for a full display of fine art dating back centuries to the modern pieces we see today, you must visit the Albertina Museum. It hosts one of the largest print houses in the world.

The Albertina Museum has over 65,000 drawings, about a million old master prints, modern graphic works, photographs, and architectural drawings to peruse.

You’ll also find permanent exhibitions of Austrian modernist art, including the Monet-Picasso collection.

Day 3 of 4 days in Vienna itinerary: Experience Vienna’s fun and quirky things to do

Apart from numerous museums and galleries, Vienna also offers a range of quirky attractions that show you a different side of the city.

See a show at the Spanish Riding School

Visit the Spanish Riding School for an authentic display of classic equestrian skills preserved and practiced for more than 450 years. Training of the school’s famous Lipizzaner horses and their riders are inseparable.

The show displays equestrian dressage techniques like the “pas-de-deux” — where the stallions perform in an exquisitely-coordinated mirror image.

There are other ways you can visit the Spanish Riding School. You can take a guided tour of the baroque-designed premises or attend a training session — but nothing is as magical as seeing the show.

Tip: Attend a Spanish Riding School classic performance and see the snow-white Lipizzaner stallions in action.

Marvel at the butterflies at Schmetterlinghaus

Escape Vienna’s busy city center and find a peaceful oasis in this butterfly house at the Burggarten. The Schmetterlinghaus is a 1,000-acre zoo housing various butterfly species in artificial tropical conditions.

Located in the Burggarten’s Art Nouveau buildings, this butterfly haven hosts about 500 free-living and flying butterflies in a recreated habitat. You’ll learn about the different butterfly species and their life cycle.

Tip: The recreated rainforest and butterflies make this a scenic attraction so bring your camera to get the best snaps for the socials.

Wien Museum Mozart Apartment

Vienna is known as the “City of Music” thanks to its rich classical music history. The city has been home to many famous musicians like Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart .

So if you’re a music lover, visiting the Mozarthaus Museum during your trip is a must.

This intriguing museum is in an apartment building on Domgasse Street, just a two-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The composer lived here from 1784 to 1787.

As you stroll through the apartment, you’ll see Mozart and his family’s living quarters on the first level. The second floor is centered around Mozart’s operas, while the third floor dives into more details about Mozart’s elegant lifestyle in Vienna.

Tip: Get a glimpse into Mozart’s life in Vienna via an audio-guided tour , and if you want to experience something special, get tickets for a classical concert at the museum .

Alternate option for winter: Vienna City Hall & Festivities

In the winter, consider visiting the Vienna City Hall and the square. It is located about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute cab ride from the Spanish Riding School or a minute’s drive from Schmetterlinghaus.

Vienna City Hall is a stunning example of architecture that has become a symbol of the city.

Located at Rathausplatz, it is made entirely of bricks and decorated with statues. Besides admiring its exterior facade, you can take a free guided tour inside during certain days of the week.

The building mainly serves as Vienna’s administrative office but also holds major celebrations like New Year’s concerts and festive events.

During the winter months, the city hall square hosts the largest traditional Christmas market in Vienna, and parts of it turn into a giant ice skating rink for family fun and activities.

Every year, tens of thousands of people visit this public event to experience the festive atmosphere in Austria’s capital!

Viennese giant Ferris wheel

Get your adrenaline pumping at one of Vienna’s popular tourist attractions. Located at the entrance of The Prater Amusement Park, the giant Ferris wheel stands at about 212.4 feet and has a diameter of 200 feet.

The giant Ferris wheel symbolizes the city and is a great place to have some fun in the sun.

Take a spin on the wheel and get stunning views of Vienna’s skyline and surrounding sights like the Pannonian Basin, Danube River, and Vienna woods.

Prater Amusement Park is a place you can spend hours exploring. It offers so many fun rides and activities, such as an arcade room, a cinema, and a few eateries to curb any hunger that may come your way.

Day 4 of 4 days in Vienna itinerary: Explore Vienna’s incredible historical landmarks

Wrap up your conquest of Vienna in 4 days by exploring some of the city’s famous historical landmarks. If you’ve visited Vienna before and didn’t see these monuments — you missed out.

Stroll through the Belvedere Palace Complex

The Belvedere Palace consists of three beautiful components — the Upper Belvedere, the Lower Belvedere, and the impressive palace gardens.

Built in the early 1700s, Belvedere Palace was built on request by Prince Eugene of Savoy. The prince used this palace as his summer residence.

The Upper Belvedere is where you’ll find the Belvedere Museum, with temporary art exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and ornate frescoes by prominent artists. You’ll also see the largest Gustav Klimt collection — including the world-renowned painting “The Kiss.”

On the other hand, the Lower Belvedere primarily acted as the prince’s residential quarters. But there are also temporary exhibitions for you to peruse.

Tip: See the best of both the Upper and Lower Belvedere with this two-hour tour through the palace.

Admire the beauty of Schönbrunn Palace

Another must-see Vienna landmark is the Baroque royal residence of Schönbrunn Palace. This stunning palace boasts gorgeous gardens, courtyards, and fountains.

Schönbrunn Palace was built in 1700 and was the main summer residence for the Habsburg monarchy.

In addition to being a royal residence, Schönbrunn Palace was also a popular events venue that hosted a six-year-old Mozart. The palace was also Napoleon’s headquarters during the French occupation.

A guided tour through the palace and its grounds will take you through the 22 staterooms of Schönbrunn Palace, the Orangery, and the French-style gardens.

Vienna's top 10 items for your itinerary. Include them in your Vienna bucket list. The top 10 items include Vienna Opera House, St Cathedral Basilica, Schonbrunn Palace and more. Read the article to learn more. Vienna's Top 10 Things to See

You’ll end your tour at the Gloriette, giving you the sprawling sights of Vienna.

Tip: If you’re visiting Vienna in the holiday season, how does attending the Christmas market and classical concert at Schönbrunn Palace sound?

Marvel at the Palm House

Before you leave Schönbrunn Palace, stop by the dazzling Palm House. This airy greenhouse is the largest of its kind in Europe, boasting dozens of tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean plants and shrubs.

Commissioned in 1882 by Emperor Franz Joseph, the Palm House consists of three pavilions, each with a unique climate zone. In the tallest room, you’ll find plants from South Africa, America, Australia, and one of the most beautiful places in Spain , the Canary Islands.

Historic Cafe Gloriette

Wrap up Vienna in 4 days with lunch at the Historical Cafe Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace. This is a great spot to wind down after a busy day of exploring; try the cafe’s fresh apple strudel or variations of traditional Viennese cake.

If you’re not hungry, you can also stop by for just the amazing coffee.

Tip: You can also start your tour of Schönbrunn Palace at Cafe Gloriette. If you’re there early enough, you may even get incredible views of the sun rising over Vienna. The cafe opens at 9 am.

On your last evening in Vienna, enjoy a lovely dinner and stroll the Inner District of this gorgeous city!

Alternate Itinerary Idea : Day trip to Wachau Valley

Wachau Valley is a dream weekend getaway. It’s about an hour and 30 minutes drive from Vienna and ideally situated along the Danube River. Besides the stunning natural scenery, Wachau Valley is also known for its many wineries.

Looking for day trips from Vienna? Come, visit the picturesque Wachau Valley. This valley is formed by the Danube river in Austria. This is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway in the midst of nature and culture #wachauvalley #vienna # austria

It is an easy day trip from Vienna where you learn about the region’s intriguing history, from small family-owned wineries to famous wine houses like the Domäne Wachau, all while riding a bike through the scenic valley.

You can also explore some of the region’s notable attractions, like Melk Abbey — a clifftop Benedictine monastery with views of the Dunabe.

Tip: Spend the day bike riding through one of Vienna’s most prominent wine-producing regions, visit the Dürnstein UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hike up to the castle ruins with this biking tour.

Sightseeing Map for 4 day Vienna Itinerary

Vienna Travel Tips

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe . From its world-famous art galleries and museums to its wonderful restaurants, there are plenty of things to do when you visit this incredible city.

The key to making the most of your trip is planning ahead. Here’s a guide on how to make the most out of your trip to Vienna!

Vienna is located in Austria , which is a European Union member. If you require a visa to enter most European countries, then you will likely need a Schengen Visa to get to Vienna.

Visitors with US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter the country and stay for 90 days; however, from 2025, an online authorization – ETIAS – is required prior to travel.

The main or official language of Austria is German . But English is spoken in Vienna and beyond.

Accommodation:

When looking for accommodation in Vienna, it is best to stay at a centrally located hotel for sightseeing and access to shops and cafes!

Food in Vienna:

Vienna is a foodie paradise!

From traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), Apfelstrudel – aka apple strudel, and Tafelspitz (boiled beef with horseradish cream) to international cuisine such as Indian or Turkish food, there are plenty of delicious options for every taste.

Get off the beaten track by exploring local cafes, street food stalls, and markets.

Don’t forget about dessert—Viennese pastries are renowned all over the world!

Tours in Vienna:

Vienna has numerous free sightseeing tours available for tourists who want an insider perspective on the city without breaking their budget. These walking tours will take you through some of the city’s best-known attractions while providing insights into its history, architecture, culture, and more.

There are also bike tours available which allow you to explore Vienna at a faster pace while still learning about its fascinating history. Just make sure you plan ahead so that you don’t miss out on any opportunities!

There are many attractions and activities available in Vienna that suit different interests and budgets – and the Vienna Pass makes it worth it. With 4 full days in Vienna, you must intimately explore some of their palaces and museums and the Pass makes it easy. The top places that you must visit are Schonbrunn Palace, Giant Ferris Wheel, Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna State Opera – Guided Tour, Winter Palace, and Liechtenstein Castle. Although no transportation is included, you can use the hop-on and hop-off bus ride to get to the attractions, and this is an unlimited ride. We were able to check out the Hundertwasserhaus, built on the concept of artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser from the outside using the sightseeing bus tour. Plus once you are at the heart of the city centre you can walk to shops and restaurants, or your centrally located hotel.

Vienna is amazing all year round. To save money on accommodation and beat the crowds, consider visiting Vienna in the late spring months of April to May or in the fall from September to October. Summer months are warm, but also crowded and accommodation prices are very high. Winters are amazing to hop Christmas Markets, but it is also cold if you are not used to the chilly weather!

Yes, Vienna is walkable! Especially the city centre of Vienna is very small and impact and you can easily cover the prime attractions. The historic city centre is pedestrian access only, which makes it easy to navigate the city, relax and also take in the vibes of Vienna.

Vienna is one of the most expensive cities to visit in Europe. As compared to its neighbors like Prague, and Budapest Vienna will be pricey in terms of attractions entry, and city centre hotels. Food is also expensive, but you can save money by doing groceries (pre-packed meals) or eating in small cafes. For sightseeing on a budget, you can join a free walking tour (tip-based).

Shops are closed on Sundays, and on Saturdays. They close after 06:00 pm.

Are 4 days in Vienna enough?

Vienna is an incredible city with plenty to offer. Although four days may seem like a short amount of time, you can still get a good taste of all that this city has to offer if you plan ahead and know what places are must-see spots.

Choose the attractions that are most important to you, and make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy them. Get the Vienna Pass to visit your favorites.

With 4 days in Vienna, you can also explore Vienna’s many parks and gardens, take one day trip, eat your way out and soak up some local culture.

4 days in Vienna itinerary | Wrap up

Vienna may be known as the city of music and modern art, thanks to its abundance of museums and galleries. But there’s much more to this city than what meets the eye.

You’ll have plenty of things to do in this city. From attending a classical music concert to pursuing art collections, admiring the Baroque architecture, or enjoying the city’s green spaces, there’s something in Vienna for everyone.

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Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil.

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4 Day Vienna Itinerary | How To Spend 4 Days In Vienna

By Melissa Byron. This guide to 4 days in Vienna contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Planning a 4 day Vienna itinerary, but need some help?

Then you’re in the right place!

Vienna is an incredible city full of history, culture, and grandeur. From its imperial palaces to its world-class museums to its charming coffeehouses, Vienna offers something for everyone and is definitely worth visiting.

When you only have 4 days in a city with so many opportunities to learn, explore, and discover, it’s important to plan it out perfectly — which is where this blog post comes in. It’s based on my time traveling Vienna and experiencing the best of the city.

Below, I’ll guide you through an unforgettable itinerary, highlighting the must-see attractions, hidden gems, and delectable culinary delights that will make your time in Vienna truly memorable.

This 4-day itinerary of Vienna is curated especially for anyone looking to see the best this city has to offer!

