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Home » Europe » Austria » Vienna

WEEKEND in Vienna – 48 Hour Guide (2024)

Set on the banks of the Danube River, Vienna is a city that combines grand opulence, imperial palaces, and baroque streetscapes, with a charmingly modern way of life and vibrant culture. Vienna has been ranked as the most liveable city in the world for the last 10 years in a row, and frequently tops lists of the best places to visit on earth!

It’s a city with a rich history stretching back nearly 2,000 years. For a long time, it was one of the most powerful cities on earth and it has consistently been a global hub for culture and creativity! We absolutely fell in love with the Austrian capital when we visited visited Vienna. The combination of incredible baroque palaces with modern vibes were just enchanting.

There’s plenty to see and do during your Vienna mini-break, from archaic buildings and world-class culinary experiences to lively nights out and getting immersed in the cool coffee house culture. Not to mention its top-notch music venues and epic sporting activities!

Vienna city breaks are a great way to explore the city! Whether you’re planning on spending three days in Vienna or just stopping by for a Vienna weekend break, this Vienna travel guide has you covered!

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Insider Tips for an AMAZING Weekend in Vienna

Vienna nightlife guide, vienna food guide, sporting events in vienna, weekend cultural entertainment in vienna- music/concerts/theatre, vienna weekend travel faqs.

We’ve put together some insider tips to help you make the most out of your time in the stunning Austrian capital.

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Know Where to Stay in Vienna

There are several awesome districts in Vienna, each with its own unique atmosphere and benefits. From the lively creative atmosphere in Leopoldstadt to Vienna’s grand and opulent centre, Innere Stadt, there’s a place for every kind of traveller visiting Vienna.

That being said, we do highly recommend that you stay somewhere central during your trip to Vienna. That way, you’ll save time and money by avoiding travelling to and from the city’s main attractions. You’ll also find it easier to head back to your accommodation after a night out! This is especially true if you’ve only got a few days in Vienna.

To be properly prepared for your trip to the beautiful city, make sure to find out how expensive Vienna is . It’s always good to know roughly how your travel budget should look like!

Check out our guide on the coolest places to stay in Vienna for a more in-depth rundown of the city’s neighbourhoods so you can plan your Vienna itinerary.

Our Favorite Hostel – Wombats City Hostel Vienna – The Naschmarkt

• Located right next to Naschmarkt, the city’s most famous and vibrant market
• The rooms are clean and comfortable and there’s even an onsite bar and pool table
• A great place to meet like-minded travelers and indulge in Vienna’s coffee culture

Located in the trendy Wieden district, this hostel offers top-notch affordable accommodation in central Vienna . It’s just a short walk from many of the city’s main attractions, with popular restaurants, cafe’s, and bars right on its doorstep. It’s also not too far from the belvedere palace complex so you can make good use of your days in Vienna.

Our Favorite Airbnb – Artistic loft very close to centre

Discover Vienna on foot while staying smack dack in the city centre in this modern but cosy apartment. And if you do plan to venture out, this home is 15 mins from St.Stephens Dome and all the attractions you’ll want to see when you visit Vienna.

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 cosy living area that has an organised space to play board games or cards, you may not even leave home!

Our Favorite Budget Hotel – Hotel-Pension Wild

• Centrally located in one of Vienna’s best areas
• Clean, comfortable, and really reasonably priced
• A friendly, thoughtful staff that is happy to help make your stay more enjoyable.

Hotel-Pension Wild offers guests exceptional value for money. Set in a beautiful old building in the city centre, it’s just a short walk from many of the main attractions and a metro station. The rooms come with comfortable beds, towels, toiletries, linen, and a fan. A delicious breakfast is also served each day. It’s an ideal base if you’ve got only a few days in Vienna.

Our Favorite Splurge Hotel – The Guesthouse Vienna

• Each room features fine furniture and high-end audio-visual equipment
• Higher floor rooms boast views of the State Opera House and city center
• Each room comes with four bottles of Austrian wine and other beverages free-of-charge

Just a 5-minute walk from St. Stephens Cathedral, The Guesthouse Vienna is right in the city centre. As a design hotel, naturally, it boasts exquisite exterior and interior design that permeates through each of the uniquely crafted rooms. It’s ideal for visiting places like Vienna City Hall or if you’re heading to a classical music concert at the opera house.

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!

Know How to Get Around in Vienna

You’ll be pleased to know that Vienna has one of the best public transport systems in the world, making getting around the city a breeze!

Vienna is a vast city, spread out over a large area, so you’ll need to make use of this comprehensive public transport system during your stay. The best way to get around in the city is by using a combination of the Vienna Metro (U-Bahn), trams, and buses. The public transport in Vienna is incredibly efficient, and you’ll never have to wait long.

A single one-way ticket for all inner-city transport (U-Bahn, trams, and buses) is $2.70, but we recommend getting a 48-hour pass for around $16. Or, if you’re planning on spending three days in Vienna, buy a 72-hour pass for roughly $20. This will almost certainly save you money, and remove the headache of buying a ticket every time.

The best thing about Vienna’s public transport system is that on weekends, it runs 24-hours, so you’ll be able to get home no matter how late you stay out.

Within each of the central districts, especially the Historic Centre, walking is a great way of getting around and absorbing the Viennese atmosphere. But. if you want to visit places like the Belvedere palace complex you might want to hop on public transport.

Lastly, cycling is a particularly popular method of transportation in Vienna, so you can always rent a bike and travel like a local!

Insider Tip – When you arrive at Vienna Airport, buy a $5 train ticket from the OBB ticket counter. These tickets are significantly cheaper than the designated City Airport Train (CAT), and will also allow you to get on a U-Bahn once you arrive in the city.

No area in Vienna is particularly well-known for its nightlife, but that’s not to say that the city isn’t a good place for it. It simply means that the bars and clubs are spread throughout the city and that many of the central districts are great for a night out when you visit Vienna.

Innere Stadt

• The highest concentration of bars and clubs in the city
• Home to Loos American Bar, one of the city’s finest drinking establishments
• A great place for a classy evening out on the town

Most of the city’s best clubs and bars are found in Innere Stadt, Vienna’s central hub. If you’re planning a long weekend of bar hopping, this is a good place to start. Loos American Bar is one of the city’s legendary bars. Operating since 1908, it offers the best classic cocktails and a wonderfully retro atmosphere. Be sure to add it to your Vienna itinerary if you enjoy the bar scene.

Leopoldstadt

• A trendy, creative neighborhood with good nightlife options and plenty of modern art
• Das Loft is a great place to sip on cocktails with a view of the city
• Check out ZWE for some top-notch jazz performances

In recent years, this formerly run-down district of Vienna has become a thriving hub for young creatives. It’s also home to a series of nightlife venues, our favourite of which is Das Loft. This classy glass-walled lounge bar sits on the 18th floor of the Sofitel, resulting in spectacular views of the city!

• A cool neighborhood with a young crowd
• Strandbar Herman offers a ‘beach bar’ experience in the middle of a city
• Donau is run down but chic, and offers a great menu of cocktails

Neubau is an artsy neighbourhood with a young crowd. Its streets are lined with cool cafes for daytime chilling, and bars and restaurants worthy of a great night out! Strandbar Herman is a beach bar set on the banks of a canal! It offers beach chairs and solid DJs flooding the air with music. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the cocktails are delicious!

Vienna has a world-class culinary scene. The local cuisine is full of uniquely delicious delights, and the city offers a plethora of international restaurants!

Wiener Wiaz Haus

• Try a top quality Wiener schnitzel, one of Austria’s most legendary dishes
• Delicious vegetarian options are also offered for those who don’t eat meat
• Great Austrian beer and friendly staff

No trip to Vienna would be complete without experiencing the city’s local cuisine, especially the legendary Wiener schnitzel! It’s the best-known speciality of Viennese cuisine, and no establishment does it better than Wiener Wiaz Haus. Pay this restaurant a visit for a great atmosphere and some of the city’s best local food!

Insider tip – many restaurants only accept cash, so be sure to carry some cash around with you! Also, make sure that you hide it.

Learn How to Make Apple Strudel

• Learn how to make one of the country’s most iconic sweet treats
• A fun experience with a great atmosphere
• Take the finished product home with you, or enjoy it warm after the class

Apple Strudel is another one of Austria’s classic cuisine favourites. It’s a soft, sweet pastry with delicious apple at its core, you just have to try it when you visit Vienna! In this group apple strudel baking experience, you’ll learn the secrets and history of this warm Austrian favourite. The experience is complemented with drinks and snacks throughout, and you can enjoy your finished product at the end of the class.

• A 500-year-old market with an impressive history and great atmosphere
• A wide range of food from around the world spread between stalls and restaurants
• A great way to experience this foodie fantasy is on a guided food tour

Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most popular and well-known market, with routes stretching back to the 16th century. The market lanes are lined with amazing food stalls and small restaurants, offering a vast selection of foods from around the world. Naschmarkt is a tasting market, allowing you to get a broad range of culinary experiences and discover some hidden gems. You’ve got to make sure you add this to your Vienna itinerary!

Vienna offers some awesome activities for sports lovers and fitness fanatics! These sporting activities offer a great workout and they are something fun and a bit different to do when you visit Vienna.

Indoor Climbing

• Climbing focuses the mind and gives you a great workout without you even realising it
• You can climb inside no matter the weather
• Boulderbar is a light and airy bouldering space in the city

Over the course of the last few years, climbing has become incredibly popular, especially in Austria. Whilst there isn’t exactly a mountain to climb in the centre of Vienna, the city is home to a number of awesome climbing gyms, where you can enjoy bouldering and top-rope climbing!

Stand Up Paddleboard

• Paddle along the Alte Danau river and experience the city from a new perspective
• Get a good workout while having loads of fun
• Can be incredibly peaceful, and offers spectacular scenery

SUPing (stand up paddleboarding) is another up-and-coming sport that is rapidly gaining traction around the world. It involved standing on a large, highly-buoyant surfboard and gliding across the surface of the water with the help of a hand-held paddle. It’s a great workout and thoroughly enjoyable. SUP Centre Wien is a great place to rent a SUP or get some lessons.

Kahlenberg Forest Rope Park

• A great way to get a workout and experience Vienna’s gorgeous natural surroundings
• A scenic and fun way to spend some time
• 25-minute drive or 50 minutes using public transport from the city centre

Located a little outside of the city, Kahlenberg Forest Rope Park is an adventure park offering a range of treetop obstacle courses. Visitors can climb, hang, swing, and balance their way through the trees. The courses come in a variety of difficulty levels, so it’s great no matter your fitness level. If you’ve spent a few days in Vienna and want to escape the city, this is a great option!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Vienna is often referred to as the city of music and is considered one of the music capitals of the world. The city has been home to more world-renowned composers than any other city on earth and has produced the likes of Mozart and Beethoven amongst several others.

See an Opera at the Vienna State Opera

• The Vienna State Opera is a beautiful building and iconic Viennese landmark you should see when visiting Vienna
• Experience a beautiful old building that exudes a rare kind of opulence
• Immerse yourself in traditional Viennese culture for a fraction of the usual cost

Attending an opera is an authentic way to experience proper Viennese culture. The Vienna State Opera house is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and frequently houses world-class operatic works. It is considered one of the world’s finest opera houses, so try to add it to your Vienna itinerary .

While attending an opera is generally highly expensive, it’s possible to purchase standing room only tickets at the Vienna State Opera for just $3.50.

Insider Tip – The standing room only tickets go on sale at the opera house 80 minutes before a show starts, so be sure to plan which show you’d like to see and be there as soon as tickets go on sale!

House Of Music

• A fascinating exploration of sound and music
• A series of immersive interactive exhibits make for a rich experience
• Learn the musical history of one of the world’s greatest music cities

House Of Music (Haus Der Musik) is a museum of sound in Vienna. It explores all aspects of music, from the fundamentals of sound to the great composers of history. It offers an experience like no other, with a series of interactive multimedia exhibitions bringing the sound and music to life.

Porgy and Bess Jazz Club

• Hosts world-class jazz performances as well as other genres occasionally
• A great atmosphere every evening
• Delicious food and drinks are available in the club

If you’re a fan of jazz, you’ll feel right at home at Porgy and Bess. It’s one of the top jazz clubs in Europe and hosts world-class performances pretty much every night of the year. The stage frequently welcomes top-notch local and international players, making for outstanding shows.

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…)

10 Other Awesome Things to do in Vienna This Weekend

There’s plenty more to see and do during your two days in Vienna! Here are a few of our favourites.

#1 – Schönbrunn  Palace

The Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria’s most iconic monuments, and one of the most impressive buildings on earth. Standing since the 17th century, this enormous palace houses a staggering 1,441 rooms and was the primary summer residence of the Habsburg rulers.

The palace is also one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the palace on a tour of its most impressive and important rooms, immersing them in the lives of the palace’s historic royal residents. The tours of this magnificently opulent palace offer a fascinating window back in time.

The Schönbrunn Palace gardens are also highly impressive, and free to visit, so it’s well worth walking around and absorbing their beauty!

What to see something similar but closer to the city? Check out belvedere Palace which has similar opulence and vibes of grandeur. You can also visit the Belvedere museum for a background on this magnificent complex.

#2 – Museums Quartier

MuseumQuartier is Vienna’s cultural hub and its set around a beautiful public piazza. Here is where you’ll find the majority of the city’s most impressive museums and art galleries.

With such a diverse range of cultural activities and institutions crammed into a relatively small area, a visit to the Museum Quarter is ideal for any kind of traveller.

For art lovers, MUMOK and The Leopold Museum are some of the finest contemporary art galleries in the country. Museum Quarter is also home to one of the world’s finest natural history museums.

Designforum Wien is a great experience for those interested in design, and ZOOM is one of the coolest children’s museums in the world. The district is also home to a plethora of cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it ideal for a day out.

#3 – Take a Tram Around the Ringstrasse

The city’s tram network offers a fabulous and affordable way to see the city’s sights and experience a taste of local Viennese life. The Ringstrasse (ring road around the old town district) tramlines are the best option to get a holistic picture of the city and pass many of its iconic landmarks.

Start the experience by hopping on tram 1 at Schwedenplatz. Be sure to grab a window seat as you set off around the Ringstrasse. Along the way, you’ll pass such sights as Parlament, Maria-Therisien-Platz, and the State Opera. The views are great, and the ride is a great way to see the city.

#4 – Wurstelprater Amusement park

One of the coolest things to do in Vienna is visiting Wurstelprater (often referred to as Prater), the oldest amusement park in the world.

The park offers a wide selection of attractions, from roller coasters and bumper cars to ghost trains and a Madame Tussauds waxworks cabinet. It is also home to the iconic Wiener Reisenrad, a 212ft tall Ferris wheel. The 120-year-old wheel is one of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions and was once the tallest of its kind in the world.

The park is free to enter, with each attraction charging its own fee. It is also open until 1 am each day, and at night it comes to life in a swirl of dazzling, colourful lights.

Wombats City Hostel Vienna – The Naschmarkt

Located in the trendy Wieden district, this hostel offers top-notch accommodation right in the heart of the city.

• 24 Hour Reception
• Laundry Facilities

#5 – The Hofburg

Up until 1918, this extravagant palace was the political centre of the monarchy and was once the principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty royals. Today it is the home and workplace of Austria’s president and is open to visitors.

The palace dates back to the 13th century and is incredibly extravagant… or maybe a bit extra! Touring the palace is a fascinating experience for those interested in history. Visitors can marvel at the Imperial Silver Collection and explore the life of Empress Elisabeth at the Sisi Museum.

#6 – Tiergarten Schönbrunn

Situated in the grounds of the Schönbrunn  Palace, Tiergarten Schönbrunn is the oldest zoo in the world, and certainly one of the finest! Housing a vast collection of exotic animals, the zoo prides itself on being a centre for conservation and education.

With over 700 animal species, you’ll find everything from Siberian tigers and elephants to giant pandas and sloths! The zoo is set amid beautiful greenery, making a visit to it an interesting and tranquil experience.

#7 – Hundertwasserhaus

An incredibly creative and artistic collaboration between artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and architect Joseph Krawina, this expressionist landmark is truly unique.

It is an apartment house with a colourful patchwork exterior and a plethora of trees, shrubs, and vines growing on it and creeping across its walls! The building even features undulating floors and is one of the most visited buildings in the entire country.

While you can only view the Hundertwasserhaus from the outside, the Hundertwasser Village is just a couple minutes walk away and open to the public. It was designed by the same artist and offers a similar experience.

#8 – St. Stephens Cathedral

Dating back to the 12th century, St. Stephens Cathedral is the symbol of Vienna and one of the world’s most beautiful specimens of Gothic architecture! Having dominated Vienna’s city skyline for almost 1,000 years, the cathedral is truly a sight to behold.

The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, with elegant detailing, stunning altars, and ceilings soaring high overhead. The catacombs below also offer a morbidly fascinating experience.

Take a walk up the 343 steps of the South Tower to experience incredible views of the old town. You’ll also get a close-up view of the cathedrals famous colourful roof tiles!

#9 – Explore Old Town

Innere Stadt also referred to as Old Town, is the gorgeous historic centre of Vienna, and a UNESCO world heritage site. In fact, up until 1850, Innere Stadt was synonymous with the city of Vienna. You’ll likely spend a fair amount of time in Innere Stadt during your visit to Vienna, but it’s worth giving the area some designated exploration.

One of the best ways to soak up the archaic atmosphere of Old Town is by taking a guided walking tour. You’ll get to see some of the city’s finest sights and hidden gems, as well as hear stories from its long and winding past.

#10 – Shop On Mariahilferstrasse

Undoubtedly one of the most famous streets in Vienna, Mariahilferstrasse is the largest shopping street in the city. If you’re looking to do some shopping in Vienna, this is the place to come.

It’s a particularly long street that is lined with every type of store imaginable and plenty of cafes where you can take a break from your shopping. Be sure to explore the side roads that stem off from Mariahilferstrasse; there are plenty of boutiques and hidden treasures!

We’re sure you have a few questions that you want to be answered before your holidays to Vienna. So we’ve done our best to answer some of the most frequently asked questions below!

What should I pack for a weekend in Vienna?

You may be wondering what to take with you on your Viennese adventure, other than the  backpacking essentials.  Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Comfortable walking shoes  – You’ll undoubtedly be doing a lot of walking during your explorations of Vienna. Whether it be in one of the grand palaces, through the historic center, or on an evening out, you’ll want some comfortable footwear! Weatherwise clothing  – The weather in Vienna varies fairly dramatically between the seasons. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters get cold and often see extensive snowfall. Both seasons make for a magical experience, but be sure to pack appropriately. Winter requires layers, coats, hats, and gloves. A summer visit calls for airy clothing during the day, but also something warmer for chilly evenings. A European Plug Adaptor  – Unless you’re traveling from somewhere else in mainland Europe, it’s likely that you’ll need to make use of a plug adaptor. Pick one up before you travel to ensure your devices stay charged during your trip to Vienna. That way you’ll be able to capture pictures of your experience and navigate the city if you get lost.

Can I get an apartment in Vienna for the weekend?

Yes, you can! There is a vast selection of stunning apartments that are available to rent for city breaks to Vienna. Renting an apartment during your Vienna city break is a great way to get a ‘Viennese local’ type of experience. It can also save you money if you’re traveling as part of a group by splitting the cost of the apartment between several people. Having an apartment also allows you to cook for yourself, which can be a big money saver if you’re traveling on a budget. Airbnb  is our favorite platform for finding an apartment in Vienna. There’s plenty of choice from cheap to luxurious and it’s a really simple system to use. You can also choose whether you want to have an entire place to yourself, or stay in an apartment with a Vienna local who’ll be happy to share some insider tips on the city!

Is Vienna safe for a weekend trip?

On the whole, Vienna is a very safe city, especially for a capital city with so many inhabitants. In fact, Vienna frequently ranks amongst the safest and  most liveable cities in the world . However, as with any large city, there are  some precautions you can take  to ensure a safe visit. Violent crime in Vienna is extremely rare in Vienna. The most common crimes are petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. These crimes are most common in tourist areas and on public transport. So long as you keep your personal possessions close, stay aware of your surroundings, and don’t make yourself look like an easy target, you shouldn’t face any problems with theft. It’s also best to stay away from areas that seem seedy, particularly at night. Another thing you’ll need to be aware of is cyclists. Vienna is full of fast-moving bicycle riders, and it’s important that you stay out of your way for the sake of everyone’s safety. The cyclists will stick to their designated side of the paths, so just be sure to stick to yours.

Don’t Forget Your Vienna Travel Insurance

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.

Final Thoughts on a Great Weekend in Vienna

Vienna is an incredible city with so much to offer those who visit . It’s a city that will enchant any traveller with its balance of grandiose magnificence and quaint charm. The entire city exudes a rare opulence, yet keeps a cool modern attitude!

The atmosphere will seduce you from the moment you arrive, and you’ll only grow more fond of this wonderful city.

Whether you’re after a reserved sightseeing city break or a fast-paced cultural immersion full of fun and excitement, Vienna has something for you! The culinary culture is top-notch, the nightlife is cool and trendy, and the cultural activities and sightseeing opportunities are never-ending!

Whether you’re spending a long weekend in Vienna, or plan on staying for a full week, we hope this Vienna itinerary helps you make the most out of your visit!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Get To Vienna

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

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

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

A 2-Day Vienna Itinerary

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

Visit Hofburg Palace

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

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

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

Be A Big Kid At Prater

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

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

Book A Ticket To The Opera

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

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

Wander The Danube Canal

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

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

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

Visit The Natural History Museum Vienna

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

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

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

Learn About Austria’s History At Schönbrunn Palace

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

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

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

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

Explore Trendy Neubaugasse

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

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

Marvel At Vienna’s Belvedere Palace

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

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

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

Get To Grips With Vienna’s Famous Cafe Culture

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

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

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

Watch A Magical Display At The Spanish Riding School

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

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

Dine In a Palm House

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

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

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

This blog was produced in in collaboration with AXA. 

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Chloe Gunning

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

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• 2 Days in Vienna Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend in Vienna

It’s hard to think about Vienna without the classical tones of Beethoven or Mozart wafting through your mind. In addition to its musical legacy, the Austrian capital showcases some of the grandest examples of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture on the continent as well as expansive green spaces and world-class museums that are a joy to explore come rain or shine.

