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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

Where to stay in vienna, vienna itinerary day 1: innere stadt and neubau, vienna itinerary day 2: schönbrunn, weiden, and mariahilf, vienna itinerary day 3: leopoldstadt and landstrabe, what to do with more than three days in vienna, best time to visit vienna, how to get around vienna, what to prepare before visiting vienna, faq on vienna itinerary, final thoughts.

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.

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

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

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

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3-Day Vienna Itinerary Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Vienna – Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna

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

Best Airbnb in Vienna – Unbeatable Home in Prime Location

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

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

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

Best Budget Hotel in Vienna – Pension Wild

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

Best Luxury Hotel in Vienna – House of Time

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

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

9:00 AM – Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

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

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

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

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

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

12:00 PM – Austrian National Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

3:00 PM – St. Peter’s Catholic Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

4:00 PM – St. Stephen’s Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:00 PM – Vienna Opera House

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

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

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

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

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

9:00 AM – Schönbrunn Palace

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

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

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

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

12:00 PM – Lunch at Naschmarkt

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

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

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

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

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

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

2:00 PM – Secession

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

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

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

3:00 PM – Karlskirche

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

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

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

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

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

4:00 PM – Albertina

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

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

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

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

7:00 PM – Mariahilf Neighborhood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9:00 AM – Volksgarten

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

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

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

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

10:00 AM – Rathaus

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

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

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

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

12:00 PM – Prater

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

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

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

3:00 PM – Museum of Applied Arts

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

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

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

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

5:00 PM – Hundertwasser Apartment House and Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:00 PM – Danube Canal

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

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

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

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

Innere Stadt

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

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

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

Central Cemetery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wien Museum Mozart Apartment

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Belvedere Palace

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

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

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

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

MuseumsQuartier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Vienna

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

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

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

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

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

How many days are enough in Vienna?

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

What should you include on a 3 day Vienna itinerary?

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

Where should you stay for a weekend in Vienna?

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

What are the best day trips from Vienna?

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

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

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

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

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Vienna Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Vienna

Steeped in culture, arts, music, and history, Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe . (At least I think so!)

The entire historic center of Vienna is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is filled with countless museums and art galleries, grand Baroque palaces, traditional markets, and fantastic restaurants.

I’ll admit that I didn’t love Vienna when I first visited. I found it a bit stuffy and imperial (which makes sense given its history). But, after a couple of visits, I grew to love it and found it a city full of life, art, and music. I loved it so much I took groups of readers here!

There is a lot to do here. (In fact, there’s so much that you could easily spend a week here and not get bored.)

But, if you only have a few days, here’s my suggested three-day Vienna itinerary if you’re short on time. It hits all the highlights.

Table of Contents

Vienna itinerary: Day 1

Vienna itinerary: day 2, vienna itinerary: day 3, other things to do in vienna, where to stay in vienna, money-saving tips for vienna, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

Take a free walking tour I always take a walking tour whenever I arrive in a destination. Starting your trip with a walking tour is a fun way to get a sense of the city, as a taste of its history and culture. Plus, you can ask your guide questions about where to eat and go since they are always locals so they know the inside scoop!

Two excellent free walking tours are:

• Anna Loves Vienna

If you’d like to cover more ground, consider taking a bike tour. I like the tour offered by Pedal Power Vienna . It’s three hours and covers all the major highlights.

The cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt over the years, with the current version largely initiated by Duke Rudolf IV (1339–1365). Its most recent reconstruction took place just after World War II.

Stephansplatz 3, +43 1 515523530, stephanskirche.at. Open for worship Monday-Saturday 6am-10pm and Sundays 7am-10pm. Open for visitors Monday-Saturday 9am-11:30am and 1pm-4:30pm, and Sunday 1pm-4:30pm. Admission is 20 EUR, guided tours are 3.50 EUR, and audio guides are 6 EUR. Catacomb tours are 6 EUR; going up the towers costs 5.50 EUR for the South Tower and 6 EUR for the North Tower. Dress respectfully, as it is a place of worship.

You could easily spend half a day here exploring all the attractions, which include the Sisi exhibit (highlighting the life of Empress Elisabeth), the Imperial Silver Collection, and the royal apartments themselves. It’s huge.

My favorite section is the Imperial Treasury, with its royal artifacts, crowns, scepters, and detailed history of the Hapsburg family and empire. And, although it’s not free, I recommend getting the audio tour, which adds a ton of context to the exhibits. It’s worth the money.

Michaelerkuppel, +43 15337570, hofburg-wien.at. Open daily 9:30am-5pm. Admission is 16 EUR. If you have the Vienna PASS , it’s free. Skip-the-line tours start at 48 EUR.

Wander the Naschmarkt This is Vienna’s largest open-air food market. It has 120 stands, including restaurants, street stalls, and grocers, and, on Saturdays, a flea market too. It’s a little touristy (don’t go grocery shopping here) but it has a cool vibe and it’s a nice place to sit and eat. Despite its fame, you’ll still find a lot of locals here so don’t feel like this is a tourist only place. Be sure to hit up Umarfisch for seafood and wine. The food there is delicious.

If you really want a deep dive into the market, you can also take a guided tasting tour .

A pass to five of the main museums is 35 EUR. Guided tours of the district are also offered for just 8 EUR.

Additionally, be sure to vist the nearby Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts). Created by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1891, this is now largest art museum in the country. You could easily spend several hours here (if not more). Most items are from the Hapsburgs’ old collection, with artifacts from ancient Egypt and Greece as well as paintings by Rubens, Raphael, Rembrandt, Pieter Brueghel the Elder, and more. The interior itself is incredibly ornate too, boasting lots of marble, gold leaf, and murals.

Museum of Fine Arts: Maria-Theresien-Platz, +43 1525240, khm.at. Open daily 10am-6pm (9pm on Thursdays). Admission is 21 EUR ( get your tickets in advance here ).

Take a Food Tour After a morning of museums, head out on a food tour around the city to sample some of Vienna’s traditional eats. Vienna Food Tours has a few different tour options, with their most popular tour offering a visit to a coffee house, as well as Austrian favorites like chocolate, cheese, sausage, and, of course, wine. There are usually 4-8 stops on most food tours, which means you’ll want to bring an appetite. There are also vegetarian tours available too in case you have dietary concerns.

Tour prices vary but most are at least 100 EUR and last 2.5-4 hours.

Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, +43 1 81113239, schoenbrunn.at. The palace is open daily 9:30am-5pm (longer hours in the summer). The park is open daily 6:30am-5:30pm (8pm in the summer). The Imperial Tour is 22 EUR and takes around 40 minutes, while the Grand Tour is 26 EUR and takes over an hour; both include an audio guide. If you have the Vienna PASS , admission is free. Skip-the-line guided tours cost 48 EUR.  

Tour the Albertina Start your last day at the Albertina, one of the best museums in town (which says a lot in a city packed with great museums)! Housed in one of the old private residence wings of the Imperial Palace, it’s most famous for its collection of over one million prints and 60,000 drawings.

The building itself used to be a Habsburg residence, and included in your museum ticket is a self-guided tour of the 20 restored Habsburg State Rooms. You’ll get an interesting look into 19th-century aristocratic life as you stroll through the exquisitely decorated rooms with their gilded chandeliers, grand fireplaces, delicate furniture, and detailed wall coverings.

For fans of more contemporary art, the Albertina Modern opened in 2020. Located just a few blocks away from the Albertina itself, the museum focuses on post-1945 contemporary art, with a huge collection of over 60,000 works by 5,000 artists.

Albertinaplatz 1, +43 1 53483, albertina.at. Open daily 10am-6pm (9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays). Admission is 18.90 EUR ( get your tickets in advance here ). A joint ticket to the Albertina and Albertina Modern is 24.90 EUR. If you have the Vienna PASS , admission to both is free.

Visit the Mozart Museum Though Mozart only lived here for three years in the 1780s, this is the only apartment out of all the places he resided in Vienna that has survived. The neat little museum opened in 1941 for the 150th anniversary of his death. The first floor is where Mozart and his family lived, although you need to use your imagination, as not much is known about how the rooms actually looked or were used. But the museum has curated an interesting selection of paintings, artifacts, letters, and memorabilia so that you can learn about his life, music, family, and friends, and be able to listen to his work.

Domgasse 5, +43 1 5121791, mozarthausvienna.at. Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets are 12 EUR (free for anyone under 19). Free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

See the Freud Museum Another apartment-turned-museum, this one was home to Sigmund Freud, the famous founder of psychoanalysis (the theory that our present is shaped by our past). He lived here from 1891 to 1938, and the museum opened in 1971 with the help of Anna Freud (his youngest daughter). You’ll find it decorated with the original furniture and Freud’s private collection of antiques. There are also films from his private life as well as the first editions of his works. It only takes about an hour to visit as it’s quite small.

Berggasse 19, +43 1 3191596, freud-museum.at. Open daily 10am-6pm. Admission is 14 EUR ( get your ticket here ).

I recommend buying last-minute standing-room tickets for 13-18 EUR. They go on sale starting 80 minutes before the show (you can line up earlier than that though). It’s first-come, first-served and you can only buy one ticket per person.

Opernring 2, +43 151444/2250, wiener-staatsoper.at. Check the website for the most up-to-date performance schedule. Tickets start at 59 EUR. A guided building tour costs 13 EUR (free if you have the Vienna PASS ).  

There is also the nearby Holocaust Memorial, designed by British artist Rachel Whiteread, which commemorates the 65,000 Jewish Austrians that the Nazis murdered.

Dorotheergasse 11, +43 1 5350431, jmw.at. Open Sunday-Thursday 10am-6pm and Fridays 10am-2pm. Admission is 15 EUR (includes both museums).

Visit Belvedere Palace The Belvedere is a Baroque palace complex that houses an incredible art collection, with works by Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh, among others. Contemporary art, film, and music are featured in the building called the Belvedere 21. The free grounds feature beautiful fountains, gravel walkways, ponds, statues, plants, and flowers.

Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, +43 1 795570, belvedere.at. Open daily 10am-6pm. Admission is 15.60 EUR for lower Belvedere tickets, 17.70 EUR for upper Belvedere tickets, and 9.30 EUR for Belvedere 21 (contemporary art, film, music). You can get a day ticket with admission for all three for 28.40 EUR. Admission to both the lower and upper Belvedere is free if you have the Vienna PASS .

Take a wine tour Take a bike tour of the stunning nearby Wachau Valley. You’ll get to taste some of the best local wine while enjoying the surrounding landscapes. If you’re looking for a tour operator, I suggest Discover Vienna Tours , which I used when I ran tours to Vienna. It’s a really cool thing to do but it’s a full-day excursion (plan to spend 8-10 hours) so it will be the only thing you do that day! Expect to pay around 85 EUR for a full-day wine tour.

Stroll along the Danube The Danube, Europe’s second-longest river (the Volga is the longest), stretches almost 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) as it passes through or along ten countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. Walking along the banks is a great way to spend an afternoon, and there are plenty of bars, stores, and cafés along the water to pop into. During the summer, you can soak up the sun at the river’s many “beach clubs”, which have everything you need to relax: loungers, a bar/café, music, and — surprisingly — sand.  

Wombats City Hostel – My favorite hostel in town is in a great location right along the Naschmarkt. Set in a historic Art Nouveau building, it offers all the modern amenities, including a café/bar, guest kitchen, and en suite bathrooms (even in dorm rooms).

Jo&Joe Vienna – Great for travelers looking for a quiet yet affordable stay, this hostel is conveniently located next to the Westbahnhof. It has modern amenities like pod beds, a cinema room, a bar/restaurant, a huge rooftop terrace, laundry facilities, and more. If you have HostelPass , you’ll get 10% off your booking at Jo&Joe, and if you don’t have HostelPass yet, use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off when signing up.

Hotel Brauhof Wien – This stylish and modern hotel is in an excellent location near the Westbahnhof railway station, a short distance from Schönbrunn Palace, and just a quick U-bahn ride away from historic Vienna. It’s especially perfect for beer lovers, as there’s a brewery on site!  

1. Get a Vienna PASS – With the Vienna PASS , you get entry to over 60 attractions, museums, and monuments throughout Vienna. It costs 78 EUR for a one-day pass, 110 EUR for a two-day pass, and then all the way up to 170 EUR for six days. If you’re planning to visit several of Vienna’s most popular museums, getting the pass could save you a fair amount of money — especially as it has an option for free public transportation.

2. Get a transit pass – If you plan to take the metro a lot, get a pass. A 24-hour pass is 8 EUR, a 48-hour pass is 14.10 EUR, and a 72-hour pass is 17.10 EUR. The weekly pass (valid from Monday through Sunday) is also 17.10 EUR. The Vienna City Card offers unlimited transportation, as well as discounts on attractions (starting at 17 EUR for one day).

3. Visit the museums for free – Some museums have free days and evenings, offering the possibility of saving some euros if you time it right. Kunsthalle Wein has free admission every Thursday from 5pm-9pm, and many museums have free admission the first Sunday of the month. Check the website of the museums you want to visit for current free days.

4. Travel during shoulder season – Personally, I think the best time to go to Vienna is April-June and/or September-October. It’s still warm during this time, but there aren’t as many other tourists and prices aren’t as high as in the summer.

5. Skip the fast train into Vienna – Unless you are in a rush to get downtown, skip the City Airport Train. It’s 11 EUR, compared to the regular train (which is 4.30 EUR). The time difference is negligible.

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Vienna: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Vienna? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Vienna for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The ultimate 3 days in Vienna itinerary.

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

3 day Vienna itinerary

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

3 days in Vienna Travel Guide

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

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

What is Vienna famous for?

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

How do I get to Vienna?

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

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

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

Night train  ÖBB Nightjet

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

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

Automobiles:

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

Where to stay in Vienna

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

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

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

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

How to get around Vienna.

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

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

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

What to eat in Vienna

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 days in Vienna itinerary

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

Day 1: 3 days in Vienna Travel Guide

Visit saint stephen’s cathedral.

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

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

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

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

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

Austrian National Library

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

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

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

Walk in the footsteps of Mozart

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

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

Hofburg Palace

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

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

Catch a performance at the Spanish Riding School

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

Soak in Rooftop views at Lamee Rooftop Bar

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

Explore MuseumsQuartier

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

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

Day 2: 3 days in Vienna Travel Guide

Enjoy the quirky architecture of hundertwasser house.