⏳Short on time? Here are some quick tips for traveling in Vienna: ✈️ Airport Transfer: Book here 💸 Save Money: Opt for a Vienna Pass , which includes access to 60+ attractions! They offer a range of durations from one or six days depending on your Vienna itinerary. 🎉 Experiences: There are many fun guided tours in Vienna – like a Vienna Food, Coffee & Market Walking Experience and a Skip the Line Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Guided Tour . You can click here for a full list of Vienna tours . 🏨 Accommodation: This accommodation map showcases hotels and vacation rentals with pricing in the popular Innere Stadt neighborhood – though you can easily change this to your preferred location. ☔ Safety: While Vienna is safe, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . 🏥 Travel Insurance: SafetyWing (budget-friendly) or World Nomads (robust) 📞 Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Free Resources For Your Vienna Itinerary

But first, before we go over how to spend 4 days in Vienna , I invite you to grab Jessie’s free Ultimate Travel Planning Kit — which includes 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!

Some highlights of the kit include:

Free “Where Should You Travel Next?” personality quiz
Pre-plotted Google Maps for 45+ destinations
Printable travel journal with writing prompts
Packing lists for different types of trips

Once you’ve grabbed your copy , keep reading for tips on planning the best 4 day Vienna itinerary.

The beautiful Baroque Karlskirche Church in Vienna

Where is Vienna?

Vienna — a capital city known for its grand architecture, stunning art museums, and vibrant cultural scene — is located in the eastern part of Austria . It lies on both sides of the Danube River, which passes through its center from east to west.

Austria shares borders with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. The closest foreign city to Vienna is Bratislava, Slovakia. From Vienna, you can reach Bratislava by car in an hour and 20 minutes.

The city covers an area of 414 square miles (1,072 km2) and has a population of 1.9 million people.

Getting Around Vienna

What I love most about Vienna is how easy it is to get around! The great public transportation makes it easy to visit Vienna in 4 days.

The most popular way of getting around is by using the Vienna U-Bahn (subway) . This underground train system runs from 5 am until 12:30 am and covers all areas of the city. You can also use trams, buses, and bike-sharing.

Another easy way to get around Vienna is via a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour , which takes you to top attractions like Pass Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Belvedere Palace, and more. You’ll also have the option to upgrade to also include a river cruise and/or walking tour of Vienna.

You can book it on its own, or opt for a Vienna Pass – which provides entry to 60+ attractions, including the hop-on hop-off bus!

Best Time To Visit Vienna

Honestly, there is something for everyone no matter what season you visit Vienna. I had the best time visiting Vienna during the spring and autumn months from April to May as well as September to October — which are considered the shoulder seasons.

Visiting in these shoulder seasons gives you the opportunity to see Vienna without the crowds and the sweltering temperatures.

Winters can be cold — though there is still plenty to do during this time of year for those who don’t mind bundling up. Along with winter sports like ice skating, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing, those visiting Vienna in December can take advantage of the holiday season Christmas markets.

Is Vienna Safe?

Yes, Vienna is very safe. In fact, according to Travel Safe – Abroad , it’s one of the safest capital cities in the world. The risk of natural disasters, mugging, and pickpocketing is low — though you should be aware of local scams.

Additionally, it’s always wise to keep common travel safety tips in mind. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, don’t drink too much, and have a local ridesharing service installed on your phone in case you ever need to escape an uncomfortable situation quickly.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend getting overly comfortable anywhere, not even in the city you live in; but, from my experience, I’ve never had any issues when visiting Vienna.

facade of Vienna's Museum of Natural History in the Museum Quarter

Where To Stay In Vienna

When it comes to deciding where to book your hotel in Vienna, a few of the most popular neighborhoods include:

Innere Stadt (1st District)

If you want to be right where the action is, Innere Stadt is the super charming historic center of Vienna and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to many top Vienna attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera. This area is also well-connected to other parts of the city.

Click here to browse top-rated hotels in Innere Stadt .

Leopoldstadt (2nd District)

Located just outside the First District, Leopoldstadt is a vibrant neighborhood full of restaurants and attractions. It is home to Prater Amusement Park, the iconic Riesenrad Ferris Wheel, and Augarten Park. Moreover, it’s also home to Vienna’s Jewish Quarter.

Click here to browse top-rated hotels in Leopoldstadt .

Neubau (7th District)

If you love art and fashion, Neubau is an excellent choice to look for Vienna accommodation. This hipster neighborhood is known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant street art. The MuseumsQuartier, home to several museums and cultural institutions, is also located here.

Click here to browse top-rated hotels in Neubau .

Mariahilf (6th District)

Adjacent to Neubau, Mariahilf is a lively and eclectic neighborhood. It is known for its bustling shopping street, Mariahilfer Strasse, which offers a wide range of stores and eateries. Mariahilf is also home to the Naschmarkt, a popular food market.

Click here to browse top-rated hotels in Mariahilf .

Josefstadt (8th District)

Located west of the First District, Josefstadt is a charming residential neighborhood with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful architecture. It’s known for its theaters and coffee houses as well as Vienna landmarks like The Rathaus (City Hall) and the Theater in der Josefstadt.

Click here to browse top-rated hotels in Josefstadt .

Landstraße (3rd District)

This neighborhood is home to many diplomatic missions and embassies, as well as the Belvedere Palace and its stunning gardens. While it’s not in the city center, Landstraße is well-connected to other parts of Vienna and is a great pick for those traveling on a budget.

Click here to browse top-rated hotels in Landstraße .

Hotels & Rentals in Vienna

If you want to research local Vienna hotels as well as self-contained stays, this map can help you compare your options. It’s set to show accommodation in the Innere Stadt district, but you can easily change this based on where you’d like to stay:

Vienna Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a map for visiting Vienna, Austria. It includes most of the main points and activities mentioned in this 4 day Vienna itinerary:

Click here for the interactive version of the map .

4 Day Vienna Itinerary: Quick Overview

Here is a quick overview of the Vienna 4 days itinerary we’ll be going over in this travel guide:

Day 1 highlights:

Explore Vienna City Center attractions like St Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace
Eat at the famous Naschmarkt
Visit Belvedere Palace
Have Viennese cuisine at Gulasch & Soehne Vienna
See a show at the Vienna Operahouse

Day 2 highlights :

KunstHistorisches Museum
Leopold Museum
Natural History Museum
Jewish Museum
Have a specialty Viennese coffee at Cafe Leopold
Experience live music — such as a Classical Concert at St. Peter’s Church

Day 3 highlights:

Cross the Danube River on foot
Visit Prater Park and ride the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

Explore & eat on the Donauinsel

Get a massage and soak in the thermal pools at Therme Wien

Day 4 highlights:

Vienna itinerary option a)

Take a day trip to Salzburg
While there, do a Salzburg food tour and visit Mozart’s birthplace

Vienna itinerary option b)

Have cake and coffee at the world-famous Cafe Central
Explore the local and luxury shops in Vienna
Visit Schönbrunn Palace
Have dinner at a traditional heuriger (wine tavern) in Vienna

4 Day Vienna Itinerary: Breakdown

On that note, let’s dive into how to spend 4 days in Vienna. Starting with…

Day 1: Vienna City Center & Beyond

Explore the historic centre of vienna.

What better way to start off your 4 days in Vienna, Austria itinerary than by taking a DIY walking tour of Vienna’s main attractions in the city center? This is where you’ll find incredible historical landmarks!

Begin your walk at St. Stephen’s Cathedral — known as the “Symbol of Vienna” as it juts up prominently from the skyline. If you don’t mind heights, you can climb the open-air staircase to the top of the cathedral to take in an epic view.

After you visit the cathedral, it’s just a short walk of about 12 minutes to the Hofburg Palace — the former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and one of the world’s largest palace complexes.

There are a few options when visiting: you can purchase a ticket and do a self-guided tour, or you can opt for a small group tour — like a Daily Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum Skip-the-line Guided Tour .

Finish the morning by checking out two of the city’s most magnificent buildings: Vienna City Hall (Wiener Rathaus) — which offers a free audio tour — and the Vienna State Opera House , which offers budget-friendly guided tours .

If you have time in your Vienna itinerary, you should also consider seeing a performance at the Vienna State Opera House. I’ve included it as tonight’s evening activity to help you plan this!

traveler visiting the Hofburg Palace during 4 days in Vienna, Austria

Have lunch at the Naschmarkt

Stop for lunch at the Naschmarkt , Vienna’s most famous market. Sample some local delicacies and wander around the various stalls.

One of the best parts about visiting the Naschmarkt is you can try the food before you buy it! Some of the local delicacies you don’t want to miss are:

Dolma leaves stuffed with rice, meat, and spices
Cheese-stuffed tomatoes and peppers
Gerillte kürbis (grilled pumpkin)
Baklava (Middle Eastern dessert of honey, nuts, and filo pastry)

If you’d like help finding the best stalls while learning about Viennese culinary culture, consider booking a Naschmarkt Food Tour with a local guide.

Note that the Naschmarkt is closed on Sundays. Luckily there is an excellent alternative lunch spot in the market that stays open and serves traditional food called Stella am Naschmarkt .

Explore Belvedere Palace

Spend the late afternoon exploring Belvedere Palace , an 18th-century palace that stands as an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Vienna’s rich cultural heritage.

Featuring two grand Baroque palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, the complex also features perfectly manicured gardens and breathtaking panoramic views of Vienna’s skyline.

The interior of the Belvedere Palace is equally opulent, with halls showcasing intricate stucco work, frescoes, and ornate decorations.

Along with admiring the grandeur of the palace, the other reason visitors flock to this Vienna attraction is the art. Belvedere Palace houses one of the finest collections of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day — including works by renowned artists like Gustav Klimt (including “The Kiss”), Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka, among many others.

If you’d like to really immerse yourself in Viennese heritage, consider booking a guided tour or attending a special event.

traveler visiting Belvedere Palace during a 4 day Vienna itinerary

Eat classic Viennese cuisine

For your first evening in Vienna, make reservations at Gulasch & Soehne Vienna . This restaurant — which serves classic Viennese cuisine and delicious wine — is moderately priced and is close to the Vienna Opera House.

I recommend ordering the rindsgulasch (Viennese beef goulash) and a cold Pilsner. Yum!

See a Vienna Opera House performance

The Vienna State Opera House is one of the most famous and prestigious music institutions in the world, renowned for the quality of its performances.

You can expect to see beautiful costumes, high-caliber performers, and intricate sets that will transport you to another time and place.

The atmosphere in the opera house is one of shared excitement and awe. As the music swells, you will be enraptured by the beauty and power of the performance. It’s an unforgettable experience that should not be missed when visiting Vienna.

Vienna State Opera House lit up at night

Day 2: Austrian Art, History & Culture

Visit the kunsthistorisches museum.

Begin your day at the KunstHistorisches Museum , Vienna’s largest and most important museum. Located in a gorgeous palatial building along the Vienna Ring Road, you’ll find an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and antiques.

Even if you are not an art history major, you might recognize famous artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens.

With masterpieces from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo periods, this museum will take you on an inspiring journey through time.

Explore the Leopold Museum

After you have fully explored the works of art at the KunstHistorisches Museum, head to the Leopold Museum for its impressive modern art collections.

This renowned museum houses some of the most famous Austrian and international modern artworks, including works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, and the Vienna Secessionist artists.

Here you can find an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photography, and more from the late 19th century to the present day. With its impressive selection of works by renowned artists, the Leopold Museum is an ideal destination for art lovers.

Note that this art museum is located within Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier (Museum Quarter), so you’ll be perfectly placed to continue exploring local cultural institutions if you please.

traveler wandering the Museum Quarter during a 4 day trip to Vienna

Have lunch at Cafe Leopold

One of the best cafes for lunch can be found at the Leopold Museum, Cafe Leopold , a stylish Asian fusion restaurant with a lovely open-air terrace. Make sure to order one of their specialty Viennese coffees, like Wiener Melange (espresso with steamed milk and froth) and Einspänner (a strong black coffee topped with whipped cream).

Explore Vienna’s Natural History Museum

Continue exploring Vienna’s Museum Quarter by visiting Vienna’s Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum), home to an impressive array of specimens that tell the story of our natural world. Fossils, minerals, meteorites, animals, and plants; this museum has something for everyone.

One major highlight of the museum is the dinosaur exhibit, which showcases dinosaur skeletons and fossils — including the famous 12-meter-long T. rex specimen!

Along with educational exhibits, the museum is also home to a planetarium and an IMAX theater, both of which allow you to explore astronomy and the wonders of the cosmos in an immersive way.

Learn at Vienna’s Jewish Museum

One of the most popular museums in Vienna is the Jüdisches Museum Wien (Jewish Museum). Located within the Museum Quarter, this cultural institution provides a deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture, and heritage.