The great news is that 2 days in Vienna allows sufficient time to see a decent chunk of the city. It’s perfect for either a weekend getaway or a stop as part of a wider vacation in Austria. If this is your first visit to the city then my Vienna 2 days itinerary is here to help you plot out the most wonderful trip.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Overview of Your Vienna 2 Days Itinerary 

Breakdown of your 2 days in vienna.

• Day 1: Palace of Justice, Café Sacher, Austrian National Library, Michaelerplatz, Hofburg Palace, Burggarten (optional: Schmetterlinghaus), Café Central, Votivkirche, Rathaus, Museum of Natural History or Kunsthistorisches Museum,  Dinner & Cocktails
• Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace, Schönbrunn Palmenhaus, Karlskirche, Belvedere Museum, Vienna State Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Anker Clock, Vergnügungspark Prater, Dinner 

Map for your 2 day Vienna itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on your Vienna itinerary.

I marked your 2 days in Vienna with different colors – I used red for the first and yellow for the second day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1 of Your 2 Days in Vienna

Palace of justice (justizpalast).

The first attraction on your Vienna itinerary is the opulent 19th-century building that provides the seat of the Austrian Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof).

While the facade is arresting and noble, it’s the interiors that will blow you away. Once you step into the atrium, you will be greeted by an elaborate staircase that houses a statue of Lady Justice and a gallery of columns and architectural details. 

It is open Monday to Friday, 7.30 am – 3.30 pm (closed on the weekends). I strongly recommend that you visit as soon as the building opens as it’s the only way to see it without the crowds.

There is no entrance fee so if you’re wondering what to see in Vienna in 2 days on a budget then this is a must.

The Palace of Justice is a 5-minute walk from Volkstheater metro, tram, and bus station.

Café Sacher 

It’s never too early for cake and if you’re a sugar fiend then you will be eager to snap up a slice of the Original Sacher Torte!

This layered chocolate sponge cake is the perfect accompaniment to a morning cup of coffee before a busy day of sightseeing.

Situated in the lobby of Hotel Sacher Wien, the scarlet Café Sacher is a sumptuous setting that evokes the typical Viennese coffeehouse atmosphere. 

The café opens daily at 8 am so you can head here after visiting the Palace of Justice or make this your first port of call if your 2 days in Vienna fall over a weekend. It is a 15-minute walk from the palace.

Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek)

The next item on your 2 days in Vienna itinerary gives the splendor of the Palace of Justice a run for its money! The Austrian National Library is a part of the Austrian State Hall, a Baroque masterpiece comprising marble statues and a ceiling adorned with frescoes.

It’s the largest library in the country and contains over 200,000 books which clamber up over every inch of wall and share the space with four magnificent Venetian globes.

Besides the library, the complex also houses five museums which you might want to check out if you are spending more than 2 days in Vienna.

The State Hall and the museums are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm, and 10 am – 9 pm on Thursdays. Admission to the State Hall is €10 and the museums require an additional fee if you want to visit any of them.

You can purchase your tickets on the day or reserve them online in advance. Again, I recommend coinciding your visit at the exact moment the hall opens in order to beat the crowds. 

The Austrian National Library is a 5-minute walk from Café Sacher.

Michaelerplatz

After all the stunning architecture, you can grab some fresh air by taking a little walk to your next destination via the historic public square, Michaelerplatz.

The square is located right at the entrance of the Hofburg Palace Complex, you will easily spot it with the majestic turquoise dome sitting on top of the building.

Right after stepping through the entrance, you will be greeted with a beautiful hall where you can find the entrance to the Sisi Museum (and the Hofburg Palace) and also to the famous Spanish Riding School.

Michaelerplatz is a 3-minute walk from the Austrian National Library. If you have a little more time before the Library opens, it’s worth visiting the square before, to enjoy it without all the people.

During the day this is one of the busiest squares in the city so you might appreciate a bit of calm before the main crowds arrive.

Hofburg Palace (Hofburg Wien)

The Hofburg is one of the most famous places in all of Vienna. It’s comprised of several historical buildings, beautiful squares, and pedestrian areas so you can easily spend hours while touring the palace complex.

While you can stroll around the buildings, squares, and gardens for free, the other attractions require an entrance ticket.

Inside the Hofburg complex, you can find the Hofburg Palace, the Spanish Riding School, the Imperial Treasury, and the Neue Burg, which is home to the Austrian National Library and a couple of museums.

The Hofburg Palace is a former imperial residence that is now the office of the president of Austria.

Originally built during the 13th century, the palace was used as the winter home of the Habsburg emperors until 1918.

The palace has seen its share of renovations over the centuries which makes it a visual treat with a variety of styles.

Taking a tour of the palace is one of the most popular things to do in Vienna in 2 days.

The palace is open daily, 8 am – 6 pm, and a general ticket costs €16 that includes visiting the Silver Collection, the Sisi Museum which displays the personal possessions of Empress Elizabeth, and the Imperial Apartments that are a treasure trove of antiques, paintings, and furniture.

The ticket counter is located beneath the huge dome at the entrance right near Michaelerplatz. You can either buy your tickets there, or you can book your tickets online in advance (the latter is recommended if you’re visiting during the peak summer season).

Alternatively, you can book a guided walking tour of the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments , visit the Vienna Spanish Riding School on a guided tour or see the performance of the Lipizzans at the Spanish Riding School .

If you’re interested in any of these, you have to book your tours in advance!

After touring the palace, take a turn through these gorgeous gardens that back onto Hofburg Palace. The space is peppered with statues of Austrian historical figures including Mozart and Franz Josef.

You must be tired after all the exploring, so you can take advantage of the many benches that are scattered around the park and rest your feet a little.

While you’re wandering the Burggarten, you can choose whether or not to pay a visit to the Schmetterlinghaus.

This is an Art Nouveau palm house that contains a rainforest setting and hundreds of butterflies. The entrance is €9 and it’s open daily, 10 am – 4 pm.

Café Central

If you’re in need of your next dose of caffeine then Café Central is my recommendation for a little afternoon pick me up.

This magnificent café is steeped in tradition and everything on the menu resembles a work of art. Trotsky, Freud, and a number of distinguished poets are associated with having dined at the café.

The menu offers a selection of classic Viennese dishes, specialty coffee, and sweet treats from the in-house patisserie. Café Central is a 15-minute walk from Burggarten.

Votive Church (Votivkirche)

Head to Votivpark where you will find the second-tallest church in Vienna, the Votive Church (Votivkirche).

Construction on the gleaming white, Neo-Gothic church began in 1856 as a symbol of gratitude for an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph.

It was later consecrated in 1879 to coincide with the imperial couple’s silver wedding anniversary.

The church hall is free to visit, and it’s open to visitors from Tuesday to Friday, 11 am – 6 pm, on Saturdays 11 am – 7 pm, and on Sundays, 9 am – 1 pm. It is closed on Mondays. Votivkirche is a 10-minute walk from Café Central.

If you decided to skip Cafe Central, another great option is Cafe Francais . It’s a French restaurant located right next Sigmund-Freud-Park and it offers amazing views of Votivkirche.

The Rathaus is yet another remarkable feat of architecture to check out during your 2 days in Vienna.

The City Hall of Vienna is situated in Rathausplatz and is distinguished by its sheer volume (there are 1575 rooms and over 30 million bricks were used in the construction process!) and its five towers, the largest of which is topped with a Rathausman statue.

If your visit coincides then you can elect to take one of the complimentary guided tours that run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1 pm.

The square in front of the Rathaus hosts many famous events throughout the year, such as the famous Christmas Market during the holidays or the Film Festival during the summer months. No matter which time of the year you visit, you will always find something happening there!

The Rathausplatz is a 10-minute walk from Votivkirche. 

Museum of Natural History or Kunsthistorisches Museum

For the final few hours of your first day in Vienna, you can choose a museum to explore. In a city that is packed with museums, visiting at least one of the offerings in the Museums Quartier is one of the best things to do in Vienna in 2 days.

The Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien) contains an expansive archive of artifacts that spans biology, earth sciences, anthropology, and archaeology.

You will have the opportunity to browse and interact with dinosaur skeletons, fossils, minerals, and even the world’s largest meteorite exhibit.

The building itself is a work of art and there are loads of hands-on exhibitions that will inspire you to release your inner big kid. 

The museum is open Wednesday to Monday, 9 am – 6.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays). The admission fee is €16 and you can purchase a ticket at the door or reserve one in advance if you prefer.

Meanwhile, your second option is located right next door. The Kunsthistorisches Museum is an enormous collection of lavish historic paintings, antiquities from across Europe, and thousands of coins.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is open daily, 10 am – 6 pm (until 9 pm on Thursdays) and standard admission is €21. You can book your tickets here .

Both the Museum of Natural History and the Kunsthistorisches Museum is a 10-minute walk from Rathaus.

Dinner & Rooftop Cocktails

After an energetic start to your 2 days in Vienna, you’ve earned a meal and a couple of drinks while you reflect on a brilliant day.

My personal recommendation for dinner is Le Burger at Rotenturmstrasse, where you can recoup all the energy you used up today on your exploration around the Innere Stadt. They have a thorough menu that covers meat and veggie burgers and lashings of side plates.

Alternatively, you can check out Boxwood which offers a medley of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes in a lovely setting.

If you’re vegan, take a bit of a detour to Schwedenplatz and try Swing Kitchen . Their menu is fully vegan and it consists of mainly burgers and sides, but you can also choose from wraps, salads, and delicious desserts as well.

After dinner, if you have some energy remaining, you can splash out on a skyline cocktail at one of Vienna’s high-rise cocktail bars.

ORGANICS Sky Garden is ideal for a summer evening when the cocktails take a turn for the fruity. The funky Lamee Rooftop provides an unbeatable view of Votivkirche in all its glory beneath the night sky and Atmosphere Rooftop Bar is the most glamorous option. 

Day 2 of Your 2 Days in Vienna

Schönbrunn palace.

When you’re considering what to see in Vienna in 2 days, no doubt this sensational palace is already on your radar.

This 18th-century palace and gardens was once the summer residence of the Habsburg royal family. You can take a tour of the rooms and apartments for insight into how the imperial families lived.

Schönbrunn Palace opens daily, 9 am – 5 pm, while the gardens open daily, 6.30 am – 7 pm.

The cost for the Imperial Tour is €22 and permits entry to 22 rooms while the Grand Tour costs €26 and covers 40 rooms. Both tours include a free audio guide or you can upgrade to a guided tour .

There are further tickets available if you want to visit additional sites at the palace complex, you can check them here . It is recommended to reserve your tickets online in advance and bear in mind that exploring Schönbrunn Palace is likely to fill your entire morning.

Even if you don’t want to tour the inside of the palace, it’s worth exploring the huge garden which is entirely free.

You’ll find many beautiful tree tunnels, flowers, plants, and fountains inside, and you can also climb up to the Gloriette to have a panoramic view of the gardens. This is definitely one of the best Instagram spots in Vienna !

The closest metro stations are Schönbrunn and Hietzing on the U4 line.

Schönbrunn Palmenhaus

One worthy extension to your Schönbrunn Palace visit is this historic greenhouse that contains a menagerie of exotic flowers and plants from the Mediterranean and tropical destinations.

If you have a passion for botany and fragrant flora then make sure you factor in half an hour to explore the Palmenhaus. 

The Palmenhaus is open daily, 10 am – 4.30 pm, and the admission fee is €7.

Karlskirche

This monumental cathedral was built during the 18th century in gratitude for the deliverance of the city after the outbreak of the plague in 1713.

Charles VI pledged its construction in honor of the saint, Charles Borromeo, who was revered for his work with past plague sufferers.

The Baroque church features a huge dome as per traditional cathedral architecture but also features two giant towers that frame the entrance and borrow elements from Classical Greece.

Seeing it for yourself is one of the most unique things to do in Vienna in 2 days and it’s worth stepping out of the Innere Stadt.

Karlskirche is open to visitors daily, 9 am – 6 pm on Monday to Saturday and 12 pm – 7 pm on Sundays. Admission is €9.50.

You can take metro line U4 from Hietzing or Schönbrunn to Karlsplatz which takes around 30 minutes.

Belvedere Museum

Vienna is the synonym for historical palaces and after visiting Schönbrunn Palace in the morning, it’s time to pay a visit to another famous palace, Belvedere.

The palace is comprised of several historical and modern buildings that houses art museums, as well as a beautifully manicured garden. Inside the property, you can find two main buildings facing each other.

Upper Belvedere is the ceremonial palace that is now home to the permanent art collection, while Lower Belvedere includes the Palace Stables, the Orangery, and the Privvy Garden, and it also houses temporarily art exhibitions. And you also have Belvedere 21, the Museum of Contemporary Art.

If you are an art fan then visiting the art galleries at Belvedere is one of the best things to do in Vienna in 2 days. The Belvedere Museum spans medieval through to contemporary Austrian works of art and includes The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

In the peak summer season, it’s worth buying your entrance ticket online . An entrance ticket to Upper Belvedere costs €15.90, while it’s €8.90 to Belvedere 21. If you want to visit both galleries, you can purchase a 2 in 1 ticket for €22.90.

The museum is a 20-minute walk from Karlskirche but you can save time by hopping on the tram at Gußhausstraße and alighting at Schloss Belvedere. Even if you don’t want to visit the art galleries, it’s still worth taking a stroll around the gorgeous gardens and admiring the exterior of the buildings.

Vienna State Opera 

You can’t plan a weekend in Vienna without crossing paths with some signs of the city’s musical heritage. At the very least, pay a visit to the Vienna State Opera to admire the prestigious exterior.

My tip is to capture the view from right outside the front of the Albertina Museum as this gives you the best perspective of the building as a whole.

If you are curious to see the interior, you can join a guided tour. These last 40 minutes, cost €13, and are bookable online . Alternatively, if you visit between September and June you could look into catching a concert for yourself. 

You can board the tram at Schloss Belvedere and alight at Oper, Karlsplatz U. 

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the most famous church in Vienna and the tallest in the country. It dominates the city skyline from pretty much anywhere you walk as you explore Vienna in 2 days.

Featuring a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements, it’s the colorful tiled roof that sparks the most awe among visitors. You can get a closer look when you ascend up either of the North or South Tower.

The cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the Vienna State Opera. It’s open daily, 9 am – 5.30 pm, and it’s free to go inside and admire the interior.

However, you need to purchase an entrance ticket to visit the towers. Make sure to have cash with you as there are no terminals at the towers.

North Tower

The entrance to the North Tower costs €6 and you can find a lift inside the cathedral that takes you up to the top within seconds.

There is an open-air platform up in the tower where you can walk around and admire the panoramic view of the city from different angles.

Unfortunately, there are some parts of the city that are not visible from the North Tower due to the roofs but in exchange, you can marvel at the multicolored mosaic tiling from up-close.

South Tower

The South Tower is higher than the North Tower but it’s a lot harder to crack as well. There is no lift, so you have to climb up 343 stairs on a spiral staircase.

The staircase goes straight up in the same direction so basically, you’ll be doing the same circle over and over again while you climb up.

It’s not a pleasant experience and chances are you will feel dizzy, but it’s absolutely worth it for the views.

You won’t find any open-air platforms up at the top, but there is a chamber that offers incredible views of Vienna in every possible direction.

A ticket to the South Tower costs €5.50 and you’ll find the entrance outside on the south side of the cathedral.

If you have time (and strength to climb the stairs), it’s worth visiting both towers, as well as the inside of the cathedral – it won’t take up more than 1 hour of your time.

However, if you only want to visit one tower, I would recommend the North Tower. It’s a lot easier to get up there and you can get a view of both the city and the roof.

Anker Clock

A quick photo stop to squeeze into your 2 days in Vienna, the Anker Clock is an ancient and highly embellished clock in the heart of the Innere Stadt. It’s only a 5-minute walk from the cathedral so it’s completely worth the detour.

The clock was built in 1914 and it forms a bridge between the parts of the Anker Insurance Company’s building. The clock displays 12 different historical figures that rotate slowly around the front as time passes.

Each figure is assigned to an hour and they rotate around the minute display, so you can see a new figure in every passing hour.

If you happen to visit at noon, you can see a little show where all the 12 figures complete a bonus rotation, each with different music.

Vergnügungspark Prater

Wind down for the rest of the evening at the Prater amusement park which offers a selection of gentle, and hair-raising rides. The headline attraction is the traditional Ferris wheel which has stood here since 1897.

It is free to enter the park and you will pay as you go for the various amusements. The park remains open until around 10 pm and is a fun and nostalgic addition to your weekend in Vienna.

From the Anker clock, you can take metro line U1 from Schwedenplatz to Praterstern.

Dinner 

Depending on your mood, you can either grab dinner at one of the restaurants within Prater or you can head off-site if you want a change of scenery.

Inn Reinthaler is a cozy eatery situated a 5-minute walk from the park which dishes up classic Viennese and Austrian fare.

If you didn’t grab a rooftop cocktail last night, then you have a second chance to do this today as you wrap up your 2 days in Vienna.

Useful Info for Visiting Vienna in 2 Days

How to get to vienna.

Before we dive into what to see in Vienna in 2 days, let’s cover the basics. Vienna International Airport (VIE) is situated 20 km (12.4 miles) southeast of the city center. An express train connects to Wien Hauptbahnhof in 15 minutes.

As the capital of Austria, Vienna airport offers a vast number of direct flights to other European cities as well as to destinations further afield such as the US, Canada, the Middle East, and Asia.

If you are already in Austria then you can travel to Vienna’s central railway station, Wien Hauptbahnhof, by train. The station is situated just south of the Innere Stadt. Alternatively, the Vienna International Bus Terminal (VIB) is located 5 km (3.1 miles) southeast of the Innere Stadt.

If your 2 days in Vienna fall as part of an Austria road trip then you can drive to the city from neighboring cities in Austria, or even from neighboring countries like Hungary, Slovakia, or the Czech Republic.

Best time to visit Vienna

Austria experiences the four seasons that are associated with Central Europe, with cold winters, hot summers, and mild shoulder seasons. Temperatures do not vary too drastically in Vienna and there is a good spread of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from so you can enjoy a weekend in Vienna at any time of year.

The best time to visit Vienna really depends on how you intend to spend your vacation.

The hottest months are July and August that see temperatures rise to 27-29°C (80-84°F). Although the weather is perfect, you will need to share the city with an influx of tourists.

The coldest months are December and January where it can get as cold as 0°C (32°F) and occasionally snow can lightly blanket the streets. If you love Christmas markets, then it’s worth scheduling your visit around the holidays as you can find some of the best Christmas markets in Europe in Vienna.

The most pleasant time to visit Vienna is mid-spring, early summer, and autumn. These seasons bring warm weather that is ideal for exploring the city but the streets are less crowded. If you do get caught in a cold snap or flurry of rain then there are heaps of museums and cafés where you can seek shelter.

How to get around Vienna

Vienna’s Innere Stadt is walkable for the most part. For attractions and districts further afield you can rely on the fantastic public transport system to get you there efficiently and cheaply. Vienna has both a metro and bus system in place. 

It is best to buy a Vienna transport card which permits unlimited journeys within a specified amount of time. For the purpose of this 2 days in Vienna itinerary, a 24 or 48-hour ticket will suffice. Tickets are available at all metro stations. Note that you cannot pay by cash on buses. 

You can also use Uber to get around Vienna if you prefer. Cars are plentiful and are much cheaper than hailing cabs off the street.

Where to stay in Vienna

If this is your first time visiting Vienna, then I recommend staying in the Innere Stadt. Hotels are more expensive, but deals can always be found.

Alternatively, you can choose accommodation in one of the outlying neighborhoods and connect to the Old Town easily by metro. If you want to know more about the different districts of the city, make sure to read my in-depth guide about where to stay in Vienna .

If you’re in a rush, below you can find my suggestions for the best places to stay in Vienna for two nights.

LUXURY – Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna

Built as a hotel for the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873, the luxurious Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna can be found right on the famous Ringstraße boulevard in the heart of the city. The hotel features 2 restaurants, a bar, and an exclusive spa and fitness center.

MID-RANGE – Hilton Vienna Plaza

Located on the historic Ringstraße in the Innere Stand, the city center of Vienna, Hilton Vienna Plaza combines modern and Art Déco design elements. The elegantly decorated rooms come with marble bathrooms and offer amazing views of the city from their large windows.

BUDGET – K+K Palais Hotel

Centrally located in the quiet part of Vienna’s city center, K+K Palais Hotel is a total steal. Boasting fully air-conditioned rooms and state-of-the-art amenities, the property is in close proximity to many major sights, such as the St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Planning a trip to Austria?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Austria. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• The Perfect 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Vienna: 7 Best Areas & Hotels
• 19 Stunning Vienna Instagram Spots You Can’t Miss
• How to Spend One Day in Salzburg, Austria
• One Day in Hallstatt Itinerary: The Perfect Hallstatt Day Trip
• Hotel Review: Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort
• Hotel Review: Hotel Post Lermoos, Austria

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2 thoughts on “2 Days in Vienna Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend in Vienna”

I must honestly say that your photos and articles are some of the best among travel bloggers. Everything is well thought out and it is a pleasure to be inspired by you.

Aw thank you so much! It truly means a lot!

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18 top things to do in Vienna

Jul 1, 2021 • 8 min read

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

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

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

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

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

Vienna’s coffee houses

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

MuseumsQuartier

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

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

Ringstrasse Tram Tour

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

Schloss Schönbrunn 

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

Hofburg Palace 

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

Donauturm tower

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

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

Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel 

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

Schloss Belvedere 

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

Stephansdom 

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

Copa Cagrana Beach

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

Vineyard hiking

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

VHS, vinyl and typewriters

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

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

Christmas markets 

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

Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus: 15th district

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

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

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

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

This article was first published May 13, 2019 and updated Jul 1, 2021.

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Vienna Weekend: Sights & Tips

Thanks to an effective local transport network and short distances, a Vienna weekend can be sufficient to explore the most important sights and absorb the city’s lifestyle. A short guide and tips for a perfect weekend in Vienna.

The best thing about a weekend-trip to Vienna is the fact, that everything seems just to be around the corner – because it is. Even without a tight schedule or a thoroughly scribbled map, 48 or 72 hours are a good opportunity to explore Vienna.

A walk through the city’s old centre is a very special experience, that covers many sights in one day. Alongside the Ringstrasse and in the core zone, architectural highlights from the Barock and Art Nouveau era will cross the path of every visitor. The most popular sights in this are include:

• St. Stephen's Cathedral
• Vienna State Opera
• Burgtheater
• Belvedere Palace
• Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles)

The extended core area also contains further highlights like the Danube Canal Riverside, the Palais Liechtenstein or the Gardekirche church.