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

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

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

Visit the iconic Vienna Opera House and Albertinaplatz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have your own Jesse and Celine moment in Kleines Cafe

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

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

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

Enjoy the beauty of Belvedere Palace

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

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

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

Finish day 2 of your 3 days in Vienna in style

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens

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

How do I get to Schönbrunn Palace?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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If you loved this you might also like:

The best Instagram spots in Warsaw

10 Reasons why Vilnius should be your next city break

10 Reasons to travel to Bath, UK

The ultimate 2 day Dublin itinerary

Until next time you crazy kids!

Want to visit all the places I did? You can follow my own customised Google Map.

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11 Comments

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

Loved your photos !

Oh thank you that means alot

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

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

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

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

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

Next time for sure ?

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

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

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Vienna travel guide

Beautiful destinations and useful tips for your vacation

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

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

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

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

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

Hi! We are Jenny & Basti.

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

Our blog posts about Vienna

What to Pack for a City Trip?

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

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

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

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

3 Days in Vienna: The Perfect Vienna Itinerary

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

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

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

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

3 Days in Vienna

Day 1 in vienna, mozarthaus vienna.

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

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

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

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

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

You can also buy individual tickets online in advance here .

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

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

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

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

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

Vienna State Opera House Tour

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

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

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

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

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

Wien Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karlskirche

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 in Vienna

Spanish riding school.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Natural History Museum

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

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

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

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

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

Sigmund Freud Museum

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

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

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

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

Included on the Vienna Pass and Go City Vienna Pass.

City River Cruise

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

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

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

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

Danube Tower

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 in Vienna

Schönbrunn palace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belvedere Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time Travel Vienna

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

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

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

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

Prater Park and Ferris Wheel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 Day Vienna Itinerary Map

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

3 Day Vienna Itinerary Summary

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

Where (and what) to Eat in Vienna

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

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

Where to Stay in Vienna for 3 Days

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

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

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

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

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

How to Save Money on your Vienna Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to see Live Music in Vienna?

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

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

Popular performances include:

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

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

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

How to Get Around Vienna

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further Reading for your 3 Days in Vienna

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

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

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

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

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Marianna says

13th September 2023 at 9:42 pm

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

Laurence Norah says

14th September 2023 at 6:11 pm

Hi Marianna!

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

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

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

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

1st September 2023 at 8:20 am

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

3rd September 2023 at 7:54 pm

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

Have a great time in Vienna!

Rachna says

20th July 2023 at 5:33 am

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

24th July 2023 at 9:00 am

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

Enjoy Vienna!

Lea Tufford says

4th July 2023 at 9:55 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

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

5th July 2023 at 10:10 am

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

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

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

5th July 2023 at 1:40 pm

Hi Laurence,

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

Kind regards, Lea

6th July 2023 at 11:44 am

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

6th July 2023 at 2:09 pm

Thank you Laurence,

Belle Wong says

19th May 2023 at 9:35 am

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

20th May 2023 at 2:24 pm

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

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

30th August 2022 at 8:02 am

Thanks for this wonderful info

30th August 2022 at 11:16 am

My pleasure Anu, have a great time in Vienna!

John Wong says

11th July 2022 at 10:35 pm

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

12th July 2022 at 11:23 am

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

30th October 2021 at 7:55 pm

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

31st October 2021 at 10:35 am

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

26th February 2020 at 8:33 am

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

26th February 2020 at 10:42 am

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

stuart rosen says

30th October 2019 at 9:09 am

Very informative

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

30th October 2019 at 11:00 am

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

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

Have a great trip!

David Lynn says

16th September 2019 at 7:17 am

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

16th September 2019 at 8:23 am

Our pleasure David – have a great trip to Vienna 🙂

Mohini says

7th June 2019 at 5:14 am

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

7th June 2019 at 8:35 pm

My pleasure, have a great trip Mohini!

Jennifer Kates Ramlo says

27th May 2019 at 4:55 pm

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

27th May 2019 at 6:40 pm

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

26th May 2019 at 9:26 am

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

26th May 2019 at 10:52 am

Our pleasure Helen! Have a great trip 😀

3rd March 2019 at 4:13 am

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

3rd March 2019 at 9:27 am

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

1st March 2019 at 5:46 pm

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

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

2nd March 2019 at 8:00 am

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

Vandana says

20th September 2018 at 6:14 am

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

21st September 2018 at 2:21 pm

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

franklin says

31st August 2018 at 3:16 am

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

31st August 2018 at 10:27 am

Have a great trip Franklin 🙂

Kristall Spaces says

20th August 2018 at 3:12 pm

Fantastic article, thanks for sharing this 🙂

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

The city is rich with culture and incredible architecture.

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

George Tod says

27th May 2018 at 10:15 pm

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

28th May 2018 at 2:08 pm

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

Valdenio says

21st May 2018 at 5:28 am

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

21st May 2018 at 1:31 pm

My pleasure – happy anniversary and have a wonderful trip!

HiCinko says

17th April 2018 at 1:08 pm

Vienna seems to be quite an iconic place to visit.

18th April 2018 at 6:20 am

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Most people visit VIENNA (Wien) with a vivid image in their minds: a romantic place, full of imperial nostalgia, opera houses and exquisite cakes. Even so, the city can overwhelm with its eclectic feast of architectural styles, from High Baroque through the monumental imperial projects of the late nineteenth century, to the decorative Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) style of the early twentieth, used to great effect on several of the city’s splendid U-Bahn stations.

The Belvedere

Drinking and nightlife, entertainment, the hofburg, kärntnerstrasse and graben, the kunsthistorisches museum, the museumsquartier, the ring and rathausplatz, the secession, stephansdom, vienna’s heurigen.

Vienna became an important centre in the tenth century, then in 1278 the city fell to Rudolf of Habsburg, but didn’t become the imperial residence until 1683. The great aristocratic families flooded in to build palaces in a frenzy of construction that gave Vienna its Baroque character. By the end of the Habsburg era the city had become a breeding ground for the ideological passions of the age, and the ghosts of Freud, Klimt and Schiele are now some of the city’s biggest tourist draws.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Central Vienna is surprisingly compact, with the historical centre, or Innere Stadt, just 1km wide. The most important sights are concentrated here and along the Ringstrasse – the series of traffic- and tram-clogged boulevards that form a ring road around the centre. Efficient public transport allows you to cross the city in less than thirty minutes, making even peripheral sights, such as the monumental imperial palace at Schönbrunn , easily accessible. However, for all the grand palaces and museums, a trip to Vienna would not be complete without spending a leisurely afternoon over a creamy coffee and a piece of cake in one of the grand, shabby-glamorous coffeehouses for which the city is famous.

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For cheaper accommodation booking ahead is essential in summer. Several hostels are near the Westbahnhof, which is an easy few stops into the centre.

South of the Ringstrasse, the Belvedere (daily 10am–6pm; Oberes €14, combined ticket €20; tram #D from the opera house) is one of Vienna’s finest palace complexes. Two magnificent Baroque mansions face each other across a sloping formal garden. The loftier of the two, the Oberes Belvedere, has the best concentration of paintings by Klimt in the city, including The Kiss, while the Unteres Belvedere and Orangerie show temporary exhibitions.

For a bar crawl or live music the string of clubs under the railway arches around U Thaliastr, Josefstädterstr. and Alser str. are a good bet, while in summer beach bars line the Donaukanal.

The local listings magazine Falter ( w www.falter.at ) has comprehensive details of the week’s cultural programme. The tourist office also publishes the free monthly Programm .

Hofburg palace on St. Michael square (Michaelerplatz), Vienna, Austria © Mistervlad/Shutterstock

A block southeast of Graben is the immense, highly ornate Hofburg palace , housing many of Vienna’s key imperial sights. Skip the rather dull Kaiserappartements in favour of the more impressive Schatzkammer (Mon & Wed–Sun 9am–5.30pm; €12), where you’ll see some of the finest medieval craftsmanship and jewellery in Europe, including relics of the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg crown jewels. The Hofburg is also home to two of Vienna’s most enduring tourist images: singing boys and prancing horses. Steps beside the Schatzkammer lead up to the Hofmusik Kapelle (Mon & Tues 10am–2pm, Fri 11am–1pm; free), where the Vienna Boys’ Choir sings Mass (mid-Sept to June Sun 9.15am; t 01 533 99 27): you can obtain free, standing tickets from 8.30am (otherwise €10–36; book in advance).

On the north side of the Hofburg, the imperial stables are home to the white horses of the Spanish Riding School , known for their extraordinary, intricate performances. There are three main ways to see them: book a performance well in advance (mid-Feb to mid-June & mid-Aug to Dec, usually Sat & Sun at 11am, occasionally Fri & eves; standing from €25, seats from €50); attend a morning exercise session (10am–noon: April–June, Sept & Oct Tues–Fri; Nov–March & Aug Tues–Sat; tickets for exercise session and tours from Michaelerplatz visitor centre Tues–Sun 9am–4pm; €15); or join a guided tour

of the school and stables (March to mid-June & Aug to mid-Dec daily, otherwise 5–6 days per week; tours 2pm, 3pm & 4pm; tour €18; combined tour and training session €31). Alternatively, if you just want to take a peek at the horses, look into the stables (Stallburg) from the glass windows on Reitschulgasse.

Finally, at the Hofburg’s southeastern tip, the Albertina (daily 10am–6pm, Wed till 9pm; €12.90) houses one of the world’s largest graphic art collections, with works by Raphael, Rembrandt, Dürer and Michelangelo.

Though one of Vienna’s prettiest little squares, Judenplatz , northwest of Stephansdom, is dominated by a deliberately bleak concrete Holocaust Memorial by British sculptor Rachel Whiteread. The square marks the site of the medieval Jewish ghetto and you can view the foundations of a fourteenth-century synagogue at the excellent Museum Judenplatz at no. 8 (Mon–Thurs & Sun 10am–6pm, Fri 10am-5pm; €10), which brings something of medieval Jewish Vienna to life. The ticket includes entrance to the intriguing Jüdisches Museum of Jewish tradition and culture, at Dorotheergasse 11 to the south of Stephansplatz (Mon–Fri & Sun 10am–6pm).

Stephansplatz, Vienna © Shutterstock

From Stephansplatz, pedestrianized Kärntnerstrasse runs south past street entertainers and shops to the illustrious Staatsoper , opened in 1869 in the first phase of the Ringstrasse’s development. A more unusual tribute to the city’s musical genius is the state-of-the-art Haus der Musik , Seilerstätte 30, (daily 10am–10pm; €13), a hugely enjoyable museum of sound.

Running west of Stephansplatz is the more upscale Graben, featuring an extremely ornate plague column ( Pestsäule ), built to commemorate the 1679 plague.

Of all Vienna’s museums, the Kunsthistorisches Museum on Burgring still outshines them all (June–Aug daily 10am–6pm, Thurs till 9pm; Sept–May Tues–Sun 10am–6pm, Thurs till 9pm; €15). It’s one of the world’s greatest collections of Old Masters – comparable with the Hermitage or Louvre. Highlight is an unrivalled collection of sixteenth-century paintings by Brueghel the Elder, while the Peter Paul Rubens collection is also very strong and works by Vermeer and Caravaggio are worth seeking out. A number of Greek and Roman antiquities add breadth and variety. Set aside several hours at least: there is also an excellent café.

On the Ring’s eastern section, beyond Stubenring, is the enjoyable MAK (Tues 10am–10pm, Wed–Sun 10am–6pm; €9.90, free Tues 6–10pm), an applied arts museum whose eclectic collection spans the Romanesque period to the twentieth century and includes an unrivalled Wiener Werkstätte collection.

Southwest of the Ring is Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier, a collection of museums and galleries in the old imperial stables, where the original buildings are enhanced by a couple of striking contemporary additions. Stylish outdoor seating, plenty of good cafés and an interesting calendar of events make the area a focus for Vienna’s cultural life. The best museum here is the Leopold Museum (Mon, Wed & Fri–Sun 10am–6pm, Thurs 10am–9pm; €13), with fine work by Klimt and the largest collection in the world of works by Egon Schiele.

The Ring, the large boulevard that encircles the Innere Stadt, along with its attendant monumental civic buildings, was created to replace the town’s fortifications, demolished in 1857, many of these buildings now house museums. On the western section is the showpiece Rathausplatz , a square framed by four monumental public buildings: the Rathaus (City Hall), the Burgtheater, Parliament and the Universität – all completed in the 1880s.

The biggest attraction in the city suburbs is the imperial summer palace of Schönbrunn (U4 to Schönbrunn), designed by Fischer von Erlach on the model of residences like Versailles. To visit the palace rooms or Prunkräume (daily: April–June, Sept & Oct 8.30am–5pm; July & Aug 8.30am–6pm; Nov–March 8.30am–4.30pm) there’s a choice of two tours: the “Imperial Tour” (€13.30), which takes in 22 state rooms, and the “Grand Tour” (€16.40 with audioguide, €19.40 with tour guide), which includes forty rooms. The shorter tour misses out the best rooms – such as the Millions Room, a rosewood-panelled chamber covered from floor to ceiling with wildly irregular Rococo cartouches, each holding a Persian miniature watercolour. The palace gets unbearably overcrowded at the height of summer, with lengthy queues, so buy tickets in advance online. The splendid Schlosspark (daily 6.30am–dusk; free) is dotted with attractions, including the Gloriette – a hilltop colonnaded monument, now a café and terrace with splendid views (terrace daily: mid-March to June, Sept & Oct 9am–6pm; July & Aug 9am–7pm; late Oct to early Nov 9am–4pm; €3.60), fountains, a maze and labyrinth (same hours as Gloriette; €5.20) and Vienna’s excellent Tiergarten or zoo (daily: Jan, Nov & Dec 9am–4.30pm; Feb 9am–5pm; March & Oct 9am–5.30pm; April–Sept 9am–6.30pm; €18.50).