Exhibits showcase ancient artifacts, rare documents, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of Jewish history, celebrate the contributions of the Jewish community, and share the hardships and successes they’ve experienced.

One highlight of the Jewish Museum is its impressive collection of artwork, including works by famous Jewish artists like Marko Rupnik and Max Oppenheimer.

Additionally, the museum includes a Holocaust Memorial, which serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime. It provides a solemn and educational experience that promotes remembrance, understanding, and the importance of combating prejudice and discrimination.

entrance of the Jewish Museum in Vienna, Austria

Eat dinner at Miznon Vienna

For dinner, check out Miznon Vienna , a bistro-style Israeli restaurant conveniently located just 6 minutes from The Jewish Museum. They’re known for their fresh ingredients and for putting unique twists on authentic dishes.

My favorite dishes from when I visited Vienna are the roasted baby cauliflower and the sweet potatoes with crème fraîche. While they do serve meat, you’ll definitely find many excellent vegan and vegetarian options here.

Enjoy live music in Vienna

If you are looking for a night out in Vienna, you must check out some live music! Depending on your mood you might head to a cozy bar or hit the dance floor. A few live music places in Vienna to get on your radar include:

Porgy & Bess , a renowned jazz club where you can see local and international performers play live
Reigen , a live music venue featuring a variety of genres, from blues to rock to pop and beyond
Chelsea , a popular bar and music spot that hosts a mix of live concerts, DJ sets, and club nights
Sargfabrik , an innovative cultural space with an industrial vibe that puts on concerts, theater performances, and other artistic events

Of course, Vienna is known for its classical music culture, and there are many places to explore this side of the city. For instance, you can attend:

Classical Concert at St. Peter’s Church
Vienna Mozart Concert in Historical Costumes at the Musikverein
Concert in St. Anne’s Church Vienna: Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn & Schubert
Schönbrunn Palace Concert in Vienna

interior of St. Anne's Church in Vienna, Austria

Day 3: River Crossing & Relaxation

Cross the river danube.

On the third day of your 4 days in Vienna, spend time exploring Vienna’s districts across the River Danube !

Just to orient you a bit, Vienna is split by the Danube: the old town, known as Innere Stadt , is on the left bank of the river; and the new town, or Vorstädte, is on the right.

Crossing the Danube by foot will take you about 30 minutes. Depending on where you are making your start there are two footbridges you can use to cross the Danube. If you don’t feel like walking or the weather isn’t good, you can also take the metro or taxi to the other side of the city.

If you’re staying in or near Innere Stadt, I recommend putting Prater — a big park and recreation area — into Google Maps.

Here you can ride the iconic Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel (called Wiener Riesenrad) and take in epic city views, enjoy the many fun amusement park rides, stroll the famous Prater Hauptallee walking path, or simply relax on the green space.

Next, head on to the Donauinsel — a long artificial island offering recreation opportunities and a peaceful retreat within Vienna. Here you can rent a bike, go for a relaxing stroll, or take a dip in the swimming pools if it’s warm enough.

A great spot to get some Greek food on the Donauinsel is Tavern Sokrates . Enjoy a casual bite to eat here while gazing out at the Danube River.

River Danube & the Donauinsel from above

Pamper yourself at the spa

The perfect way to end your day exploring Vienna is to head over to Therme Wien , an incredible spa with thermal pools that is open daily from 9am to 10pm!

From Taverne Sokrates you will take the U1 train toward Leopoldau and disembark at Donauinsel. The spa is a 4-minute walk from the station.

This is a full-service spa that offers massages and treatments as well as fitness and herbal medicine, though the real highlight is the thermal baths. These warm water pools offer the perfect place to unwind and relax.

While there, also spend some time in the saunas and steam rooms — which include Finnish saunas, bio saunas, steam baths, and more!

After fully indulging in what the spa has to offer, enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.

Day 4: Shopping & Thermal Baths

Have breakfast at historic cafe central.

Vienna travel wouldn’t be complete without exploring a few local Vienesse coffee houses, so start your day at the famous Cafe Central for some delicious cake (apple strudel, anyone?) and coffee.

Cafe Central is well known in Vienna for being the spot where Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, and architect Adolf Loos all came for their morning cup of joe.

If you want to order like a local, try the melange. Its Vienna’s version of the cappuccino. Since it is your last day in Vienna, take your time and savor every bite.

After your decadent breakfast, you can start to make your way to Kohlmarkt Street to kick off your day at the shops!

traveler sipping a melange coffee in an Austrian cafe during 4 days in Vienna

Shop around Vienna

As it’s the end of your trip, put your wallet to work and buy some designer goods and Viennese souvenirs. The best streets for shopping in Vienna are:

Kohlmarkt , for luxury brands
Kärntnerstraße , which showcases a mix of international and luxury brands
Goldenes Quartier , for fancy shops like Prada and Gucci
Graben , for international brands
Landstraßer Hauptstraße , for malls and big brand stores
Favoritenstraße , for local brands and family businesses
Spittelberg , where you’ll find small shops as well as taverns and pubs
Rotenturmstraße , for popular fashion chains
Wollzeile , to shop bookstores and stationery
Mariahilferstraße , the longest shopping street with a mix of brands

Near Mariahilferstraße, you can also visit one of the best restaurants in Vienna for lunch, Ulrich . Here you will find burgers, salads, small plates, and large plates. It’s suitable for vegans and non-vegans!

Explore Schönbrunn Palace

After lunch, check out one of Vienna’s most visited attractions, Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn)!

From Ulrich, you will take the U3 Ottakring line and get off at Westbahnhof to switch to the S+U train 60 towards Rodaun. You will disembark the train at Schloß Schönbrunn and the palace is a 2-minute walk.

This palace dates back to the 17th century when it was originally a hunting lodge. Later it was expanded into a grand imperial residence by Empress Maria Theresa, and over the years served as a summer residence for the Habsburg dynasty, one of Europe’s most influential royal families.

Today, Schönbrunn Palace is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional cultural and historical significance, as well as its outstanding architectural and natural features.

When visiting, admire the stunning Baroque architecture as you wander the grounds, terraces, and gardens — including the unique Labyrinth, an interactive garden featuring hedges, pathways, and thousands of plants that are arranged in intricate patterns, creating a maze-like structure.

You’ll also have access to some of the most famous and historically significant rooms in Austria — such as the Great Gallery, Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, and more.

Eat at a traditional heuriger

Finally, wrap up your day with dinner at one of Vienna’s heurigers (wine taverns), Zwölf Apostelkeller . A wine tavern may only call themselves a heuriger if the vineyards themselves harvested their wine in or around Vienna.

At Zwölf Apostelkeller, you will find traditional Viennese food and an unbeatable atmosphere. It’s the perfect end to an incredible Vienna itinerary.

Alternative Day 4 Itinerary Idea: Day Trip To Salzburg

Why not end your 4 day Vienna itinerary with a day trip to the world-famous Salzburg? It’s one of the best day trips from Vienna!

To get to Salzburg from Vienna, the best option is to take the train. Direct trains from Vienna to Salzburg are around 2.5 hours.

Once there, it’s recommended to do a food tour through Salzburg’s historic Old Town . As you walk through the cobblestone streets, learn about its fascinating culture and sample some delicious food.

Next, visit Mozart’s Birthplace , a museum that allows you to see how the composer lived in his early years while learning more about the man behind some of the world’s most treasured music.

Conclude your day trip in Salzburg with a stroll around the Mirabell Palace . This beautiful palace and its gorgeous gardens are perfect for capturing great photos, and visiting makes for a relaxing end to your Vienna 4-day itinerary!

Return to Vienna in the evening or extend your trip to stay in Salzburg for a couple of days !

traveler seeing the Salzburg cityscape on a day trip from Vienna

Top-Rated Tours In Vienna

Short on time but want to make the most of your visit to Vienna? Add the following top-rated experiences to your Vienna itinerary:

Skip the Line: Schonbrunn Palace & Gardens Guided Tour in Vienna
Vienna’s Highlights: Food, Coffee & Market Walking Experience
Vienna’s Sweet and Savory Food Scene Small Group or Private Tour
Vienna City Center Small-Group Walking Tour
Private Day Tour of Salzburg, Hallstatt & Melk from Vienna
Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Bike Tour from Vienna

Click here for a full list of Vienna tours .

Cost Of A 4 Day Trip To Vienna

The cost of a 4-day trip to Vienna will vary depending on what type of accommodation you choose, where and when you travel, and how much you plan to do while you are there. That being said, here is an estimate of what 4 days in Vienna might cost:

Accommodation: Accommodation will largely depend on the season you visit Vienna. During peak season, you can expect to pay a bit more.

If you prefer boutique hotels, then expect to pay upwards of €200 per night. You can find decent rooms for around €120 a night for basic accommodations.

This map can help you compare your options. It’s set to show hotels and rentals in the Innere Stadt district, but you can easily change this based on where you’re staying:

Transportation: The public transport system in Vienna is very efficient and affordable, with single tickets starting from €2.40.

Sightseeing & Activities: One thing to remember is that simply taking in the beautiful exterior facades of Vienna’s main attractions is free; however, if you want to take a peek inside the museum or and famous buildings, you should expect to pay a fee. Most of the entrance fees range from about €9 to €20 per person.

Want to get inside for free? Purchase the Vienna Pass and save big time on this Austrian city’s most popular attractions!

Food & Drink: Eating and drinking out in Vienna can be relatively inexpensive if you do your research with meals at local eateries costing between €10 to €15 per person on average.

Pro tip: make sure to try the classic dish Käsespätzle, which is a traditional Austrian dish made with egg noodles, cheese, and chives.

It’s similar to macaroni and cheese but has its own unique flavor combination thanks to the fresh chives that are added. The noodles are usually boiled until tender and then mixed with melted cheese before being served with a sprinkle of chives. It is suitable for vegetarians in Vienna.

If you want more of a fine dining experience, then the sky is the limit. There are many Michelin-star restaurants in Vienna that will cost you more than a night’s stay in a boutique hotel.

Tips For Enjoying A 4 Day Vienna Itinerary

Do some research beforehand and plan your days in advance. This will help you make the most of your short time in Vienna.
Take advantage of free attractions such as public parks, markets, and architecture.
Investigate special discounts for student travelers that may be available at certain attractions.
Lines can get quite long at major attractions. Get an early start when visiting popular places like Schönbrunn Palace (or get a skip-the-line ticket ) as this will help you avoid crowds.
Embrace the local culture and cuisine of Vienna. Try to sample dishes that are unique to Austria.
Take lots of pictures. With all the beautiful architecture and stunning scenery, Vienna is a great place for photos.

What To Pack For 4 Days In Vienna

No matter what season you visit Vienna, it’s important to pack appropriately for your trip. Below is a list of essentials you should consider packing:

Clothing: Dress in layers so that you are prepared for changing temperatures throughout the day. Include some warmer items such as sweaters and jackets if visiting during the colder months of the year.

Shoes: You will walk a lot on this 4 day Vienna itinerary. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking (like this budget-friendly pair ) as well as some nicer pairs if you plan on going out in the evening. This selection of flats offers options that can function for both day and evening wear — which means less room taken up in your suitcase!

Toiletries: Don’t forget basic toiletries such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, and moisturizer. Check to see what the hotel provides if you’d like to save room in your luggage.

Umbrella: It can rain at any time in Vienna, so pack an umbrella and a rain jacket.

Camera: Capture beautiful moments during your 4 day Vienna itinerary by bringing a camera along with you. There are some pretty cool gadgets you can get for your smartphone that make your photos stand out — like this lens kit .

Vienna Travel Insurance

When visiting Vienna—or anywhere else in the world—it’s wise to get travel insurance.

For this, I have two recommendations:

SafetyWing . If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).

Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.

World Nomads . For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.

4 Days In Vienna Itinerary: Final Thoughts

Vienna, the captivating capital of Austria, offers an abundance of cultural treasures, architectural marvels, and culinary delights that make it an ideal destination for a 4 day getaway.

With careful planning, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history, artistic heritage, and vibrant atmosphere of Vienna in 4 days — even fitting in most, if not all, of the main tourist attractions.

Don’t be afraid to customize this itinerary to your personal liking and needs. Do as much or as little as possible, even if it means spending a few hours wandering without a plan or relaxing in a local park. Just enjoy this incredible city!

What would you add to this 4-day Vienna itinerary?

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About The Author

Melissa Byron is from the US and is a solo travel expert and expat having lived in countries such as Germany and Greece. For more on solo travel itineraries around the world check out her blog, A Solo Woman Traveling .

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Thank you for your beautiful vienna itinerary article. It is fantastic 🙂 I like that. It helps me for my vacation 🙂

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!

Interesting buildings and street art along the Danube Canal, Vienna

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.