Tip: The view from the St. Stephen's Cathedral provides a stunning outlook over the city of Vienna.

The list of sights in Vienna is infinite. A place however, one should pay a visit during a weekend trip to Vienna is Schönbrunn Palace in the 13th district. The castle used to house the emperor families of the once mighty realm of Austria and is now a world heritage site.

Close to the city center, in the 7th district, visitors will find the Museumsquartier . As one of the country’s most concentrated and diverse art areas, it offers museums, theaters, art galleries, events and much more. Not only a good choice for a bad weather day.

Eating, drinking & relaxation

The city is known for its culinary art. Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, Naschmarkt : a weekend-trip to Vienna can take you from a typical pub to an international gourmet restaurant of great renown. Traditional coffee houses , sidewalk cafés or exceptional inside tipps like the American Bar designed by Adolf Loos make travellers feel welcome in Austria’s capital.

A good spot for relaxing moments between sightseeing sessions is the Danube River. At the Danube Canal Riverside and on the Danube Island are many green spaces to unwind oneself. The most popular places for drinks at night are the many clubs in the city.

Video about six traditional coffee houses in Vienna

Public Transport

The local public transport system in Vienna will get visitors anywhere within a short trip. From the City Airport Train to the subway , tram or the bus : the mobility makes every Vienna weekend more flexible. The benefits offered by the Vienna City Card (online available for 24, 48 or 72 hours) are an additional incentive for travellers, including discounts or free admissions to the Wiener Linien, the Hop-on Hop-off bus and many sights.

Public transport operates from about 5 AM until about midnight. After 12 PM night busses will drive till the morning hours. On weekends the subway runs 24/7.

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The ultimate weekend in Vienna travel guide

When it comes to planning the perfect weekend in Vienna, it's all about tapping into the Austrian capital's alluring mix of old-school charm and modern edge.

Steeped in history, Vienna blends the cultural achievements of yesteryear with all the must-haves of the modern day. What's more, this historic city was named by the Economist as 2018's most liveable city in the world!

From live jazz to butterfly houses, coffee cocktails to regal palaces, plus a whole lot of cake in between, a long weekend in Vienna is one that's well worth considering. Make the most of it with our Vienna city break itinerary below.

What you need to know about spending a weekend in Vienna...

Getting around vienna.

Vienna's public transport system is both affordable and efficient, with buses, trains, trams and a simple metro system allowing you to travel far beyond the typical tourist hotspots.

That said, it's still very much a city worth exploring at street level where possible, owing to its incredible architecture - remember to look up!

Best time to visit Vienna

Spring and summer for perfect weather:

Spring and summer are great times to visit Vienna; in late March the days are still cool and the crowds still small, but by mid-May you can expect temperatures into the low 20s Celsius, often climbing well into the 30s during August.

It's the perfect weather for sitting out with a beer and watching the world go by. You can also time your trip to coincide with the Summer Night Concert (usually in late May), the Vienna International Dance Festival or the Music Film Festival .

Autumn and winter for Christmas markets:

From October onward temperatures start to drop off again, hovering around the 0-degree mark throughout the winter months, with light snow and chilly winds not uncommon.

It's not all bad news, however, because from mid-November the Vienna Christmas marketsspring into life, transforming the city into a gluhwein -soaked, cinnamon-sprinkled, Winter Wonderland. You can't get more romantic than a weekend in Vienna in winter.

Day 1: Fly into Vienna and start exploring

Fly into Vienna International Airport but skip the overpriced taxi and hop aboard the S-bahn into the city centre, which should cost you around €4.

Experience the coffeehouse culture

After that early flight, you'll likely be needing something to perk you up; fortunately, the Viennese really know how to do coffee culture.

Find a coffeehouse and order an einspänner , a Viennese coffee made with a shot of espresso and a squirt of whipped cream.

If you're in the market for a sweet treat (and you should be), the city is also famous for its incredible apple strudels.

Now, it's time to start exploring.

See the cathedrals and catacombs

Famous for its tiled roof, St Stephen's Cathedral is a mish-mash of Romanesque and Gothic architecture that has been a feature of the city's skyline for almost 1000 years.

The 300+ steps to the top of the South Tower are no walk in the park, but you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the city. The North Tower, while slightly smaller, offers arguably even better views and comes with the added bonus of a lift.

On the opposite end of the scale, don't miss the catacombs tour (€6), which offers a great insight into the history of the city. The cathedral is also open until 10pm, making its roof the perfect place to watch the sun go down over the city.

Wander towards the river

Stopping off in front of the house where Mozart composed many of his most famous works, take a wander through the narrow streets surrounding Fleishmarkt, with their hotchpotch of archways and decorative facades, allowing yourself to be transported into the Vienna of olde.

Pause at the hole-in-the-wall that is Fenster Café - literally, window cafe - for a 99 cent espresso or a slightly more elaborate cornettocino ... yes, that is a coffee in an ice cream cone.

Dinner in Vienna

Vienna may be known for its cake, but it offers plenty more delicious eats too, so seek out some dinner in one of this area's many restaurants.

Whatever you plump for, team it with a glass of local white wine; Vienna has more than 700 vineyards within its city limits so there's bound to be something you like.

And just because you're on holiday, seal the deal with a plate of Kaiserschmarrn , a type of fluffy shredded pancakes served with warm fruit sauce.

No trip to the land of famous composers can be complete without a visit to the Vienna State Opera House .

While a tour of the beautiful building will certainly be interesting, to feel the real magic it's worth catching a show.

Each season the Wiener Staatsoper hosts more than 350 performances from over 60 ballets and operas, showcasing some of the most talented artists in the world. Book ahead!

Stop off for a nightcap at Loos American Bar

Admittedly, the words 'American Bar' probably aren't the first thing you think of when planning an Austrian city break, but bear with us, because this tiny, moody, wood-panelled drinking hole is famous for both its cocktails and its celebrity clientele.

Stop by for a nightcap at Loos American Bar after your evening at the opera, but move quickly - it opens at midnight and fills up quickly.

Day 2: Palaces, Viennese street food and jazz

See the schönbrunn palace.

It's time to take advantage of Vienna's excellent public transport system and hop aboard the U4 metro line to the resplendent Schönbrunn Palace, a Baroque masterpiece.

This former royal residence was first built in the late 1600s and added to by successive monarchs, each more keen to impress than the last.

The result is a mammoth 1,400-room complex stuffed full of intricate architecture, exquisitely detailed frescoes, and dripping in gold leaf. Known for its external ochre yellow hue, it's also set in sprawling sculptured gardens, complete with a maze and a palm house.

Top tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time and get there early - it's Austria's most visited tourist attraction for a reason. Oh, and wear comfy shoes!

Enjoy a spot of lunch at Naschmarkt

Head back into the city and make your way to Naschmarkt, a massive marketplace that's buzzing with energy and life.

With over 120 market stands and many more restaurants, this colourful area of Vienna offers culinary treats from all over the world.

If you can, we highly recommend tucking into what is perhaps Austria's most famous dish, Wiener schnitzel .

Pair it with the country's defacto national drink, Almdudler , which is a sweet, carbonated juice drink made by blending elderflower and herbs. It may sound questionable, but it's actually completely delicious.

Visit Vienna Central Cemetery

Now you've had a taste of quite how easy and efficient Vienna's public transport is to use, you'll be all set for the afternoon's activity: visiting the Central Cemetery.

One of the world's largest burial grounds, there are more than 3 million individuals interred here - that's more than all of the residents of Vienna - and it's so big it actually has its own bus service.

Graves range from the beautifully ornate to the slightly wacky, so it's far from morbid. Among the cemetery's most famous residents are Beethoven and Johannes Brahms, as well as every Austrian president who has died since 1945.

The Jewish section, which appears more unkempt than the rest of the cemetery, is particularly poignant.

Try some street food

When you're talking about street food in Vienna, you're talking about a Würstelstand .

These small sausage serveries can be found dotted all around the city, dishing out pork or veal to hungry locals.

For something a little different, try the Bosna , which comes with with onions and curry, or the Käsekrainer , which is stuffed with cheese.

Head to Jazzland

While Renaissance composers may be the musicians most commonly associated with Vienna, the city's jazz scene is an unexpected gem.

Jazzland is a tiny underground bar built in a 500-year-old wine cellar, which hosts live musicians from 9pm every evening and also serves a good selection of beers and cheese.

Day 3: Strudel, Sachertorte and cultural treasures

After that night out, you'll probably be wanting something gentle to kickstart your day, so grab a much needed coffee and then take a visit to the Schmetterlinghaus - literally, the butterfly house.

A tropical oasis of relaxation slap bang in the centre of the city, it is home to over 400 of these beautiful creatures. Take a seat and let the butterflies come to you.

Afterwards, it's probably time for another strudel-stop? Go for the milk-cream strudel, an oven-baked pastry filled with good stuff and served with hot vanilla sauce.

Visit the Albertina Museum... and the fakes museum

Featuring pieces by Monet, Picasso, da Vinci and Klimt, among many others, it also hosts regular exhibitions so be sure to check what's on during your visit.

If you're looking for something to lighten the mood after all that high-brow cultural hoohah, then head over to Falschermuseum, a whole museum dedicated to the knock-offs that managed to fool the art world.

Wrap up your weekend in Vienna with Coffeehaus Part II

If you've still got a little time to kill in the city before catching your flight home then make time for another coffee.

Unlike in other European countries, it's not unusual for guests to linger long after their drink is gone, reading the paper or devouring a good book.

Treat yourself to some Sachertorte , which is layers of chocolate cake interspersed with apricot jam, and topped with a dark chocolate icing.

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Vienna bucket list: Best things to do in Vienna

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: May 21, 2024

This Vienna bucket list includes everything you need to see and do in Vienna, to plan the perfect trip to the Austrian capital.

Have you ever wondered what makes Vienna a unique destination for travelers? Known for its imperial palaces, vibrant art scene, and cozy coffee houses, the city is a perfect blend of historical splendor and contemporary charm.

Whether you’re planning a first-time visit to Vienna or just daydreaming about visiting this cultural hub, join us as we explore some must-do activities in Vienna that will make your visit unforgettable.

Vienna Bucket List

1) St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its majestic spire towering over Vienna, has been a witness to centuries of history. The cathedral began its life in the 12th century and has evolved through various architectural styles from Romanesque to Gothic.

The roof, adorned with colorful tiles arranged in intricate patterns, tells stories not just of religious significance but also of political change throughout Austria’s history.

• Whispering echoes: Legend has it that certain spots inside the cathedral carry whispers from one end directly to your ear at another, the marvel of acoustics!
• Climb the South Tower: The 343 steps might seem daunting, but they reward climbers with breathtaking views across Vienna.
• The Catacombs: Below the cathedral lie catacombs that house ancient tombs and eerie artifacts; a must for any history buff.

Another mesmerizing feature is the stained glass windows that cast ethereal light patterns inside, creating an almost otherworldly ambiance on sunny days.

During my last visit, I was captivated by these luminescent displays – each window seemed like a portal into past epochs (and who doesn’t enjoy feeling like they’re stepping through time?).

From my own visit, the catacombs struck me most profoundly (a bit chilly yet thrilling). Each nook seems to tell tales from centuries past, connecting visitors with ages long gone.

2) Sipping Through Vienna’s Coffeehouse Culture

Vienna’s coffee houses are more than mere eateries; they are vestiges of intellectual discourse and cultural ferment. Iconic figures such as Leon Trotsky and Sigmund Freud were known to frequent Café Central, discussing ideas that would shape modern thought.

Stepping into a Viennese coffeehouse is like entering an era before Starbucks, rich and cozy with traditional vibes. Here’s why you can’t skip this caffeinated cornerstone of local life:

• Architectural charm: Beyond just coffee, these spaces boast stunning interiors that whisper tales from centuries past.
• Social hubs: Coffeehouses serve as gathering grounds for locals and travelers alike, making them perfect places to people-watch or start conversations.

It’s not merely about the caffeine ( though I swear by their robust espressos ); it’s the atmosphere of gemütlichkeit , which translates to a cozy intimacy, that enchants you.

Imagine lounging with a creamy Melange, classical music floating in the air, creating an experience that feels personally timeless. Café Central itself stands out with palatial interiors reminiscent of a bygone era when coffeehouses were hubs of revolutionary thought rather than quick caffeine stops. Reflecting on this made me appreciate every sip of my robust Melange there. It felt like drinking in history itself!

In essence, visiting one isn’t just about drinking coffee; it’s embracing the whole sensory pageant that makes Vienna resonate within souls long after they’ve returned home.

3) An Evening at Burgtheater’s Lesser-Known Plays

Have you ever wondered what magic lies behind the lesser-known plays at Vienna’s esteemed Burgtheater? Stepping into this historic venue offers a portal to an enriching cultural experience that few tourists venture to explore.

The Burgtheater isn’t just any theater; founded in 1741 under Empress Maria Theresa’s instruction, it quickly established itself as one of Europe’s premier venues for German-speaking theater.

Attending plays here means witnessing performances steeped in tradition but delivered with contemporary flair. Here’s why these plays deserve your attention:

Firstly, the authenticity of performances in native German intensifies their impact, it’s pure artistry in motion. The experience envelopes you in genuine emotion and intricate storytelling ( and if you’re hard of hearing, be sure to check out the best hearing aids at EveryDay Health before your trip!)

Furthermore, attending these plays supports local artists and contributes to sustaining Vienna’s vibrant theater scene. Engaging with local culture through its performing arts gives deeper insights into the societal nuances of Viennese life (also makes for great dinner conversation!).

In essence, venturing off the beaten path at Burgtheater is not merely about watching a play; it’s an immersive cultural dive that enriches your understanding of Vienna itself.

4) Cycle around Vienna

Why limit yourself to traditional tours when you can experience Vienna’s vibrant culture and stunning architecture up close on a bicycle?

Vienna supports cycling through extensive bike lanes and traffic measures ensuring safety, a boon for those looking to explore freely.

Besides traditional routes like Ringstrasse, guided bike tours offer immersive experiences including vineyard visits or scenic rides along Danube Island which are perfect during warm summer months when nature is in full bloom!

Cycling is a daily mode of transit here, and an adventure that provides freedom and accessibility. Here’s how you can get the most out of your two-wheeled tour around the city:

• Optimal Routes: Choose routes like Ringstrasse, which circles the heart of Vienna, showcasing monumental buildings against a backdrop of vibrant city life.
• Historical Spots: Connect with history by cycling through older districts such as Alsergrund, where you can feel echoes from Beethoven’s era as he once roamed these streets.

A common myth might deter beginners from cycling in a busy European capital, one that concerns safety or difficulty navigating due to opposite lane directions compared to the United States.

However, Vienna offers extensive bike lanes and is considered one of Europe’s friendliest biking cities due to its well-planned infrastructure. Exploring Vienna through these unique perspectives brings so much more than just surface-level enjoyment.

Maybe you end up loving Vienna so much, that you decide to rent your own vacation apartment in the heart of the city!

5) The Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna’s answer to Versailles, stands as a testament to the opulence of the Habsburg monarchy. Once the summer residence for emperors, its Baroque architecture and sprawling gardens captivate every visitor.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

• The Grand Tour: This detailed tour guides you through state rooms and private chambers, showcasing imperial lifestyles with intricate decor and lavish furnishings.
• The Gardens: Lose yourself in meticulously maintained gardens that offer a maze, an orangery, and fountains with mythological sculptures.

During my last visit here, exploring the palace grounds felt like wandering through a masterpiece. Every room seemed even more opulent than the one before.

What struck me most was how each corner revealed some piece of history intertwined with art – making it an essential experience for anyone visiting Vienna.

6) The Third Man Museum

Vienna has long been a city of mystery, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Third Man Museum. Dedicated to Carol Reed’s 1949 film noir “The Third Man,” this museum dives deep into Vienna’s post-war history through cinema.

It features over three floors, finds original scripts, rare photos, and detailed backstories about the film. When I first ventured into the museum, expecting it to be another tourist attraction, I was amazed by its depth.

Each exhibit unveiled aspects of Vienna that are often overlooked – making it perfect for those who seek deeper cultural insights.

7) Stroll through Belvedere Palace Gardens

The Belvedere Palace, another Baroque marvel, is more than just its ornate buildings. The palace gardens offer a serene escape with meticulously arranged greenery and elegant sculptures.

What to explore:

• Upper and Lower Belvedere: Each part houses significant art collections, including works by Gustav Klimt.
• The Gardens: Walk through terraced gardens that provide stunning views of both palaces and the city beyond.

On my visit here, which unexpectedly became a session of reflection, I found myself deep in thought while strolling through these beautiful landscapes. History, art, and nature converge seamlessly – ideal for anyone looking for peace amid beauty.

8) The Spittelberg Quarter

While Vienna is famous for its grand palaces and historical landmarks, the Spittelberg Quarter offers a more intimate glimpse into local life. Nestled just behind the MuseumsQuartier, this area combines charming narrow streets with a rich cultural vibe.

Here’s why it should be on your itinerary:

• Cobblestone Streets: Wander through picturesque lanes lined with Biedermeier-style houses, each one telling stories from centuries past.
• Artisan Shops: Discover unique boutiques offering handmade crafts, jewelry, and quirky souvenirs that you won’t find in typical tourist shops.

What stands out most about Spittelberg is its blend of old-world charm and contemporary culture. During my stroll (which felt like stepping back in time), I encountered quaint cafes where locals gathered for relaxed conversations over coffee or wine.

Another highlight is the vibrant culinary scene. From traditional Austrian taverns to modern bistros serving international cuisine – every dining experience here feels authentically Viennese yet refreshingly diverse.

One evening, I found myself at Amerlingbeisl, a cozy spot renowned for both its hearty dishes and friendly ambiance (it quickly became my favorite!).

Lastly, visit during December if you can; the annual Christmas market transforms Spittelberg into a festive wonderland with stalls offering mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted chestnuts, and handcrafted gifts.

In essence, exploring Spittelberg gives you an unfiltered look at Viennese life away from grandiose monuments. It’s about connecting with everyday moments that collectively shape Vienna’s unique character.

9) Lainzer Tiergarten

For a nature-filled escape from the urban hustle, venture to Lainzer Tiergarten. Located on Vienna’s western edge, this wildlife preserve offers a peaceful retreat into pristine landscapes and native flora and fauna.

What makes it special:

• Expansive Trails: Explore over 80 kilometers of hiking paths winding through dense forests and meadows.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot wild boar, deer, and other local species in their natural habitats.

On my last visit (an invigorating morning hike), I felt an immediate connection with nature that you rarely find in city limits. Each path seemed like a new discovery – whether crossing streams or ascending gentle hills for panoramic views.

An absolute must-see is Hermesvilla, known as Empress Sisi’s “castle of dreams.” This secluded mansion within the park adds a historical twist to your nature walk with its intricate architecture and lush gardens (not often featured in guidebooks).

Areas like Rohrhaus provide quaint spots for refreshments where hikers gather for traditional Viennese snacks after exploring. 

Lainzer Tiergarten stands out because it combines natural beauty with historical allure seamlessly – ideal for those wanting more than typical tourist paths offer.

Whether you seek solitude or scenic adventure, this hidden gem delivers pure Viennese serenity wrapped in untamed splendor.

10) The Kahlenberg

Kahlenberg, a renowned hill in the Vienna Woods, offers breathtaking vistas and outdoor activities for those looking to blend nature with spectacular city views.

Highlights include:

• Panoramic Views: At the summit, enjoy sweeping panoramas of Vienna and the Danube River – perfect for photography enthusiasts.
• Wine Taverns (Heurigen) : Along the slopes, find traditional wine taverns serving local vintages with rustic Austrian dishes.

Moreover, stopping at a Heuriger afterward was like stepping into an authentic slice of Viennese life. The casual ambiance combined with delightful wines made it memorable.

In essence, Kahlenberg provides both active exploration and cultural immersion – ideal for any visitor seeking natural beauty intertwined with local tradition.

Vienna, with its blend of history, culture, and natural splendor, offers a myriad of experiences. As you embark on your journey through this enchanting city, keep these tips in mind:

• Start Early: Major attractions like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral get crowded; arrive early to enjoy them at a relaxed pace.
• Use Public Transport: Vienna’s efficient trams and subways make it easy to navigate the city (and save time).
• Local Festivals: Check the calendar for events like Christmas markets or summer concerts – they add a unique touch to your visit.
• Explore Beyond City Center: Discover hidden gems like Lainzer Tiergarten or Spittelberg that offer quieter yet equally enriching experiences.

Remember to savor every moment – whether it’s sipping coffee at Café Central or hiking up Kahlenberg. 

Auf Wiedersehen! Enjoy your Viennese adventure!

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Visit Vienna in 3 days: our best itinerary to not miss anything of the city

After 2 years in Vienna, we have prepared a 3-day tour of the city's highlights so that you can enjoy all the attractions of the Austrian capital!

Last Update: 01/02/2024 0 COMMENT

After 2 years of expatriation, we can say that we have completely fallen under the spell of Vienna. Whatever the time of the year, there is always something to do in the Austrian capital. We have therefore concocted a great program to visit Vienna in 3 days with all the must-sees, whatever the season! A small map at the end of the article summarizes everything you should not miss. Follow the guide, and let’s go for a long weekend in Vienna with us!

9 a.m.: Discovering the historical city center of Vienna

1 p.m.: lunch in a heuriger, 3 p.m.: encounter with art, evening: a good restaurant in vienna, 9 a.m.: breakfast on the heights of vienna, noon: direction to the hundertwasser museum, 3 p.m.: stroll through the vienna prater and take a ride on the ferris wheel, 5 p.m.: have a drink and dinner in the museumsquartier, evening: attend a concert in vienna, 9 a.m.: breakfast with music, 11 a.m.: visit schönbrunn palace and its gardens, 3 p.m.: a visit to the ernst fuchs museum, evening: enjoy a glass of wine at wein & co, sightseeing ideas for a longer stay, must-see map to visit vienna in 3 days.

We lived in the city of Vienna from 2011 to 2013 and have returned several times since. This article has been completely revised and updated in October 2022. If you notice any price changes or have additional information that might be relevant, please feel free to leave us a comment!