Schönbrunn, Vienna © Shutterstock

The eccentric, eye-catching building crowned with a “golden cabbage” by Karlsplatz is the Secession building (Tues–Sun 10am–6pm; €9.50), built in 1898 as the headquarters of the Secessionist movement, whose aim was to break with the Viennese establishment and champion new ideas of art and aesthetics. Designed by Joseph Maria Olbrech, the gallery was decorated by several luminaries of the group, including their first president Gustav Klimt. It still puts on contemporary exhibits today, with Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze downstairs the only permanent artwork.

Mariahilferstr. is best for high-street clothes shops and the big chains, though Neubaugasse, nearby, is more eclectic.

The obvious place to begin exploration is Stephansplatz , the pedestrianized central square dominated by the hoary Gothic Stephansdom (Mon–Sat 6am–10pm, Sun 7am–10pm, except during services; free, but entry fees to most sections, combined ticket €17.90). It’s worth paying to explore the interior more fully, with the highlights of the main section (English tours Mon-Sat 10.30am; €5.50) the Wiener Neustädter Altar, a late Gothic masterpiece, and the tomb of the Holy Roman Emperor Friedrich III. The catacombs (tours every 15–30min, Mon–Sat 10–11.30am & 1.30–4.30pm, Sun 1.30–4.30pm; €5.50) contain the entrails of illustrious Habsburgs housed in bronze caskets. Stellar views reward those climbing the 137m-high (343 steps) south spire; (daily 9am–5.30pm; €4.50). Lower, but with a lift, is the north tower (same hours; €5.50). The warren of alleyways north and east of Stephansdom preserves something of the medieval character of the city, although the architecture reflects centuries of continuous rebuilding.

To sample Austrian wines on a scenic excursion, visit one of the wine-producing villages on Vienna’s outskirts. To the north of the Danube, Stammersdorf (tram #31 from Schottenring; 36min) is surrounded by vineyards and filled with traditional, family-run Heurigen (wine taverns).

Wienhof Wieninger 21 Stammersdorferstr A great place to start, with a pleasant garden, good-value meals (from around €8) and an excellent selection of whites available by the glass (from €1.55). Mid-March to April Fri 3pm–midnight, Sat & Sun noon–midnight, May to mid-Dec Thurs & Fri 3pm–midnight, Sat & Sun noon–midnight.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Vienna, Austria

Table of Contents

Dubbed the ‘City of Music’, Vienna, the capital of Austria, is located on both shores of the Danube, Europe’s second-longest river. Vienna can be defined with three big As art, architecture and Apple strudel. Host to famous composers like Brahms, Bruckner, Mozart, and Richard Strauss, Vienna is known as the World’s capital of music.

Pack some glad rags, because you can’t miss a concert, theatre or opera performance when in Vienna and the locals dress up for the occasion. As far as architecture is concerned, you’ll find fabulous buildings from Gothic to Baroque to Art Deco which spread from Paris to Vienna and beyond in the 1930s. The Viennese not only have a great love for their coffeehouses but also a sweet tooth.

Forget about calorie counting and diets and sample the typical deserts like Appelstrudel Kaiserschmarn and Sachertorte. Because there is plenty to do and see in Vienna, plan for at least two days to visit the park and garden of Schloss Schoenbrunn, ride in the huge Ferris wheel in the Prater and enjoy a boat trip on the river Danube. Expect a fabulous experience because Monocle’s 2015 Quality of Life Survey ranked Vienna 2 nd in a list of 25 top cities of the world and it has received similar rankings in other organizations.

In this Vienna Travel Guide Blog , we listed some tips on how you can do your own DIY Day trip to Vienna, Austria. We also included Vienna Itinerary, Things to do and see, how to get there and more.

Best time to visit

Vienna’s location in Central Europe means warm to hot summers and cold, dry winters. The most rain falls in June and July. Given the many parks and gardens, visiting in spring when flowers are in full bloom and fall when the leaves are turning, is an added bonus.

How to get there

Vienna’s International Airport, called Wien-Schwechat is located approx. 11m SE of the city and serves many airlines. Bus transportation is available from the airport that brings passengers to the city. Expansions to a 3 rd terminal are planned.

Vienna is a major railway hub. More than 1000 trains a day connect the city with many European countries and other destinations within Austria. The services run for the new Central Railway Station which opened in 2014. The Austrian railway company is called OBB.

Getting around

Vienna is a big city but also one which is well provided with several forms of public transport which all operate on a one fare fee scheme. Metro (U-Bahn), buses, light railway (S-Bahn) and trams will take you easily everywhere. Vienna is divided into districts which you should know to find your way around. The castles with their parks and gardens as well as the historical Ringstrasse are of course, best explored on foot.

Places to stay

With close to 15million overnight stays in 2016, Vienna is bound to have the best accommodation for every budget.

If you want to experience Viennese luxury at its best and feel like Marlene Dietrich or Mark Twain, the  5star Hotel Ambassador in Kartner Str. 22 [check rates and availability] might be your choice. Located near the opera and other places of interest, the hotel offers luxurious suites and rooms and every service you can expect from a hotel of that category. Opened in 1898 it preserves the chandeliers and rich decorations whilst at the same time offering all modern amenities.

For the middle budget, we recommend the 3star Hotel Fuerst Metternich in Esterhazygasse 33 [check rates and availability] . Located in a quiet side street not far from Ringstrasse and near a Metro stop, this cozy hotel is in an Art Nouveau building from 1896. Rooms have high ceilings and Barfly is a popular bar which serves a great variety of cocktails. 24-hour reception service, wifi, and all other amenities are a given.

Ibis Hotels are always a good choice for the lower budget and in Vienna awaits Ibis Budget Wien Messe in Lasallestr. 7 Leopldstadt [check rates and availability] . No art nouveau decorations in this modern 2-star hotel, but clean and comfortable rooms with en suite shower and ample buffet breakfast included in the price.

Close to the famous amusement park Prater and not far from the city center because of nearby Metro stops, this is ideal if you would rather spend your money on other things than accommodation in Vienna.

Also read: Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Vienna, Austria

Best places to eat

Food is very important in Austria and, naturally, you can sample the best in the capital. How often have you eaten a Wiener Schnitzel anywhere in the world? Now you can finally try the real thing.

Let’s start with traditional Austrian cuisine and the place where you can get the best Schnitzel, served there since 1905. Figlmueller in Wollzeile cooks the real thing, a schnitzel which overlaps the plate and a breading as fluffy as air. With a wedge of lemon and nothing else. As tradition demands.

You’ll love the atmosphere and the waiters who still wear long aprons and smoking jackets.

Combine art nouveau architecture with more Austrian specialties like a variety of dumplings (Knoedel) and fish if you don’t like meat in Otto Wagner Schuetzenhaus in Obere Donaustr. 26. The building was created by art deco architect Otto Wagner with floral motives climbing up the façade.

And, finally the sweets at the finest and oldest coffeehouse of Vienna: Dommayer in Dommayergasse 1.

Sachertorte, Kaiserschmarrn, different kinds of strudel, petit fours, and excellent coffee in all its Viennese varieties will tempt your palate after a walk in the park and Schloss Schoenbrunn which is just around the corner.

Another famous coffeehouse is Demel and if you fancy a snack on the go: have a Wiener Wurstl from a stall, the Austrian variety of a hot dog, only much more elegant.

Things to do and see

Let’s start with something not everybody does and which will delight movie buffs. In 1948 the classic The Third Man was shot in Vienna with the famous soundtrack of the Zitherplayer Anton Karas in the Café Mozart in Albertinaplatz 2. You can actually go on a Third Man tour which includes descending into the sewers, visiting the café and the Third Man Museum.

Back on the surface, walk along the Ringstrasse. In the late 19 th century, this boulevard which encloses the Old Town was constructed as a prestige object and you find many interesting monuments and buildings like the Town Hall and the Opera House along the way and can enjoy a ride in a historical tram.

As a city of art and culture, predominantly since the 18 th century, Vienna has an incredible number of theatres and more than one opera house. The best known is the Staatsoper which currently celebrates its 150 th anniversary. It’s also the venue of the sumptuous Wiener Opernball. Other theatres are Burgtheater, Theater an der Wien, Wiener Musikverein, etc. Remember, we said at the beginning to bring some nice clothes, you’ll want to see at least one performance.

Architecture plays as much a big role in Vienna as music. Baroque masterpieces are the Karlskirche and the Stephansdom. Art Nouveau, originating in France, spread quickly to Vienna where you can find many buildings in this style. Concurrent with Art Nouveau the Wiener Moderne developed, the foremost representative being Friedensreich Hundertwasser. He believed that there should be no straight lines, as you can observe in the colorful and unique Hundertwasserhaus.

The Hofburg, the royal Palace of the former Habsburg dynasty, dating from the 13 th century, is now the official residence of the president of Austria. Several museums are to be found within, like the treasury where the crown jewels are kept and the Sissy museum. You can also watch a dressage performance of the elegant horses of the Spanische Hofreitschule.

More museums are to be found in the Museumsquartier, the quirkier of them being a burial museum, a museum of art fakes and a clock museum.

Whilst the Hofburg was the winter residence of the Hapsburg’s, Schloss Schoenbrunn with its vast park was the place to stay in the summer. The park contains the world’s oldest zoo, created in 1752.

Other parks are the Stadtpark and of course, the Prater, the world’s oldest amusement park with its giant Ferris wheel. An added attraction is that you can actually have a candlelight dinner in one of the static cabins of the wheel!!

Two waterways pass through Vienna, the Danube River, and the Danube canal.

Also read: Vienna Bucket List: Top 15 Best Things to do in Vienna, Austria

Best places to shop

Vienna’s main shopping street is the Mariahilfstrasse with designer boutiques and department stores. The newly opened Hauptbahnhof also contains an American style shopping mall with approx. 90 shops, cafes, and restaurants. But the real pleasure is to browse in the many art galleries and antique shops of Vienna.

Currency etc.

Currency is the EURO. The official language is German but English is widely spoken. WiFi cover is good all over the city. Credit cards are accepted everywhere except for minor purchases like snacks.

Even if you have visited all of our suggestions, you will only have scratched the surface. Vienna is an endless treasure trove of sites and attractions, big and small, so your only choice will be: a return visit.

Vienna Travel and Tour Packages

Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Vienna, Austria via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

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Written by Inka PIegsa-Quischotte

Inka was an international attorney before turning travel writer and novelist. She contributes to BBC/Travel, VIE Magazine, GoNomad and several in-flight magazines. After some years in Turkey, she now lives in Spain's Costa Blanca.

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1 day in vienna — suggested vienna 1 day itinerary & best places to see in vienna in 1 day.

If anyone has ever been to Vienna probably share a common sense that this city is not inferior to anywhere in Europe in terms of ancient, beautiful and majestic. Vienna is a combination of romantic beauty blending with a bit of nostalgia and indispensable flavor of music. However, travelers, especially backpackers or self-sufficient travelers often shorten their journey to Vienna because Austria has many other beautiful places are Salzburg and especially Hallstatt, so there is not much time for Vienna. If you had only one day in Vienna, where would you go? So, what to do in Vienna for 1 day (Vienna in a day) and how to spend 1 day in Vienna (24 hours in Vienna)? Let’s check it out our suggested Vienna one day trip with best places to see in Vienna in 1 day (must see Vienna one day, Vienna 1 day itinerary, Vienna one day itinerary) to find out the answer!

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1 day in Vienna: Top places to see in Vienna in 1 day (must see Vienna one day)

Vienna is likened to an elegant and successful gentleman, because of the richness but equally ancient of this city. So many poets, writers have fallen in love with Vienna, letting go of the most beautiful words to praise its beauty. But there is nothing like coming here, feeling the rhythm and breath of Vienna, taking a leisurely ride on horse carriage riding like in fairy tales or getting on trams with two distinctive red-and-white colors throughout the city and wandering around Vienna …

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, Walking Tour & Carriage Ride

Schönbrunn Palace – Summer Palace

Not surprisingly, if this is the first place that comes to mind of every visitor when coming to Vienna. Although a bit far from the city center, you can easily getting here because the palace is located quite near the subway station. Schönbrunn Palace, also known as the Summer Palace, is a favorite resort on the hot summer days of the Austrian royal family before and a hunting ground for nobility. But the most famous for this palace is the romantic story of Emperor Franz Josef I and the beautiful Bavarian young woman – Elizabeth, later is Queen Sissi. Although the queen was not a fan of Vienna, she accepted stay at the palace because of her gratitude for the King.

Schönbrunn Palace was built in a large ground with modern Baroque architecture during the Renaissance period. Honestly, I found the design here quite simple, gentle, a large building and surrounded by lots of trees and many people take care of everyday. One thing that will bother that visitors are not allowed to take photos inside the palace but are only allowed to take photos at outside areas.

Right next to the palace, take a walk up the hill to visit the Gloriette (a tower-like two storeyed pavilion built around 1775) by Architect Fisher. From this pavilion you can see the whole beautiful city of Vienna, highlighting the magnificent and splendid of the Palace and the vibrant flower gardens surrounding it. You should note that Schönbrunn is very large, it takes all day to explore all, so you should detailp plan to go to other places.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Goodbye Summer Palace, take Metro to return to downtown. Fortunately, almost all the attractions are concentrated in an area not too far from each other that you can walk to visit. Exit at Stephansplatz Metro Station and you’ll immediately see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the symbol of Vienna is like the Eiffel of Paris .

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is 145m high, built in a magnificent Gothic style to every angle and every detail, sharp windows and soaring towers to make the whole building solid and strong. The people of Vienna called Stephen by the intimate name “Steffl” because it was so long associated with the city, to the point that people felt a little aversion to the Hass Haus architecture that was built right opposite from it later.

On occasions when visiting ancient European cities, I like to wander the alleys and corners of the city where daily activities of indigenous people take place, but with strange light direction and unique camera spot for my camera. In Stephansdom there are such streets, I have been learning somewhere about the Rosensteingasse road where Mozart died, the intact relics for hundreds of years about an ancient and deep Vienna.

Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria

Hofburg Imperial Palace

If Schönbrunn Palace is the Summer Palace, Hofburg is known as the Winter Palace. It is also a huge, vast complex that has been the residence of the Habsburg royal family for centuries. Today the palace is divided into sections with works such as the National Library and the Presidential Palace.