Solo Travel Story

4 day Vienna Itinerary for solo travellers

A Complete 4 Day Vienna Itinerary For First Time Visitors

In 2018 I took the plunge and travelled solo to Vienna for the very first time. I needed a break from London and the Austrian capital seemed to be the best choice for my first solo travel adventure. The city is consistently ranked at the top for best quality of life, is known for its rich imperial past and of tremendous cultural & artistic significance. I’ve visited Vienna many times ever since and even spent three months living there last summer. Here’s my 4 Day Vienna itinerary for first time visitors and I invite you to follow along and explore this wonderful city with me.

My Vienna travel guide for first time visitors includes a detailed day to day itinerary filled with activities and local things to do alone in Vienna for solo travellers. I’ll also tell you where is the best area to stay in Vienna for your visit, which activities I feel you could skip and how to access the city from the airport.

Table of Contents

4 Day Vienna Itinerary Overview

4 Day Vienna Itinerary for first time visitors

What You Need to Know When Visiting Vienna

Cash is preferred over card payments
Vienna has a city tax which covers an additional 3.2% of the original accommodation fee
Vienna Mitte (central) is not Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station). The CAT train runs to Vienna Mitte. If you need to go to Hauptbahnhof, you have to use a regular train.
Vienna has an odd layout and walking is sometimes faster than public transport
Vienna is consistently voted as a top city with a high quality of life
Vienna consists of 23 districts and they all have names, too
Austrian’s are smart, sophisticated and laid back
No matter what time of the day, but if you do switch the TV on you’ll notice there’s always a Sissi, Habsburger or Vienna themed documentary airing
Aldi operates under the name “Hoffer”
Austria is part of the DACH countries, please do not refer to them as Germans. Their language is also not German, but Austrian
Be careful when taking pictures in public. The DACH countries have strict privacy laws and you need to respect others when out and about. Always ask for permission to avoid potential confrontation
Tickets for the underground or tram can be purchased in advance. If you purchase the ticket on the train they charge 20p extra
The city provides free drinking stations across town and has a top water quality. Cooles Wien is your go to app for the summer
All social classes are represented & integrated throughout the city
Word of caution though: you may get approached by seemingly normal people who will blatantly ask you for money or work. I guess every city has its weirdos
Vienna is constantly evolving as a city. Authorities & administration are very committed and invested in maintaining the quality of life for all citizens & visitors

4 Day Vienna Itinerary For First Time Visitors

Vienna is the city that keeps on giving, no matter how many times you come back to it. I love returning to the city and actively plan new visits, simply because I’ve never had a bad experience here. Having spent the entire summer 2022 test living in Vienna, I still feel I haven’t seen all it has to offer.

The main pull for visitors are: the glamourous imperial past, the UNESCO recognised coffee house culture, Prater and of course its prestigious status as a horse city. Mozart, Freud, Ferstel, Loos, Klimt, Hundertwasser or the Sacher family are all world renowned household names – they all made Vienna the intellectual centre and sophisticated city that it is today.

For this 4 Day Vienna Itinerary I’ve compiled a few places for each day which continue to engage me and have been a pleasure to revisit. The post includes my personal suggestions on what you could do and see during your stay in Vienna. You can take what resonates best with you and don’t have to follow my itinerary strictly. What’s interesting and engaging to me, may not work for you. I try to provide as much information for your planning as possible including alternatives, so you get the most out of your 4 Day Vienna stay.

This Vienna itinerary uses Quartier Belvedere as a base and starting point for your daily explorations. All prices and costs are correct as of January 2023.

Day 1 Vienna Itinerary

For your first day, arrive and get an overview of Vienna’s structure. Stroll casually into town and explore along the way. Whilst you explore, never take your eyes off from the buildings. Vienna is steeped in history and proud of its imperial past which the buildings reflect.

Day 1 Vienna Itinerary Afternoon

After your arrival and luggage drop off at your hotel, freshen up, have a little rest and then let’s explore the area.

Palace Belvedere Grounds

The baroque Palace Belvedere sits within a manicured garden & park landscape. The grounds are neat with impressive white Sphinx statues, fountains and romantic setups. It’s a popular place for runners but also to stroll into the city centre. There’s an orangery at the bottom of the area, the University Botanical Gardens and an open air theatre during the summer months.

The highlight, however, is the extensive art collection displayed in the Upper Belvedere . The unique collection includes notable works by Schiele, Van Gogh and Klimt. The latter’s most famous work “The Kiss” is a true visitor magnet. Keep the art gallery for Day 2.

Schwarzenbergplatz

When you leave the grounds of Belvedere, you’ll be at Schwarzenbergplatz. The square has a Soviet War Memorial , an impressive fountain ( Hochstrahlbrunnen ) which entertains visitors with a lightshow after dark, and numerous interesting buildings. The French Embassy in art nouveau style is one of my favourite buildings in Vienna.

Note : the Viennese art nouveau movement is called Viennese Secession. The Karlsplatz station entrance is another example of this exquisite style.

Keep your eyes open for Vienna’s smallest vineyard , which is located between the Universal Music Booking and Casino on the right-hand side of the square.

Vienna Central, District 1

The centre of Vienna is a joy to walk around. First time visitors will easily spend a good 3 to 4h exploring the area. It starts with the impressive opera house, to the nearby Albertina museum and iconic Hotel Sacher. There are countless traditional coffee houses alongside modern cafés, bakeries, restaurants and chains. One thing is for sure, you won’t starve in Vienna.

Check Out : Vienna’s street food is pretty filling. Favourites of mine include a Käsekrainer Hot Dog (cheese filled sausage in a bun, 6€) which you can get from Bitzinger outside the Albertina or a Korean corn dog (deep fried sausage in a potato coating, 6.50€) from KOON .

KOON corn dog korean street food in Vienna

From the main High Street, there are several smaller, narrow alleys and side streets which will take you to quieter parts of the city. The small squares, imperial buildings and the Mozart house boast history on every corner. The cobbled streets are intertwined in a maze and invite you to get lost. Favourite parts of mine include the area around the Clock Museum , the Jewish Square and the newly designed Neuer Markt .

Coburgbastei

If you keep exploring on the East-side, you’ll find plenty of local restaurants, galleries, churches and the Literature Museum. A personal favourite of mine is the Coburgbastei 4 – Vienna’s only surviving city fortress. The final remains of the Viennese city wall and former Brown bastion are inside a luxury hotel. How did that happen you may ask? So back in the 12th century Duke Leopold V captured Richard I during the third crusade and thus demanded a high ransom from the British for Richard’s release. From the money, the Austrian king expanded Vienna’s city structure and established a circular city wall: 5km long, with 20 towers and 10 entrance gates. This structure lasted for 300 years.

The Brown Bastion was then built in 1545-55 as an extension on top of this city wall. It served as a protection against the Ottoman attacks and was at the time the most prestigious bastion. It had a sophisticated underground system for storing ammunition and even had canons.

Duke Ferdinand of Saxony-Coburg & Gotha acquired the land in 1840 and built a grand city palace on top of the Brown Bastion remains. Today, the Coburgbastei is a 5 star hotel. Guided tours to the basement and state rooms are upon request through the hotel’s newsletter, but the rest of the ruins can be explored for free in the hotel lobby. Make sure you let reception know and then enjoy this unusual but highly interesting place.

St Stephen’s Cathedral

If you prefer to stay on the High Street, you will follow the Kärntner Straße . At its end you’ll have arrived at St Stephen’s Cathedral and if you turn left you can explore The Graben, Vienna’s posh end of the High Street.

I’ve never explored the cathedral properly. A quick glimpse inside is free and you can then decide for yourself if you want to pay and access other areas of the cathedral, such as the tower, altar or crypt.

Note : St Stephen’s Cathedral is a catholic institution and therefore a Camino site. The Camino sign is on a lamp post outside of the watchmaker shop Bucherer (north-west side of the cathedral). On the east-side of the church is the community centre Quo Vadis (Stephansplatz 6) which provides visitors with information on the Austrian Camino. You can obtain the Credential and take part in their monthly coffee meet ups with like-minded pilgrims.

If you follow the Camino signs, you’ll pass The Graben, the Holy Trinity column and eventually pass through the Hofburg. The Hofburg is home to the Spanish Riding School, the Sissi museum, the treasury and presidential administration of the city of Vienna.

Have a look, just outside of the Hofburg, in Michaeler Square , are the remains of a former Roman military camp. The ruins of Vindobona are approximately 2000 years old and free to explore. This may be just a small excavation site, yet it connects Vienna to a long and rich history of its Roman origins.

Vienna hofburg with Roman excavation site

Find some time for a rest in the nearby Volksgarten . This charming park designed in 1821 is a favourite amongst locals and visitors. It provides lots of benches, shade and has a stunning rose garden display. It’s a lovely oasis to recharge, people watch and enjoy the flowers.

Rathaus & City Information Centre

After your break, check out the Rathaus (City Hall). In the summer, the square in front of the City Hall has a free open air cinema, showing mostly classical & pop concerts, as well as ballets and theatre performances. There is more. Not only is this building exceptional with its intricate baroque features, I would advise you to pay the City Information Centre (Friedrich Schmidt Platz) on the other side of the building a visit. This tourist information is different from the ones near the Albertina, as it provides lots of information on Vienna as a city itself, rather than promoting and selling tours.

The City Information Centre has tons of interesting material on Vienna’s city structure, its (on going) development plans, statistics and specific information on hiking trails, music performances, cultural events and living in Vienna. I needed some help with my research on the Viennese coffee houses and the staff at the City Information Centre were extremely invested and provided me with free books on Viennese coffee culture. I left with 2kg of material and it was such a great support for my article. You can also pick up your passport for the inner city hiking trails and fetch your hiking needles, once you’ve completed your hikes.

From the Rathaus, you can either take the tram (line D) back to your hotel or walk towards the Museum Quarter . This is another newly developed area with interesting museums, art galleries and a chill out zone. It is not only exclusive for museum guests but invites everyone to relax, mingle and soak up the atmosphere. When I spent three months living in Vienna, this was my Sunday afternoon place to hang out and read.

Day 1 Vienna Itinerary Dinner

For dinner you could consider Le Burger. I’m in love with this small Austrian burger chain and its unfuzzy and “Oh-so-instagrammable” vibes. Swings and green lush plants make the place atmospheric and very laid back. The burgers are all delicious and the menu includes a wide range of flavour combinations. They even do nachos with pulled beef and sauces. One quirky highlight of Le Burger is their sauce bar which offers unusual flavours such as blueberry ketchup, garlic mayo and BBQ dip.

Quite a lot of impressions for your first day in Vienna, so get a good night’s sleep and let’s explore more tomorrow.

Day 2 Vienna Itinerary

Check out some of the art galleries and museums that Vienna has to offer. Finish the day with a rollercoaster ride at the ever so fun and entertaining amusement park Prater.

Day 2 Vienna Itinerary Morning

Palace Belvedere Art Gallery (Upper Belvedere)

Start your day by visiting the exhibition and art gallery. The palace inside is architecturally stunning. The many treasures of art work have been given a space worthy of their admiration and you’ll be drawn into the worlds of Klimt, Hundertwasser and Schiele. I personally loved the gallery at Belvedere and in comparison to other museums and galleries in Vienna, it was relatively quiet. Best to make use of that.

Time spent: approximately 90 minutes Costs: Tickets start at 16€

Day 2 Vienna Itinerary Lunch

You can’t come to Vienna without spending some time at a traditional coffee house. Recognised as a UNESCO cultural heritage, Viennese coffee culture attracts over 8 million visitors annually.

FIND OUT MORE : How Authentic are Coffee Houses in Vienna Today?

The list of traditional coffee houses is long and they vary in style and service. I personally would choose Café Central for first time visitors to Vienna. It is touristy, yes, but it is located within the prestigious Ferstel Palais, which in itself is quite the experience.

Heinrich von Ferstel was a Viennese VIP architect and designed the city palace between 1856-1860. It follows the venetian/Florentine art trecento style and was originally planned as a finance, exchange and bank center. Built during the Wilhelmina era, the Ferstel Palais is regarded as one of the most prestigious buildings in Vienna. Today it also hosts a grand hall for extravagant events and has an arcaded shopping area with high-end local brands. Café Central moved into the building 16 years after its completion and has been there ever since.

If you decide for Café Central, Café Demel or Hotel Sacher, make sure to book in advance as these are the most popular cafés in town.

Time spent: 1h Costs: apple strudel 8.50€, Sacher cake 8.90€

Day 2 Vienna Itinerary Afternoon

Albertina Gallery

Another art gallery not to be missed when in Vienna. The permanent collection hosts over 65,000 artworks by Hundertwasser, Monet and various German expressionists. It is slightly more modern orientated and always has a special exhibition running, which comes free with your admission. The Albertina also has a sub gallery, the Albertina Modern, near the Karlsplatz which focuses on modern performance artists.