Day 1 in Vienna

If you want to explore the city center of Vienna , you’d better get up early! Indeed, this part of Vienna is very visited all year long. There, numerous sites, each one more majestic than the other, are waiting for you and testify to the past power of Austria. The entire historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Simply stroll through the pedestrian streets and let yourself be impressed by these buildings full of history! Here is a short tour of the must-see places in the center of Vienna.

The Vienna Staatsoper

The Vienna State Opera House is one of the most famous opera houses in the world! Take advantage of this opportunity to go to the box office and try to get affordable tickets (less than 50 euros) to attend the rehearsals or a performance one evening during your stay. It would be a shame to come to Austria and not attend an opera in one of the most beautiful halls in the world ! You can book them on their website too, before your visit, but there are often tickets at the official prices at the box office. On the other hand, don’t buy the tickets offered by the numerous resellers in the street, they are often much more expensive!

If you don’t have tickets, we really recommend the 40-minute guided tour for 13 euros per person. This tour will take you to the heart of the Vienna State Opera House, behind the stage, and even into the musicians’ pit. It’s a great way to discover this magical place!

A little tip if you go to the opera: don’t miss the sausage stand in front of the entrance ! Now you’re probably wondering if I’ve fallen for it… Actually, it’s an old and established tradition : before the opera, you should eat a Wurst mit Kern , which is sausage and horseradish! Bon appétit 😉.

The Mozart House

It’s impossible to talk about Austria without the great Mozart ! His Viennese apartment has been transformed into a museum that traces his journey as a musician, but also as a man.

Admission is 12 euros with an audio guide.

Stephansdom

St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna , more commonly known as Stephansdom, is one of Vienna’s landmarks. Built in the 1100s, this Gothic-style building is not common by its height and its style, which stands out from the baroque buildings. Inside, it is a true work of art! Don’t miss the chance to visit it, the entrance is free!

If climbing 343 steps doesn’t scare you, explore the south tower of Stephansdom (called Steffi by the Viennese) for a nice view over Vienna. You can also access the north tower by elevator for another view of the city and the colorful geometric roof. You will then see its famous bell (named Pummerin ), one of the biggest in Europe that rings only on special occasions (New Year, Easter, Whitsun…).

Tickets to the towers and catacombs are around 6 euros and only available on-site (cash only).

The Hofburg Palace

This imperial residence is one of the largest palaces in the world ! For more than 600 years, the Habsburgs stayed here and brought all their refinement to this huge building, today converted into different museums. It is just huge and grandiose and there is enough to spend a good half day there! Among all the possible visits to the Hofburg palace, we recommend you to visit

• the original apartments of Emperor Franz-Joseph and Empress Sisi;
• the sublime Austrian National Library , considered one of the most beautiful in the world;
• the Vienna Imperial Treasury , located in the oldest part of the palace;
• the magnificent setting of the Spanish Riding School . If you are not a big horse fan, prefer the guided tour or the show rather than the training of the Lipizzaners. Tip: arrive early to get good seats! Please note that in summer the horses also take a “vacation” and are moved to Heldenberg in the Wetzdorf center.

The Ratha us

Built at the end of the 19th century, don’t miss the splendid city hall ! The Rathaus is one of the symbols of Vienna with its neo-gothic style and its height (98 meters). The visit is free and can be done with an audio guide or a guide in person if you are German speaking (appointment on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 pm). Also, enjoy the square and the park which is well treed with fountains and statues here and there. In the winter there is a big Christmas market which gives way to a huge ice rink in front of the Rathaus illuminated in Christmas colors.

In Vienna, there are free guided walking tours , which are a great way to start your stay. Whether by day or by night, they are 100% free but based on tips. Did you like it? Tip the guide! The amount will depend on the quality of the guide but also on the size of the group. We usually leave between 5 and 10 euros per person. The guides are often very motivated and we have always found these tours to be very good (we must have done about 15 of them in different cities around the world).

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Nothing like a meal in a Heuriger or a Beisl to get you back on track after a good walk. These taverns are at the heart of Viennese culture and serve traditional Austrian food (Wiener Schnitzel, Strudel, Knödel…) in a rustic setting. We strongly recommend the Esterházystüberl , it’s our favorite Heuriger in downtown Vienna!

You can also taste the wine produced in the surroundings of Vienna which is often mixed with mineral water, they call it a Spritzer. Don’t be offended! In fact, it’s often better that way, because the Heuriger wine is often a bit sour. No mistake, there is also excellent wine in Austria 😉.

From September to October, you can also taste Sturm (literally storm), a fermented grape juice with a high alcohol content but relatively sweet… Beware, it’s misleading!

Since you’ll already be in the heart of the city, you might as well take advantage of the afternoon to continue visiting. It would probably take weeks to cover all the cultural possibilities in Vienna!

Visit the Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum or KHM), one of the largest museums in the world! It was built in 1891 by the emperor to house the collections of the imperial family. Today, works of art spanning several millennia are exhibited in an incredible setting . It is not for nothing that it is the most visited museum in Vienna with almost 1 million visitors! The entrance fee is 18 euros per person .

An alternative to the art tour is the Belvedere Palace . This former baroque castle, the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, has been completely transformed into a rich museum divided into 3 parts. The upper Belvedere honors all the Austrian painters who made history, such as Gustav Klimt , in a fascinating permanent exhibition. Count 15.90 euros if you buy your ticket online . The other portions of the site, the Lower Belvedere and Belvedere 21, are home to temporary exhibitions, both Baroque and contemporary. If you want to do the whole palace, count 24,90 euros.

Here again, there is no lack of choice. I strongly advise you to try the Tafelspitz (the Austrian stew) at the Plachutta or the Austrian gastronomy in its chic version in the magnificent setting of the Rathauskeller. A little less focused but also more affordable, Zum Alten Fassl (the best restaurant in Vienna for us) will delight your taste buds with a typical and well-presented cuisine. By the way, we have put together a gourmet map of all the best restaurants in Vienna !

Have you considered the Vienna City Card or the Vienna Pass ? To summarize, these cards offer you the possibility to travel for free by public transport throughout the city or to have discounts and/or free access to several dozens of museums and other attractions. We detail everything here about these cards which are interesting depending on the type of weekend you want to do in Vienna!

Day 2 in Vienna

To start the day off right, take the U4 line to its terminus and then take the bus to the top of the Kahlenberg , the hill overlooking Vienna. From there, you will have a breathtaking view of the Austrian capital and can enjoy your breakfast while admiring the panorama from the nice terrace of the small Cafe Kahlenberg. If you feel like it, you can walk back down through the vineyards and forest to the somewhat posh village of Grinzing , famous for its vineyards. From there, you can easily take a streetcar or bus to your next destination.

Walking down from Kahlenberg, follow in the footsteps of Friedensreich Hundertwasser , a contemporary Austrian architect, emblematic of the city of Vienna. His major work is undoubtedly the city’s waste treatment plant at the Spittelau subway stop. He has managed to transform an often ugly building into a colorful work whose round blue and gold chimney is one of the symbols of the city.

Then, go to the Hunderwasserhaus , a multicolored ecological apartment complex where no line is straight! I don’t know about you, but its style reminds me of Gaudi’s ! By the way, we highly recommend you to visit the café on the first floor. The decoration is in total adequacy with the spirit of the place and it’s a nice place to take a little break from your visits!

Not far from this strange building, you can visit the Hundertwasser museum (KunstHausWien) , which retraces the life of this curious character by exhibiting his main works and models. It is a very colorful museum that I particularly liked. The entrance fee is 11 euros . There too, the coffee is very colorful!

After this discovery, walk along the Danube canal towards Schwedenplatz and stop on one of the many terraces for a little drink.

Vienna is definitely an artistic city and the countless walls covered with frescoes will not confirm the contrary. There are plenty of spots in the city, but the most popular ones are along the Danube canal. If you come in the summer, the Calle libre festival is a great place for street art.

If street art is your thing, Getyourguide offers a tour of the city’s works .

Then head to the mythical Prater, a huge green space of 600 hectares located in the heart of Vienna and dedicated to sports and relaxation. If you are in the city center, it is easily accessible by subway with the U2 and U1 lines in less than 5 minutes.

History of the Prater

During the 16th century, the Prater was the hunting ground of the Habsburgs (the imperial family) and it wasn’t until the 18th century that Emperor Joseph II opened the park to all Viennese as the city’s first place of relaxation. At that time people had big family picnics on the weekends and came to the park for sports in the evening. In the end, it hasn’t changed much!

The amusement park

Often, one thinks only of the amusement park when talking about the Prater. In reality, the real name given to all the rides is Wurstelprater . This term comes from the Wursteltheater, small puppet theaters that were scattered around this area of the park in the 1890s. And this name has strangely remained, at least in the expressions of the Viennese! Then, in 1887, the first attraction was installed in the park: the pony ride! In 1895, the recreation area called “ Vienna’s Venice ” was opened.

Today, it has little to do with the original layout. Large pedestrian walkways have replaced the canals and ice cream and kebab vendors have replaced the little puppeteer huts.

But still, the Prater is a place with a very special charm ! You will have to forget your memories of Disneyland, Europaparc, and other entertainment giants. The Vienna Prater amusement park is old and it shows: it reminds me of a ghost village straight out of an old movie! On the program: haunted houses with real extras, roller coasters where the adrenaline comes more from the fact that you don’t know if the installation will last, or good old bumper cars, cotton candy sellers…

The Prater Ferris wheel

Let’s talk about one of the emblems of the city: the Vienna Prater Ferris wheel ! It was built in 1897 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I. If it still exists and is still in activity, it is thanks to a combination of circumstances and also to major works of the city.

For the record, the Ferris wheel of Vienna was the property of its builder, Walter Basset. But during the First World War, he was expropriated from this property, because he was English and it was not so well seen… In 1916, the Ferris wheel received its demolition permit, but for lack of financial means, its dismantling did not take place!

In 1944, during the Second World War, the Prater Park was bombed and the Ferris wheel burned down completely. It was therefore rebuilt between 1945 and 1947, but this time with only 15 cars instead of the original 30.

Visit the Ferris wheel

Today, the Ferris wheel is one of the most visited attractions in Vienna! It also appears in a few movies, including a James Bond movie (you can guess which one 😉).

Its visit begins with a small room where old wagons are exposed and where the history of the Prater over the years is told thanks to small animated characters. Then it’s time to get on one of the 15 cars that are hanging on this iron monster of 61 meters in diameter.

Admission to the Ferris wheel costs 13.5 euros per adult and 6.5 euros per child for a ride of about 15 minutes. It offers a magnificent view of Prater Park and the whole city! You can buy your ticket on the spot or online to avoid waiting in line.

For the little anecdote, of the 15 cars, 7 are equipped with tables and chairs and are reserved for special events (weddings, romantic dinners…). By the way, we saw how one of these dinners was done in the air and it is quite funny! The guests settle in the cabin and receive a small aperitif. Then, it’s off for a spin. When it comes back down, the waiters are busy serving the appetizers and filling the glasses. And here we go again, and so on until the end of the meal!

The Museumsquartier boasts one of the largest museum complexes in the world. It is also a popular meeting place and often filled with a variety of entertainment. It is very pleasant to stop on a terrace in this place mixing brilliantly heritage and modernity. In summer, many people take advantage of it to perfect their tan while enjoying the constant animation of the place… A must!

Vienna is a city known worldwide for its music. If you are visiting the Austrian capital, this is the place to go to immerse yourself in the musical culture of the country.

In addition to the Vienna Opera House , there are dozens of different concerts every night. Vivaldi, Strauss, and of course Mozart are in the spotlight. Among the regular concerts known for their quality (as well as the magical setting in which they are performed), we can mention:

• the concert in Schönbrunn Palace , from 45 euros;
• the concert in St. Anna’s Church , from 33 euros.

To stay in Vienna at a lower cost, we recommend:

• youth hostels : there are really many in Vienna but our favorites are: Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna , Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt , and Boutique Hostel Vienna ;
• hotels and apartments : this is often the most expensive option but you get the service or convenience that goes with it. An apartment can sometimes be more interesting financially if you travel with several people or then save on the restaurants during your stay (avoid the overdose of Schnitzel 😉). Regarding the area, prefer the city center or then near the street dedicated to shopping, Mariahilfer Strasse. To find a hotel or apartment in Vienna at the best price, go to Booking .

If you prefer to find your way on a map, you can choose below. Feel free to enter your dates and filter according to what you are looking for (apartment, hotel…).

Day 3 in Vienna

To start the day off right, head for the Gloriette Cafe , which overlooks the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace (it is to Austria what Versailles is to France). It is famous for its Sisi breakfasts, accompanied by waltzes and other Viennese classics played by excellent musicians. The meal consists of a rich buffet with a splendid view of the castle. It is held on weekends only, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., and costs 36 euros per adult . We strongly advise you to book in advance , at least 4 weeks before your visit! If you already have your ticket, climb on the panoramic terrace of the Gloriette for a nice view of Vienna and the castle park!

After this imperial breakfast, take the opportunity to go for a little digestive walk, it should help you feel lighter 😉.

But before visiting Schönbrunn Palace, don’t hesitate to walk through the huge French-style baroque gardens . By the way, they were designed by Jean Tréhet, a student of… Le Nôtre, Louis XIV’s gardener at the Palace of Versailles! The idea is to get lost (a little) around the Grand Parterre to discover, among other things, the fountains of Neptune, the Obelisk and the Naiads, the Roman ruins, the incredible statues of the park, the Orangery, the Palm house… To find your way around, see the map of the park of the castle .

Make way for the magnificent castle! Built in the 17th century , this former summer house of the imperial family was completely refurbished in rococo style under the orders of Empress Maria Theresa. In addition to the statesmen of the last century, Napoleon Bonaparte, Mozart, and Sissi were among the personalities who walked on the floor of this castle with 1441 rooms ! Don’t worry, you don’t need to spend the whole day here, only about 40 of them are open!

As Schönbrunn Palace is the most visited monument in Vienna (and in Austria!) , it is best to book online to be sure to visit it. You have the choice between combined tickets, a family package… It depends on what you want to visit! For a 3-4 hour tour through the site with the Classic Pass, count 35 euros per adult (for a guided tour at 11 am or 2 pm) or 31 euros with an audio guide.

The Austrian architect Otto Wagner originally built this summer villa in 1888 for himself and his family. It was then bought by Ernst Fuchs, an Austrian artist and founder of the Viennese school of fantastic realism. He restored it almost from top to bottom, keeping some elements from Otto Wagner’s time.

As a result, you will discover all the splendor of Art Nouveau through the rooms! The ticket is 11 euros per adult .

We strongly recommend spending an evening in one of the WEIN & CO bars! You can find the best Austrian wines to taste at the bar for a price defying all competition. We were conquered by the atmosphere as well as by the concept: a wine bar proposing small dishes (meat platters, cheeses, steak tartars…) which can be tasted with a good bottle.

For the wine, let yourself be tempted by the reds of Burgenland , there are some gems not to be missed, like a Blaufräkisch for example. If you want to do a little tour of Austrian wines, Getyourguide offers a lot of options to taste these nectars of the wine !

If you want to extend the evening, go to the U6 stops Josephstadt or Alsergrund . Under the arcades of the subway, you’ll find plenty of bars and clubs that should satisfy both live music lovers and seasoned clubbers 😉.

If you are staying longer in Vienna or if you want more ideas about visits and activities , here is a small complementary list:

• Otto Wagner’s St. Leopold’s Church am Steinhof (Otto-Wagner Kirche): this church, Europe’s first modernist, was built in the 20th century as the chapel of the former psychiatric hospital by Austrian architect Otto Wagner. Inside, it’s pretty crazy because everything was designed for the sick at the time. It’s a little jewel of Art Nouveau to contemplate! The entrance fee is 5 euros.

• Sigmund Freud Museum : Do you really know Freud? Visit his former study and apartment, which has been converted into an exciting museum. Discover the life of the king of psychoanalysis, but also of the man through the different rooms. The museum is open every day except Tuesday and the entrance fee is 14 euros per adult.
• The Karlskirche , or the church of Saint Charles de Borromeo: it is recognizable among thousands with its green dome, framed by two imposing columns! The baroque exterior is truly magnificent. The interior is worth it just for the frescoes painted under the dome. Count 8 euros per adult.

• A sunset while sipping a drink from the terrace of the 360° Ocean Sky restaurant located on top of a rehabilitated Flakturm.
• The Flakturm of Augarten : these are the towers built during the Second World War to defend against Allied air raids but also as air raid shelters for thousands of people. Both towers have remained almost untouched since the war.
• A quick trip to Slovakia : the capital, Bratislava , is only 80 km from Vienna, so if you have time, take the opportunity to discover this beautiful city! By train or bus , it only takes 1h-1h30 for a round-trip ticket between 7 and 16 euros.

You will find all the must-sees in Vienna on this richly provided map.

As you can see, Vienna is a very rich city culturally speaking . Whether you are fond of history, music, or art, or simply curious to discover this beautiful city, the capital of Austria will not leave you indifferent. As for us, we loved living there for 2 years. In summer or winter , Vienna has many surprises in store…

About Benoit

Self-taught web developer and passionate photographer, I love travelling and hiking for this incredible feeling of freedom they bring me. Curious, I constantly need to learn new things, to take on new challenges and I couldn't live any other way. I share with you on this travel blog my experiences on the roads but also my thoughts to travel better while respecting our beautiful planet (which is unfortunately in a very bad shape).

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

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

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

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

Central European Time Zone (CET) UTC +1

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

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

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

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

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Currency: Euro

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Language: German

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

Calling Code: +43

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taxi stands can be found throughout Vienna.

Uber operates in Vienna for ridesharing.

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

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

Grand Hotel Wien

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

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

Ritz-Carlton Vienna

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

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

K & K Palais Hotel

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

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

Hotel Imperial

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

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

Hotel Sacher Wien

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

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

Park Hyatt Vienna

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

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

Hotel Daniel Vienna

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

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

Mraz & Sohn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Café Central

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

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

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

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

Schönbrunn Palace

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

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

St. Stephen's Cathedral

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

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

MuseumsQuartier

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

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

The Spanish Riding School

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

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

Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ringstrassen-Galerien (Ringstreet Galleries)

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

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

Donau Zentrum (Danube Center)

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

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

Address: Inner City 1010 Vienna, Austria

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

Hamtil & Sôhne

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

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

Steffl Department Store

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

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

Tostmann Trachten

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

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

Augarten Wien

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Top 5 Weekend Getaways Within an Hour of Vienna, Austria

Last Updated on March 23, 2024 by gregor

Looking for a quick escape from Vienna? You’re in for a treat! Within an hour’s drive from Austria’s bustling capital, lies a treasure trove of weekend getaways awaiting exploration. From scenic nature retreats to culturally rich destinations, there’s something for everyone within easy reach.

In this guide, we’ll unveil the top five weekend getaways near Vienna, ensuring you experience the best within a short distance.

Whether You are seeking outdoor adventures, historical discoveries, or culinary delights, these destinations have you covered. So, pack your bags, fuel up the car and embark on a memorable journey just a stone’s throw away from Vienna’s vibrant streets.

Top 5 weekend getaways from Vienna

Wachau valley.

The majestic Wachau Valley is a highly recommended weekend trip from Vienna, as it encompasses not only an area of breathtakingly picturesque landscapes but also a significant cultural heritage.

UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites

An hour north of Vienna, in the heart of Lower Austria, lies the enchanting Wachau Valley. This treasure, rich in history and beauty, is a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage Site, stretching from Krems to the majestic Melk along the tranquil blue Danube. From quaint villages and historic castles to lush vineyards, the Wachau Valley is the perfect scene for a scenic weekend getaway, offering a delightful mix of nature and culture. Discover picturesque landscapes and a rich cultural heritage in the sections that follow.

Things to see in the Wachau Valley – Highlights

It is strewn with ruins, castles, and imposing monasteries, watching for centuries over quaint villages that seem frozen in time.

Wachau Valley Wine

Wine connoisseurs can enjoy the famous and prized Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings at the Wachau Heuriger , while foodies would appreciate the syrups, jams, and other delicious desserts made with the locally famous Wachau apricots.

What is the best way to explore the Wachau Valley?

The Wachau Valley is best explored, in our opinion, throughout a weekend, especially for those whose romantic imagination is incensed by ruins and gazing longingly towards faraway hills through the concave curvature of their Riesling glass.

Wachau Valley by Car or Bike

Exploring by car or bike or a combination of both means that you can adjust the pace and the length of stay in each of the attractions, towns, and villages along the way, in addition to enjoying a scenic drive along the Danube.

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Wachau Valley by Public Transportation

However, those who wish to explore the area with public transportation or other means of getting around should not feel discouraged, as there are a few options that would pique their interest.

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Railway Connection from Vienna to Wachau Valley

It is important to highlight that there is no direct train connection from Vienna to the Wachau Valley. Take the rail from Wien Westbahnhof to Melk and then take the Bus to Willendorf/Wachau Valley

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Take a day ship cruise along the Danube to the Wachau Valley

Another worthwhile way to explore the region is by water, to be more specific, by embarking on a day cruise along the Danube. There are various packages you can opt for , as well as various routes , each meant to allow you to stop and explore a location of your interest.

If river journeys are too tedious for you (and the passage through the Greifenstein floodgates alone takes about half an hour), you might enjoy a train ride. Not just the ride on the S40 to Krems, but a special scenic train, the Wachaubahn , with wide windows and a place for bikes, seemingly gliding between the town of Krems and Emmersdorf, an enchanting village across the imposing Melk Abbey.

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What makes the Wachau Valley worthy of exploration

Let’s start with the two major towns.

Krems is a wonderful place to start your journey, as its attractions alone will keep you photographing for hours. Whether you are wandering around the Old Town, window-shopping, or visiting the art galleries and museums, there are plenty of options for enjoyment, relaxation, or promenade while enjoying a change of scene.

Top Tip: We also recommend that for a weekend getaway, you consider finding overnight accommodation in Krems, as all means of transportation in the Wachau tend to lead back here.

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On the other side of the Wachau Valley, rests the beautiful town of Melk , with the bright yellow walls of the Benedictine Abbey of an eponymous name greeting travelers from its hilltop from miles away.

The Abbey of Melk is worth taking a few hours to explore, as visitors would love its gardens, the imposing library, and learning about its ten centuries’ worth of history.

At the bottom of the hill, lies the old quarter of Melk, still retaining a Renaissance flair.

In fact, the oldest building in Melk, Haus am Stein, dates back to the 15 th century. Or take a picture of the Sterngasse, which is the oldest lane in Melk, having served long ago as the main street.