Together with Hungary, the Austro-Hungarian Empire used to be a powerful empire before, so Austria has a lot of monumental works that Hofburg Palace is a typical architecture. Coming here, you will see a lot of horse carts, much more than other areas because they do travel services by this means. Another strange thing about this palace is that the complex lacks a palace on the left that looks a bit unbalanced compared to the central palace in the middle and an extra palace on the right, but it makes perfect from that imbalance itself.

Leaving the Palace and walking a few steps are the Museum of Natural History Vienna (Address: Burgring 7, 1010 Wien, Austria) and the Museum of Art History (Museum of Fine Arts) (Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria) displaying numerous works of art from Habsburg dynasty. For me, the museum is not a very interesting place, so I just stop by.

Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien, Austria

Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera)

Vienna’s Opera House is also a symbol because it represents the quintessence, art, music of Austria, for those who love classical music. Wandering here you will easily catch the Ticket touts invite to come to listen to a concert held here. This theater is located right next to the relatively large road so it feels quite rough and does not attract eyes like other architectural works.

Actually the ticket price is not too high, only 15-20 EUR for a seat inside, but there are also tickets up to hundreds of euros. Coming to Vienna and buy tickets to see a performance in the Opera House is also a memorable experience, but if you have too little budget for this, there is a discount tip that you should buy a standing ticket , only 3-4 EUR . Although a bit hard, but what brings surely will be well worth it. In addition to the Opera House, Vienna has many other old theaters scattered throughout the city.

Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria

Vienna 1 day itinerary: Other places

In addition to the architectures and places mentioned above you can take a tour around to visit some other places. It is the Belvedere Palace, Hundertwasser , or an apartment complex designed by an architect of the same name with many colors and different protruding blocks creating a magnificent picture. And the new Danube Tower was built in the 20th century in a modern style, you can go to the top of the tower to see the whole city, the gentle Danube river and the modern street with the UN building on the other river side. In addition, the above has a very unique cafe. This cafe is created by 2 golden towers with many angles and rotates every 30 minutes.

Vienna is not only famous for its magnificent architectural works, but also coming to Vienna is an opportunity to take a stroll to admire the peaceful scenery, walking along the banks of the Danube river flowing through many major European cities such as Prague or Budapest. Vienna is known as the capital of music, home to musical geniuses like Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert… with many immortal compositions. In order to enjoy music in Vienna, not only in the national theaters, but you can see anywhere on the road, or the Karntner Strasse walking street where the gathering of street artists that are showing their talent…

If you have more time and want to learn deeper into life in Vienna, you should go to Kohlmarkt walking street. This is a street selling coal before, so it was named affectionately as Coal Market, and Michaelerplatz square at the end of the road with many ancient architectural houses, colorful windows …

Vienna 1 day itinerary: Where to stay in Vienna?

Traveling to Vienna and convenient for traveling, visiting, you should stay in the central district, also known as District 1 (District one). Staying here, you can easily walk to visit the most famous places around there without having to travel far. If you want to go to more remote areas, metro is the optimal solution and is extremely convenient because the public transport system in Vienna is too good.

Of course the room rates in the center will be quite expensive, and I found that hotel price in Vienna are also in the top expensive compared to other cities in Europe. You can book hotels in Vienna via Booking.com , Agoda.com or Hostelworld . The old town of Stephansdom and Stephansplatz is a good choice because it is home to many attractions, and there are quite a lot of bars, pubs and eateries, the evening is very beautiful and bustling. If you have a good financial condition and prefer subtle, Das Triest Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) can not be ignored designed with gentle and extremely luxurious architecture. Staying here you can go to the balcony to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and admire the whole of ancient Vienna.

If you are a backpacker, you should choose an economical accommodation, but usually a hostel is not located in the most central neighborhoods but on the edge of the city. You can refer to Westbahnhof Hostel One ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , located right next to the quite clean and beautiful Westbahnhof train station, with a self-catering kitchen, especially near the bustling shopping district of Mariahilfer Straße. If you want cheaper, you should choose a&t Holiday Hostel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) is also quite ok, bunk beds only 15-20 Euro.

Vienna one day trip: Shopping in Vienna

For shopping in Vienna you can go to the neighborhoods selling a lot of souvenirs, brands or jewelry such as Naschmarkt, Kärntner Strasse, Graben and Kohlmarkt.

The most famous market is Naschmarkt (Address: 1060 Vienna, Austria / Hours: 6AM–9PM; Sunday: Closed) , also known as the oldest market in Vienna. Here you can find many kinds of traditional food, Austrian food or even Asian and European foods. On Saturdays this area also has a large flea market meeting here, the opportunity for those who want to buy cheap miscellaneous items. There are also a number of smaller markets in Vienna that sell fruits and vegetables, such as Rochus Markt , Freyung and Karmelitermarkt .

For the shopping lovers, Mariahilfer Straße is not to be missed, many shops sell clothes, accessories, and luxury brands. For smaller shops you should look to Lindengasse, Siebensterngasse and Kirchengasse .

Events that take place throughout the year in Vienna / Austria

In Vienna, you should learn some holidays and festivals in Vienna so that you can harmonize the city beats, better understand the culture of the indigenous people. Some major events in Vienna take place throughout the year such as:

Christmas Market

Taking place from November 27 to December 24, this is an occasion that you can go to the ornately decorated Christmas markets, buy souvenirs, enjoy traditional dishes and live in peaceful Christmas atmosphere. The feeling of a warm Christmas in the cold weather always makes travelers remember forever. The Christmas markets in Vienna are usually located quite close to the main stations.

Donau Insel Fest

Taking place from June 24 to June 26 every year, it is a music festival in Vienna that attracts many tourists to the Danube island where the festival is held. You take the Metro to Donauinsel station to come to the road leading to the island and participate in the festival, free entrance.

Salzburger Festspiele

Taking place from July 22 to August 31, this music festival takes place in Salzburg and specializes in classical music.

1 day in Vienna: Some useful tips when traveling to Vienna

• The good time to visit Vienna is from May to July because it is a time when the weather is still cool with light sunshine. At the peak of summer in August, it is sometimes very hot and uncomfortable. I don’t suggest to visit in the winter, but it’s great for those who come here at Christmas. Christmas atmosphere comes in every corner of Vienna, the city is dressed in new colors, more gorgeous and more charm, especially not to be missed the Christmas markets.
• In Vienna there are many public water taps that you can easily get without having to buy bottled water at the supermarkets, it’s better when keep a large plastic bottle to store water. The water here also feels cleaner than in other cities.
• Transportation in Vienna is very convenient and easy to traveling, you do not have to worry too much about this.
• Unlike some other countries like France, Italy or Spain, Austrian people are quite good at English, you can easily communicate with them.
• Coming to Vienna, you can not help but visit a cafe to enjoy not only the flavorful cup of coffee but also a lot of delicious food here. Visit the old town cafe to experience centuries-old life, scenery and culture, where poets and composers of Vienna often hang out to talk and share their ideas.
• In Vienna most of the places are free to enter, for example St. Stephan’s Cathedral, Schonbrunn Palace flower garden area (if you visit the Schonbrunn palace the ticket price is € 13.30) and Belvedere Palace, Naschmarkt market.
• Vienna has lots of places to go, play and enjoy but with just one day you can go to the main attractions above. If not because the time is too tight you should spend about 2-4 days to visit this city.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Vienna you can refer to

• Private Vienna International Airport (VIE) Transfers for Vienna
• Vienna City Card
• Vienna PASS
• Vienna City Airport Train Tickets
• Salzburg Day Tour from Vienna
• Hallstatt Day Tour from Salzburg
• Hallstatt Day Tour from Vienna
• Vienna Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Schönbrunn Palace (Skip-the-Line) and Vienna City Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Vienna: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Vienna travel blog — The fullest vienna travel guide & How to spend 1 day in vienna perfectly? And let’s check it out here.

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This Gorgeous European City Is Known for Its Fairy-tale Palace, Wiener Schnitzel, and Christmas Markets

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Vienna (Wien in German), Austria's capital city, is rich in history, architecture, art, music, food, and wine. Located on the River Danube, Vienna dates back to a Roman era settlement. Most of the city's many Baroque buildings were created under Empress Maria Theresa (18th century) and Emperor Franz Joseph (19th century), and today they stand in contrast to modern glass and steel structures.

Beautiful buildings, walkable streets, delicious food, and lots to do both indoors and outdoors make Vienna a wonderful vacation destination. Voted one of the most livable cities in the world, Vienna's city limits include vineyards, parks, and the forested Vienna Woods (Wienerwald in German), a protected natural landscape. A dog-friendly city, Vienna permits dogs on public transportation as well as in restaurants and shops. The "coffee culture" features prominently in Viennese life, and coffee houses are places to relax, socialize, and enjoy the city's famous desserts.

Called the "City of Music," Vienna was home to classical composers Schubert, Mozart, Haydn, Strauss, Brahms, and Beethoven. Vienna is known for its Ball Season when, from November until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, nearly 500 balls take place—with the Viennese Waltz and elegant formal attire in full display.

Central European Time Zone (CET) UTC +1

Seasonally: Central European Summer Time (CEST) UTC +2

For mild, although sometimes chilly weather, spring and fall are pleasant times to be in Vienna. Fewer tourists make it easier to see the city's attractions, and hotel rates are lower. Summer is warm and sunny with temperatures in the high 70s and perhaps a bit more rain. It's also a lovely time there, but the city sees more visitors during the high season, reflected in hotel prices.

Christmas markets and magical decorations attract tourists in winter, despite colder temperatures. The ball season from November until February can be fun even if you're not ready to waltz onto the dance floor. Ball gowns, traditional Austrian dirndls, live music, and the festive atmosphere create memorable experiences.

So it seems that there's no wrong time to visit Vienna. Take a travel umbrella, warm clothing, and remember the well-worn adage, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes."

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Currency: Euro

(Check the current exchange rate )

Language: German

Hello - Hallo Good Morning - Guten Morgen Good day - Guten Tag Good Evening - Guten Abend My name is… Ich heiße… What is your name? - Wie heißen Sie? How are you? - Wie geht's? I'm well - Mir geht's gut. How much is that? - Wie viel kostet das? Where is the bathroom? - Wo ist die Toilette? Men - Herren/Männer Women - Damen/Frauen Please - bitte Thank you - Danke

Calling Code: +43

The letter ß, unique to the German alphabet, is used in many words to replace "ss."

Snow globes, a favorite souvenir of Vienna, have been produced there for more than a hundred years by the Perzy family in their 17th district factory. They depict St. Stephen's Cathedral, landmarks, animals, cakes, and more. The snow globes, made in a variety of sizes, are favorites at Vienna's Christmas markets.

Vienna is the only world capital with wineries within its city limits. In the city's outskirts of Grinzing, visitors can hike, bike, or visit a Heuriger, a seasonal wine tavern. Most of the wineries produce white wines, mainly Grüner Veltliner, Weissburgunder, Rheinriesling , and Gemischter Satz .

Danube Island, built as part of a flood protection system, has become a major recreation center with a beach, waterpark, restaurants, and nightclubs. An annual open-air music event, Danube Island Festival ( Donauinselfest ) is held there.

Austria's national dish is Wiener Schnitzel , thin cutlets of veal, breaded and fried. It's usually served with parsley potatoes or potato salad. Veal is most commonly used, but chicken may also be prepared as schnitzel.

Sacher Torte , one of Vienna's most famous desserts, is a rich chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered with chocolate. It's said to have first been prepared by Franz Sacher, a 16-year old apprentice, for Prince Metternich in 1832 when the head chef was ill. National Sachertorte Day in Austria is December 5.

In addition to coffee and sweets, Vienna is known for hot dog stands where you can choose either sweet ( süss ) or spicy ( scharf ) mustard.

If you live outside the European Union and your single local Vienna shopping bill exceeds EUR 75.01, you can claim a refund of the Austrian value added tax. Ask the seller for a Global Blue Cheque and the Global Blue Envelope that includes a list of all refund offices. (Global Blue is an international payment provider for tax free shopping.) While you are buying, make sure the original invoice is stapled to the Global Blue Cheque.When you leave Austria (or the European Union), go to the customs officer at the eValidation service counter at Vienna International Airport and get your Global Blue Cheque stamped on presentation of your purchase. Then cash your refund at one of the more than 700 refund offices world wide, including at Vienna airport. Alternatively, send the Global Blue Cheque of your Vienna shopping to Global Blue and they will transfer the money to you.

Vienna's public transportation network is extensive. Buses, trains, trams, and underground lines operated by Wiener Linien make getting almost anywhere in the city quite convenient. Ticket machines are located at underground stations, tobacconists, online, and on board (with a slightly increased rate.) In addition to single tickets, passes are available for longer periods of time.

The subway is called U-Bahn; local trains are Schnellbahn or s-Bahn; the tram is the Straßenbahn, and Autobus is the bus.

Taxi stands can be found throughout Vienna.

Uber operates in Vienna for ridesharing.

From Vienna International Airport , there is bus, train, and taxi service into the city as well as Uber for ridesharing.

The Vienna City Card provides discounts on tours and attractions as well as free public transportation on most lines. CityBike Wien operates approximately 120 bike stations around Vienna, one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe.

Grand Hotel Wien

Address: Kärntner Ring 9 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 51580-0 Website

This opulent hotel dating to 1870 offers luxurious furnishings, five restaurants, two bars, and the Grand Spa No.605. Their elegant rooftop terrace, open from March through October, features panoramic views along with cocktails, bar snacks, and traditional breakfasts. The hotel is centrally located near the Vienna State Opera and Kärntner Straße shopping.

Ritz-Carlton Vienna

Address: Schubertring 5-7 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 31188 Website

Located in downtown Vienna, the luxury hotel features 201 guest rooms including 43 suites. The historic building was once four palaces that have been connected, and modern amenities include fitness center, indoor pool, and spa. An excellent steakhouse, Italian restaurant, cocktail lounge, and seasonal Atmosphere Rooftop Bar provide a range of dining offerings.

K & K Palais Hotel

Address: Rudolfsplatz 11 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 53313 53 Website

This centrally located hotel is housed in the former residence of Emperor Franz Joseph. Modern air-conditioned rooms include flat-screen TV's, coffee machines, minibars, and elegant furnishings. Family-friendly amenities include playground, laundry facilities, snack bar, and available child care.