Note : The Albertina is also a good address for your bathroom breaks in town, as they are well kept and free of use. Take the escalators to the entrance, then keep right. The bathrooms are one level down.

Time spent: 2h Costs: 18.90€ adult ticket, combi ticket with Albertina Modern 24.90€

Alternative Activity in Vienna: Kunsthistorische Museum

An alternative thing to do alone in Vienna is to visit the Kunsthistorische Museum (art history museum). It is filled from bottom to ceiling with over 2,100 objects that belonged to the Habsburg monarchy’s treasury. The Cupola Hall is an impressive marbled circular room in the heart of the museum. From here you can further explore the extensive painting collection which includes treasures from Dürer and Bruegel.

The Tower of Babylon is one of my favourite paintings and the generous sofas laid out all around the museum, make this visit highly enjoyable to fully appreciate the paintings. There’s a lot to see so you can get fatigued easily. Therefore I would advise not to exceed a 2h stay.

Time spent: 2h Costs: 18€ adult ticket

Day 2 Vienna Itinerary Evening

Prater Amusement Park

From the Albertina walk towards St Stephen’s Cathedral and down Rotenturm Street. At the end you’ll pass Sweden Square, cross over the river and follow along the Danube in an east-bound direction. At Franzensbrücke, walk up the stairs and walk north-bound until you’ve reached Praterstern.

Time: approximately 40 minutes, depending how fast you walk

Prater is an inner-city nature reserve with a huge – partially kept natural- parkland and a permanent amusement park. I absolutely love this place as fairgrounds are the ultimate summer essential for me. Prater is good fun, maybe not on a late Friday evening but other than that, walking around the fairground will always engage me. Fetch a Langos, some candy floss and watch the brave take a spin on Prater Turm, the world’s largest high swing carousel at 117m.

Other highlights of the Prater fairground include the Vienna Ferris Wheel which I rode on my first time visiting Vienna. Before you board the wooden capsule, you’ll learn more about its 100 year history in a separate exhibition. The capsules are very rocky and not stable as they are e.g. at the London Eye. The views however make up for this, so for me this is a definite thing to do in Vienna.

Take the S1, S2 or S3 from Prater Stern in the direction of Meidling. It’ll be three stops to Quartier Belvedere.

Time Spent: 2h or more, depending on rides Costs: entrance is free, the rides costs between 5€-10€, Ferris wheel 13.50€, candy floss 2.50€, Langos 5€

Day 3 Vienna Itinerary

Start your day by visiting the Hundertwasser House and museum. Have lunch in town and then explore the Prunksaal at The National Library. Use your afternoon for a stroll along Gumpendorfer and Mariahilfer Straße, two excellent eclectic neighbourhoods with shopping opportunities and local communities. Finish at Naschmarkt and Schleifmühlgasse, one of my favourite streets in Vienna. Alternatively, you could embark on an inner-city hiking trail and explore lesser known parts of the city. Let’s go!

Day 3 Vienna Itinerary Morning

Let’s start the morning with some more culture and art. A well-known son of Vienna is Friedensreich Hundertwasser. This visual artist and architect is legendary with his quirky and colourful designs. Have you noticed that several buildings in Vienna carry his legacy? The Spittelau Incinerator is one such remarkable building. Another, more centrally located residential building is in Kegelgasse 36-38.

Keep in mind, whilst this is free to visit, this is only to look at from the outside. There are small shops selling Hundertwasser prints and memorabilia, but if you’re after a proper museum, walk 10 minutes north-bound.

Hundertwasser Haus residential in Vienna

The Kunst Haus Wien Museum Hundertwasser is at Untere Weißgerberstraße 13. This museum features a wide collection of Hundertwasser’s paintings, architectural designs and performance art. Hundertwasser had quite the love-hate relationship with Vienna and preferred to travel the world instead. He has very close ties to Australia and New Zealand and even designed an Uluru flag for Oz. The exhibition is highly interesting and engaging, not least because design elements by Hundertwasser were integrated into the museum. I’m not giving too much away, let’s just say it is a surprising and educational museum.

Time Spent: 90 minutes Costs: 11€ adult ticket

Day 3 Vienna Itinerary Lunch

Whilst you walk back into town to fetch lunch, make sure to pass by Anker Uhr at Hoher Markt . This elaborate historic clock is often overlooked but it is such a gorgeous piece of Viennese history right in the heart of town. Similar to the Astronomical Clock in Prague and Bern, this one comes with copper accents & figures that move around on the hour.

For food, maybe now is the time to give the Austrian classic Wiener Schnitzel a try. A traditional staple of Viennese cooking, a tender piece of veal is dipped in flour and breadcrumbs and then carefully fried. The biggest Schnitzel have a diameter of 30cm and are sold at Figlmüller , where they’ve been made since 1920.

Alternative Restaurants for Wiener Schnitzel : Little Giant or check out Roma & Russel’s guide to Wiener Schnitzel .

Day 3 Vienna Itinerary Afternoon

After lunch, visit the grand State Hall (Prunksaal) at The National Library . This part of the former imperial library was built in the 18th century. 200,000 books pile up on 80m² in length and 20 metres in height. Four venetian globes, frescos and an elaborate ceiling make this library one of the most beautiful in the world.

Time Spent: 30-40 minutes Costs: 10€ adult ticket, combi tickets with the globe museum, literature and papyrus museum are possible

Alternative things to do alone in Vienna : nearby is the globe museum which belongs to the same complex. Might be a bit specific and quirky, but I’ve heard many good stories about it.

Viennese Neighbourhoods & Localities

Use the rest of your afternoon to explore Vienna’s lively neighbourhoods, in particular Mariahilfer Straße & Gumpendorfer Straße .

Mariahilfer – a leafy pedestrian zone with lots of shopping opportunities. The vibes are friendly and the street is picturesque. It used to be the home of Vienna’s prettiest coffee house, The Café West End, but unfortunately it closed during the pandemic. At the end of the street, turn right into the Gumpendorfer and walk back up.

Gumpendorfer – runs parallel to the Mariahilfer and is one of the most interesting streets in Vienna. Pay attention to the art nouveau Arik Brauer Haus , another impressive residential building. The building was designed by Viennese architect Arik Brauer and then executed by city designer Peter Pelikan who also collaborated with Hundertwasser.

Follow the “Gumpi” along and indulge in some trendy cafés along the way. Brass Monkey , espresso bar Apa-To or Fain are just a few interesting addresses for you to check out.

Have a look at the Flak Tower which hosts The House of the Ocean. This is an interesting historic building, built as a defence tower during the WW II. Today there are six remaining towers across the city, mainly because they are difficult to demolish. So instead, the city decided to maintain them as homes for new concepts. Anyway, you can fetch a drink on the rooftop terrace which has stunning 360 degree views over Vienna. There’s a separate entrance for the rooftop to the very far right of the building.

Turn right down Köstlergasse and end up on Linke Wienzeile . This, too, is a highly interesting street with local restaurants left, right and centre front, historic buildings that’ll astonish you including the impressive Café Savoy. Sandwiched in between is the Naschmarkt (snack market), Vienna’s inner-city open planned food market. Have a look and taste around. I’ve had lunch here once at Neni’s which serves mostly Middle Eastern cuisine.

Alternative things to do alone in Vienna : follow one of the inner-city hiking trails. You can pick up your free pass and guide at the City Information Centre on Day 1. I would personally suggest Route 9 in Prater or Route 11 through District 5 & 10.

Day 3 Vienna Itinerary Dinner

Fetch food at Naschmarkt or close by. If you need some vegan options, I got Tolstoy and Swing Kitchen on my list. On your way back to Quartier Belvedere, walk through Schleifmühlgasse .

“Schleifmühli” in District 4 (Wieden) is another favourite of mine. A former address for a mill grinding cutting knives and thrusting weapons, this street is a thriving community today, often nicknamed as “Vienna’s public lounge”.

Next to local cafés such as Alt Wien coffee roastery, Lisboa Lounge, Vollpension (a quirky concept café) are numerous independent galleries, bookshops, Bobby’s England shop and various al fresco restaurants. My favourite is Pinsatore which serves traditional Italian Pinsen, a very thin and mega crispy, yet flavoursome pizza.

Schleifmuhlgasse vienna with pinsatore restaurant

Day 4 Vienna Itinerary

Step back into Vienna’s imperial past and explore Palace Schönbrunn. Not only is the palace worth a look, but the extensive grounds are home to Vienna’s zoo and other attractions.

Day 4 Vienna Itinerary Morning

Today will be spent at Schönbrunn. I have cycled to the Imperial Palace many times and love seeing Vienna from a different perspective that way. I leave this up to you. After breakfast, you could rent a bike from your hotel, e.g. Hotel Daniel or get one from “Die Radstation” at the train station. Day rates for a city bike should come at around 15-20€. Alternatively, you can take the Underground to “Schönbrunn”. Take the U1 (Leopoldau) and change at Karlsplatz into U4 (Hietzing).

Palace Schönbrunn is on the westside of Vienna and lies outside of the city centre. It is worth the trip as there is much to do and see there and explore its extensive grounds.

Schönbrunn Palace Vienna itinerary and travel guide

Palace Schönbrunn Tour

Come early, as the palace is Vienna’s top attraction and it will be well visited. There are a couple of different tours on offer. Some tours only cover a few rooms and then require you to “upgrade” if you’d like to continue and see more of it.

I like that the tours offer you flexibility and you’re not coerced into a full tour. On my first visit, I opted for the Imperial Tour , a rather small tour covering 22 rooms including the state rooms and private bedrooms of the monarchs. For me, this was plenty to see and to be honest, the rooms were a bit bland and repetitive after a while. You’ll be given an audio guide too so you can guide yourself around the Palace.

Time: 90 minutes Costs: 22€ adult ticket

Day 4 Vienna Itinerary Lunch

Schönbrunn Gardens

The Palace is always worth a visit. Last but not least, because of its spacious and impressive gardens. There are countless shaded alleyways, pavilions, fountains, rose bushes, hedges and even a labyrinth to admire. Strolling around the grounds will make you feel grand, too. It’s a very relaxing activity. When you feel ready, tackle the slopes ascending to the Gloriette. Gorgeous views over the Palace and the city, as well as a well deserved cup of coffee, await you on top. Secure a spot on one of the benches and take in the views.

Time: easily 2h Costs: free

Day 4 Vienna Itinerary Afternoon

Alternative 1: Palm House

At the west side of the Schönbrunn grounds is a palm house. Opened in 1882 with a total space of 2,500m² it used to be the biggest greenhouse in the world. The construction consists mainly of steel and glass that needed regular restorations throughout its history. Taken under monumental protection in 2011, the palm house received its latest restoration. Today, it is very well preserved and made of three houses. Each house, or section, has a separate temperature to accommodate the exotic plants inside. The average temperature is 18°C and the lowest is 6°C.

If you’re a fan of rare plants, palms and intricate 19th century gardening architecture, this is a magical place for you. There are also benches for you to sit, admire and ponder about life. It’s a lovely atmosphere and I enjoyed this very much.

Time: 1h Costs: 7€ adult ticket

Alternative 2: Vienna Zoo

Opened in 1752 and now a UNESCO world heritage site, the Vienna Zoo is another option to spend your time when in Schönbrunn. The enclosures are spacious and generously laid out. See Koalas, Giant Pandas, Ice Bears and wolves whilst walking around a manicured and neat park design. I loved spending time here and there’s even a treetop walk.

Book your tickets online to avoid the queues at the entrance. Online tickets are not dated to a specific day so you have more flexibility for your visit. Although once inside, you won’t be able to go out and come back again.

Time: 3-4h Costs: 26€ adult ticket

Alternative 3: Strudelshow at Café Residenz

In the basement of Café Residenz is the imperial bakery and kitchen. The traditional cross rib vault kitchen is the domain of Head Confectioner Michael. He’ll run the Strudelshow a couple of times in the morning and early afternoon, which introduces you to the art of apple strudel making within 30 minutes.

Michael makes apple strudel baking look so easy, but it’s his highly entertaining and engaging demonstrations that make the Strudelshow so enjoyable.

If you have more time in Vienna, definitely take part in the baking course. In a small group, you’ll learn the craft of apple strudel making and perfecting dough stretching skills. During the 3h course there’s not just food on end, but a casual atmosphere and lots of fun, too. Plus you’ll go home as a certified Viennese Apple Strudel Confectioner. The course runs mostly on a Friday, so do check on their website and request your space beforehand.