Vestiges of the former city gates can still be spotted and photographed while strolling around and keeping an eye out for details might lead you to some very intriguing street corners and gardens that seem as though they belong to a different era.

Schallaburg Castle

If you still wish to linger in that Renaissance atmosphere or you simply are eager to explore more history, head over to the nearby town of Schollach, where you can visit the Renaissance castle of Schallaburg and its Mannerist-style gardens.

OPENING HOURS

from April 9th to November 6th

Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Public holidays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission until 1 hour before total closing time

Dürnstein Village

The Village Dürnstein, famed for the hilltop castle Ruin of Dürnstein , which once served as King Richard the Lionheart’s prison , as well as for its vineyards, can either be your stop along the scenic train ride or your river cruise.

Either way, stretching your legs in this romantic village with its winding narrow alleys, welcoming shops, and flowers on every windowsill, can make for a beautiful way to spend an afternoon.

Up for a challenge? Hike all the way up to the castle ruins and enjoy a wonderful view over the valley, with photos being a must if you find yourself here.

Spitz Village

Another beautiful village, but perhaps with less notoriety than Dürnstein, is Spitz an der Donau. With cobbled streets, free from the busy steps of tourists, it delights with the same scenery and another incredible attraction, the imposing ruins of the Hinterhaus Fortress, said to be haunted by the ghost of Heinrich des Eisernen’s first wife, Adelheid. The 13th-century Niederhaus Castle, as well as the late Gothic Church, are two other landmarks that can be admired and photographed in this village.

How can I reach Dürnstein and Spitz?

Both Dürnstein and Spitz can be reached by train, buses from either Krems or Melk, as well as by cruise ships, that stop on their shores.

From the top of the Dürnstein Castle, a particular landmark might catch your eye, as it appears like a white fortification crowning a forested hilltop.

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Göttweig Abbey

It is not a castle, but the imposing Göttweig Abbey , which would also be worth a visit.

Göttweig is a Benedictine monastery dating back to the 11 th century but owing its current magnificent grounds to a grand scale restoration after the initial abbey was burnt down.

The Baroque influences can be admired in the Abbey church, the tapestry room, and the beautiful imperial staircase with its frescoes. Its library contains over 150,000 books and manuscripts, in addition to other collections of immense cultural value.

With public transportation, it is accessible by rail from Melk or Krems, with trains stopping at Fürth-Göttweig Bahnhof, from where there is a fair bit of walking to the Abbey.

Schönbühel Castle

Going up against the Danube stream, right before reaching Melk, you would do best to make sure you are on the western side of the valley, to stop at the fairytale-like Schönbühel Castle or at the medieval castle ruins of Aggstein, a castle that was famed for being able to withstand direct assaults and with its fair share of legends from times long gone.

Have we piqued your interest in the Wachau Valley? When are you planning your visit to this incredible World Heritage Site?

Neusiedler See – Burgenland

Many ex-pats find the craze for the Neusiedler See a bit strange but it is definitely one of the most recommended weekend breaks from Vienna. After all, from the pictures, it gives the impression of a lake amid flat grasslands. This is a gross oversimplification, and it is difficult to explain the charisma of the Neusiedler See in Burgenland, but we will do our best and encourage you to see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

Neusiedler See Location

Neusiedler See is a 315 km 2 lake, for the most part on Austrian territory with about a quarter of that in Hungary, with a depth not exceeding 1,8 meters.

Surrounded by reeds, it is a habitat for wildlife, that attracts birdwatchers and biologists , making it a perfect family destination, where your children can learn in a fun way about the flora and fauna of this beautiful and tranquil place, while you enjoy the refreshing water.

If you are not very inclined towards studiousness, you will enjoy the hiking and walking trails around the lake, as well as the biking trails, of which there are fifteen.

Aquatic activities

And of course, you can enjoy aquatic activities, such as swimming and frolicking in the water, or you can try your hand at windsurfing and rowing.

St. Martins Therme & Lodge

For spa and relaxation lovers, the famous St. Martins Therme & Lodge is a 15-minute drive away from Podersdorf am See, offering spa treatments, relaxation experiences, family activities, paddle-boarding, as well as birdwatching and group safaris. So, whether you go alone, take a few friends, your partner, or your family, you are bound to find something to suit your lifestyle and vacation plans.

Burgenland Top Restaurant Tips

• Taubenkogel
• Gut Purbach

How do I get to the Neusiedler See from Vienna?

Neusiedler See is most practically reached by car, especially if you plan to move around.

Public Transportation:  you can take a regional train from the Central Train Station to Neusiedl am See – the journey takes only forty minutes from Vienna.

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Best Weekend Getaways in Vienna, Austria

Exploring nature’s beauty.

Delve into the natural wonders surrounding Vienna, offering a refreshing escape into lush greenery and scenic landscapes. Raxalpe: Alpine Adventures Await Raxalpe, located just a short distance from Vienna, beckons with its snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine meadows, and invigorating hiking trails. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility amidst breathtaking scenery, Raxalpe promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Immersing in History and Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and culture found in neighboring cities, each boasting its own unique heritage and architectural splendor. Salzburg: A Baroque Gem Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates visitors with its well-preserved baroque architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and enchanting Old Town. From the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking the city to the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg invites exploration of its cultural treasures and storied past.

Indulging in Gastronomic Delights

Indulge your senses in the culinary delights of nearby regions, where gastronomy is celebrated through flavorful dishes and exquisite wines. Wachau Valley: Wine Tasting and Gourmet Delights The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, charming wine villages, and award-winning wineries. Embark on a journey of gastronomic discovery as you sample fine wines, savor regional specialties, and immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of this celebrated wine region.

Relaxing Retreats

Retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life to serene havens, where you can unwind, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature. Semmering: Tranquility in the Mountains Semmering, nestled amidst the majestic Semmering Alps, offers a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you choose to indulge in spa treatments, take leisurely strolls through alpine meadows, or simply soak in panoramic mountain views, Semmering promises a tranquil retreat away from the stresses of everyday life.

Mödling and Maria Enzersdorf

The two villages here are so close to one another, that you would be hard-pressed to tell where one ends and the other begins.

How do I get to Mödling and Maria Enzersdorf?

We added them together, as they are both a stone-throw away from Vienna, meaning a short drive (under half an hour) or a short ride on the regional train or S-Bahn. They are also part of the locally designated “ Speckgürtel ” (“Bacon Belt”), an area of affluent and quaint villages clustered along the eastern and south-eastern edges of Vienna, which remind of picture-perfect postcards.

In addition to the beautiful architecture and well-preserved buildings, the area can easily rival Wachau in terms of castle ruins scattered about and breathtaking views.

The forested hills south of Mödling and the Föhrenberge Natural Park are a piece of heaven for nature lovers and they have numerous shaded trails that you can follow, such as Eichkogel, Prießnitztal and Breite Föhre, which connect to other routes all the way to Pfaffstätten near Baden Bei Wien.

You can take pictures of the green vistas surrounding you from the Wilhelmswarte and Kaiser-Jubiläums-Warte observation decks.

Sparbach Valley

However, the truly romantic trail of medieval ruins starts at Sparbach Valley , a small village a few minutes drive away east of Maria Enzersdorf, where an entire day can be dedicated to the eponymous natural park, where you can see the castle ruins Johannstein and Köhlerhaus, detouring all the way to the next village, where the Castle Wildegg still stands and is available for renting, operating frequently as a camp for youths during summer months.

Outside of Mödling, you can wander around the forest until you reach the Hussars’ Temple or the castle ruins Mödling , from where you have a perfect view of the valley below.

Burg Liechtenstien

In Maria Enzersdorf, you can enjoy a walk on the grounds of the Burg Liechtenstein , a well-preserved medieval castle dating back to the 12 th century. You can even participate in one of the guided tours and learn more about the history of the castle and the lives of the nobility of the time. The highlight of the tour is the view you get from the Gothic balcony, overlooking the area and providing you with inspiration for your next hiking adventure, the Amphitheater ruins, and the Roman Wall, while from the other side, you could catch a glimpse of the nearby Rauchkogel ruins.

Hinterbruhl Seegrotte

The Hinterbrühl Seegrotte , an underground system of caves underneath a gypsum mine, flooded in 1912 with crystal clear waters, creating an underground lake. It has been open to visitors since the 1930s, the lake is 60 meters below ground, and pumps are used to keep the water levels down. A scene from the film The Three Musketeers (1993) was shot here and the prop, a gondola, can still be seen today afloat in the grotto. Hopefully, it will be available for visits soon and you can enjoy a tour of the underground lake.

Accommodation and dining options are plentiful, even in the middle of the forest.  This is an area worth exploring over a weekend in Vienna!

Laa an der Thaya

On the less famous side of our getaways, we thought to suggest a destination that not many Viennese are likely to flock to, but which still promises a pleasant and quiet weekend experience. Located in the Mistelbach district, near the border with the Czech Republic, Laa an der Thaya is a quaint small town with a lot of history to uncover and spa experiences to spoil your senses.

Laa Castle (Burg Laa)

The Laa Castle (Burg Laa) is one of the town’s top attractions, which started out existence as a tower that used to guard a water barrier. The tower still stands today in the northern corner of the castle surrounded by the fortified walls added later. It has undergone renovation and is open to the public.

Further attractions include the Town Hall, built-in at the end of the 19 th century to celebrate Emperor Franz Josef’s 50 th rulership jubilee, as well as the old Town Hall building, which dates back to the 13 th century.

Therme Laa Spa

Once you are done exploring this quiet town, invite your senses into a world of relaxation and spend the remainder of the time in the Therme Laa .

You can choose to stay at the Hotel Silent Spa to round up your experience, but it is not a must. Pools, saunas, massages, and other therapeutic services can be booked and enjoyed.

Laa an der Thaya is one hour away from Vienna by car, give or take a few minutes, depending on your speed and traffic. If you don’t want to worry about driving, you will be happy to know that regional trains depart Floridsdorf Bahnhof hourly towards this small town and that the journey only takes about one hour.

Semmering Mountain Paradise

On cold clear winter days, its snowy peaks stand somewhat defiantly towards the eastern horizon, reminding the onlooker to finally book that long-awaited ski vacation. In summer, it’s not the most sought-after destination, even though originally during the 19 th century, it was a summer resort for the Viennese high society.

The Semmering is one of the Top Weekend Trips from Vienna.

Semmering Hiking

Semmering offers an ideal blend of relaxation, culture, and sporty activity. There are many accommodation options available and the hiking trails can range from easy to moderate. Be sure to make your way up to the observation deck “Dr. Erwin Pöll Milenniumswarte” or the terrace of the Liechtensteinhaus restaurant for the breathtaking views of the mountain and neighboring valleys.

Semmering Rail Walk

For those up for an interesting challenge, they can try the Semmering Rail Walk , which moves along the rail tracks from Semmering all the way to Gloggnitz, meaning 23 kilometers – there are stops in between, from where you can catch the train back to Semmering if you get tired. Doing the entire route will earn some of your bragging rights to your friends, and you will be rewarded with the most stunning landscapes.

Bikepark Zauberberg

For those sporty among you who prefer to cycle rather than trek, Semmering has the perfect offer – the Bikepark Zauberberg . With a total distance of about 18 kilometers, the trails provide entertainment to all age groups and to all levels of experience. Bring your mountain bike along and put it to the test.

If you want to sprinkle in a bit of relaxation and culture to the mix, consider visiting the Südbahnhotel, the Silbererschlössl, or the Adlitzgraben Viaduct, and top the evening off with a cultural event at the Sübbahnhotel.

Semmeringbahn (Historic Semmering Railway)

Naturally, you can easily reach the Semmering by car in about an hour, depending on traffic, yet those who plan to travel light, they may wish to consider skipping the car and taking the train along the Semmeringbahn instead.

A heritage route considered the world’s first mountain railway, it has been in operation since the middle of the 19 th century, and it is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage site .

Trains depart from Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) – have your cameras ready as you approach the area and capture the beauty of the mountains from the train!

MAP – Weekend Getaways from Vienna

Here is a Tourist Map of the weekend Getaways from Vienna

Use this GOOGLE MAP  to plan your weekend trips from Vienna. I added all the best sights and Top things to do.

Enjoy your holidays!

Let us know in the comments which of these weekend break Vienna destinations you are inspired to explore or which other places close to Vienna are worth a weekend visit.

We take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful summer and to enjoy your vacations, whichever destination you may have chosen!

Photo Credit: Unsplash

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From Vienna, there are numerous captivating day trip options to explore. Here are some popular choices: Salzburg: Journey to the birthplace of Mozart and immerse yourself in the baroque charm of Salzburg. Explore its historic Old Town, visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, and stroll along the picturesque Salzach River. Bratislava: Cross the border to Slovakia and discover the quaint beauty of Bratislava. Explore its medieval old town, marvel at Bratislava Castle, and enjoy panoramic views of the Danube River. Wachau Valley: Embark on a scenic drive through the stunning Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit charming villages like Dürnstein, sample local wines at vineyards, and cruise along the Danube River. Graz: Explore Austria’s second-largest city, Graz, known for its well-preserved historic center and Renaissance architecture. Discover landmarks like Schlossberg Hill, Graz Cathedral, and the Eggenberg Palace. Eisenstadt: Visit the charming city of Eisenstadt, known for its connections to classical composer Joseph Haydn. Explore Esterházy Palace, where Haydn worked, and stroll through its beautiful gardens. Melk Abbey: Take a trip to Melk Abbey, a magnificent Benedictine monastery overlooking the Danube River. Explore its opulent interiors, library, and museum, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Lake Neusiedl: Experience the natural beauty of Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique ecosystem. Enjoy activities like sailing, cycling around the lake, or exploring nearby vineyards.

Spending a weekend in Vienna offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and culinary experiences. Here’s how to make the most of your time: Day 1: Explore Historic Landmarks Morning: Start your day with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, exploring its lavish interiors and sprawling gardens. Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Viennese meal at a local café or restaurant. Afternoon: Wander through the historic center, visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Evening: Catch a classical music concert or opera performance at one of Vienna’s renowned venues, such as the Vienna State Opera or Musikverein. Day 2: Immerse in Culture and Cuisine Morning: Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum or Belvedere Palace to admire world-class art collections. Lunch: Indulge in Viennese cuisine, trying local specialties like Wiener Schnitzel or Sachertorte. Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Naschmarkt, browsing stalls for fresh produce, spices, and artisanal goods. Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along the Danube Canal or enjoy a sunset picnic at Prater Park, home to the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel. Day 3: Day Trip or Relaxation Option 1 – Day Trip: Venture out of the city for a day trip to nearby destinations like Salzburg, Bratislava, or the Wachau Valley. Option 2 – Local Relaxation: Spend the day unwinding at one of Vienna’s thermal spas, such as Therme Wien or Vienna Kursalon.

Yes, Vienna is an excellent choice for a weekend break. With its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant atmosphere, Vienna offers a perfect blend of experiences for a short getaway. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hofburg Imperial Palace, immersing themselves in the city’s imperial grandeur. Additionally, Vienna boasts world-class museums, art galleries, and theaters, providing ample opportunities for cultural enrichment. Furthermore, the city’s culinary scene is diverse and delicious, with traditional Viennese cafes, gourmet restaurants, and street food markets offering something for every palate. Overall, Vienna promises a memorable and fulfilling weekend break for travelers of all interests.

Whether 5 days in Vienna is too long depends on your interests and how deeply you wish to explore the city and its surroundings. Vienna offers a wealth of attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, galleries, parks, and cultural events. With five days, you’ll have ample time to visit major sights like Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Belvedere. You can also explore lesser-known neighborhoods, indulge in Viennese cuisine, attend concerts or opera performances, and take day trips to nearby destinations like Salzburg or Bratislava. Overall, five days in Vienna allows for a comprehensive exploration of the city’s offerings without feeling rushed, making it an ideal duration for many travelers.

Best Swimming Pools in Vienna to Visit This Summer

Top 10 – day trips from vienna, austria.

Forget Paris — Vienna Is The Perfect Year-Round European Getaway

An unsung travel hero.

With an abundance of museums, historical landmarks, and trendy neighborhoods, it’s no surprise that Vienna is at the top of everyone’s European bucket lists . The city, which comes alive in all the seasons, is particularly magical in the summer. It’s filled with greenery, people are out and about, and the weather is perfect. However, the Christmas markets, snow-covered historical architecture, and cozy Austrian dishes make it just as appealing for a wintertime visit.

As the music capital of the world, Vienna draws in visitors from around the world to experience its year-round orchestra performances. Classical music legends, ranging from Beethoven to Mozart all made their original debut in Vienna. The city also has over 280 parks scattered throughout the city, making more than half the metropolitan area green spaces. Whether you’re looking to snack on a warm slice of Sachertorte, visit one of the many gorgeous museums of palaces , or drink local wines by a warm fireplace, here are some tips for making your trip to Vienna truly memorable.

Earlier in the year, my mother and I finally pulled the trigger and booked tickets to the Austrian capital. We planned our itinerary based on things we both loved, incorporating a mixture of art, culture, and shopping. The real reason for our visit, however, was to experience the magic of the famed Christmas Markets — which were worth the hype. After our visit, I can say for certain that the city makes the perfect year-round getaway for a mother-daughter trip, girls' weekend, or romantic escape.

To get an inside look at the city, we booked tours with Rebel Tours Vienna (a brother-sister duo with tons of knowledge of the city). We selected the duo because they interestingly explained the city to both of us, catering the tours to the things we told them we were interested in. In addition, we arranged a second tour with Shopping with Lucie , an American transplant who moved to Vienna and takes visitors to local designers, shops, and hidden gems throughout the city. It was super interactive and incorporated visits to shops that we both loved, including a local home decor retailer for my mom and local up-and-coming designers for me.

Visits to the Vienna State Opera House, Albertina Museum, and Leopold Museum were other things on our itinerary. We also incorporated stops at the famous Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace since they both highlighted the rich history of Vienna. We visited all the magical Christmas Markets but would swap out this activity for tastings at nearby local wineries in the warmer months. The wineries are a short Metro ride away from the city yet feel like an alternate reality.

To get around, we walked or used the Metro. The public transportation in Vienna is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It was affordable, clean, easy to use, and offered quick transport to everywhere in the city. While some traffic-heavy destinations are harder to navigate, the prime location of our hotel and conveniently located Metro stations throughout the city made it a breeze to get practically anywhere.

During our visit, we opted to stay in the Rosewood Vienna , a 99-room property with a location on Petersplatz, one of the most famous squares in Old Town Vienna. Since it was so centrally located, we could walk to almost all the main sites. Housed in a 19th-century building, the property was built inside the former home of legendary composer Mozart. The rooms are spacious, featuring a neutral color palette with a design that plays an ode to the glamour of Vienna’s history. Suffice to say: The rich history and gorgeous, modern design were a hit with both me and my mother.

Vienna also has a burgeoning food scene, but a few spots stood out as truly exceptional. Demel , a famous pastry shop and chocolateria that was established in 1786 served up our favorite Kaiserschmarrn (a famous pancake dish from Vienna that’s topped with plum). For dinner, we adored Neue Hoheit Brasserie, a rooftop restaurant inside the Rosewood that has an extensive Austrian wine list, and Cafè Ritter , a 100+-year-old spot serving up traditional Viennese cuisine.

Ultimately, I wouldn’t have changed a thing if I visited the city alone. At the end of the day, the memories made with my mom are irreplaceable. The city is filled with hidden gems in the cultural scene, ranging from music to art-focused activities. It’s also a great place to enjoy the sunshine or bundle up and sip a cup of warm mulled wine in the winter. Regardless of when you visit the music-filled city, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Vienna.

6 easy must-do weekend trips from Vienna

Vienna is a true world-class city, and yet it's often underrated by travelers who rush to Paris and London and ignore the Austrian capital. That's a shame because Vienna is just as beautiful and historically important as any other European city, and it's well worth spending some time visiting one of the most important cities in central Europe.

However, Vienna's geographical location combined with a really excellent public transportation system means this lovely city also makes the ideal base for a weekend getaway. A relatively short drive or train ride from Vienna can bring you to incredible cities like Prague, Bratislava, and Budapest , and some of these are even reachable on day trips from Vienna. Vienna Train Station can be the departure point for an incredible weekend getaway or memorable day trips in central Europe.

As tempting as it is to travel along the Danube River to see Budapest or head north to the imposing complex of Prague Castle, you don't need to leave Austria to enjoy some great day trips from Vienna. And weekend trips will give you even more time to explore what the country has to offer. Leave your bags behind at a luggage storage in Vienna and explore more of what this fascinating country so special. You'll be glad you did.

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Wachau Valley

Located to the north of Vienna, the Wachau Valley is the place to come if you want to experience a day trip or longer weekend trip in the Austrian countryside without traveling too far. The Wachau Valley offers a range of attractions from historical sites to art museums to hiking trails, so there's something for everyone on one of the most popular weekend trips from Vienna.

Distance from Vienna:

You can reach the Wachau Valley by train or by car from Vienna. Either way, expect that journey to take you around an hour. However, the attractions of the valley itself are quite spread out, so a car might be a better option for exploring within the valley itself.

Our activity recommendations:

• Durnstein: This beautiful riverside town is famous for its iconic blue church and the medieval castle ruins of Burgruine Durnstein. The castle is free to visit, and it offers incredible views over the entire valley while transporting visitors back to the Middle Ages.
• Krems: The largest town in the Wachau Valley, Krems is best known for its 15th-century gate. However, the old town Square is packed with restaurants and quaint stores, and you'll also find some interesting art galleries in this popular tourist town.
• Melk: Melk Abbey is an undisputed highlight of the valley. This absolutely gorgeous Abbey is open to visitors on a guided tour, where you'll learn more about the intriguing history of this popular structure.

Best season to visit:

You can visit the Wachau Valley at any time of year, but wandering through the pretty villages of this part of Austria is at its best in the warmer months of spring or summer.

Lake Neusiedl - Seewinkel National Park

If you want to get out of the city and into the wilderness on your weekend getaway, the large lake of Neusiedl and the National Park on its shores is probably the best option within easy reach of Vienna. Although the park is close to Vienna, it feels a long way away.

It's only an hour's drive from central Vienna to the National Park. In this undeveloped area, you'll definitely want to have a car with you to make the most of what the park has to offer.