Hotel Imperial

Address: Kärntner Ring 16 1015 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 501 100 Website

Built for the Duke of Wurttemberg in 1863, the palatial building offers 76 rooms and 62 suites, all elegantly furnished with authentic antiques. Conveniently located near Vienna State Opera and St. Stephen's Cathedral, the hotel is also ideal for designer shopping. Family-friendly options include babysitting service, connecting rooms, and children's menus.

Hotel Sacher Wien

Address: Philharmoniker Str. 4 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 514 560 Website

This classic Victorian-era hotel features 152 exquisitely furnished rooms and suites that combine tradition with modern amenities. Fine dining restaurants and cocktail lounges are available, and guests should not miss Café Sacher 's world famous Sacher-Torte. Child care is available, and the "Petit Sacher" program provides a welcome gift and special amenities for children.

Park Hyatt Vienna

Address: Am Hof 2 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 22740 1234 Website

Set in a 100 year old former bank, the elegant hotel features 143 spacious guest rooms including 42 suites, as well as a spa with a sauna and pool. The hotel's location in the Goldenes Quartier is convenient to shopping, museums, churches, and attractions. In keeping with the theme, The Bank Brasserie & Bar presents exceptional dining and relaxed ambiance.

Hotel Daniel Vienna

Address: Landstraßer Gürtel 5 1030 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 90 131-0 Website

This centrally located hotel features 116 contemporary style rooms with modern amenities at a budget-friendly price. Their onsite bakery, restaurant, and breakfast buffet are popular with guests and locals. Pets are welcome, and bicycles are available to rent when weather permits.

Mraz & Sohn

Address: Wallensteinstraße 59 1200 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 3304594 Website

This family-run fine dining restaurant has received two Michelin stars for its creative approach to Austrian and internationally-influenced cuisine. Multi-course tasting menus offer an experience that's both sophisticated and casual, with friendly, attentive service. Reservations recommended.

Address: Am Heumarkt 2A, Innere Stadtpark 1030 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 71 33 168 Website

Located in Vienna's Stadtpark and set in a modern mirrored glass building, the restaurant features rural Austrian cuisine in creative presentations. Fresh seafood, produce from the terrace gardens, wild boar, and more are treated in novel ways. Choose the tasting menu or dine a la carte, and call ahead for a reservation.

Address: Burggarten 1 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 533 10 33 Website

Set in an 1822 greenhouse overlooking Hofburg palace gardens, the updated modern glass and steel structure is stunning, offering both indoor and outdoor dining. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, and the dinner menu includes seafood, steaks, and (of course) schnitzel. Reservations are suggested.

Address: Burggasse 2 1070 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 5222520194 Website

The Michelin Guide describes the restaurant's cuisine as modern Austrian which can be ordered a la carte or as a tasting menu, with wines that focus on Austria's vineyards. Indoor and outdoor tables are available, and the menu includes traditional wiener schnitzels, veal, bisque, and desserts. Located near Vienna's museums; reservations are recommended.

Address: Praterstraße 1 1020 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 906168110 Website

Located on the 18th floor of the modern hotel SO/Vienna, Das Loft offers panoramic views of the city through expansive windows, while a colorful illuminated ceiling created by multimedia artist Pipilotti Risi shimmers overhead. International fare is served starting with breakfast, and innovative dishes match the decor in creativity. Cocktails and a selection of wines from Austria and around the world are available.

Café Central

Address: Ecke Herrengasse, Strauchgasse 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 5333763 Website

Established in 1876 and set in Palais Ferstel , a palatial Italianate mansion, Café Central attracts tourists and locals who dine on Viennese dishes, coffee specialties, and bakery items in the historic setting. Through the years famous figures like Freud and Trotsky as well as poets and writers have dined there, so a stop at Café Central should be on every visitor's itinerary.

Address: Mariahilf, city center 1060 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 400005430 Website

Vienna's largest and best known food market is located on the Vienna River, with more than 120 market stands selling produce, fish, cheese, international street foods, sweets, snacks, local products, and sit-down restaurant meals. The market dates to the late 16th century, and some stalls have been there for over 100 years. On Saturdays, a flea market next door offers books, record albums, antiques, and more. Closed on Sundays.

Schönbrunn Palace

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraß 47 1130 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 81113239 Website

This magnificent 18th-century palace is one of Vienna's top attractions for its architecture, history, and Baroque gardens. Tours take visitors through the rooms once used by Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Maria Theresa to see the furniture, art, and sumptuous décor.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Address: Stephansplatz 3 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 515523054 Website

Also called Stephansdom , the cathedral was built as a 12th-century Romanesque church, and it has been reconstructed several times as recently as post World War II, combining its original design with Baroque and Gothic architecture. Visitors can tour the 14th-century catacombs in an underground labyrinth or climb one of the towers for a view of Vienna from the roof walk.

MuseumsQuartier

Address: Museumsplatz 1 1070 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43/1/523 5881 Website

Located in central Vienna, the complex includes 60 cultural institutions covering contemporary art, history, architecture, music, fashion, theater, dance, literature, photography, street art, and children's culture. Guided tours are available, and the exterior courtyard is designed for visitors and locals to enjoy with unique furniture, cafés, and restaurants.

The Spanish Riding School

Address: Michaelerplatz 1 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 533 90 31-0 Website

The riding school was established with the introduction of the famous Lipizzaner horses from Spain in the 16th century. Today, a variety of tours and performances demonstrate equestrian skills and take visitors behind the scenes for exercise and training sessions.

Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)

Address: Maxingstraße 13b 1130 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 87792940 Website

The world's oldest zoo dating back to the mid-18th century, the Vienna Zoo was built in the Gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. Visitors can enjoy the exhibits on their own or choose from a variety of tours that include backstage tours, themed tours focusing on a favorite animal, and morning experiences in the rainforest or aquarium followed by breakfast.

Address: Riesenradplatz 7 1020 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 7280516 Website

With a history that dates back to the 18th century, the 3,200-acre amusement park was rebuilt after World War II. The Prater is home to roller coasters, old-fashioned theme park rides, the Giant Ferris Wheel, Haunted Castle, the Prater Museum, Planetarium , 5-D cinema, and more.

Address: Kohlmarkt 14 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 535 1717 0 Website

Vienna's oldest café and bakery is an experience as well as a place to indulge in cakes, pastries, strudels, petit fours, and coffee. The experience is the opportunity to enjoy the same recipes loved by Emperor Franz Joseph served in traditional style by Demelinerinnen , waitresses in black dresses with white lace collars. You can also watch through a glass wall as bakers work, marvel at the window display, and take home a classic sacher torte to enjoy later.

Ringstrassen-Galerien (Ringstreet Galleries)

Address: Kârntner Ring 5-7 and 9-13 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 51 25 181 Website

Two buildings connected by a glass bridge creates a unique atmosphere for the 16-floor mall that includes offices, luxury apartments, and restaurants as well as retail shops. Stores offer clothing, accessories, jewelry, toys, art, gifts, flowers, and more in a gorgeous setting.

Donau Zentrum (Danube Center)

Address: Wagramer Strasse 94 1220 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 20347 22222 Website

This huge mall includes more than 250 stores and a multiplex cinema as well as at least 50 restaurants. Conveniently linked to the city center via metro, Austria's second largest shopping center is popular among locals and tourists.

Address: Inner City 1010 Vienna, Austria

One of the oldest and most elegant streets in Vienna, Kohlmarkt is home to jewelers and international luxury fashion brands including Cartier, Chanel, Armani, Burberry, Gucci, and more. Browse the high end shops and enjoy the grand historical architecture of the area.

Hamtil & Sôhne

Address: Herrengasse 2 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 532 1803 Website

This store offers unique souvenirs, gifts, lamps, and locally-made products. An interesting selection of children's toys, games, and puzzles make clever gifts.

Steffl Department Store

Address: Kârntner Straße 19 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 930 56 0 Website

This upscale department store features a wide variety of clothing and accessory brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Furla, Chloe, Patagonia, in a convenient location. Rest a bit after shopping at the SKY Café and enjoy views of St. Stephan's cathedral and Vienna's skyline.

Tostmann Trachten

Address: Schottengasse 3a 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 533 533 1 Website

This is the best place to purchase locally made traditional Austrian clothing. In business for more than 60 years, Tostmann offers dirndls for ladies and lederhosen for gentlemen. Choose from a variety of styles for adults and children.

Augarten Wien

Address: Obere Augartenstraße 1 1020 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 211 24 200 Website

Europe's second oldest porcelain manufacturer and purveyor to the Habsburg court, Augarten still produces timeless objects meticulously designed and painted. Dinnerware, vases, figurines, teapots, and collectible objects are available at the shop.

Innere Stadt (1st District) is the city center where most hotels, stores, restaurants, and attractions are located. St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Vienna Opera House, Parliament, and many museums are located in this district. The Ringstrasse, once the city's fortifications and now a fashionable boulevard, circles the district.

Leopoldstadt (2nd District) , once Vienna's Jewish quarter, is now a trendy area a short subway ride from the central city. Prater Park, Vienna's amusement park, is in this district as is the modern art museum and Augarten porcelain factory.

Landstrasse (3rd District) includes Stadtpark, Schwarzenberg Palace, Belvedere Palace, and several embassies and consulates. Stadtpark features lush lawns, playgrounds, and the excellent restaurant Steirereck im Stadtpark for Austrian cuisine.

Mariahilf (6th District) features the busy Mariahilferstrasse shopping street and the Naschmarkt produce and dining market as well as theaters and pubs. Vienna's aquarium is in this district, housed in a World War II air defense tower built by Hitler's engineers.

Neubau (7th District) includes the Spittelberg quarter, a lively cultural and upcoming trendy area. Bordering the MuseumsQuartier, this neighborhood's Christmas market is a popular winter destination. The large museum complex, formerly Imperial Stables, features bars, restaurants, shops, and an appealing outdoor area that attracts locals and tourists.

Hietzing (13th District) is home to Vienna's most popular tourist attraction, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Vienna Zoo. An elegant residential area with gorgeous 18th- and 19th-century summer residences, the district includes the Klimt Villa , with an exhibition of the artist's life and work.Döbling (19th District) borders the Vienna Woods and is home to exclusive residences as well as lush woodlands, wineries, and vine covered hills. Explore wineries or stop at a wine tavern. Hiking among hilly trails is popular here as well.

The climate of Vienna is continental with cold winters and moderately warm summers. Winter is cold and gray, with an average of 21 inches of snowfall each year. Snowfall is frequent, but generally not abundant.

January is the driest and coldest month, and July is the warmest and wettest. Hurricanes do not occur in Austria, and there is a chance of tornadoes during summer. Winter, December through February, is quite cold, and the weather starts warming in late March. Spring is mild and pleasant, and summer temperatures are warm, reaching into the 80s at times. Fall is mild, an ideal time to visit Vienna.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month. Average annual precipitation is 23.9 inches, with somewhat more rain occurring between May and August.

January 27°F - 37°F February 29°F - 42°F March 34°F - 50°F April 42°F - 61°F May 50°F - 69°F June 56°F - 75°F July 60°F - 80°F August 59°F- 79°F September 52°F - 69°F October 44°F - 58°F November 36°F - 47°F December 29°F - 38°F

Zoo Adventures Guide - Schönbrunn Zoo guide, photos, videos, animal stories iOs | Android

WienMobil Guide - route planner, real time departure information, transportation services iOs | Android

Wien.at - official city homepage for local news, events, and weather iOs | Android

Quandoo - restaurant search, booking reservations. iOs

Bike Citizens - City Bike finder, navigation, directions to available nearby bikes iOs | Android

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Related Articles

Are you planning a trip to Vienna? We're here to help! Our Vienna travel guide includes all the information you need to have the best possible time in one of Europe's most important cities .

Vienna Travel Guide

• General information
• What to see
• Getting to Vienna
• Vienna on a budget
• Where to stay
• Where to eat
• Two days in Vienna

Why visit Vienna?

Vienna is a captivating mix of old and new; Vienna is delicious  cuisine : a cultural melting pot in which you can find dishes from every world cuisine, complemented perfectly by  delicious Austrian pastries and excellent coffee ;  Vienna is music, the home of great composers such as Strauss, Beethoven and Mozart and the host to world-renowned opera ; Vienna is culture, with more than 100 museums to choose from.

Thanks to its unique charm , Vienna will be the backdrop to many incredible memories that will stay with you forever; spend a quiet evening at the opera, wander through its historical center under the watchful gaze of the cathedral  or enjoy a Viennese coffee accompanied by a slice of delicious Sachertorte chocolate cake.

Preparing for your visit

If you're planning a trip to Vienna and don't know much about the city, learning about its history is a great start. The next steps are to read our practical information about traveling to Vienna , as well as check out the different areas and places to see . Then you could have a look and see which museums interest you the most.

Get a discount on your hotel booking

If you book your hotel well in advance, you'll not only have many options to choose from, but you'll also be able to enjoy  fantastic discounts of up to 75% . Using our search engine , you can book any hotel in Vienna securely and with the best price guaranteed.

• Hotels in Vienna - Book online to get the best price guaranteed

Planning to visit Prague or Budapest?

If you fancy seeing more of Central Europe, check out our guides on Prague and Budapest .

top activities

Hallstatt Day Trip Discover the small town Hallstatt , one of the most enchanting places in Austria , with this day trip from Vienna. Live a genuine fairy tale!

With this entrance ticket to the Belvedere Museum, you'll visit one of the most important art collections in Austria and see famous works like Klimt's  The Kiss !

Attending a classical music concert in the Musikverein is a must if you're in Vienna. Experience Mozart's most famous works in an unforgettable setting!

Hitler's Vienna Tour Learn about Adolf Hitler’s early years in Vienna and how he became the leader of the Nazi Party on a 2.5-hour walking tour of the centre.

Saint Peter's Church Concert Listen to the great symphonies of classical music in an amazing setting with this concert at St. Peter's Church in Vienna .

Haus der Musik Ticket Make the most of your time in the City of Music visiting Vienna's Haus der Musik. Discover the great classical composers and create your own symphony!

Schönbrunn Palace Tour Discover one of the most elegant buildings in Vienna on this guided tour of the Schönbrunn Palace – you'll be captivated by this UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Free Tour of Vienna at Night The Austrian capital is one of Europe's most elegant cities. Discover its beauty by the light of the moon on this free tour of Vienna at night .