Time: 30 minutes Strudelshow, 3h Baking Course Costs: 14€ including coffee and a slice of apple strudel, 75€ Baking Course

Alternative things to do alone in Vienna for Day 4 : start your day with a performance at the Spanish Riding School and view the stables afterwards. Leave Schönbrunn Palace for the afternoon, but note it might be very busy then to do a tour inside the palace. You can still stroll around its grounds, visit the zoo or the palm house.

Maybe Not: Vienna Activities to Skip

Reflecting on previous visits, some experiences stood out to me, which didn’t do it for me. This is my personal opinion and you can, of course, give them a go and decide for yourself.

Spanish Riding School & Stables

The 1h performance cost around 60€ and if you’re unlucky, you’ll be seated at the top, meaning you have to lean slightly over the balustrade to see anything. I personally didn’t get much out of this experience. I’m not into dressage and I’m open to understanding it, yet I questioned its practice and ethics many times. The following 1h guided tour around the stables was equally disappointing. The guide was disengaged and it felt like she hadn’t prepared herself well. The generic information were limited and poorly presented. I found it too basic overall and I felt I had learnt zero about the tradition, the upkeep ect. It was an experience that didn’t give me anything, so may as well invest those 2h into another Viennese activity. I have still listed the performance & stable in this 4 Day Vienna itinerary, as I’m aware that the tradition is a huge pull, especially to horse lovers.

spanish riding school vienna guided stable tour

Haus des Meeres (House of the Ocean)

This is a privatised aquarium on Gumpendorfer Straße. The concept is quirky as the aquarium is located within a historic Flak Tower, one of Vienna’s six remaining defence towers. Built for protection during the war and made from reinforced concrete, this is basically a high tier bunker facility. This in itself is impressive to pay attention to when you walk around in Vienna. Now home to a privatised aquarium, I was not a fan. The tickets were expensive, staff unfriendly, the enclosures way too small, forbidden signs left right and centre front, the aquariums very lifeless and not attractively designed. It felt like a rip off. Instead save your 20€ and visit the Zoo in Schönbrunn instead.

Some Popular Restaurants

I’ve had a few disappointing dining experiences. I was not impressed by restaurants Fratelli and Figlmüller ; especially the latter is a bit of a tourist trap. Unfriendly waiters, long waiting times, Schnitzel are massive yet they come without any side dishes and those needed to be ordered and paid extra for. No thanks! In-Dish , a supposed “upscale” Indian was far from high quality. My Chicken Tikka Masala was extremely dry and full of onions. NEXT!

Vienna Airport to City Centre Transfer

Getting into town from the airport via public transport is swift, easy and straightforward. Here are your options:

By Bus : the bus terminal is very well signposted. The signs will automatically lead you out of the terminal. Bus stop 7 will take you directly to Vienna main station (Hauptbahnhof) or to Vienna West Station. A return within a month costs 13€. Alternatively you could use a SlovakLine or Regiojet service coming from Bratislava as it’ll cost you 2€ but will need to be booked in advance and the service is not running frequently.

By Train : Vienna main station (Hauptbahnhof) is not Vienna Central (Mitte). There is confusion and the direct airport train CAT at 16€ goes to Vienna Mitte (Central). If you need to catch a train to travel further to Prague, Bratislava or Budapest, you most likely have to go to Hauptbahnhof (main station). The direct train to Hauptbahnhof runs every 30 minutes and the ticket should cost 4.60€

If you stay in the Quartier Belvedere area, drop off your luggage and start exploring. A walk into central Vienna via the grounds of Palace Belvedere will take approximately 20-30 minutes.

The Best Area To Stay In Vienna

Ever since my first visit to Vienna in 2018, I have been staying and returning to Quartier Belvedere , the best area to stay in Vienna. This area is located in walkable distance south of the city centre and offers many accommodation choices.

Quartier Belvedere sits on the border to Vienna’s lively District 4 (Wieden) and District 10 (Favoriten). The area is a newly developed square with cafés, restaurants, hotels and parks. Next door is the main station (Hauptbahnhof) for easy access to the airport and organising day trips. Tramline D goes straight to the city centre and you can also use U1 from Hauptbahnhof and Tram 18 goes to Westbahnhof. From Quartier Belvedere there’s also the S1- S4 which take you to Prater in just three stops and Vienna Mitte (central) in two.

Hotels in Vienna near Quartier Belvedere :

Budget: Prizotel, Ibis, Novotel

Mid-tier: Hotel Daniel , Hotel Shani

Luxury: Moons

Apartment Hotels: Adina (5 Star), JOYN (4 Star), Smartments (3 Star)

FAQs about the 4 Day Vienna Itinerary for First Time Visitors

I understand this is quite a lengthy post and you may have some quick questions about the 4 Day Vienna itinerary for first time visitors. You can, of course, always come back to any section of my post and read in more detail what you’d need for your trip. If you have questions or need help, please get in touch and I’m happy to assist.

How many days do you need in Vienna?

If you’re visiting Vienna for the first time, I would suggest staying for 4 days. This will give you enough opportunity to try out a variety of activities and see if its vibe is compatible with you. Vienna has a very high standard of living and I would describe its character as sophisticated & intellectual without coming across as pretentious.

Are there many things to do alone in Vienna and is the city solo travel friendly?

A clear yes. Vienna is friendly to solo travellers and there are many things to do alone, such as hiking, exploring the historic Inner City or hopping around the many coffee houses. Culturally you have tons of museums, the Mozart concerts or the Imperial Palaces such as Hofburg & Schönbrunn. In the summer, you can also do a wine tour around its many vineyards, take a spin on the Prater or do a day trip to nearby Bratislava. Each of the 23 districts have their own character and are also worth exploring, my favourites are Wieden (District 4), Ottakring (District 8) and Favoriten (District 10).

When’s a good time to visit Vienna for the first time?

I’ve only ever been to Vienna during the summer & autumn so I can only comment on this time of the year. I hear the Viennese Christmas Markets and celebrating New Year’s in Vienna are magical but I prefer the warmer temps. Plus there’s more time to explore due to the extended daylight hours. Prater amusement park is way more fun when the weather is warm and you can enjoy being outside.

Thanks so much for reading. If you’ve enjoyed my 4 Day Vienna Itinerary for First Time Visitors and would like to support my blog & research, you can do so via Buy Me a Coffee .

Till next time,

About SoloTravelStory

Blogs about her travel adventures in the world from her London home.

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21 comments.

This makes me so excited for our trip in October. Great, great itinerary- I love that you include things not to do – sometimes that’s equally as helpful as thing to do. Beautiful neighborhoods, coffee houses, and sights, and the food sounds amazing.

I’ve just re-read this for a second time as we are starting to get into the details of our Vienna trip. I’ve picked up even more! You we able to do so many things in 4 days and I hope we can do it justice in only 2 or 3 days!

Such an interesting article and full of facts and info that I did not know about. I’m an Aldi shopper in the UK and never realised Hoffer was the Austrian version. I visited Vienna many years ago , but only for a weekend and you saw so much more in your 4 days that I wish I had spent longer there. I had no idea the world’s smallest vineyard was here – and I had walked straight past it on my way without knowing – damn! Also that part of the old city wall is located inside Coburgbastei, something else I would have loved to see but didn’t know about. Clearly I should have done more homework before visiting this city. Loved the tips about where to eat and where to get the best specialised foods – and I appreciate your honesty about which of those eateries to avoid.

I really need to start planning for Vienna. I’ve always postponed it because I have the idea of being a extremely expensive destination. Anyways, your guide it’s detailed enough to make me want to go for it and stay like you suggest, for 4 days. You managed once again to dive into the food in an exquisite way (strudel it’s my guilty pleasure)!

You’re totally right in describing the State Hall (Prunksaal) at The National Library breathtaking, wow! As a geographer, I would also love to visit the nearby Globe Museum. A huge draw for me is the opportunity to become a certified Viennese Apple Strudel Confectioner haha! Sounds like a lot of fun 🙂

I found Vienna a great city to explore, especially as a solo traveler. I definitely took your recommendation of Neni’s and was not disappointed, so thank you for that. Which means next time I’m in Vienna I’ll have to try Le Burger and your cafe recommendations. I was definitely overwhelmed with what to see here, and next time I would visit in summer. I loved the Christmas markets but like you say, the longer days and warmer temperatures are probably a bit nicer

Carina | bucketlist2life

What an amazing Vienna itinerary. I guess, I have to go back and do and see the things I have missed the first time around. Especially all the amazing food options. There are still so many Kaffeehäuser I have not visited. And the rooftop terrace. And I can always come back for a giant Figlmüller Schnitzel and more Käsekrainer!

This is such a detailed post. I am considering visiting Vienna in October and this gave me so much insight. I prefer to be outdoors and I love the fact that there are inner city hiking trails. I’m also a coffee love and was surprised to learn that the coffee shops are a UNESCO site. I’d spend the entire 4 days checking out the coffee shops. The strudelshow would be fun to see and I’d be signing up for the strudel making class for sure.

I love that you have the important tips for visiting right at the beginning – as someone who doesn’t carry cash that’s important for me to know! Also really good to know about pictures in public! I like that more places are adopting those practices. The coburgbastei has a fascinating history! I learned a lot about visiting Vienna from your post – thank you!

This great – such a cultured and varied itinerary! My eyes lit up when you mentioned Klimt because the Secession was a highlight in Vienna when I went. But that was a long time ago when I was only 18… I’ve long thought I should go back again., so I’ll check your recommendations when that day comes…

Henry at fotoeins

Carolin, thanks for this post; I learned some new things and picked up some reminders along the way. I’ll send an e-mail with comparisons and comments, because they’re too long to put here; heh 😅

Lyn (aka Jazz)

What a wonderful trip down memory lane for me! I studied music in Vienna many years ago and absolutely loved the city and all the wonderful concerts. You reminded me of the many afternoons I enjoyed in Schönbrunn Gardens, coffee houses and simply walking around the city, soaking in the atmosphere.

You’ve inspired me to revisit. I must take a strudel course!

This is such a detailed and informative piece on Vienna. We love to visit places which are rich in culture and art. Some of these places look really beautiful, especially Prunskaal at the National Library.. this is such a handy resource for anybody who’s planning to travel to Vienna

Vienna is always a good choice whether for a weekend trip or for a week. It’s one of my favorite cities and it’s great Carolin that you’ve mananged to highlight both city’s regular sights as well as the one’s less traveled. Vienna is a city for all seasons and one can’t help but keep coming back – time and again 😉 #flyingbaguette

That’s a pretty detailed itinerary and I wish I had read it before visiting Vienna in 2016. Sadly the city didn’t impress me but that’s probably because I expected too much (something I no longer do when I travel). Also I had no recommendations on places to eat and really didn’t enjoy the food. It was the end of Spring however and we did make the most of the gorgeous gardens and huge parks. If I ever go back I will use your guide and try and get a room at Moons Hote just for that view!

Paul (Paul Passing Through)

Great guide and I agree with almost everything (the things I don’t agree with are because I didn’t do them so can’t have an opinion lol). I loved the Upper Belvedere art gallery. It had one of my favorite paintings from the many galleries we saw during our trip to the region (one of Monet’s). I also really enjoyed the Kunsthistoriches but defintiely agree that it can be overwhelming if not right. Seeing all the Bruegel paintins was so exciting for me! We didn’t do Schonbrunn because I read that it wasn’t as worthwhile in winter when the garden isn’t in full bloom, so we did the Hoburg instead. It’s a shame we missed so much of the smaller roads and less touristed spots. It was so busy for New Year’s that it was a bit overwhelming. The day after everyone left, it was like a whole different city.

I don’t know why the first time I visited Vienna I felt like it didn’t live up to the expectations I had of it. Maybe because too many people said it was super royal and gives luxury, but when I went it was cold, rainy, and windy. Reading your post really makes me feel like I need to give it another try, but when the weather is nicer at least. I have a lot more things to add to my list for my second visit thanks to your guide!

Well you’ve officially put Vienna on my list! The city looks quite beautiful without being overwhelming. I would love to visit Coburgbastei and walk around the fortress. We had Koon in Japan and it was delicious! But I’d have to say that the Strudelshow sounds right up my alley. I love making strudel so learning how to make it the traditional way would be awesome.

Wow – so many wonderful things to see and do in Vienna. We have never visited this city but very much want to. Love how the old and new architecture have integrated so well at Coburgbastei 4. The Palace Belvedere Art Gallery and the Albertina Gallery would be essential places to visit as we love art. Prunksaal at the National Library looks amazing and the Globe museum appeals. And we would particularly enjoy experiencing the food and drink. The coffee houses, with torte, the Wiener Schnitzel (could we manage a 30cm diameter one each – maybe one to share?) and we would absolutely love to learn to bake apple strudel – complete with confectioner qualification! Great itinerary, with really useful recommendations, which we will bookmark for a future trip.