• Biking: The landscape of this park that straddles the border between Austria and Hungary is very flat, which makes it an ideal place for covering a lot of miles on two wheels. Try the Buschenschank route for a tour through the wetlands on the shores of the lake.
• Boating: Thanks to the presence of the large lake, there are lots of opportunities for boating on the calm waters here. Head out on a fishing boat to see what you can catch or simply enjoy a mini cruise for a relaxing break that makes this one of the best day trips from Vienna as well as a great weekend getaway.
• Hiking: the flat landscape of the park also makes it a great option for hiking, especially for those looking for relatively easy trails. Take a walk through the forest along the shores of the lake and keep an eye out for wildlife, including the many species of birds that call the park home.

As an outdoor destination, summer is probably the best time to visit this national park, although spring and fall can also bring some good warm weather without the crowds.

Laa an der Thaya

This hidden gem on the border with Czechia provides excellent weekend and day trips from Vienna for anyone who wants to see a quieter side of Austria.

You can reach Laa an der Thaya in just over an hour by car. It's also possible to reach this town via train ride from Vienna on the REX 2 train, which will take a little under two hours.

• Old Town Hall: This magnificent structure is one of the most iconic in town and is the perfect place to capture photographs of your weekend trip.
• Laa Castle: Located just outside the Old Town, Laa Castle remains an imposing fortress that is a testament to the importance of this town during the Middle Ages.
• Kutschenmuseum: This carriage museum explores the history of transportation from the very earliest days of Laa up to the heyday of carriages in the 19th century, right before their eventual replacement by motor vehicles. It's a surprisingly fascinating place to spend some time and look back at the technology of the past.

Laa is a great place to go at any time of year. The Old Town Hall, the castle, and the carriage museum ensure that you have something to do even in bad weather.

This beautiful town has to be seen to be believed. Perched on the edge of Lake Hallstatt with the dramatic background of the Austrian Alps behind it, it's no wonder this fairytale village has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It's pretty much exactly 300 km from Vienna to Hallstatt, making this a little too far for day trips from Vienna but perfect for a weekend getaway. You can reach Hallstatt by car in around 3 1/2 hours. It's also possible to reach by public transport from Vienna by taking a train to Vocklabruck, then a bus to Hallstatt. However, that will take four hours at least.

• Explore the town: The ancient town of Hallstatt is practically a work of art in itself. Explore the Old Town Square with its narrow streets and historic buildings, and you'll feel like you've taken a trip back in time to an earlier era of Austrian history.
• Enjoy the lake: The cool, clear waters of the Hallstattersee are the perfect place for swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer. No motorboats are allowed, so the mirror-like surface of the lake remains calm and perfect for exploring by rowboat, kayak, pedal boat, or electric-powered fishing boat.
• Hallstatt Salt Mine: Hallstatt owes its existence to the production of salt, which has been going on in this mountain region for thousands of years. The Hallstatt Salt Mine is around 7,000 years old, and you can explore the underground tunnels and learn more about what life was like for miners during the various periods of activity in this important mine. The mine is also home to Europe's longest wooden slide, which is completely underground and offers a unique thing to enjoy in this incredible town.

Hallstatt is especially beautiful in summer when the beaches along the lake make great places to cool off. However, the town is also absolutely gorgeous when snow falls in the winter, and the lake is too big to freeze except in exceptionally cold conditions. This can also be a fantastic time to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you want to step back into the distant past, the ancient Roman city of Carnuntum lies just a short distance from modern Vienna and was once far more important than Vienna itself.

It's only around 40 km along the Danube River to Carnuntum from Vienna. That's a journey that can be made by car in around half an hour or by train in just over an hour.

• Explore the ruins: The town's amphitheater is a highlight of the ruins here, but you'll also see the ancient gate that used to welcome travelers to the city and the remains of important municipal buildings.
• Take a time travel tour: Guided by a slave named Phila, this tour will take you back in time to Carnuntum's Roman heyday. This immersive tour is the best way to understand the history of this town and what life was like for ordinary people living in what would later become Austria when it was a part of the Roman Empire.
• Visit the Carnuntinum Museum: The on-site museum houses many of the most important finds from the archaeological excavations that have been conducted here. You'll also be able to see scale replicas of the town, which will give you a better sense of how it would've looked 2,000 years ago.

Carnuntum closes in the winter, so plan to visit in spring, summer, or fall.

Famous as the former home of legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Salzburg is a city packed with historic charm that makes it an excellent destination for weekend trips from Vienna.

Salzburg is around 300 km from Vienna, requiring a three-hour drive to visit. This is one of those cases where the train is actually faster, with the train ride taking a little over two hours to connect the two cities.

• Salzburg Fortress: This thousand-year-old fortress rises above the city and is the perfect place to learn more about the history of the town - as well as admire the view.
• Mozart's House : Carefully reconstructed after extensive damage during World War II, the modest house where Mozart grew up is now a museum dedicated to the short but brilliant life of this still-popular composer. See displays that tell the story of the life and work of Salzburg's most famous son as you explore the house he once lived in.
• Hangar 7: A great contrast to the historic charm that's so abundant in Salzburg, this futuristic building contains not just a display of historic airplanes but also several bars and cafes and even a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Salzburg is a year-round destination. There's really no bad time to visit here.

Vienna has so much to do that you don't need to leave the city to have a great time. And if you only have a short time in the Austrian capital, for instance, three days to spend in Vienna , it's better to stay in the city and enjoy everything it has to offer.

However, if you've visited Vienna before or you have longer to spend in Austria, consider taking one or more of these fascinating trips to see more of Austria. Whether you're looking for the best day trips from Vienna or weekend trips that will let you enjoy everything Austria has to offer, you'll find plenty of great options here.

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8 gorgeous nature weekend escapes in Austria that you can easily reach by train from Vienna

Feel the need to flee the city we’ve put together a list of some gorgeous spots in austria that you can reach from vienna by train in less than 5 hours..

Here are 8 gorgeous locations in Austria where you can escape the city, and spend a weekend surrounded by nature .

Attersee – Nature weekend escapes from Vienna by train

Where: Attersee in Upper Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Kammer-Schörfling Bahnhof via Vöcklabruck (around 2h 45min), or to Attersee Bahnhof via Vöcklamarkt (3h)

If there was a beauty pageant for lakes in Austria, the Attersee would almost definitely be the winner. This lake, while damn cold most of the year, is a gorgeous thing to wake up, and fall asleep to, when on a weekend getaway. This is no doubt why one of the country’s most famous painters – yes, Mr Gustva Klimt, himself – holidayed and painted here nearly every Summer. There’s even a museum all about Klimt in Schörfling am Attersee which is well worth checking out.

The lake is surrounded by a number of towns that are filled with ‘Pensions – many of them run by families that are super hospitable. The lake is also surrounded by various other lakes. Staying here, you’ll be at the heart of Salzburg’s lake district, and we highly recommend you visit a couple and go swimming in a different one each day.

There are other fun nature activities apart from all the lake-side stuff for you to do when you’re in the area. You can check out the Nixenfälle , a 50-meter high waterfall, or hike the Mahdlgupf Klettersteig , a trail up a mountain that delivers a beautiful view over the lake. Then there’s also the Pfarrer-Salettl –  a wild nature trail that the locals call, ‘Glücksplatz’ (‘Place of Happiness’) that you should visit to develop an inner sensitivity and delve into some self-discovery.

If that all sounds a bit too spiritual for you, there’s also the incredibly good Steckerlfisch eatery in the lakeside town of Moos. You’ll stay an extra day just so you can go for the trout grilled to perfection on a stick, again.

Gerlitzen Bahn © Markus-Ramsbacher

Gerlitzen Alpe © Franz Gerdl

Image: Ossiacher See © Martin Hofmann

Ossiacher See – Nature weekend escapes from Vienna by train

Where: Ossiacher See in Carinthia

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Annenheim Bahnhof via Villach (5h)

This weekend escape combines a lake and incredible mountain ranges – it’s like its the ultimate Austrian holiday combo’.

The Ossiacher See (Lake Ossiach) is located near Villach in Carinthia, and is in the southern region of the Gurktal Alps. It’s the place of dreams for those amongst us who love being up high on mountains and engaging in any activity involving hiking boots.

If you’re feeling a bit lazy, or don’t want to hike up the mountain, there’s a cable car that will take you up to the Kanzelhöhe sub-peak. From there, you can take another cable car up to the Gerlitze mountain top (1,909 m). There, you’ll have a panoramic view of the lake and the mountains.

Close to Annenheim, there’s the Finsterbach Wasserfälle (waterfalls), and on the east shore of the Lake Ossiach, there’s the Bleistätter Moor , a moor and nature reserve with an easy 7km loop hike (slow trail) on which you can catch a variety of flora and fauna species that you probably haven’t seen before.

Also really close to Annenheim is Landskron where the mountain of monkeys, ‘ Affenberg, ‘ is located. Yes, Austria has a monkey mountain, and yup, there are monkeys living there. We’ve been told it’s technically not a zoo, nevertheless, biologists and animal caretakers guide visitors through the area that is home to around 160 Japanese macaques that were rescued and are now studied there.

die Treppe ins Nichrs auf dem Dachstein für die Besucher freigegeben Attraktion Dachstein Treppe ins Nichts © Gery Wolf

5fingers Aussichtsplattform © Dachstein Tourismus AG / Himsl

Dachstein region – Nature weekend escapes from Vienna by train

Where: Obertraun in Upper Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Obertraun Dachsteinhöhlen Bahnhof via Attnang-Puchheim (around 4h)

Dachstein mountain is the highest mountain that straddles Upper Austria and Styria, and the Dachstein region in which it’s located is one dramatically beautiful place.

The fastest way to reach Dachstein is to travel to Obertraun (a small village in Upper Austria) and use this as your homebase for your weekend trip.

Obertraun is located next to the South end of the Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt) and, more or less, in the foothills of Dachstein mountain. If you’re a cave girl, or guy, (with that, we mean that you’re interested in checking out caves), take the Dachstein World Heritage cable car up to the Giant Ice Cave and the impressive Mammoth Cave . If you take the cable car up a bit further, you’ll reach the Krippenstein on the Dachstein plateau. From here, you’ll have a stunning panoramic view of the Salzkammergut .

When you’ve had enough of all the mountain goat kind of fun (which you probably won’t, but anyway),  you should definitely lay your eyes on Lake Hallstatt – it’s one of the most photographed lakes in Austria.  When you’re there, be sure to go for a swim, or take a pedal boat out onto the lake so you can enjoy the spectacular view of Hallstatt from the water.

Welterbesteig Wachau © Donau Niederösterreich / Franz Hauleitner

Schloss Schönbühel, Wachau © Donau Niederösterreich / Lachlan Blair

Spitz an der Donau, Wachau © Donau Niederösterreich / Steve Haider 

Wachau – Nature weekend escapes from Vienna by train

Where: Wachau in Lower Austria

How to get there: from Wien Westbahnhof to Melk (1h) or from Wien Hbf to Krems via St. Pölten (1h 17min)

You’ve probably had a glass (or more) of a Grüner Veltliner, or a Riesling, from the Wachau region as this is one of Austria’s premiere wine regions. They’re also mighty proud of their apricots here, surprisingly enough. Anyway, the Wachau valley is just a short train ride away from Vienna, but you’ll feel very disconnected from the city when you’re exploring one of its medieval towns , and sipping at a wine in one of its many Heuriger.

The Danube river weaves through the Wachau, right between the towns of Melk and Krems. You could pick either of these city’s as your base for the weekend. This region is also on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites for its architectural and agricultural history. Ancient castles and forts balance on hilltop ledges, while the hiking trails are plentiful.

While you’re there, you’ve got to hike up Dürnstein mountain for a great view over the vineyards lining the valley, the river, and the ancient monasteries, castles and other ruins located in this area.

If you’re feeling up for it, there’s actually a long distance hiking trail (180km), called the Welterbsteig. As an extra incentive, the  hike hosts a total of 180 Heuriger on its way – that’s one Heuriger per kilometre!

Meanwhile, it’s a popular biking trail that goes all the way to Bavaria in Germany cuts through the Wachau, so there’s also that option for those that never leave home without their two-wheeled stallion.

Trail © Wiener Alpen/Franz Zwickl

Image Copyright: Semmeringbahn © Niederösterreich-Werbung/ Michael Liebert

Semmering – Nature weekend escapes from Vienna by train

Where: Semmering in Lower Austria (on the border to Styria)

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Semmering Bahnhof (1h 16min)

You don’t have to journey far from Vienna to find all that mountain and forest beauty that Austria’s famous for. The Semmering mountain pass, which forms a natural border between Lower Austria and Styria, is just over an hour train ride from Vienna.

This mountain range hosts breathtaking scenery, and plenty of hiking trails for you to get your dose of nature on. Meanwhile, if you’re a fan of trains, you should definitely make this trip. There’s a special hiking trail called the ‘Bahnwanderweg’, which follows the impressive UNESCO World Heritage listed viaducts and buildings that make up the Semmeringbahn, which, by the way, was the world’s first mountain railway opened in 1854.

© www.mariazell.blog

Mariazellerland – Nature weekend escapes from Vienna by train

Where: Mariazell & surroundings in Styria, on the border to Lower Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF or Westbahnhof to St. Pölten (30min), then take the Mariazellerbahn to Mariazell (around 2h)

Mariazell is known for being a place of pilgrimage, mainly because of the Basilica located there (and probably a bunch of other reasons). However, we’re recommending it based more on it’s nature and the mountains credentials. Plus, it’s not that far away from Vienna, meaning you can be back in the (home) office by Monday.

Even the train ride on the Mariazellerbahn is a mini-nature adventure on its own – you’ll be riding on board Austria’s longest narrow-gauge railway through the beautiful Pielach Valley, and then up to Mariazell.

From the town of Mariazell, you can go on various hikes, and explore the surrounding mountains, such as the Bürgeralpe, the Gemeindealpe, and even the tallest mountain of Lower Austria, the Ötscher.

There’s also the ‘Erlaufsee’ and ‘Hubertussee’ lakes that are great for swimming and other water activities.

Processed with VSCO with m5 preset

Bad Gastein – Nature weekend escapes from Vienna by train

Where: Bad Gastein in Salzburg

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Bad Gastein Bahnhof (4h46min)

OK, it’s official – this chunk of Austria, Bad Gastein, is one of the country’s best looking spots. It may be famous for its thermal spas and grand villas, but it’s also a region of picture-perfect nature (we’re serious, you’ll be photographing the F*** out of this place). Situated in the high valley of the Hohe Tauern, you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains and the very beautiful (yet also somewhat noisy) Gastein waterfalls.

There’s plenty of hiking trails for you to check out in the area, and for those of you who are not afraid of heights, you should definitely walk across the suspension bridge on the Stubnerkogel . We’ve also heard that the nature surrounding Bad Gastein is a popular spot for ‘Forest Bathing’ (also known as Nature Therapy) where you can really become one with yourself while being immersed by nature.

Images © NTG/steve.haider.com © NTG/Mike Ranz

Neusiedlersee – Nature weekend escapes from Vienna by train

Where: Neusiedler See in Burgenland

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Neusiedl am See (40 min)

OK, so some say that the Neusiedlersee isn’t the most beautiful lake there is in Austria. Sure, there’s definitely lakes that are bluer and a bit more inviting to take a swim in, but hey, the Neusiedler See is really close to Vienna, and there’s plenty of reasons to visit it for a nature weekend getaway.

Let’s start with the wine – on the eastern shores of the lake, there’s a wine-growing region where some of Austria’s best drops are produced. You should definitely spend some time in the vineyards and Heuriger tasting the products of one of nature’s ever-giving fruits – the grape. All hail the might grape!

Listen up if you’re a foodie for the next tip – the modern take of a Heuriger, Gut Oggau , in the town of Oggau is a must visit. Just trust us on this one. Amazing place created inside a hundreds of year old winery.

If you want to live out your part-time image as a blonde beach babe surfy for a while, learn to wind surf on the lake. It’s actually considered one of the best lakes for wind surfing in Europe. Sailing is another popular water sport done here, along with stand up paddling. If you’re more the ‘reading a book on the shore while watching everybody else do these things,’ kind of person, there are plenty of so-called ‘beach areas’ where you can get comfy on a patch of grass and jump in when you’re feeling a little hot.

On land, the bike path encircling the lake makes for a very scenic (and flat) ride.

If we had to name one town on the lake to visit, we’d definitely direct you towards Rust. This town is packed with the looks and atmosphere of a mediterranean holiday town along its main street.

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12 Day Trips from Vienna, Austria

Vienna, the Austrian capital that’s all kinds of beautiful is worth spending a week in. But hey, even in the most amazing places, a little change of scenery doesn’t hurt. Luckily, Vienna’s got your back with epic day trips and weekend getaways . Being right in the middle of everything, you can easily hop over to other European gems . Winter or summer, we’ve got the perfect options for your little escape. So come on, let’s dive in and make some unforgettable memories!

Table of Contents

Bratislava, Slovakia

Ready for a fun day trip from Vienna? Head to Bratislava , the capital of Slovakia just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

Start off by exploring the city’s charming Old Town. Make sure to pass through Michael’s Gate, the entrance that leads you to the heart of the action. And keep your eyes peeled for the Golden Circle! It’s a cool display that shows you the distance from Bratislava to other European capital cities.

Don’t forget to swing by Hviezdoslav Square, a beautiful spot filled with trees and often host to art exhibits. And if you’re up for some culture, check out the Slovak National Theatre. They’ve got opera and ballet performances for your enjoyment.

Feeling presidential? Take a stroll through the Grassalkovich Palace, the official residence of Slovakia’s president. Even if he’s home, you can still explore the stunning baroque garden. Trust us, it’s worth it. And during the Christmas season, this place is a true winter wonderland!

For the best views in town, head up to Bratislava Castle. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the entire city. Talk about Instagram-worthy!

Now, if you’re just here for a day, no worries. Bratislava’s compact size makes it perfect for a quick trip. But if you’re lucky enough to have a weekend, make sure to venture out to Devin Castle. It’s one of the oldest castles in Slovakia and deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Oh, and let’s not forget the most important part – the food! Treat yourself to some authentic Slovak cuisine. It may be on the heavy side, but trust us, it’s stick-to-your-ribs good.

And the best part? Getting from Vienna to Bratislava is a breeze. Just hop on a train and you’ll be there in a jiffy. It’s just an hour away!

So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an epic day trip to Bratislava. It’s funky, it’s charming, and it’s waiting for you to explore. Don’t miss out!

Brno, Czechia

Ever heard of Brno? It’s the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, and it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Vienna – only 150 km! No need to stress about getting there either, because public transport makes it super easy. You can choose between a train or a bus, and they run so often you’ll barely have any waiting time. The best part? The journey should only take around 1.5 hours!

Now, let me tell you why Brno is worth a visit: pastel houses, charming squares, winding lanes, and breathtaking churches. It’s like stepping into a fairytale! And if you want an epic view of the city, make sure you head up to Spilberk Castle Hill. Not only will you get an amazing panorama, but the castle itself is pretty cool too.

Oh, and Brno has a little hidden gem that belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage list – the modernist Villa Tugendhat from the 1920s. You can actually go inside and explore, but make sure you book your ticket in advance to secure your spot.

But wait, there’s more! Brno is bursting with life, thanks to its vibrant student population. This means you’ll find endless cafes, pubs, and restaurants that are buzzing with activity all day long. Trust me, you won’t be bored!

So, while Brno definitely deserves more than just a day, it’s the perfect side trip from Vienna. Go for it and add some extra adventure to your trip!

Budapest, Hungary

The Queen of the Danube – Budapest ! It’s just a short two-and-a-half-hour train ride away, so you can squeeze in a visit even if you only have 24 hours.

When you’re in Budapest, be sure to pamper yourself at one of their famous thermal baths. Széchenyi and Gellért are a must-visit, but if you want something more unique, try Rudas or Király.

But that’s not all! Take a boat ride on the Danube river and feast your eyes on stunning views of the Hungarian Parliament building. Plus, don’t miss out on exploring Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle, all on the Buda side.

In Pest, there’s plenty to see too! Visit the Terror House, Dohány Street Synagogue, or hit up one of the famous ruin bars.

Trust us, there are so many incredible places in Budapest that we can’t even cover them all here. You’ll just have to see them for yourself!

Ceský Krumlov, Czechia

Looking to explore Central Europe? Prague , Vienna , and Budapest are the go-to destinations for many travelers. But hey, why limit yourself to just those three when there’s a gem like Český Krumlov waiting to be discovered?

Tucked away in the south of The Czech Republic, Český Krumlov is like something out of a fairy tale. With its charming cobbled streets, pastel-colored houses, and majestic castle, it’s no wonder tourists flock here year after year. Plus, it’s conveniently located near the Austrian border, making it the perfect stopover on your way from Prague to Vienna. And the best part? You can even do it as a day trip from Vienna!

Ready for some adventure? Explore the magnificent castle and its stunning gardens, where you’ll be treated to the most breathtaking view of Český Krumlov and the swoon-worthy Vltava River. And in the summer, why not hop on a raft and embark on a thrilling river expedition? If you’re lucky enough to visit in December, you might even get to experience the enchanting Christmas Markets while the town is covered in a snowy blanket.

Getting to Český Krumlov is a breeze. You can hop on a bus from Vienna with multiple departures every day, or opt for a private shuttle. Sure, the drive may take around 3 hours each way, but trust us, it’s totally worth it!

So, when in Central Europe, don’t miss out on the magic of Český Krumlov. It’s a fairy-tale town that’ll steal your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Cieszyn, Poland

Let me tell you about this hidden gem called Cieszyn. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it on your next day trip from Vienna!

Once a fancy Austrian capital and part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Cieszyn now straddles the border of Poland and the Czech Republic. Talk about a split personality!

But don’t worry, you’ll still see plenty of Austrian influence in this charming town. Take a stroll through the Market Square and bask in the beauty of the colorful buildings and cozy cafes. Oh, and the coffee? Absolutely amazing.

If you’re into history, Cieszyn has got you covered. Check out the Three Brothers Well and learn about the town’s Slavic origins. And up on Castle Hill, you can explore the remains of an old castle and a tower. Talk about stepping back in time!

Now, let’s talk about the best part: the food. Cieszyn is a foodie’s dream. Start your culinary adventure at the Cieszyn Brewery, where the beer used to be fit for royalty. And with a mix of different cuisines influenced by its multinational heritage, your taste buds will thank you.

So, hop in your car and take a leisurely drive down the E57. Trust me, the city of Cieszyn is totally worth the trip. Who knows, you might even be tempted to extend your stay. Can you blame them though?