Sissi Tour of the Hofburg Palace Retrace the footsteps of the legendary Empress Sissi on this Vienna tour, immersing yourself in her memory and legacy at the museum Hofburg Palace!

Schönbrunn Palace Concert Enjoy a classical music concert in the most famous palace in the city, the  Schönbrunn Palace  – unmissable on any visit to Vienna!

Tour of Vienna and the Schönbrunn Palace Our guided tour of Vienna is the ideal way to discover the city and get skip the line access to its most important monument, the stunning Schönbrunn Palace.

Vienna By Night Sightseeing Tour Spending the evening admiring the most emblematic monuments around this Unesco World Heritage City all lit up with this Vienna Sightseeing Tour.

Vienna Kayak Tour Join this  kayak tour in Vienna for a unique experience in the capital city. Explore the  Danube River and marvel at the pristine nature and charming sights.

Classical Music Concert in the Kursalon Enjoy classical music in a unique space,   the famous Vienna Kursalon . You can also complete your experience with a delicious dinner!

Parndorf Designer Outlet Trip Discover the most exclusive shops at the Parndorf Designer Outlet in Vienna. With more than 160 brands at the best prices, you're sure to grab a bargain !

With this ticket to the Albertina Modern Museum , you can visit one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary art in the world!

Ticket to Mozart's House See the house in the middle of Vienna where one of the world's greatest musical geniuses once lived: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart . Ideal for music lovers!

Explore Vienna's most famous synagogue  on this tour of the Stadttempel. We'll learn about the history of this community and why it's so important.

Vienna Pub Crawl Get to know  Vienna's party side on this pub crawl through the city centre. Join the locals, try the most typical drinks and dance until dawn.

Schönbrunn Tourist Train Discover one of the Jewels of Vienna aboard the  Schönbrunn  sightseeing train - explore the palace and climb to the Gloriette !

Swarovski House Guided Tour Discover the history of one of the most famous jewellery manufacturers in the world , on this guided tour of the Swarovski House in Vienna!

Albertina Museum Tickets Get lost in the masterpieces of the Albertina's art collection. Itself an architectural marvel, it has more than 65,000 drawings and a million old master prints

Imperial Treasury Vienna Ticket Descubre los secretos del palacio donde vivió la emperatriz Sissi con esta entrada al Tesoro Imperial de Viena, ubicado en el lujoso Palacio Hofburg.

Vienna Sightseeing Bus The Vienna Sightseeing Bus  is the perfect way to tour the main monuments of the Austrian capital in a comfortable and practical way .

Vienna Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour The Vienna hop-on hop-off bus is a great way to get around the City of Music. You can get on and off at any of the stops  and explore at your own pace!

Vienna Pass The Vienna Pass allows access to more than 70 attractions in Vienna, including the Schönbrunn, Hofburg and Belvedere palaces, Mozart's house and much more.

Danube & Wachau Valleys Day Trip Ancient towns , sloping vineyards , spectacular scenery —on this day trip from Vienna, we'll discover some of Ausrtria's best-kept secrets !

Vienna Ghosts and Legends Tour Discover the cruel murders and dark secrets that lurk in the shadowy corners of Vienna on this ghosts and legends tour. You'll love it!

Bratislava Day Trip & Danube Cruise Discover the beauty of Bratislava  on this tour. Explore the city's historic centre & return to Vienna by boat, enjoying spectacular views on the Danube .

Vienna Flexi Pass The Vienna Flexi Pass gives you access to 2, 3, 4 or 5 tourist attractions  in the Austrian capital. Visit them at your own leisure and save money!

Vienna Museum of Illusions Ticket If you're looking to do something a little different in Vienna, get your ticket to the Museum of Illusions and find out what the limits of reality are. 

Concert in St. Anne's Church Can you imagine listening to a classical music concert in its world capital? At St. Anne's Church in Vienna you'll listen to pieces by Mozart, Schubert and more

Museum of Art History Ticket Explore the rooms of a palace full of some of the most unique art pieces in the world with this ticket to the Vienna Museum of Art History.

Vienna Bike Tour On this  bike tour in Vienna , we'll pedal around the best  monuments and buildings in the centre of the Austrian capital . It's a sustainable activity!

Schönbrunn Palace with Dinner & Concert Embark on a self-guided free tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see Schoenbrunn Palace and enjoy dinner accompanied by a classical music concert!

Full-Day Trip to Salzburg As the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of the Sound of Music, Salzburg has become one of Austria's most popular destinations. Discover its magic.

Dinner and Show in Vienna Enjoy a different kind of evening in Vienna with dinner and a show in the Wiener Rathauskeller restaurant, located on the ground floor of the Vienna Town Hall. 

Mauthausen Concentration Camp Guided Tour On this day trip to the Mauthausen concentration camp , we'll explore and uncover the fateful events that took place behind the walls of this massive labor camp.

Vienna Woods Tour Leave the city behind and discover the beautiful Vienna Woods , explore the Heiligenkreuz Abbey, and see the largest underground lake in Europe!

Danube River Dinner Cruise Embark on a magical evening on the Danube with this boat cruise including a delicious buffet of traditional Austrian food with the city illuminated.

Bratislava Tour On this excursion to Bratislava you will travel on your own by bus from Vienna to the capital of Slovakia , where you will enjoy an English-speaking tour.

Budapest Day Trip On this day trip from Vienna to Budapest , we'll journey to the captivating capital of Hungary to marvel at its iconic bridges and delve into its rich history.

Vienna Private Tour Discover the history, culture and music of the Austrian capital with this Vienna Private Tour. Explore the beautiful city with an exclusive guide.

Wine Tour Through the Vienna Woods Get ready for a wine adventure in the Vienna Woods ! Join us on this tour as we uncover the secrets of Lower Austria's wine production , complete with a tasting.

Alternative Vienna Kick Bike Tour Do you want to discover the Austrian capital in an unforgettable way? With this Vienna Kick Bike Tour you'll pedal through the city's most important quarters.

Learn about the famous people who've marked the history of Austria's capital with this tour through the Vienna Central Cemetery, the third-largest in Europe!

Weltmuseum Ticket With this ticket to the Weltmuseum, you'll see some of the most important discoveries in world history , such as Montezuma's headdress.

Imperial Carriage Museum Ticket You can't miss out on the chance to discover these Viennese carriages, renowned for their ornate and delicate decorations - get your ticket now!

Hard Rock Cafe Vienna If you're passionate about live rock music and American food, don't miss out on Hard Rock Cafe Vienna's finger-licking menus!

Madame Tussauds Vienna Want to meet some of the world's most famous people? At Madame Tussauds in Vienna , you'll get the chance to take pictures with your biggest idols.

MAK Ticket Grab your MAK Ticket and visit an incredible space that houses works by renowned artists such as  Gustav Klimt and Hoffmann  

If you love the performing arts and want to see a place that exhibits the history of the world on stage, don't miss a visit to the Austrian Theatermuseum.

Vienna Wine Tasting Discover the long tradition and  history of wine in Vienna  on this Austrian wine-tasting experience . You'll sample local wines and learn about their production.

Vienna Food Tour If you have a taste for diverse cuisine and beer , then this food tour of Vienna is perfect for you. Indulge in a culinary adventure in the Austrian capital!

Austrian Beer Tasting Enjoy a tasting of Austrian beers  in the heart of Vienna. A unique experience where you can try different varieties of local beers!

Medieval Vienna: Legends of the Great Plague Adventure Quest Would you like to discover Austria's capital in a unique way ? With this Medieval Vienna: Legends of the Great Plague   quest , you'll solve puzzles with an app.

Mythos Mozart Ticket With this ticket to Mythos Mozart , you'll dive into the captivating world of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at an interactive and immersive exhibit!

Discover the best of the Austrian capital on this tour of Vienna which includes a   visit to the State Opera House , one of the most iconic buildings in the city.

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Concert Spend a magical evening in Vienna at the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas concert . At this festive event, you'll get to stroll around and taste different delicacies .

Vienna Christmas Market Tour Get lost in a real-life fairytale with this tour of Vienna's famous Christmas markets - enjoy the most magical time of year in the Austrian capital!

Free Walking Tour of Vienna Immerse yourself in the charm and history of the Austrian capital on this free walking tour of Vienna . We'll discover the city's  most iconic monuments !

Why is our Vienna travel guide the best?

We've travelled around Vienna and got to know the city so that we can give you the best recommendations and most helpful advice to  make the most of your time and money . This is a guide for travellers by travellers.

The information and practical details in this guide are up to date as of January 2023. If you see an error or something that you think we should change, please contact us.

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Vienna On Budget: One Day Itinerary Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 27th, 2024

Planning a Vienna itinerary on a budget is pretty easy. Vienna, also known as “Wien” in German, is a UNESCO world heritage site bursting with Imperial history and Baroque architecture with musical accompanied by Mozart and Strauss. Let’s check out how we visit Vienna on a budget with money-saving tips in this travel guide blog. An ideal two or three days of Vienna itinerary.

Located east of Austria, travelers would fall in love with its charm, history, art, music, and true tales of princesses and kings. This beautiful city is well known for Maria Theresa’s reign as well as Emperor Franz Joseph I and his beloved wife, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, aka Sisi. Travelers can explore the world’s cultural heritage by planning a self DIY Vienna itinerary to the world-famous attraction in Vienna.

Despite the history tales, there are so many attractions in Vienna to explore and traveler can plan their day trip based on their interest. For an art lover, you can spend the whole day visiting the museum, enjoying a world-class music concert, or just doing nothing by enjoying a nice cup of Viennese coffee at an elegant classic cafe.

We have summarized all the useful Vienna travel tips in this simple and easy Vienna travel guide blog . You can find the information for a transportation guide on how to get to Vienna city from the airport and getting around in Vienna, a food guide for what to eat and drink, an accommodation guide for where to stay, and of course things to do in Vienna and nearby attraction in budget.

See how we spend three days in this Vienna itinerary full of fun and excitement, especially since we were visiting Vienna on a budget which is something more challenging. Take note that this travel guide to Vienna is compressive. For your convenience, I’ve compiled links to hotels, tours, and other services here. Let’s check it out!

Table of Contents

How To Get To Vienna City

Transportation is one of the main considerations when planning on the Vienna itinerary. The nearest airport is Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat, airport code: VIE), located 12 miles (19 km) east of the heart of Austria’s capital. The airport and city are well connected by various public transport with different option available.

Transportation From Airport To Vienna City

By Bus : €8 with 20 minutes traveling time. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver on the bus.

By taxi : cost approximately €36 and it will only take 20 minutes to reach the downtown area of Vienna.

By private transfer : The most comfortable transport serves as a driver will be waiting for you in the Vienna airport arrivals hall. Remember to pre-book your private airport transfer and enter your flight information correctly. Cost is similar to a taxi, but a private transfer will guarantee your arrival and send you to your destination as desired.

By Train : Express CAT (City Airport Train) or the slower S7 Schnellbahn (city train). CAT is a dedicated airport train, that costs €11 for one way or €17 for a return ticket with the non-stop route from Wien Mitte to the airport (and vice versa) in 16 minutes. Travelers can easily connect to Subway (U3 and U4), Tram (line O), Train (S1, S2, S3, S4, S7, and more), or Bus (74A) once reach Wien Mitten. So some people will choose to stay at the Wien Mitte area as it is the central location and well connected with various public transport.

The S7 city train is much cheaper compare with CAT, whereas the traveler can get the ticket for €4.20 for a single ticket; €1.80 if you already have a travel pass for the city. As this is the city train, so please expected the crowd during the peak hour and there will be no extra space for luggage. Traveling time is approximately 30 minutes.

Getting Around In Vienna

First of all, Vienna is the capital of Austria, boasting of great transportation links of buses, trams, trains, and metros.

The city of Vienna is not big, and mostly all the sightseeing spots are quite concentrated within walking distance. I enjoyed adventure the beauty of the city and getting lost by walking. However, certain locations like Schönbrunn Palace and  Belvedere Palace are hardly reached on foot and required to take the transport. 

Where to Stay

The public transport of Vienna is so convenient with well connected by great public transport. This makes finding accommodation in Vienna much simpler. A wide range of hotels, hostels, and apartments with different budgets can be chosen.

We highly recommended the Motel One Wien-Hauptbahnhof . The property is located right next to Vienna’s Main Train Station. It is very convenient as tram, metro, and bus stations in 1-2 minutes walking. Added, cafes and supermarket is located right in the same building or nearby. A popular pick!

More Accommodation Options : Where To Stay in Vienna: Best Areas and Wien Hotels

Luxury Hotel In Vienna

Hotel Sacher Wien is one of the top choices for staying in Vienna, located directly opposite the Staatsoper Opera House. Classical Victorian-era decor with excellent room service.

Well, Grand Hotel Wien is a good option for a luxury stay featuring a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Vienna and a three-minute walk from the famous Kärntner Straße Shopping Street.

Mid Range Accommodation In Vienna

Hotel Kaiserhof Wien offers luxury at reasonable price accommodation stay in Vienna. It is located in a quiet side street of Vienna and within walking distance of every sign in Vienna city center. Travelers love its strategic location and excellent breakfast with a nice variety of choices.

You may also consider the Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna , located next to Belvedere Palace within walking distance of the tram station.

Budget Hostel In Vienna

If you are the budget type, you can choose the Wombats Hostel Naschmarkt with a clean and spacious room. The location is incredibly central in the city within walking distance of Naschmarkt and the train station. Alternatively, consider a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof with a lower price yet accessible by public transport.

Things To Do in Vienna Itinerary

Planning on Vienna itinerary for the first time? Here are my Top 10 Things To Do in Vienna for a beginner’s guide. There are so many exciting things to try out in Vienna and the activities are catered to all types of travelers.

If you’re a historical lover, you can plan one or two days of museum trip to explore and experience the centuries-old development of Central Europe. Don’t forget to spend some time enjoying the classical music concert or enjoy a nice cup of coffee at an elegant coffee house.

Things To Do in Vienna Itinerary:

Schönbrunn Palace

Belvedere palace, st. stephen’s church (stephansdom), museumsquartiers, enjoy world-class classical music concert, naschmarkt (snack market), vienna cafe tour, spanish riding school, hundertwasserhaus, world most quirky building, prater park and the giant ferries wheel.