Great itinerary with some new suggestions. We are possibly popping to Vienna as my wife fancies a return to pratter and i fancy the 2 palaces ive not visited yet.

Wow, this is a great itinerary. I LOVE that you have not only described some of the places to see but you also added where to eat along the way. Not too many posts include this detail. I will have to bookmark this one for sure!!

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One Day in Vienna Itinerary: How to Spend the Perfect 24 Hours in Vienna, Austria

Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by gregor

If you’re planning a short trip and have just one day to explore this magnificent city, fear not! In this blog post, I’ll provide you with valuable tips and an engaging One-Day Vienna itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Vienna. So, let’s dive in and discover how to spend the perfect 24 hours in Vienna!

Here’s a complete one day in Vienna itinerary, for those looking the Best things to do in Vienna in a day.

One Day in Vienna Itinerary – What to Do in 24 Hours in Vienna

Why visit vienna in austria day trip to vienna.

Vienna is known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The city is a haven for art enthusiasts, with world-class museums such as the Belvedere Museum and the Albertina Museum.
Vienna’s coffeehouse culture is legendary, offering a cozy atmosphere to relax and indulge in delicious pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel.
The city is a hub for classical music, boasting a rich musical heritage with famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss having called Vienna home.
Vienna hosts several vibrant festivals throughout the year, including the Vienna Opera Ball and the Christmas markets, adding an extra dose of charm to your visit.

Where is Vienna Located?

Vienna is situated in the northeastern part of Austria, close to the country’s borders with Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Its central location makes it easily accessible from various European cities, either by air, train, or road.

Plan your Trip to Vienna?

🏨 Find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com
🎡 Book the Best Guided Tour on GetYourGuide
😍 Get more emotions from your trip with Tripadvisor
🚘 Rent a car on Rentalcars
✈️ Buy the cheapest flight tickets with WayAway
🚂 🚌 ✈️ Best prices for Train, Buses, Cars, Ferries, and flights Omio

The Best Time to Visit Vienna in a Day

Vienna offers a delightful experience in every season, but the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences. Here’s a breakdown of each season:

Spring (April to June): Pleasant weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds make it an ideal time to explore Vienna.
Summer (July to August): The city comes alive with numerous outdoor events, festivals, and open-air concerts. However, expect larger crowds during this peak tourist season.
Autumn (September to October): Mild temperatures, colorful foliage, and cultural events, such as the Vienna Design Week, make autumn an enchanting time to visit.
Winter (November to February): Vienna’s Christmas markets, beautifully adorned with lights and decorations, create a magical atmosphere. It’s also the perfect time to savor Viennese Christmas traditions. Read my Blog post here 👇

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT VIENNA, AUSTRIA

How to Get to Vienna ?

Vienna is well-connected to major international cities and offers various transportation options:

By Air: Vienna International Airport (VIE) serves as the main gateway to the city. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center via the City Airport Train (CAT), the S-Bahn (suburban railway), or taxis.

Vienna is notoriously known for its expensive taxi drivers, so getting to the city center could be stressful if you aren’t prepared. I have collected all the reasonable Vienna airport transfer options and put them down for you.

Read this Blog Post

BEST WAYS TO GET FROM VIENNA AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTER

By Train: Vienna is well-connected to other European cities by train. The main train station, Wien Hauptbahnhof, offers excellent rail connections.
By Road: If you prefer a road trip, Vienna can be easily reached by car or bus. The city is connected to major highways, and there are several bus services that operate within Europe.

There are 4 Ways to get around Vienna.

When you are ready to explore Vienna in one day you need to decide how you want to get around the city.

By Public Transport – Vienna City Card

Taking public transportation is the most convenient method to get around Vienna (Euro 8.- for a 24-hour ticket). A Vienna City Card , which permits unlimited use of the city’s metro, tram, and bus lines, can be purchased in advance. Vienna City Cards are available for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days, and prices range from 24 hours for Euro 17 to 3 days of use + airport transfer for Euro 46.-.

The Vienna City Card also offers discounts at over 210 major attractions, making it an excellent value.

By Bicycle – Rent a Bike in Vienna

The city center of Vienna, and the majority of tourist attractions, are reachable by bicycle.Wien-Mobile Rad is the most popular bike-sharing service in Vienna. Simply register online, find a terminal, and scan the QR code to unlock a bike.

Detailed Information on How to Rent a bike in Vienna on my Blog :

BIKE RENTAL IN VIENNA – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW – WIENMOBIL RAD (VIDEO TOUR)

Top Tip! There is also the very popular Classic Vienna: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour available to book in advance.

By Hop On Hop Off Bus

The City Card provides access to standard buses throughout Vienna. There is, of course, the well-known Vienna Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus . This Hop On Hop Off bus allows you to hop on and off at many locations throughout the city, including the Museums of the Hofburg, the House of Music, and the Schönbrunn Palace. This choice is always popular amongst travelers, and it is a great way to see many of Vienna’s famous attractions.

View Prices and Reviews

BEST VIENNA HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOURS – SIGHTSEEING BUS TOURS

Here is all you need to know about Sightseeing Bus Tours in Vienna

By Guided Tour

There are some amazing tours available to book in advance on Get Your Guide for people who are short on time or prefer everything to be organized for them. There’s much to do in the Austrian capital, from food tours to river cruises and bar crawls!

Before you start your One Day in Vienna Tour you need to start with a Traditional Viennese Café visit.

The most famous cafe in Vienna is Cafe Central, a few steps away from the St. Stephens Cathedral.

My favorite, however, is Cafe Pruckel, close to the Stadtpark and next to the U3 Stubentor subway station.

For other Cafe House recommendations, please read my Blog Post:

BEST COFFEEHOUSES IN THE CITY CENTER OF VIENNA, AUSTRIA

TopCoffeehousesViennaCafeCentral_theviennablog

Stephansplatz + St. Stephens Cathedral

Stephansplatz is the central square that sits right in the heart of Vienna.

Easily accessible from anywhere around the capital, simply jump on the underground and head to Stephansplatz Station.

The square is named after St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Watching over the city for more than 300 years, the cathedral is an iconic landmark. The stunning gates date back to the 13th century and are said to be the oldest part of the cathedral. The cathedral was named after St. Stephen, the first martyr of Christendom, and is the burial place of the Founder, Duke Rudolph, and other members of the Habsburg family.

Additionally, the cathedral is home to the largest bell known as the Boomer Bell, and the red-marble sepulcher. Whereas the south tower offers you a complete view of the city.

I have collected all visitor’s Information and top Tips about St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

THE STEPHANSDOM CATHEDRAL IN VIENNA, SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS

You’ll likely see a few Fiaker rides available in the Old Town. A FIAKER is a form of a hackney coach, a horse-drawn four-wheeled carriage for hire. As well as the cathedral in Stephansplatz, you can find plenty of shopping, bars, and cafes – so it’s an easy way to kill a couple of hours in the city. Here is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and refuel on your One Day in Vienna itinerary.

Hofburg Palace – Michaeler Tor

Set in the old town, the palace is one of the best places to spend your day. However, when you have only one day at hand, we suggest you head over there early in the morning and take in as much as possible.

Dripping with luxury and style the palace represents the Habsburg Dynasty in every way. A place where you are dazzled just walking towards the establishment, which will continue as you walk through the place. Just thinking about all the history can take you back in time, covered over 59 acres the Hofburg Palace offers eighteen group buildings, twenty courtyards, and around twenty-six hundred rooms.

I have collected all visitor’s Information and top Tips about Hofburg Palace in Vienna.

R ead this Blog Post

THE HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE COMPLEX IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

THE EMPRESS SISI MUSEUM IN THE HOFBURG IN VIENNA

MOST BEAUTIFUL PALACES IN VIENNA – THE MUST-VISIT PALACES IN VIENNA

Museumsquartier

From Stephansplatz jump back on the underground, and it’s an easy 2-stop ride on the U3 line to Volkstheater Station. This will lead you out into Museumsquartier. The Museumsquartier in Vienna is one of the largest districts for contemporary art and culture in the world. The district is spread over 90,000 square meters, so there’s certainly plenty to see. There are a few options of tours such as the 1–Hour MuseumsQuartier Guided Site Tour or you could book your Skip-the-Line Tickets to Leopold Museum tickets in advance.

From music and fashion to theatre and dance, it doesn’t end there. Photography, street art, and fine art make this place creative heaven. you’re not much of a museum fan or short on time, then you could possibly drop this spot from your one-day in Vienna itinerary.If you do try and squeeze it into your Vienna in a day trip, it’s probably best to pre-arrange which parts of Museumsquartier you’d like to see specifics.

There a several Food markets in Vienna, but this is by far my favorite spot you must explore on the one-day in Vienna itinerary. Probably due to the sheer amount of food on offer! Naschmarkt is the most popular market in Vienna! And it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Vienna Opera House. It offers all of the best foods and local products, including some that aren’t found anywhere else in the city or even the country. At the market, there’s a lot to see, eat, and drink. It not only caters to locals who need to finish their weekly grocery shopping, but it also draws visitors from all over the world.

Tourists come to the Naschmarkt to soak up the ambiance, hear the noises of an Austrian market, and buy cheap refreshments. If you’re searching for a low-cost, well-respected guided tour of Naschmarkt, go no further than the Naschmarkt Food Tasting Tour . Book online now Otherwise, there is a full 4-hour food tasting tour of Vienna available here , which provides a more comprehensive understanding of Austrian cuisine. A coffee shop, a traditional market, a bakery, and an artisan chocolate shop are all on the itinerary. While sampling cheese, sausages, wine, and a variety of other Austrian goodies.

Exotic fruits, colorful food, cheese, and hummus, as well as a variety of local spices, abound in the market.

If you’re visiting Vienna in a day , then you have to visit the Naschmarkt.

For more information, please read my blog post: 👇

NASCHMARKT VIENNA GUIDE – MOST POPULAR VIENNESE FOOD MARKET(+VIDEO TOUR)

Hundertwasser Haus

The Hundertwasser House area, which is only a 15-minute walk from the City Center is one of our top recommendations for a day trip to Vienna. The Hundertwasser House is a green oasis in the center of the city, with all the trees that flourish among the balconies and terraces. Its brightly colored architecture, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, attracts visitors from all walks of life.

For more information and Hundertwasser House visitors Tips, please read my blog post:

HUNDERTWASSERHAUS VIENNA, SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS

In the other direction from the Hundertwasser House, the same artist built his own shopping mall out of a tire factory. It also has a bar and a few stores. All in the style of Hundertwasser.

The KunstHausWien , a museum designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is also worth a visit. The museum is home to the only permanent exhibition of Hundertwasser’s work in the world.

For more information and Kunsthaus Wien visitors Tips, please read my blog post:

KUNSTHAUS WIEN – MUSEUM HUNDERTWASSER VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Before continuing on to the next item on your one-day Vienna itinerary, explore the area and pick up some unique gifts. The Hundertwasser House is a must-see! If you’re planning to Vienna in a day, don’t miss this one.

Schönbrunn Palace

The final stop on the one-day Vienna itinerary is one you save the best for the last. Schönbrunn Palace was the Habsburg emperor’s major summer residence, and it is today, possibly the most photographed building in the country. The interior has been turned into a massive museum filled with history and tales from the past. The Schönbrunn Palace’s opening hours are daily 6.30am – 7pm.

It is highly advised to book your Schönbrunn Tickets upfront Online so book your Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour here .

Alternatively, there are plenty of tours online such as this one , which guarantees a delightful taste of Vienna’s cultural landmarks, taking in the Opera and many other attractions by bus, then skip the line for a special tour of the glorious Schönbrunn Palace.

Book your Schonbrunn Palace Tours: Schonbrunn Palace: Top Tours & Activities

For more information, please read this blog post: 👇

A QUICK TRAVEL GUIDE TO VIENNA’S SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE, VIENNA AUSTRIA

The Schönbrunn Palace Gardens is now a beautifully symmetrical public park that attracts tourists and joggers on a frequent basis.

Schönbrunn Palace is a great way to end your trip to Vienna, so make sure to include it in your one-day in Vienna itinerary.

SchoenbrunnGuide_theviennablog-palace-in-vienna-austria-2022

More suggestions for a one-day visit to Vienna Itinerary

Maria theresia platz.

The largest public square was built to honor the Hapsburg Empress Maria Theresa. There is a statue of the Empress that is considered to be one of the most important monuments of its time. The statue took 13 years in the making, is 19 meters high, and is surrounded by four horseman statues to amplify the impact. Just walking toward the setting you will be able to take in its gorgeous craftsmanship.