Graz, Austria

Graz is this cool city in Austria, not as famous as Vienna but still pretty awesome. In fact, it was named European Cultural Capital back in 2003!

The architecture in Graz is out of this world. It’s so amazing that they even got the title of City of Design in 2009. Seriously, the buildings in the Old Town are like something out of a fairytale. You’ve got medieval and Italian renaissance vibes all around.

The heart of the city is this place called Hauptplatz, and it’s surrounded by the most stunning town hall you’ve ever seen. And trust me, the Christmas markets in winter are pure magic. You can wander around, drink some warm Glühwein, and check out all the beautiful crafts. Don’t miss the Graz Clocktower either, it’s a total legend!

But hey, if you need a break from the city, there’s this awesome park just outside called the Austrian Sculpture Park. You’ll see even more incredible design there. And if you’re up for a hike, check out Bärenschützklamm gorge or Kesselfallklamm.

And here’s a pro tip: if you visit Graz in winter, there are some sweet ski resorts nearby. We’re talking Weinebene and Krvavec Ski Resort, perfect for shredding some snow.

Oh, and music lovers, you’re in luck. Graz has an opera house that’s worth checking out, or for a more laid-back vibe, swing by the Royal Garden Jazz Club.

The best part? Graz is just a quick train or bus ride from Vienna. So even if you’re short on time, you can totally plan a day trip to this awesome city.

So what are you waiting for? Graz is calling your name!

Linz, Austria

Looking for a fun-filled day away from Vienna? Look no further than Linz, the lovely city on the Danube River in Northern Austria! It’s the third largest city in the country, packed with exciting activities and sights to explore.

One of the must-try experiences in Linz is the Höhenrausch tour, where you get to explore the city’s rooftops. It’s a unique and fascinating way to see Linz from a different perspective. Plus, since 2014, Linz has been a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network, so you can expect a vibrant arts and culture scene with a fantastic selection of museums to visit.

Don’t forget to indulge in a linzer torte at K & K Hofbäckerei! This layered cake made of nuts and jam is considered one of the oldest desserts in the world. And guess what? You can even get involved in the baking process to uncover the secret to its extraordinary deliciousness.

Make sure to pay a visit to the magnificent Mariendom, the largest church in Austria with a whopping capacity of 20,000 people. Although it may not be the tallest church in the country, it still holds an impressive record. Back in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna claimed the title for the tallest building.

The best part? Getting to Linz is a breeze! Hop on a train, and you’ll be there in just an hour and a half. So, why not plan a fantastic day trip from Vienna to explore this charming city by the river? You won’t be disappointed!

Maribor, Slovenia

A charming Slovenian city nestled in the picturesque hills of a wine region, right by the stunning Drava River. Welcome to Maribor, where the perfect blend of industrial vibes and natural beauty awaits you.

One must-visit spot in Maribor is Piramida, a hill covered in vines, with a cute little chapel overlooking the city. It used to be home to the old Maribor Castle, but all that’s left now are some ruins and a well. The chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was built in the 19th century and adds a touch of history to this scenic spot.

Speaking of history, Maribor has a long and proud tradition of winemaking. In fact, the city is home to the Old Vine, which is like the wise elder of the wine world. This vine has been producing wine for a whopping 400 years! It grows on a building that used to be part of the city wall and is now called The Old Vine House. Step inside and you’ll find a wine museum and tasting room, where you can indulge in the flavors of the region.

Before or after you’ve had your fair share of wine, take a leisurely stroll through Lent, Maribor’s oldest neighborhood. It’s situated right on the banks of the Drava River and has a fascinating history as a trading port. You’ll spot defensive towers, ancient churches, and even the old Jewish Quarter here. And if you’re looking for the coolest cafes, restaurants, and bars in town, Lent is the place to be. Cross the river for the perfect Insta-worthy shots of this charming district.

And the best part? You can easily reach Maribor from Vienna in just a few hours. Hop on a train and soak in the scenic journey, or hit the road and enjoy the freedom of a road trip. It’s totally up to you!

So what are you waiting for? Maribor is calling your name, with its wine, history, and natural beauty all waiting to be discovered. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Olomouc, Czechia

Get ready to discover Olomouc, the hidden gem of Czechia! This charming city in Moravia has a rich history dating all the way back to Roman times. Despite its historical significance and UNESCO World Heritage status, Olomouc remains off the tourist radar.

One of the city’s most impressive sights is the Holy Trinity Column, a magnificent plague column paying tribute to the victims of outbreaks. It’s a source of pride for Olomouc and definitely worth a visit.

Just like its big sister city, Prague, Olomouc boasts its own astronomical clock. This 15th-century marvel underwent renovations after the damages of WWII, with a unique twist. Thanks to the Communist era, the clock now sports laborers instead of saints and even commemorates Lenin, Stalin, and the International Day of the Worker.

Don’t miss the chance to explore Olomouc’s grandiose fountains, with the oldest one dating back to the 17th century. There are six in total, each more impressive than the last.

And here’s a bonus: Olomouc is just a short train ride away from Vienna, making it the perfect day trip or weekend getaway from Austria’s capital. So pack your bags and get ready to uncover the hidden treasures of Olomouc!

Prague, Czechia

Vienna is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from one of Europe’s coolest capitals. It only takes a mere 4 hours to get from Vienna to Prague. And guess what? You can do it by train or by bus, so you have options!

Now, if you’re short on time but still want a taste of Prague’s awesomeness, you can totally do a day trip. You’ll mostly have time to explore the Old Town, which is totally cool because it’s packed with charm and beauty that’s totally worth the trek.

Here’s the plan: Start your adventure by walking from the bus or train station through Wenceslas Square. From there, you’ll make your way straight to the Old Town Square, where you’ll find the famous Astronomical Clock. It’s pretty epic, trust me. After soaking in the sights, take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets of the historical center until you reach Charles Bridge. This bad boy is a must-see in Prague, and the view from there will blow your mind. Oh, and did I mention that you’ll catch a glimpse of the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the whole wide world? Yeah, it’s pretty mind-blowing too.

Those are the top sights you simply can’t miss on your first visit to Prague, especially if you’re a fan of stunning architecture (who isn’t?). And guess what? After you’ve checked off those boxes, you’ll still have plenty of time to discover some of Prague’s hidden gems. Trust me, this city has some serious surprises up its sleeve.

No matter when you visit Prague, be it in the winter or summer, I promise you’ll fall head over heels in love with it. So, here’s a friendly tip: Bring a toothbrush with you, just in case you decide you never want to leave. Yeah, it’s that awesome.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the city of a hundred (or maybe thousand) spires!

Salzburg, Austria

Experience the enchantment of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop for The Sound of Music. This Austrian gem is a must-visit destination that’s less than half a day away from Vienna.

Forget about the stress of planning transportation – it’s only a breezy 3-hour drive or an easy train ride. But if you’re feeling fancy, why not treat yourself to an organized full-day tour?

Once you arrive in Salzburg, get ready for a day filled with excitement. Explore the charming old town, savor some delicious coffee and cake at the iconic Café Tomaselli, conquer the mighty Salzburg Fortress, shop till you drop in trendy boutiques and high-end stores, sip on homemade schnapps at a local distillery, and take in the stunning views from the hilltop gardens.

Art lovers rejoice – the Museum of Modern Art is a must-see. And for all you music enthusiasts, Mozart concerts are at your fingertips.

For a fairytale winter wonderland experience, visit Salzburg when it’s dressed in a snowy gown. The Christmas markets will transport you to a magical land of joy in every square and garden.

Don’t miss out on the magic of Salzburg – it’s time to create unforgettable memories in this Mozart-infused paradise!

Sopron, Hungary

Forget what you think you know about Hungary because Sopron is the ultimate hidden gem! Nestled between Vienna and Budapest, this underrated city has it all.

First off, let’s talk wine. Sopron is a unicorn in the Hungarian wine scene, producing both red and white varieties. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on a tasting at one of the charming bars or restaurants in the Old Town.

But that’s not all. Sopron has also gained fame as the “dental capital of the world.” With over 300 dental clinics offering affordable care, you can get your teeth cleaned while exploring this picturesque city. Talk about multitasking!

If museums are more your thing, Sopron has you covered. Explore the unique Pharmacy Museum or Bakery Museum for a dose of history. Or, embrace the great outdoors at Fertőrákosi Steinbruch, Sopron’s open-air museum.

Feeling lucky? Sopron even has its own casino. Try your hand at American Roulette, Black Jack, or poker for a thrilling night out.

The best part? You can reach Sopron from Vienna in less than 90 minutes by train. So why not make a pit stop on your way to Budapest or plan a fabulous day trip or weekend getaway? Trust us, Sopron is the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination you’ve been searching for.

Lake Neusiedl, Austria

Lake Neusiedl is only 40 minutes drive from Vienna, and it’s a hidden gem worth exploring. It’s Central Europe’s second-largest lake and a perfect spot for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and sailing. You can also visit the quaint vineyards of the surrounding towns, where you can taste some of the local Austrian wines.

Wachau Valley, Austria

Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located about an hour’s drive from Vienna. It’s known for its scenic landscapes of vineyards, small towns, and hilltop castles. You can take a Danube river cruise to explore the magnificent views of the valley or spend the day exploring some of the charming towns like Durnstein and Melk.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a postcard-perfect small town in the Austrian Alps, and it’s three hours away from Vienna. It’s a magical place filled with stunning views of the lake and mountains. You can explore the salt mines, stroll around the picturesque old town, or take a boat tour on the lake. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Vienna is a fantastic base from which to explore the stunning country of Austria. The day trips I have shared in this blog are some of my favorites, and I hope they inspire you to plan your next adventure. Remember, Austria has so much to offer, and it’s worth venturing out of Vienna to explore its beauty. I hope you enjoy your trip and create unforgettable memories.

14 Things to do in Vienna, Austria with Teenagers

Austria Resources

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Get Travel Insuranc e

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flight s

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner !

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO .

Rent Clothes

Rent clothes for your trip with Travel Style Expert for only $50 a month! The first 30 days are free!

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Get Your Guide and Viator . If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar . They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If I am going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean I use Apple Vacations .

Rent a Car or Take a Lyft

More often than not Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit ! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars .

Save Money on Gas

Upside , a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase .

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

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These are some great places for a trip from Vienna. I would love to visit.

Love this. Such a spectacular part of the world. I took the bus to Bratislava which was so easy. These are really great ideas, I like the sound of Brno!

It’s incredible how central Vienna is and how many beautiful cities you can reach! Can’t wait to be able to travel with more freedom :)

So many great trips to take from Vienna. Been to Austria, but not to Vienna yet. Love Cesky Krumlov and Prague.

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16 of the best hotels in Vienna

Discover the best hotels in vienna, from palatial five-star hotels to retro-cool hideaways and boutique hotels with private art collections.

T o the first-timer, Vienna can seem terribly grand, with one baroque palace after the next and a whirl of chandelier-lit coffee houses and concert halls. Such pomp can make the Austrian capital feel aloof and intangible — but pick the right hotel and suddenly you’re ushered into its inner circle, with cult art collections and basement spas secreted in former bank vaults, urban gardens and rooftop beehives, and sky-high bars that open up the city like a pop-up book.

Vienna’s hotel scene is edgier and more far-reaching than the polished façade of its Innere Stadt (or 1st district) would have you believe — whether you stay in a glam 1920s-style hideaway in the heart of the city, a socially minded boutique hotel run by refugees, a retro-cool Airstream trailer, or a circus-themed hotel with street art. Old-school posh with all the five-star trimmings, you say? Naturally there’s that too. Here are the best hotels in Vienna.

Main photo: Hotel Imperial

1. DO & CO, Innere Stadt

Best for location What a view. Peek through the window and — whoosh! — there’s gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral, its gargoyles almost close enough to touch. But central Vienna doesn’t mean touristy in this instance. DO & CO is a dark, slinky glamourpuss of a hotel, lodged in the postmodern, mirror-fronted Haas Haus, designed by Pritzker prize-winning architect Hans Hollein. Rooms and suites are contemporary and sophisticated, embellished with travertine stone, teakwood floors and Turkish leather, and featuring full-sized wine and spirit bars. All are gorgeous, but the dome suite is honeymoon material, with its Jacuzzi tub and two cathedral-facing terraces. Whizz up to sixth-floor ONYX for Japanese small plates and dinner with a ringside city view.

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2. Gräetzlhotel Karmelitermarkt, Leopoldstadt

Best for urban informality How clever: shops where lamp-makers, electricians and bakers once did a brisk trade have been overhauled and revamped into this trio of one-of-a-kind urban escapes. Each of the fresh-faced suites recounts a story through carefully chosen decor and bears the hallmark of Viennese architects and designers. There’s no fuss or formality here: rock up, enter your code and head off to explore the vibrant streets of the 2nd district and the banks of the Danube with the walking maps and free bike-rental provided. Brunch? Hit the nearby Karmelitermarkt farmers’ market.

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3. Lamée, Innere Stadt

Best for ahit of Thirties Hollywood The diva of Vienna’s hotel scene, Lamée screams “tryst”. Inspired by Austrian-American actor and scientist Hedy Lamarr, this modernist hotel whisks you back to the decadent 1930s, providing a strong hit of Hollywood in sexy, gold-kissed rooms full of velvets, shimmery drapes and ebony veneer polished to a mirror-like sheen. Go for a prestige room and you’ll get a tub in your chocolate-marble bathroom and a terrace gazing across to St Stephen’s Cathedral. The vibe is surprisingly mellow given how central you are, especially in the basement-level lounge where a truly fabulous breakfast is served. The roof terrace is a sensational perch for cocktails and antipasti as the city starts to twinkle.

4. Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design, Josefstadt

Best for oenophiles The Fleischhaker family have waved a minimalist-chic wand on this glorious 19th-century townhouse, a few minutes’ walk from Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier art district. Wine is the theme: each coolly understated, parquet-floored room is devoted to an Austrian wine-maker (cue carefully selected minibar wines and grape-infused toiletries). Opening onto a lovely courtyard, the bar spotlights a different vintner each month and is stocked with 360 wines to try. And if you like a lie-in, you’ll love the fact that breakfast is served until midday at weekends. It’s a treat, with local antipasti, freshly baked bread, smoothies and specialty cheeses.

5. Hotel Motto, Mariahilf

Best for art deco fans Vienna cavorts with 1920s Paris at this en-vogue boutique hotel on the main shopping street of Mariahilferstrasse. Behind a baroque façade, Hotel Motto flaunts a unique design that brings together intricate tiles, chandeliers (some hailing from the Paris Ritz), art deco geometric lines and gleaming brass door fittings. Floral wall coverings, tasselled lampshades and parquet floors give a pinch of chic to rooms full of thoughtful details, such as minibars with cocktail-making kits and Viennese organic cosmetics from Saint Charles Pharmacy. The rooftop bar, a wellness area hosting private yoga and meditation classes, and the plant-draped restaurant, Chez Bernard, help to make this one of the hottest hotels in Vienna.

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6. Hotel Imperial, Innere Stadt

Best for regal ambience Of all Vienna’s grand hotels, the Hotel Imperial on the Ringstrasse boulevard is the most regal and romantic. Built as a palace for the Prince of Württemberg in 1863, it’s a riotous feast of marble, gilded stucco and weighty chandeliers that take an age to polish. Over the years it has rolled out the red carpet for Queen Elizabeth II, Bill Clinton and other luminaries. Rooms are adorned with silk wall coverings, rich brocades and antiques, and service is flawless, with staff anticipating every wish. Upgrading to a suite gets you a butler. The high-ceilinged Hallensalon is the opulent centrepiece — perfect for a glass of fizz before dinner in the 1930s-style OPUS restaurant, which adds creative riffs to regional dishes.

7. Die Josefine, Mariahilf

Best for boho chic In a happening corner of the 6th district, this boho-chic newcomer comes with a spritz of old-school glamour. Named after Josefine, a fictional artist who fled the Russian Revolution and found refuge in Vienna, the hotel is a playful, imaginative 1920s romp, designed with a razor-sharp eye for detail. Chandeliers, art deco-style trompe-l’oeil tiles, zany surrealist art, floors in herringbone parquet and jewel-coloured velvet armchairs and ottomans make this a fabulous place to slink away from the city buzz and rewind time listening to crackling vinyl in the phonothèque and sipping highballs in the basement bar. Best room in the house? The Bel Étage with its art nouveau stained glass and claw-footed tub.

8. Hotel Sacher Wien, Innere Stadt

Best for a night at the opera Every bit as sumptuous as its famous chocolate cake, this extravagant five-star pad — still in family hands — is so close to Vienna’s grand State Opera House you can almost hear the orchestra tuning in the pit. Here you’ll get the hit of old-world luxury you might expect for the price tag: liveried doormen, chandeliers casting flattering light across walls of crimson and emerald damask festooned with private-collection art. There’s also a sense of occasion that comes only with a hotel that has welcomed royalty and the seriously rich since 1876. As for chocolate, you’ll find it in the rooms, at the breakfast buffet and in the up-above-the-rooftops spa, where treatments include a luscious chocolate wrap and massage.

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9. 25hours Hotel Vienna, Neubau

Best for surreal feel In a radical conversion of a 1970s tower block, this marvellously eccentric, circus-themed, forever-young hotel is but a tightrope walk away from Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier art hub and the alley-woven lanes of the 7th district. Fun and at times bonkers, the rooms mix up punchy colours and surreal murals of clowns, tigers, jugglers and dancers, courtesy of Berlin illustrator Olaf Hajek. Everything has been designed with the finger-on-the-pulse urbanite in mind: from the free minibars and iMac workstations to the jogging corner, Mermaid’s Cave sauna and complimentary Schindelhauer bikes for zipping about town. The Italian restaurant dishes up spot-on Neapolitan pizza and Dachboden rooftop bar delivers drinks with DJ-spun beats and big-top city views.

10. Hotel Daniel, Landstrasse

Best for minimalist style Right on the doorstep of the Belvedere Palace’s muse-strewn gardens and gallery full of Klimts, Hotel Daniel takes a bold leap into contemporary waters and is one of Vienna’s most progressive bolt holes. Taking a leaf out of the minimalist Scandi book, the rooms have unique features: from hammocks to glass walls for gawping at the view. But it’s the vintage Airstream trailer with freestanding tub that gets the most love. An in-house bakery, beehives and an upside-down boat sculpture on the roof and an urban kitchen garden ramp up the hotel’s eco, culinary and artistic credentials. Bikes and Vespas are available to rent.

11. Hotel Altstadt, Neubau

Best for art After-hours viewings are the Altstadt’s forte. In a turn-of-the-century townhouse in Vienna’s artsy, livewire 7th district, this stylish hotel-gallery showcases the phenomenal art collection of founder Otto Ernst Wiesenthal — yes, that is a Warhol. No two rooms are alike — whether you’re lazing in an Eames chair listening to classical LPs in the Opera Suite or browsing the floor-to-ceiling book wall in the Library Suite. Service is discreet and the mood laid-back — borrow a book, go for afternoon tea in the salon, or sip drinks on the roof terrace, with a jungle-themed mural by street artist Frank Maria.

12. Park Hyatt Vienna, Innere Stadt

Best for five-star luxury A Viennese whirl of Italian marble, stucco, chandeliers and sweeping staircases, this properly posh five-star hotel in the former Bank of Austria elicits gasps of wonder from new arrivals. Overlooking the baroque façades of Am Hof square, Vienna is right at your fingertips here, with trophy sights like the Imperial Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral within easy walking distance. Decorated with mother-of-pearl, marble and the art nouveau and art deco motifs of the Wiener Werkstätte, the rooms and suites are special. If budget is no object, the vast presidential suite, with its own Bösendorfer piano, is the dream. The restaurant — all columns, stained glass and alabaster — serves a vast breakfast and imaginative takes on brasserie classics. And the softly lit spa in the former bank vault perks you up after a day sightseeing with signature treatments using semi-precious stones.

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13. Magdas, Leopoldstadt

Best for putting people before profit Sidling up to Vienna’s beloved Prater, where the Riesenrad Ferris wheel of The Third Man fame gently turns, Magdas is a hotel with a big heart and social conscience. Back in 2015, a dilapidated retirement home was born again as this retro-cool, reasonably priced boutique hotel, run entirely by refugees. Rooms have been livened up with pops of bright colour, donated artworks, lampshades hand-knitted by volunteers, upcycled vintage furniture and murals courtesy of Academy of Fine Arts students. There’s a chilled café for coffee and bike rental should you fancy a quick spin of the park.

14. The Amauris Vienna, Innere Stadt

Best for decadence Old world meets new world at the Amauris Vienna, a Relais & Châteaux property where much has been done to gently introduce contemporary design to a charming 19th-century building. In some of the 62 rooms and suites, intricate stucco work has been commissioned to mimic the original, while LED chandeliers brighten and modernise. There’s decadence too, thanks to the liberal use of Carrara marble throughout and oil paintings — from the owner’s collection — in the public spaces. Attention to detail is extreme here, and everything down to the towels and slippers are branded. In the fine dining restaurant, Glasswing, chef Alexandru Simon serves up creative fare, often with a nod to his Romanian heritage, such as thinly sliced sea bass in a buttermilk and wasabi dressing.

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15. Almanac Palais Vienna, Innere Stadt

Best for park access Stitching together two grand palaces, Almanac Palais Vienna is a vision of modernity; unless you stumble into the heritage rooms on the first floor, you’ll hardly realise this isn’t a new building. But it’s there. The entrance into the atrium lobby was built to accommodate horse-drawn carriages while the middle floors — where the owners would have lived — have tremendous high ceilings. The property is split into 80 suites and 31 rooms, with dark wood, mirror-finish bronzed ceilings and furnishing in shades of coffee to create intimacy. A sizeable pool with a sauna and steam room dominates the basement of one palace. Elsewhere, there’s also Donnersmarkt, a veg-centric restaurant and bar, and Elias, a white-tiled café that’s become an influencer haunt.

16. Hilton Vienna Plaza, Innere Stadt

Best for old-school glamour Taking the Roaring Twenties as its design cue, Hilton Vienna Plaza exudes glamour through a mix of dark wood, polished bronze fixtures, Carrara marble and dazzling chandeliers. The rooms are airy and spacious, and many are family-friendly with the option to have connecting rooms. It’s well worth upgrading here — the rooms from the ninth floor up have balconies while the penthouse suites have terraces with rooftop views. The main restaurant Emile does decent international fare with martinis a specialty, but try to book a spot at Le Petit Chef if you can. It’s an immersive dining experience that includes projections onto your plate.