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most historic buildings in Vienna and it is the former summer residence of Hapsburgs with over 1,400 rooms in this palace. However, not all the rooms are open to the public and you can visit the 40 rooms by joining the Imperial tour or visiting 22 rooms with the Grand tour. You could easily spend the whole day at Schönbrunn Palace.

Large line form all year round, please come early or consider the Schönbrunn Palace-skip the line ticket . Audio guide available in 21 different languages free of charge.

Don’t forget to take a walk in the large, beautiful, and spectacular garden with free entry. Locals come here for morning jogs or to enjoy the sun.

• Address : Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria.
• Admission : Imperial tour at €16 and Grand Tour at €20.
• Getting there : Closest station Schloss Schönbrunn stop.
• Optional : Get the skip-the-line ticket for Schönbrunn Palace .

Many people came to the Belvedere Palace for the Kiss of Klimt . The 18th-century Belvedere is a UNESCO heritage site, that features a beautiful garden with the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s art.

The palace is split into two Baroque palaces, Lower Belvedere and Upper Belvedere, which is also home to the largest Gustav Klimt collection including the famous The Kiss of Klimt.

• Address : Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria.
• Admission : Upper/Lower Belvedere at €16/ €14, visit both at €22.
• Getting there : Tram 0, 18 to “Quartier Belvedere or Tram D to “Schloss Belvedere”.
• Optional : Get the Skip-the-line ticket for Belvedere Palace including Klimt’s Kiss .

Stephansdom cathedral is built in Romanesque and Gothic styles in the 12th century with a 137-meter high spire and beautifully decorated roof.

You can walk around Stepansplatz to discover one of the most impressive landmarks in Vienna. Added, you can explore the catacombs below the cathedral by paying €6 extra. Alternatively, consider paying an additional €5 to climb up a total of 343 steps of the south tower to the highest point in the city of Vienna for a watchman’s lookout.

It’s a great place for a visit to explore the architecture of Catholicism.

• Address : Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Opening Hours : Daily 6:00 to 22:00 except Sunday 7:00 to 22:00.

Neat collection of museums with home to different museums; the Leopold Museum for Art Noveau and Expressionism; Kunsthalle Wien for contemporary art; and the Mumok for Museum of Modern Art with the largest collection in central Europe.

Vienna has a strong influence on the culture and the music scene. Getting tickets to a classical concert is ABSOLUTE MUST in Vienna.

During our visit to Vienna, we have to spend a night enjoying the opera music at Staatsoper or State Opera House. Staatsoper is one of the largest and most famous opera houses in the world.

Remember to reserve your ticket, especially for the weekend show as cheap tickets sell out extremely fast. See how we save our money by spending €15 only for a seated ticket for a great wonderful performance at Staatsoper.

Naschmarkt (snack market) is Vienna’s most eclectic largest open-air market with over 120 market stalls selling local produce. You can easily find fruits, vegetables, and exotic foods and spices from all around the world.

It’s nice to feel like a local by enjoying a meal here with wine. A great location to grab a bite or enjoy your lunch with some fresh delightful Viennese specialty.

Recommended Food Tour in Vienna : Food, Coffee, and Market Small-Group Walking Experience

• Address : 1060 Vienna, Austria.
• Opening Hours : Daily 9:00 – 18:30. Close on Sunday.
• Admission : Free!
• Getting there : U4 “Kettenbrückengasse”.

One of the best things to do in Vienna is to sit in one of the Viennese coffee and enjoy a cup of nice coffee. There are many world-class cafes available like Julius Meinl, Café Central, Café Demel , and many more in Vienna for Vienna your cafe tour.

Order a “Schwarzer’ for a black coffee, ‘Brauner’ for a black coffee with milk, or a ‘Melange’ for coffee with cream

One of the famous things to do in Vienna. The superb Spanish Riding School was established after the ruler had the famous Lipizzaner horse introduced to his courtesans in 1562. You can witness the training of Lipizzaners and their riders during the morning exercise.

A quick stop to visit the shrine to one of Austria’s most important artist’s works, Hundertwasserhaus. This colorful apartment is famous as the “nature and human-friendly” house and build after the idea of the Austrian artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser with the colorfully decorated facade.

You cannot visit it as people are living inside. Take a picture from outside with this world’s most quirky house.

• Address : Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Wien, Austria.
• Getting there : From U1, U4 “Schwedenplatz”, take tram 1 and stop at Hetzgasse.

Prater is a large natural park located in Vienna’s 2nd district (Leopoldstadt) between the Danube and the Danube Canal. It is the oldest amusement park in the world, so-called the “Wurstelprater”.

However, the highlight in Prater Park is the Giant Ferries Wheel which has been turning since 1897. It has the most luxurious cabin for parties up to 12, helping get a wonderful view of Vienna from above.

• Address : 1020 Vienna, Austria.
• Opening Hours : Daily 10:00 – 23:00.
• Admission : Free entree but charged on attractions.
• Getting there : U1, U2 “Praterstern”.

Day Trip Nearby Vienna

There is also day trips nearby Vienna waiting for you to explore.

Wachau Valley Cruise and Melk Abbey – Take A day tour on Danube Valley to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Wachau valley by the 90 minutes boat ride with an English guided tour. You will see how the river Danube flows into lush hills, surrounded by vineyards and the Krem and Melk medieval castle.

Visiting Bratislava, Slovakia – Located only an hour away from Vienna, you can plan a short trip to the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. The train departs from Vienna at one-hour intervals with a return ticket from OBB costing you only €16 for a round trip. Or going by Flixbus which runs regularly with around €5 one way. Bratislava is a small capital and easy to travel around on foot. See how we spend a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna .

Alternatively, consider going for a Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna Including Catamaran Cruise .

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg – A day trip can bring you to the scene of the classical movie “The Sound of Music” and the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at Salzburg. Getting around in Salzburg for its world-famous Schloss Hellbrunn and Trick Fountains, Hohensalzburg Castle, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Mozart’s birthplace, or as simple as strolling around the Salzburg old town can easily spend the whole day. See how we spend our one-day itinerary in Salzburg here.

Optional, a day tour is available for the Salzburg Day Trip from Vienna .

What To Eat In Vienna

Even though we were visiting Vienna on budget, we ere forgot about saving some money on food. You hardly can’t miss the best food and cafe in Vienna. Listed are some of the recommended food to eat in Vienna. For something authentic, make sure you try various traditional dishes. Not the MUST EAT but it is worth giving a try to taste Vienna.

Sacher-torte – One of the most decadent desserts served at Hotel Sacher. Some say it is overrated and very pricey because of the name. But I still give it a try for this famous rich dark chocolate cake. Don’t forget to pair it when a strong Viennese coffee.

Apfelstrudel – One of the traditional desserts is Apfelstrudel. It is an apple strudel with sweet, cinnamon, and apple-filled pastry, topped with some whipped cream or warm vanilla source. Perfect match with a hot coffee.

Schnitzel – You can’t go to Vienna without a Wiener schnitzel. Austria is the birthplace of Schnitzel. Plenty of restaurants served this dish and the most famous Figlmüller served the biggest schnitzels in town. Please beware that it’s huge and easily serves two people.

Spare ribs – The popular food in Vienna and mostly all traditional Austrian restaurants served them. One of the famous restaurant, Ribs of Vienna offer a wide range of mouth-watering pork spare ribs. Don’t forget to book your reservation as the restaurant easily gets full with locals and tourists.

Continue to read on : Vienna Food Guide: What and Where to Eat in Vienna

How To Spend Two or Three Days In Vienna

When planning the Vienna itinerary, we found out that there are so many things to do in this gorgeous Vienna city that could not cover in one or two days of a short visit. After considering our Central Europe trip itinerary, schedule, and planning, we spend a total of three days in Vienna strolling around including a half-day trip to Bratislava.

See how we spend three wonderful days in Vienna itinerary on a budget:

• Day 1: Arrive in Vienna. Visit Schönbrunn Palace and Schönbrunn park.
• Day 2: Visit Hofburg, Graben, Stephansdom. Tea break in Cafe Central.
• Day 3: Day Trip To Bratislava from Vienna

Day 1: Arrive in Vienna – Schönbrunn Palace

We arrived in Vienna after two hours of a train journey from Salzburg. The first day of the Vienna itinerary is more of a historical visit to Schönbrunn Palace . We spend most of our time exploring the important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments in Vienna.

In the evening, we also have a leisure walk in the huge beautiful garden at Schönbrunn park. We end our day with juicy ribs and a cooling beer at Ribs of Vienna. Very delicious!

Day 2: Hofburg, Graben, Stephansdom

The second day in Vienna is very leisure and free. We enjoy our time exploring Naschmarkt in the morning, while afternoon we are wandering around and take a detailed look at Hofburg, Graben, and Stephansdom at the city center.

Lunch at the most famous Figlmüller for the biggest schnitzels in town and spending leisure time at cafe central for their gorgeous cakes and dessert. Not to forget to enjoy a world-class opera show at Staatsoper Vienna.

Day 3: Day Trip To Bratislava

Vienna and Bratislava are well coupled up together when traveling in Vienna. Thanks to its excellent train system, we have a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna on the last day of the Vienna itinerary.

See my guide on Bratislava: A Charming Unpolished Old Town in Slovakia .

How to Visit Vienna on a Budget

Vienna is not a cheap city and can consider one of the most expensive cities in Austria. You need to prepare to pay a lot of money for entrance, concerns, food, and drinks. However, planning a Vienna itinerary on a budget is still achievable. The first thing to understand is how to explore Vienna by spending less yet enjoying the most.

Don’t forget to read our money-saving tips if you plan to visit Vienna on budget.

• Visit With Vienna Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket.
• Travel With Vienna Transportation Pass.

Visit With Vienna Pass

The first money-saving tip for visiting Vienna on a budget is getting Vienna Pass . Vienna has a great selection of museums and Palaces with entry fees that can be very costly if you buy one by one. Forget about the Vienna Pass if you do not plan on visiting the museum or palace.

However, if you are planning to visit a lot of the city’s attractions, it’s worth investing in the Vienna Pass which cost €70/€95/€125/€125 for 1/2/3/6 days with free entry to over 70 of Vienna’s most popular attractions and museums, including the Imperial Palace, Schönbrunn Zoo and the Natural History Museum as well as a hop-on hop-off bus tour. It also covered the fast track entry to certain top attractions. Optional, you may also include the travel card which will cover all your transportation when getting around Vienna.

Book your Vienna Pass here and easily redeem it at Vienna. This Vienna Pass includes the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket to get around in town. Alternatively, grab the Vienna Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off for 360-degree views of Vienna’s top attractions with a 1-, 2-, or 3-day hop-on hop-off ticket!

Travel With Vienna Transportation Pass

If you just want to get around and visit Vienna on budget, we are highly recommended you get the Vienna transportation pass for 24/48/72 hours with €8/€14.10/€17.10 respectively.

You may be questioning why you need the transportation pass as mostly you will explore the beauty of Vienna on foot. A single-trip ticket on the metro will cost a flat rate of €2.40 each way no matter how far you go. If you will take at least two times of public transport, the Vienna transportation pass is a worthy investment. Do your smart calculation!

If you need a longer stay for seven full days, there’s also a weekly ticket for €17.10. Take note that this weekly ticket is followed as per calendar week which is valid from Monday midnight until next Monday at 9 a.m.

Plan your Vienna itinerary ahead and it can save you a lot of money by getting the right transportation card. Visiting Vienna on a budget is pretty easy. However, remember to validate your Vienna card before starting the first journey.

How We Plan On Our Central Europe Trip

Planning to visit Central Europe? Check out our perfect itinerary to Prague and the Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic for three to five days.

• Prague: Three Wonderful Days In Prague
• Cesky Krumlov: Fairy Tale Town Comes Into Reality

Exploring the World’s Most Beautiful town, Hallstatt, visit Salzburg and Vienna in Austria. 

• Salzburg: City of “The Sound of Music” And Mozart
• Hallstatt: Most Beautiful Lake Town In The World
• Vienna: How to visit Vienna on budget

Have a side visit from Salzburg to Munich and Berchtesgaden, a day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia from Vienna. Lastly, see how we plan three days in Budapest.

• Berchtesgaden: Hidden Natural Gem at German-Austrian border
• Bratislava: A Charming Unpolished Old Town in Slovakia
• Budapest: Best Things To Do in Three Days

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Practical Tips for Visiting Vienna

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by gregor

Vienna is a great city that can never disappoint. You can keep on visiting Vienna again and again and there is always something fantastic to experience, something to see that you haven’t seen before and eat food you haven’t tried yet.

The overwhelming amount of things on offer can be a real challenge for first-time visitors. That’s why everyone needs some practical tips for visiting Vienna and how to avoid mistakes when traveling to Vienna.

10 Tips Things to Know Before Visiting to Vienna For Tourists

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

1. Weather Considerations

Planning a visit to Vienna necessitates a thorough understanding of the city’s climate. Vienna experiences a diverse weather pattern throughout the year, with warm summers and cold winters. To make the most of your trip, consider the best times to visit, factoring in your preferred weather conditions. Spring and fall are generally mild, offering pleasant temperatures for outdoor exploration.

2. Currency and Payments

Navigating Vienna’s financial landscape requires knowledge of the Euro, the official currency. Understanding the basics of Euro denominations and coin values facilitates seamless transactions. Additionally, weigh the pros and cons of using cash versus cards. While many places accept cards, having some cash on hand is advisable, especially in smaller establishments.

3. Language Tips

German is the predominant language in Vienna, and while many locals speak English, learning a few basic German phrases enhances your travel experience. Polite greetings, common expressions, and simple questions go a long way in fostering positive interactions with locals. Embracing the local language adds a personal touch to your journey.

4. Transportation Efficiency

Efficient transportation is key to exploring Vienna with ease. Understanding the city’s public transport system, including buses, trams, and the U-Bahn (subway), is crucial. Consider acquiring the Vienna Card for added convenience, offering unlimited public transport and discounts on various attractions. This not only saves money but also simplifies your travel logistics.