A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site is called the Legacy of Maria Theresa. Celebrating her stories of tact and grit is a marvelous wonder. The way she reformed the schools, handled state affairs, and took care of her 16 children is marvelous.

Inner City Lunch

At lunchtime, we suggest you stay put in the inner city and grab a bite at one of the local cafes or restaurants. The best part about the inner city is that you will find endless options based on your taste and budget, making sure you don’t skip a meal. However, if you are not in the mood for a full lunch, you can at least grab a cup of coffee and a delicious treat to go with it.

Read my Blog post here

VIENNA FOOD GUIDE – TRADITIONAL VIENNESE FOOD YOU MUST EAT IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA (UPDATE 2022)

Belvedere Museum

While the Belvedere Palace is one of the top wonders of Vienna, if you are stretched for the time we suggest you make a quick stop at the Belvedere museum. A place where you will be able to find 150 sacred medieval art pieces, Gustav Klimt paintings, sculptures, fountains, cascades, and so much more. If you have time we suggest you take on the temporary exhibit as well.

Book your Belvedere Tour Online Tour here: Belvedere Tour Vienna

(Save time with this Skip The Line Ticket!)

St Peter’s Church

Peterskirche dates back to the Middle Ages and is one of a kind. Featuring a beautiful green-colored dome the church offers intricate details on the inside. Offers you a breathtakingly beautiful high altar, side altars, phenomenal religious artwork, and remarkable frescos.

Book your Guided Tour for the St. Peters Church in Vienna

The Graben – Luxury Shopping Mile in Vienna

An upscale and tending street that is lined with numerous shops and cafes. Set in the heart of the city, the Graben, Vienna dates back to the time of the old Roamans. Making it a historical landmark that comes with a Viennese twist.

Amidst the shops, you will find a plague column that dates back to the 17th century and is constructed using marble. Creating a unique structure that allows the marketplace to stand out from the rest. Paired with beautiful window displays and both local and international designers, you are in for a treat.

Read more about Luxury Shopping in Vienna (Full Guide)

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

VIENNA ELEGANCE AT THE GRABEN

Wiener Prater – Ferris Wheel

Prater is located about 15 minutes away from the city center and is one of the best amusement parks in Vienna. While it offers you a great deal, one of the iconic symbols of Prater Park is its Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel.

Book your Ferries Wheel Skip the Line Ticket here!

Finally, a place where you can indulge in some comfort food, relax and enjoy every moment of your life. A necessary addition for those who are looking to blow off steam.

Vienna State Opera

The state opera is a wonder that only a few get to experience. This is why we suggest you plan your trip in a way that allows you to enjoy a concert. When planning a stop you can check with the local opera house and make sure you are able to enjoy some of the greatest.

Read All the Important information about visiting the Vienna Opera House .

ULTIMATE GUIDE VISITING THE VIENNA OPERA HOUSE, AUSTRIA

Vienna State Opera Skip The Line Tour Ticket

Eat a Wiener Schnitzel

Now that you are in the local mood, it’s time to start eating like a local as well. Forget fancy restaurants and three-course meals. It is time to get down to business and start eating like the locals. Wiener schnitzel is not just a classic, it is a way of life. One that you can easily fall in love with, no matter where you are.

Traditionally a Wiener Schnitzel is made using veal, but with the passage of time, it’s now made using different types of meats as well. While almost every restaurant serves a wiener schnitzel, there are many that focus solely on serving one or a few different types of wiener schnitzel. To a point where you can choose from the type of meat, cooking technique, condiments, and even the side. That does not mean you can just grab one anywhere, it’s best to do your research beforehand and choose a place that matches your taste and budget. Make sure you can enjoy the most out of everything this world has to offer.

While we have offered you an overall guide, we suggest you tweak the plan based on the season. For instance, if you are in Vienna during the holiday season you cannot miss out on the Christmas Market.

ULTIMATE VIENNA CHRISTMAS MARKET FOOD GUIDE, VIENNA – AUSTRIA

Similarly, when you come to Vienna in the spring season you have to take on a hiking challenge.

SPRING IN VIENNA TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Best 15 Food Tours in Vienna. More Information and Book Online here:

15 BEST FOOD TOURS IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA – UPDATED 2024

Planning ahead can help you make the most of your day you don’t have to plan everything down to the dot, but getting a general idea of what interests you and how to manage your time can help you squeeze in another worthy stop.

Day Trips from Vienna

If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip from Vienna to explore the surrounding areas. Here are a few recommended options:

Bratislava, Slovakia: Take a short train or boat ride to the charming Slovakian capital, known for its picturesque Old Town and historic landmarks. Read my Blog post here 👇

DAY TRIP FROM VIENNA TO BRATISLAVA – ONE-DAY ITINERARY

Wachau Valley: Embark on a scenic journey to the Wachau Valley, famous for its vineyards, charming towns, and medieval castles. Read my Blog post here 👇

DAY TRIP FROM VIENNA TO WACHAU VALLEY, AUSTRIA

Salzburg: Visit the birthplace of Mozart and explore the beautiful city of Salzburg, known for its baroque architecture and stunning Alpine scenery. Read my Blog post here 👇

DAY TRIP FROM VIENNA TO SALZBURG – BEST TRAVEL TIPS

Should I Buy Travel Insurance for Vienna?

It’s highly recommended to purchase travel insurance before visiting Vienna or any other destination. Travel insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. It offers peace of mind and ensures that you’re protected throughout your trip.

✅ Don’t forget to book insurance for the trip. It is easy to do online via Visitors Coverage .

Best Vienna Tours

If you prefer guided experiences, Vienna offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests. Here are a few popular tour options:

Walking Tour of Vienna’s Historic Center: Join a knowledgeable guide to explore the highlights of Vienna’s historic center, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera.

Schönbrunn Palace Tour: Discover the fascinating history and opulent interiors of Schönbrunn Palace with a guided tour that takes you through the magnificent staterooms.

Viennese Coffeehouse Tour: Immerse yourself in Vienna’s coffeehouse culture with a guided tour that introduces you to the city’s most iconic coffeehouses and their specialties.

I always use GetYourGuide to book activities and attractions while traveling through Europe. You can search through over 400 Vienna attractions on their website here 👇

FAQs about One Day in Vienna Itinerary

Vienna is a city that is filled with so many things to see and do but if you only have one day there are a few must-see sights that you cannot miss. Start your day with a visit to the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Next, head to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a stunning Gothic cathedral that is the heart of Vienna’s Old Town. You can then stroll through the charming streets of the city center, admiring the beautiful architecture visiting the famous Hofburg Palace, and stopping for a coffee and slice of Sachertorte at one of the many cafes. End your day with a visit to the Vienna State Opera, one of the most famous opera houses in the world

There are a few things in Vienna that you simply cannot miss. One of the most iconic sights is the Schönbrunn Palace, a magnificent Baroque palace that was once the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Another must-see is St. Stephen’s Cathedral a stunning Gothic cathedral that is the heart of Vienna’s Old Town. The Hofburg Palace is another important landmark once the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty, and today home to the offices of the Austrian President. A visit to Vienna wouldn’t be complete without seeing the famous Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School or enjoying a slice of Sachertorte at one of the city’s famous cafes.

If you only have 4 hours in Vienna, don’t worry there’s still plenty to see and do! Start by visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral where you can admire the stunning Gothic architecture and climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city. Next, head to the Hofburg Palace where you can explore the imperial apartments and learn about the fascinating history of the Habsburg dynasty. Finish your visit with a stroll through the charming streets of the city center admiring the beautiful architecture and stopping for a coffee and pastry at one of Vienna’s famous cafés. VIENNA – TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN 4 HOURS IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA (UPDATE 2023)

With 10 hours in Vienna, you have enough time to see many of the city’s most famous sights. Start your day with a visit to the Schönbrunn Palace, where you can explore the beautiful gardens tour the palace, and learn about the history of the Habsburg dynasty. Next head to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where you can climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city. Take a stroll through the charming streets of the city center, stopping at the Hofburg Palace to see the imperial apartments and visiting the Spanish Riding School to see the famous Lipizzaner horses. Finish your day with a visit to the Vienna State Opera where you can enjoy a world-class performance in one of the most famous opera houses in the world.

Vienna is a city that is easy to explore on your own. Start your day with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral where you can admire the stunning Gothic architecture and climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city. Next take a stroll through the charming streets of the city center stopping at the Hofburg Palace to see the imperial apartments and visiting the famous cafes for coffee and pastry. Explore the Museum Quarter home to some of Vienna’s best museums and art galleries and take a walk through the beautiful parks and gardens that dot the city. Finish your day with a visit to the Vienna State Opera or a concert at one of the city’s many music venues

Vienna is a city that is filled with so much history, culture, and beauty that one day is simply not enough to see it all. However, if you only have one day in Vienna here is a sample itinerary to make the most of your time: Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. Take a guided tour of the palace to see the opulent staterooms, including the stunning Great Gallery, where the emperor would hold court. Afternoon: Next, head to St. Stephen’s Cathedral the iconic symbol of Vienna’s Old Town. Take a guided tour of the cathedral and climb the tower for panoramic views of the city. Wander the charming streets of the city center admiring the beautiful architecture and stopping for a coffee and pastry at one of the famous cafes. Evening: In the evening, visit the Vienna State Opera one of the most famous opera houses in the world. If you’re lucky you may be able to catch a performance or even take a guided tour of the opera house. You could also visit one of Vienna’s many museums, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum or the Albertina to see some of the world’s finest art collections or head to the Prater, an amusement park that features the iconic Riesenrad Ferris wheel and a variety of rides and attractions.

Other One Day in a City Itineraries

If you enjoy exploring cities in a day, you might also be interested in our other “One Day in a City” itineraries.

Be sure to check out some more One Day Itineraries from the most popular cities in Europe!

One Day in Salzburg

One Day in Hallstatt

One Day in Budapest

One Day in Bratislava

One Day in Ljubljana

One Day in Milan

One Day in Dubrovnik

Palais Liechtenstein Garden Palace Walking Tour Vienna, Austria

Ultimate 15 winter photos make you want to travel to vienna.

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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.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

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.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

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

prater park must see attractions in vienna

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

Hundertwasser Apartment House and Museum Vienna

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.

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Thank you sooooooo much for this detailed guide

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary

How Many Days in Vienna?

Getting To and Around Vienna

2 to 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary

Day 1 – City Centre Highlights

Vienna Opera House

The Albertina Museum

Austria National Library

The Hofburg

Stephansdom

Day 2 – Schönbrunn Palace, Schloss Belvedere & Museums Quartier

Karlskirche

Schloss Belvedere

Museums Quartier

Day 3 – Day Trip from Vienna

Where to Stay in Vienna

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3 Days in Vienna: The Perfect Vienna Itinerary

3 Days in Vienna

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Vienna State Opera House Tour

Wien Museum

Karlskirche

Day 2 in Vienna

Natural History Museum

Sigmund Freud Museum

City River Cruise

Danube Tower

Day 3 in Vienna

Belvedere Museum

Time Travel Vienna

Prater Park and Ferris Wheel

3 Day Vienna Itinerary Map

3 Day Vienna Itinerary Summary

Where (and what) to Eat in Vienna

Where to Stay in Vienna for 3 Days

How to Save Money on your Vienna Trip

Where to see Live Music in Vienna?

How to Get Around Vienna

Further Reading for your 3 Days in Vienna

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Three Days in Vienna: How to Make the Most of Your Trip with our Ultimate Itinerary

Day 1: Innere Stadt (Inner City), old Vienna

More about Stephansplatz.

More about St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Late Morning/Early Afternoon

More about Graben and Kohlmarkt .

More about Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum

More about Michaelerplatz.

More about Spanish Riding School .

Day 2: Palaces and gardens

More about Belvedere Palace .

Day 3: Arts and Culture

More about Kunsthistorisches Museum .

More about Naturhistorisches Museum .

Recommended hotels

1. Hotel Sacher Wien

2. Grand Hotel Wien

3. Boutiquehotel Das Tigra

4. Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom

5. Hotel Sans Souci Wien

How to move around Vienna?

1. Public Transportation

5. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

6. Getting from and to the airport

What souvenirs you can buy and where?

Food & Drink Souvenirs

Handicrafts & Arts

Books & Music

2 thoughts on “ Three Days in Vienna: How to Make the Most of Your Trip with our Ultimate Itinerary ”

Privacy Overview

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

4-Day Vienna Itinerary – Summary

Other Things I Would Have Loved to Do in Vienna

Where to Stay for 4 Nights in Vienna

Vienna in 4 Days – Day 1

Spittelberg Quarter