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Additional reporting by Qin Xie

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15 day trips & weekend getaways from vienna

The Austrian capital may very well be the most beautiful city in all of Europe .

While there is no shortage of things to do in Vienna , if you’re visiting the Imperial City, you still may find yourself in need of a day trip or weekend getaway.

Given its central location, Vienna is well-connected to many other European cities. Whether you visit in the winter or in the summer, you’ll find the perfect option for your getaway here. Enjoy!

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is the capital of neighboring country Slovakia, and a popular day trip from Vienna, given its close proximity. 

Be sure to visit Michael’s Gate, which serves as the entrance to the city’s Old Town.  Once you’re under Michael’s Gate, look for the Golden Circle.  The Golden Circle depicts the distance from Bratislava to other capital cities in Europe – how cool!

Visit beautiful Hviezdoslav Square full of trees and often a place for art exhibits.  Here you’ll find the Slovak National Theatre if you’re in the mood for an opera or ballet.

Grassalkovich Palace is home to Slovakia’s president. Its gorgeous baroque garden is open to the public even when the president is in residence. Grassalkovich Palace is located in Hodza Square, and is particularly beautiful during the Christmas season, when it is elaborately decorated for the holidays.

Bratislava Castle is one of the main attractions of the city.  Here, you can find stunning views of the entire city.

Given its close proximity to Vienna, it’s ideal for a day trip since most of the city sites can be seen in a day.  If you find yourself here for a weekend, get out of the city and visit Devin Castle.  One of the three oldest castles in Slovakia, Devin Castle should absolutely be on your Slovakia bucket list .

While in Bratislava, you must try some authentic Slovak cuisine.  While on the heavy side, it’s stick-to-your-ribs good.

A train ride from Vienna to Bratislava takes only an hour.

Photo & Contribution: Kami, My Wanderlust

Brno, Czechia

Brno , the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, is located only 150 km away from Vienna and is easily reachable by public transport. You can get there by either train or bus, the connections are frequent and the journey should take around 1,5 hour.

Brno is yet another perfect Central European city, with pastel houses, charming squares and lanes and impressive churches. Be sure to go up to the Spilberk Castle hill to enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city, the castle itself is nice too.

Brno is also home to the UNESCO gem – the modernist Villa Tugendhat from the 1920s. It is possible to visit it inside, however, you need to book the ticket in advance.

Brno has a large population of students and is one of the most vibrant cities in the region. You can find numerous cafes, pubs and restaurants that are busy all day long. While Brno deserves more than a day, it is a perfect side trip from Vienna.

Budapest, Hungary

A list of day trips from Vienna would be incomplete without mentioning the Queen of the Danube.  While Budapest is worth much more than just a day, if 24 hours are all you have, it’s a short two and a half hour train ride away from Vienna.

Visit one of the famous thermal baths for some much-needed relaxation in Budapest .  Széchenyi and Gellért are the most famous, but if you’re looking for something more off-the-radar, try Rudas or Király.

Take a boat ride on the Danube river to see gorgeous views of the Hungarian Parliament building, explore Fisherman’s Bastion, and see Buda Castle all on the Buda side of the Danube.

In Pest, you can visit the Terror House, Dohány Street Synagogue, or one of the famous ruin bars.

There are too many beautiful places in Budapest to list in this short excerpt, check them out for yourself!

Photo & Contribution: Samantha, The Wandering Wanderluster

Český Krumlov, Czechia

Prague, Vienna and Budapest is the most popular Central European itinerary for many travelers . While there are hundreds of reasons to spend all your time in these three cultural cities, there are hundreds of reasons to also spend time outside them, and Český Krumlov is one of them.

Located in the south of The Czech Republic, Český Krumlov is one of the country’s most beautiful, small fairy-tale towns and many tourists flock here every year to visit its cobbled streets, pastel colored houses and grand castle. Because of its convenient location close to the Austrian border, Český Krumlov is a popular stopover destination for those traveling between Prague and Vienna, but it can also easily be done as a day trip from Vienna too!

There are many things to do in Český Krumlov and you can visit all year around. Explore the castle and its beautiful gardens where you’ll find the best view over Český Krumlov and the u-shaped Vltava River that wraps around the historic centre that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the summer, you can rent a raft and even set off on an adventure down the Vltava River! If you visit in December, you may even be lucky enough to see Český Krumlov covered in snow and visit its popular Christmas Markets.

You can reach Český Krumlov by bus from Vienna which has several departures daily or you can take a private shuttle. The drive to Český Krumlov is approximately 3 hours each way, but the drive is definitely worth it!

Contribution: Karolina, Travel Poland

Cieszyn, Poland

Cieszyn, which is pronounced as che-sin , is probably one of the best day trips from Vienna that should not be missed. Once an Austrian capital and a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire known as Duchy of Teschen, the town of Cieszyn is now shared by two countries, Poland and the Czech Republic.

A tour of this small town, however, still shows a lot of its Austrian roots in the form of its picturesque Market Square, which is surrounded by colorful buildings and cafes that serve amazing coffees. Not far, you will find the Hapsburg’s former hunting palace, which is now used by the National Music School and a major design center.

Delve deeper into Cieszyn’s past to find its Slavic roots by visiting the Three Brothers Well, where the town was founded by three Slavic brothers. You can also visit Cieszyn’s medieval past on Castle Hill where the chapel of an old castle and a tower still stands

Aside from its history, which makes the town of Cieszyn special is its food. Begin with the Cieszyn Brewery whose beer was once solely made for royalty. It is also in Cieszyn, where you will find a good mix of different cuisines derived from its multinational heritage.

A few hours’ drive from Vienna through the E57, the city of Cieszyn is worth the trip. Perhaps you might even be tempted to stay.

Graz, Austria

Graz is a lesser-known city in Austria , the second biggest after Vienna.  Named European Cultural Capital in 2003, Graz is a quaint city whose beauty is reason enough alone to plan a visit. 

Known for its incredible architecture, Graz was also named City of Design in 2009.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town of Graz boasts beautifully-preserved medieval and Italian renaissance buildings. Hauptplatz is the heart of the city, flanked by the stunning Rathaus (town hall). In the winter months, you can enjoy the magical local Christmas markets, sip some Glühwein and peruse the stalls for beautiful handcrafted items.  Other places of importance include the Schlossberg, Herz Jesu Kirche and Eggenberg Palace. Visit the Graz Clocktower to see one of Austria’s most famous landmarks !

Need a reprieve from the city?  The Austrian Sculpture park is found just outside Graz, where you can see more evidence of the area’s penchant for design. Bärenschützklamm gorge and Kesselfallklamm are good options if you’re up for a hike.

If you’re visiting in the winter, there are plenty of ski resorts in the vicinity of Graz, including Weinebene and Krvavec Ski Resort.

Music lovers can enjoy a night at the Opera House or, for something a little less formal, check out the Royal Garden Jazz Club. 

Graz is just a two and a half hour train or bus ride outside of Vienna, making it a good option for a day trip.

Photo & Contribution: Vaibhav, The Wandering Vegetable

Hallstatt, Austria

If you’ve ever had an aspiration to go to a surreal fairy tale village that’s kissed by stupendous natural beauty, then Hallstatt is the place to be. It is the most popular village in Austria that has to be included in your Europe trip itinerary . It’s located in the Gmunden district, surrounded by the picturesque mountainous region of Salzkammergut. For sure, Hallstatt is definitely a place that needs to be included on your Austria bucket list .

The fact that it’s literally on the shore of Lake Hallstatt makes it an aesthetically stunning place. Most people visit the place on a day trip from Vienna. You can get to Hallstatt both by car/traveller coach and train.

Hallstatt is a three and half hour drive away from Vienna by car. A train journey (4 hours), on the other hand, would require you to board from Wien Hauptbahnhof, transfer at Attnang-Puchheim and finally arrive at Hallstatt central station.

The best things to do and see in Hallstatt are Hallstatt Skywalk, Salzwelten Hallstatt (salt mines), Central Market Square, Hallstatt Lake and the promenade, Catholic Church of Hallstatt, Welterbemuseum Hallstatt (local museum) and the Welterbeblick World Heritage View.

Enjoy walking and exploring the town on foot. The traditional wooden houses with the alpine view just steal your heart and make you want to settle there! The ultimate blockbuster experience, however, is riding a boat on the Hallstatt lake. The views from there are just breathtaking.

If you’re seeking a great food place with a view, then check out the Braugasthof Hallstatt restaurant. The apple strudel, fish soup, and freshly grilled seafood dishes there are a must-try!

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is an Austrian city nestled in the Austrian Alps, the capital of Tyrol.  Best known for its idyllic location in the valley of snow-covered mountains, Innsbruck is the perfect winter escape from Vienna. 

Explore the Old Town on foot, a charming and colorful area that serves as the perfect backdrop to catch a street performance and drink some Glühwein while people-watching.

If you happen to be visiting for New Years Eve, the city is bustling with outdoor events and concerts in the squares.

Innsbruck is well known for its sporting opportunities, especially alpine sports, as it is in the Alps and surrounded by mountains. Several ski resorts are situated inside the city territory or within a short distance.

As host of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, Innsbruck still enjoys the use of the sports complexes at Olympiaworld.  Check out some ice hockey, ice skating, soccer, and music events while you’re visiting!

If you are interested in churches, Hofkirche is home to the tomb monument of Emperor Maximilian I, one of the most important tomb monuments in all of Europe.  While visiting Hofkirche, be sure to check out the larger-than-life bronzes (schwarze Mander) that depict members of different dynasties.

Innsbruck is ideal for a weekend getaway from Vienna, accessible in just over four hours by train.

Klagenfurt, Austria

Klagenfurt, on the eastern shore of the popular Lake Wörthersee, is located in the southern Austrian province of Carinthia.  The city itself offers a variety of activities, ranging from culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Lake Wörthersee is without a doubt the main draw to Klagenfurt, being one of Europe’s largest and warmest alpine lakes.  There are a wide range of activities and things to see both in the water and on shore. 

Another popular thing to do while visiting Klagenfurt is visit the small village of Hochosterwitz, a mere 20 minute drive from the city.  Here, you’ll find Hochosterwitz Castle, an impressive example of medieval architecture.

If you’re not afraid of heights, make the ascent up 100m to climb the tallest wooden viewing tower in the world.  Pyramidenkogel offers stunning views of the epic scenery of the Austrian Alps and Lake Wörthersee.

Visit the main square, Neuer Platz, to see the iconic Dragon fountain. The beautiful Town Hall is also located in Neuer Platz, where you can find a range of different shops, restaurants and a tree-lined seating area.

The train ride to Klagenfurt takes four hours, making for a great weekend getaway from Vienna.  By car, it is reachable in just over three hours, and would be a doable day trip.

Linz, Austria

Linz is a lovely city in Northern Austria located on the Danube River.  It is the third largest in Austria, and has no shortage of things to do to occupy a day or weekend away from Vienna.  The second European Capital of Culture on our list, Linz was given the prestigious designation in 2009. 

While in Linz, you can enjoy an interesting tour that’s given on the rooftops of the city – Höhenrausch.  Since 2014 Linz has been part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network and this is apparent with the brilliant array of museums you can visit here.

Enjoy a linzer torte at K & K Hofbäckerei!  A linzer torte is a layered cake made of nuts and jam, widely considered to be one of the oldest desserts in the world!  If you’re interested, you can also participate in the baking process to discover what makes the linzer torte so extraordinary.

While you’re in town, be sure to visit the Mariendom.  It is the largest church in Austria, boasting a capacity of 20,000 people!  While it is the largest in area, it is not the highest church in Austria.  Under the Austro-Hungarian Empire it was forbidden to erect buildings taller than St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. 

Getting to Linz takes just an hour and a half by train, making for an easy day trip from Vienna.

Maribor, Slovenia

Maribor is a Slovenian city nestled in the wine-region hills on the Drava River.  Despite being somewhat more of an industrialized city, the area is surrounded by nature and offers an extraordinary inner city wine culture. 

Pay a visit to Piramida, a vine-covered hill with a small chapel overlooking the city. Until the late 18th century, the old Maribor Castle was once situated on the top of the hill.  Today all that is left are the remains of a well and part of the castle floor plan.  The small chapel, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was built in the early 19th century. 

Maribor has had a long history of winemaking.  As a matter of fact, the city is home to the Old Vine.  The Old Vine is the oldest known producing vine in the world, dating back 400 years. It grows on the front of a building that was once part of the city wall along the Drava River, now affectionately known as The Old Vine House. Today, The Old Vine House serves as a wine museum and tasting room.

Before or after wine tasting, wander around the district of Lent, the oldest neighborhood in Maribor.  Lent is situated along the banks of the Drava and was historically used as a trading port, delivering products to shops and inns.

Lent is home to defensive towers, ancient churches, as well as the city’s old Jewish Quarter.  It is here that you’ll find the best cafes, restaurants and bars in the city.  For picture-perfect views of Lent, head across the river to take your photos.

Maribor is reachable from Vienna in just over three hours by train or just over two hours by car.

Olomouc, cCechia

Olomouc is a city in the eastern province of Moravia in Czechia.  The history of Olomouc dates all the way back to Roman times.  Littered throughout the city are numerous monuments that have remained through hundreds of years of unrest and social discord.  Despite being the home of a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, Olomouc is still relatively under the tourist radar. 

In many cities throughout Central Europe you’ll find plague columns that were erected to pay tribute to the victims of outbreaks and merit God for stopping them.  Olomouc is no exception, and its Holy Trinity Column is certainly one of the most resplendent. The column is a source of pride for the city, as it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. 

Like it’s big sister city, Prague, Olomouc also has an astronomical clock.  Initially built in the 15th century, it had to undergo renovation after damages during WWII.  Since Communism had just landed in Olomouc, the clock was renovated in the social realist style. Laborers replace saints, and the birthdays of both Lenin and Stalin are displayed on the dial – as well as the International Day of the Worker. 

While in town, see if you can visit each of Olomouc’s six grandiose fountains, the oldest of which dates back to the late 17th century. 

From Austria’s capital city, Olomouc is just over three hours by train, making it a doable day trip or an easy weekend getaway from Vienna.

Photo & Contribution: Veronika, Travel Geekery

Prague, Czechia

Vienna is conveniently connected to yet another capital – of the Czech Republic. It takes 4 hours to get to Prague, either by train or by bus.

If you want to get just a glimpse of Prague, you can visit it on a day trip. It’s mostly Prague’s Old Town that you’ll be able to cover, but that’s okay, since its charm is well worth the journey.

You can walk from the bus/train station through Wenceslas Square and from there straight into the Old Town Square with its iconic Astronomical Clock. Stroll the little streets of the historical center towards Charles Bridge, another must see in Prague. The view will open onto the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world. These are the top sights you cannot leave out in Prague, especially if it’s your first time in the city of a hundred (some say thousand) spires. Once you’ve seen the main sites, you’ll still have time to check out some of the best hidden gems in Prague .

Whether you visit Prague in winter or summer, you’re sure to fall in love. Bring a toothbrush with you, in case you like it so much that you’ll want to stay overnight.

Contribution: Nadine, Le Long Weekend

Salzburg, Austria

Famous for being the birthplace of Mozart, and the filming location of The Sound of Music’s movie scenes, Salzburg has long held a reputation as a must-visit city in Austria. It’s a doable day trip from Vienna, being just a 3-hour drive or direct train ride away. Or you can take the more relaxing option of an organized full-day tour from Vienna.

Once you reach Salzburg, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for the day. Walk around the old town, indulge in coffee and cake in the iconic Café Tomaselli, walk up to the magnificent Salzburg Fortress, go shopping in the boutiques and high-end stores, sample homemade schnapps at a distillery, and take a stroll around the hilltop gardens.

Those wanting to up their art appreciation will love the Museum of Modern Art. Music lovers will have their pick of Mozart concerts to enjoy.

Visit Salzburg in winter to see the city at its snow-capped finest. When the Christmas markets turn every square and garden into a magical fairytale land.

Sopron, Hungary

Sopron is a highly underrated city in Hungary, on the train route between Vienna and Budapest.  Despite the government trying to turn Sopron into an industrial center during the Socialist Era, the medieval center is still largely preserved, providing an aesthetic backdrop for visiting tourists. 

Hungary as a whole is an underrated producer of wine, but the city of Sopron has something special going for it. Sopron is one of the only wine regions in Hungary to produce both red and white wines.  Head to a bar or restaurant in the Old Town and enjoy a tasting of some of Hungary’s finest varietals.

In need of any dental work?  Sopron is a hot spot for dental tourism.  With over 300 dental clinics within the city limits offering affordable dental care, Sopron has become known as the ‘dental capital of the world.’

Aside from getting drunk and getting your teeth cleaned, there are many other notable sites to visit.  The Baroque City Square is where you can find the Firewatch Tower, City Hall, Sopron Catholic Church, and Storno House.  The Firewatch Tower offers stunning views from its balcony, as well as views of the Austrian Alps.

If you’re into museums, check out the Pharmacy Museum or the Bakery Museum for something a little more unique.  Or, stay outside at Fertőrákosi Steinbruch, Sopron’s open-air museum.

Sopron even has a casino, where you can indulge in American Roulette, Black Jack, or poker.

Reach Sopron from Vienna in less than an hour and a half by train, stopping over on your way to Budapest, for a day trip, or weekend getaway.

What was your favourite daytrip from Vienna? Comment below and let us know!

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PLANNING A TRIP TO EUROPE?

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BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS

Book your flight now through one of our favourite search engines. We love all three of these because they search the entire web for the best prices and deals. Alternatively, book your flight and hotel in a package directly with Expedia, this could be the cheapest option.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Check out the latest hotel prices in Germany right now. Our personal favourite hotel booking website for Europe, is Booking.com, since they consistently return the cheapest rate for hotels and guesthouses. Expedia is another good option if you are planning to book your hotel in a package with your flight and car.

BOOK YOUR ACTIVITIES AND TOURS

We like to use GetYourGuide to book our activities and tours, ahead of arrival at a destination. This means that we can skip the queue and save time at our destination.

DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT!

We like to read the reviews before booking a hotel or including a restaurant or attraction in our itinerary. And in our opinion the best place to find independent reviews is:

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on some of the links in this post and purchase something, we might receive a commission. This is a good thing! There is no additional cost to you and we make a tiny bit of money to help fund this website!

ABOUT KATHARINA

Katharina is the founder, editor, photographer and the main travel writer at A Life Beautifully Travelled. She created this British family travel blog in 2017 to document her adventures around the globe with her husband. Born in Munich, Germany she has since lived in Dusseldorf, Paris, Glasgow, and London. She currently resides in Yorkshire with her family.

Katharina started travelling in her early teens and has explored over 4 continents, 16 countries, and 87 cities. Growing up trilingual and having graduated from an international school, she has a strong interest in other cultures. When she isn’t gallivanting around the globe or busy in her 9-to-5 job as an architect, she can be found exploring the UK (the country she currently calls home). There isn’t much Katharina, her husband and their son Finn love more than a fun family weekend getaway.

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During Vienna City Council’s regular session, police Department K9 Ronin was declared retired from the department and transferred ownership to officer Paul Polsley, center. Mayor Randy Rapp, left, and police Chief Carl Powell stand on each side. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

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Visit Wallops Island This Summer for a Glimpse into NASA’s Space Programs

You may even get to see a rocket launch on your next beach getaway.

By Erin Gifford May 22, 2024

The quiet beach town of Chincoteague is an easy 15-minute drive from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility , which has launched more than 16,000 rockets carrying science experiments, satellites, and technology since its opening in 1945.

The Wallops Visitor Center welcomes guests with hands-on displays, science demonstrations, and short films, including High Above, Down Under , a video series about rocket launches from Australia. The center also serves as the public viewing site for rocket launches. There are two sounding rocket launches scheduled for this summer, tentatively in June and August.

“It’s really unique that Virginia has a launch range and that it’s so close to popular tourist destinations,” says Amy Barra, a public affairs specialist for the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. “You can go to see Chincoteague’s wild ponies and see a rocket launch on the same day. It’s really special. We enjoy sharing it with people.” 

In the visitor center, learn about NASA’s space programs, then check out scale models of rockets and spacecraft that have lifted off over the years. A roaming “curiosity cart” can be found on weekends, engaging children with interactive science demonstrations. A favorite activity lets young children model the star formation process using a hair dryer, a tube, and Styrofoam balls.  

Science on a Sphere , a permanent exhibit courtesy of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, features a supersize globe that allows visitors to visualize the Earth through the digital display of planetary data, including clouds, oceans, vegetation, geology, and human effects, like climate change.

Another exhibit, Build a Human Habitat on Mars — Survive and Thrive , explores topics like astrophysics and planetary science through Lego bricks. Visitors construct imaginary habitats, keeping in mind human needs to sustain life on Mars, including oxygen, water, food, and energy. That exhibit will be there throughout the summer. 

The visitor center also hosts free programs, like model rocket launches, including water bottle rockets, straw rockets, and stomp rockets. “My personal favorite is the stomp rockets,” says Barra. “They go way farther than you would expect.” 

As for those real-life rocket launches, Wallops primarily launches sounding rockets, which are suborbital rockets that take measurements or carry scientific experiments. Events are posted on the Wallops Facebook page . 

The visitor center is free of charge and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Shaded picnic tables are outside the visitor center.

How to Watch a Rocket Launch

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility traditionally launches two sounding rockets on site in the summer. These launches can be visible from the Chesapeake Bay region, but the best vantage point is from the Wallops Visitor Center.

The visitor center offers a clear view of the launch range to see rockets fly off launch pads located 4 miles away. Rocket launches typically take place early in the morning but launch time can vary depending on mission requirements. 

Plan to arrive within the first half hour of the visitor center gates opening. (They open earlier on a launch day.) There are about 200 parking spaces, and parking is first-come, first-served. Grab a seat on the bleachers or set up a picnic blanket and folding chairs on the open field. 

Keep in mind that a launch is not always a go and may get postponed to the next day or up to a week. Conditions, such as space weather, even atmospheric winds, need to be just right for each launch. On launch days, pets, coolers, and oversized bags are prohibited.

Feature image by Chris Perry, courtesy NASA

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This story originally ran in our  May issue . For more stories like this,  subscribe  to Northern Virginia Magazine.

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