5.Navigating the City

Vienna boasts several walkable districts, allowing you to immerse yourself in its charm on foot. Strolling through the historic Innere Stadt or exploring the trendy Neubau district offers a unique perspective. Additionally, consider renting a bike for a more active exploration, providing flexibility and a chance to cover more ground.

6. Cultural Etiquette

Respecting local customs is essential for an enriching travel experience in Vienna. Familiarize yourself with Austrian traditions and etiquette to engage respectfully with the local culture. When visiting cultural sites, adhere to attire guidelines, especially in places of worship or formal settings. This ensures a seamless and respectful interaction with Vienna’s rich heritage.

7. Dining Dos and Don’ts

Vienna’s culinary scene is a treat for food enthusiasts. Dive into local delicacies such as Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte. Understanding dining etiquette, such as making reservations and tipping practices, enhances your gastronomic experience. Embrace the city’s café culture, savoring delightful pastries while enjoying the relaxed ambiance.

8. Museums and Attractions

Vienna’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its museums and attractions. Plan your visit strategically by exploring ticket options and potential discounts. Consider whether guided tours or self-exploration aligns better with your preferences. Engaging with Vienna’s history and art in a way that suits your interests ensures a fulfilling experience.

9. Safety Measures

Prioritizing safety is paramount when visiting any city. Familiarize yourself with secure travel practices, such as safeguarding valuables and being aware of your surroundings. Keep emergency contacts and local services handy, ensuring a swift response in case of unforeseen situations. This proactive approach enhances your overall peace of mind during your stay.

10. Souvenir Shopping

Souvenir shopping allows you to take a piece of Vienna’s charm home with you. Seek out authentic keepsakes, such as handmade crafts or local specialties, to capture the essence of your visit. When bargaining, approach it with a friendly demeanor, respecting local customs. This not only ensures fair transactions but also creates positive interactions with local vendors.

As seen above, Austria uses the Euro therefore, if you need to change currency, be aware of the exchange rates. The  official language in Austria is German , and even though most people can communicate in English, it is always useful to learn a few words or phrases. Some of them are danke, meaning thank you, and bitte, meaning you’re welcome or please. Another useful tip is that in Austria, the standard voltage is 230V while the power sockets are Type F, so be sure to have the right travel adaptor.

10 Vienna Travel Tips for Tourists

Dreaming of waltzing through Vienna’s imperial streets and indulging in its rich culture? Here are 10 essential tips to make your Viennese adventure smooth and unforgettable:

1. Embrace Public Transport: Skip the car hassle! Vienna’s excellent trams, buses, and subway system make getting around a breeze. Plus, a Vienna City Card grants unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.

2. Palace Power: Vienna boasts stunning palaces like Schönbrunn and Hofburg. Explore their opulent interiors, wander through manicured gardens, and even catch a concert in a historic setting.

3. Coffee Connoisseur: Vienna’s cafe culture is legendary. Settle into a grand cafe like Cafe Central, savor a creamy “Melange” coffee, and soak up the atmosphere. Remember, pastries are for later!

4. Museum Magic: From the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s art treasures to the quirky Haus des Meeres aquarium, Vienna’s museums cater to every interest. Many offer free entry on specific days, so plan your visits accordingly.

5. Step Back in Time: Immerse yourself in Vienna’s imperial past. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral for breathtaking architecture, wander through the Hofburg Palace complex, and admire the grandeur of the Spanish Riding School.

6. Danube Delights: Take a cruise along the majestic Danube River for stunning cityscapes and a unique perspective. Enjoy a meal onboard or simply relax and watch the world go by.

7. Schnitzel Savvy: Don’t miss Vienna’s signature dish, the Wiener Schnitzel. Sample it at a traditional restaurant like Figlmüller, or grab a casual version from a “Beisl” (local pub).

8. Market Marvels: Immerse yourself in Vienna’s vibrant markets. Naschmarkt offers fresh produce, local delicacies, and souvenirs, while the Samstagmarkt (Saturday market) features antiques and flea market finds.

9. Park Perfection: Vienna boasts beautiful parks perfect for picnics, relaxation, or people-watching. Explore the Stadtpark, relax in the Volksgarten, or climb the Gloriette for panoramic views.

10. Waltz into the Night: Experience Vienna’s musical heritage. Attend a classical concert in a historic venue, catch an opera at the Vienna State Opera, or simply enjoy live music in a cozy bar.

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Vienna’s Weekend Tips

Leisure and culture.

Experience Vienna’s vibrant weekend scene by exploring local markets, attending cultural events, and indulging in the city’s renowned coffeehouse culture.

Restaurants and Cafés

In Vienna, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip is customary. Exceptional service might warrant a slightly more generous tip, but it’s not obligatory.

Here are some valuable Vienna itineraries for visiting Vienna:

• Best of Vienna in 4 hours – Layover in Vienna
• The Perfect 1-Day Vienna Itinerary
• The Perfect 2-Days Vienna Itinerary
• The Perfect 3-Days Vienna Itinerary

When visiting Vienna here is the Vienna Budget Travel Guide , Free Things to do in Vienna, Austria

Vienna Has More Amazing Museums Than Just the Belvedere Museum

The Vienna Pass isn’t only going to save you money, but also time. You won’t need to stand in the long line for every museum and you could skip the ticket line.

If you want to include other attraction in your pass you could look up Vienna pass.

Speaking of the Belvedere Museum… if you’re not an art lover and trying to go to Belvedere just to see The Kiss by Gustav Klimt: DON’T! Don’t be one of the tourists who go in, take a photo of the KISS, and leave. Most people aren’t seeing the painting, but just taking selfies with it.

Here is a List of the Best Museums in Vienna

St. stephens cathedral isn’t a very glamorous experience.

Almost everyone is dreaming of getting to the St. Stephens Cathedral in Vienna. But the moment you start approaching the tower you might realize that it’s not very romantic, as it’s surrounded by a ton of visitors and annoying vendors. The place is crowded, and lines take forever no matter when you visit.

Similar to the Effile Tower in Paris,going to the top of the tower is not worth it. I mean you probably want to see a panorama of Vienna with the actuall St.Stephens Cathedral.

I recommend you to see the city from up high from the top here are the Best Views of Vienna, Austria

Stay only in the City Center of Vienna

I cannot emphasize this more! Pinning down the perfect place to stay depends on budget and location, but quite often the second one is way more important than you think. Vienna is divided into 23 districts and nearly everything is referred to as the 1st district

Before booking your hotel check whether the area is safe and close to the places you want to visit. If you’re in Vienna for a minimal time don’t choose a place on the edge of town, as you definitely don’t want to spend hours commuting to save a few bucks.

Viennese Eat Dinner Time

Viennaians tend to eat dinner early around 6:00 or 8:00 PM. Many good restaurants won’t serve dinner after 10:00ish PM. If you’re planning some Michelin star dining keep in mind that places are booked weeks in advance, especially in the summer and Christmas time. Please refer to my Vienna Food Guide to learn everything about Viennese Food, like Wiener Schnitzel and Sacher Cake

Don’t Think That Vienna is a City Just for Lovers

Many romantic comedies portray Vienna as the city for lovers, with boyfriends proposing in front of the Sisi Chapel and taking girls on romantic walks along the Danube River.

Here are the Most Romantic Things to do in Vienna . Please have a look at this Blog article

Solo Travel to Vienna Tips

Vienna is a great place to travel solo , as you can people-watch and appreciate everything in a different way than you would with your partner. You can also easily meet people in Vienna too as there are many solo travelers in the city and many families as well – my kids have a blast every time they go!

Here is the Blog Post about Vienna Solo Traveler Tips – Top Things to Do and See

Vienna Has More Awesome Coffee Houses than the Cafe Central & Cafe Sacher

Cafe Central is definitely the most iconic Coffee House in Vienna. Especially in the summertime, there are often long waiting lines and the Cafe Central is mostly crowded. There are several other Coffee Houses that offer you a traditional Viennese Coffeehouse experience, including great Viennese Coffee and delicious cakes.

Here is the selection of the Best Coffee Houses in the City Center of Vienna .

Most Viennese People are on vacation in July/August

Viennese people are used to going on vacation in the summer months of July and August and as a result. Tourist attractions are obviously open and very full of people because of the summer, but many local small shops , private stores, and small local restaurants might be closed.

If you’re opting for a mixture of local and tourist experiences, it might not be the right time to visit Vienna in July or August. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan, as I like to interact with locals anywhere I go.

Dedicate a Whole Day to Schönbrunn & Belvedere Palace+ Don’t Go Without a Skip-the-Line Ticket

Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Place are incredible places to visit outside the City Center of Vienna. However, especially if you’re visiting Vienna during the summer the palace can get VERY busy.

Combining two places (for instance Schönbrunn & Belvedere) in one day may seem tempting price-wise, but it’s not the best idea. You’ll be rushing and running (literally!) through everything and only get frustrated. Don’t try to do everything and prioritize what you want to do.

I suggest you allow yourself a full day to explore Schönbrunn and purchase skip-the-line tickets , its gardens, and especially the Gloriette. It’s a great place that can’t be missed and you don’t want to be rushed through it.

Please refer to my Schönbrunn Palace Travel Guide :

Belvedere Palace

The second palace you need to see is the Belvedere, it is a grand place and said to be the most visited tourist spot in Vienna. Built back in 1712-23, by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt.

This masterpiece is considered to be one of his best works. While the place served as a summer home to Prince Eugene of Savoy, it is now open for everyone to explore. Said to be one of Europe’s most important museums, it has a great deal to offer. One that is sure to take hours of your day.

Book your ticket here:   Entrance Tickets for Belvedere

Vienna is one of the greatest cities on earth. if you follow my tips for visiting Vienna and do it the right way, you should have a great experience. it will make you want to come back for more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Metro in Vienna (U-Bahn) is very easy and safe to use. It might be slightly intimidating at first due to the huge amount of different lines, but once you figure it out you’ll use it all the time. Keep your Vienna metro ticket until you’ve exited the metro system at your final destination because the police might be checking your tickets inside the station. there are ticket machines at most underground stations points of advance sale Tobacconists also sell tickets Onboard the tram at an increased rate of EUR 2.60 per ticket Buy tickets online:  Wiener Linien Online Shop On many Metro lines, the doors to the train do not open unless you press a button or lift a handle. Remember it if you don’t want to miss your station or look funny. My tip: While taxis in Vienna are expensive, Uber & Bolt are definitely affordable and I recommend doing it at least once so you can see Viennaian streets during your ride. Just don’t try to take it to the airport as it would take longer than the train and cost you 5 times as much… on top of getting stuck in traffic for a very long time.

Vienna stands out as an ideal destination for a city break, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration. Its compact layout allows visitors to efficiently explore key attractions, making it feasible to experience the city’s essence even with a short visit.

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is undeniably worth visiting for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and artistic contributions. The city stands as a testament to centuries of imperial grandeur, musical excellence, and architectural marvels. Vienna’s cityscape seamlessly blends historic landmarks like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral with modern cultural spaces and a vibrant arts scene. The city’s museums, concert halls, and coffeehouses collectively create an immersive and captivating experience.

Absolutely! Picking the perfect spot for your first Viennese adventure depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Here’s a breakdown of some popular areas to consider: For the history buff: Innere Stadt (1st district):  Immerse yourself in the heart of Vienna’s historical core. Explore iconic landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Spanish Riding School, all within walking distance. Bustling atmosphere, but expect higher accommodation prices. For the museum enthusiast: MuseumsQuartier (7th district):  Modern art lovers, rejoice! This vibrant district houses MUMOK, Leopold Museum, and Kunsthalle Wien, along with trendy cafes and bars. Lively and youthful, with good public transport connections. For the budget-conscious traveler: Neubau (7th district & 8th district):  Home to charming cafes and vintage shops, this area offers a mix of budget-friendly guesthouses and modern apartments. Close to the MuseumsQuartier and Neubaugasse shopping street. For the foodie: Naschmarkt (5th district):  Immerse yourself in Vienna’s culinary scene at this bustling market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and international flavors. Lively and multicultural, with excellent public transport connections. For the relaxed explorer: Josefstadt (8th district):  Escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful stay in this elegant district known for its beautiful squares and Baroque architecture. Family-friendly, with parks and playgrounds nearby. For the panoramic views: Grinzing (19th district):  Nestled in Vienna’s outskirts, this charming wine village offers stunning views of the city and a laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for day trips and enjoying local vineyards. Remember, Vienna is a relatively compact city, so getting around is easy regardless of where you stay. Consider your priorities, browse accommodation options, and start planning your unforgettable Viennese adventure!

The ideal length of your Vienna stay depends on your travel style and interests, but here’s a quick guide: 2-3 days: Perfect for a whirlwind tour of the city’s highlights, including iconic landmarks like Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace, exploring charming neighborhoods, and indulging in the cafe culture. 4-5 days: Allows you to delve deeper into specific interests, like visiting multiple museums, attending a concert or opera, taking a day trip to nearby attractions like the Danube Valley, or simply relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere. 6+ days: Ideal for a truly immersive experience, exploring hidden gems, venturing off the beaten path, and enjoying a leisurely pace. You could even consider day trips to nearby cities like Salzburg or Budapest. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to consider your priorities and preferences. If you’re short on time, 2-3 days will give you a good taste of Vienna. But if you have more flexibility, you can truly discover the city’s magic at a slower pace.

Yes, Vienna is excellent for a city break! Immerse yourself in history with grand palaces, indulge in world-class museums and music, and savor delicious food and coffee. From imperial charm to modern vibrancy, Vienna offers something for everyone.

More related Vienna Travel Blog Posts

• WHAT TO BUY IN VIENNA: BEST 15 SOUVENIRS FROM VIENNA
• WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT VIENNA, AUSTRIA
• HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO VISIT VIENNA?
• THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA WITH KIDS – FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN AUSTRIA
• VIENNA SOLO TRAVELER TIPS – SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE VIENNA, AUSTRIA
• BEST WAYS TO GET FROM VIENNA AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTER
• THE TOP AUTHENTIC VIENNESE EXPERIENCES YOU MUST ENJOY WHEN IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA
• VIENNA BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE, FREE THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA IN 2022
• 15 BEST FOOD TOURS IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA – UPDATED 2022/23
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How many days do you need to visit Vienna?

Vienna – best things to do in summer.