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I love Vienna and think it is a magical city that combines timeless elegance with modern charm! Explore Vienna’s highlights with this 3-day Vienna itinerary. From exploring the music scene to landmarks to cafés, this itinerary ensures you make the most of your stay in this incredible Capital city of Austria!

How To Get To Vienna

If coming to Vienna internationally, it is easy to fly to Vienna International Airport (VIE), and you can take the City Airport Train (CAT) to the city center. Additionally, if you are coming from somewhere else in Austria you can take a train to Vienna. For all trains throughout Austria, check route availability and prices, and book your tickets online with OBB.

Getting Around Vienna

Vienna is a walkable city and I love walking wherever I can in new cities as I am more likely to stumble upon something I might not have seen otherwise. Take advantage of this and walk where you can! However, Vienna also has a good transportation system with trams and subways that are easy to navigate throughout the city. 

Consider purchasing a 3-day unlimited-use ticket for subways and trams at one of the machines in the station. (Note this does not include the City Airport Train, as that is a separate cost.

Or, consider the 3-Day Vienna Pass, which is a fee up-front that gives you access to most museums and attractions as well as the yellow hop-on-hop-off busses which is another transportation method that brings you to the major tourist destinations around Vienna.

I was able to walk to almost every attraction I wanted to see in Vienna, except for Schönbrunn Palace and the Giant Ferris Wheel I took the trams or subways.

Where To Stay In Vienna

I stayed at K+K Maria Theresia and would highly recommend it! It was in the center of Vienna so I was able to easily walk to most attractions I wanted to go to, yet it was in a quieter neighborhood.

When To Visit Vienna

This 3-day Vienna itinerary is doable year-round! Summer is the most popular time to visit Vienna, but November-December is the Christmas Market Season which is also an extremely popular time in Vienna. I was in Vienna over New Year’s which was a magical time to visit, so this itinerary is winter-friendly! 

If you are lucky enough to be in Vienna during the Christmas Market Season (or maybe you planned your trip around it!) then you must check out some of the world’s best Christmas Markets. The markets are usually from the middle of November to Christmas, with some staying open or turning into New Year’s Markets, through the first week of January. It is easy to navigate to these markets, just check out the locations and times for Christmas Markets here and still follow the itinerary in this blog, just make sure to allocate some time to visit them (replace a Christmas Market with one of the museum visits or café for example). At the Christmas Market, get a warm punch in festive mugs, eat Kürtőskalács, a dough with sweet toppings such as cinnamon, or purchase Christmas ornaments and you will be sure to feel the incredible holiday spirit in Vienna. You can also go ice skating in the City Hall Square!

3-Day Vienna Itinerary

Day 1

MORNING

Breakfast At Ulrich

Start your first day in Vienna with breakfast! I would recommend Ulrich, as it is a stylish restaurant with good breakfast options. They have a pink croissant you must order! I would also recommend the shakshuka, smashed avocado toast, ham and eggs, and the smoothies. They have a great patio for the summer as well.

For all restaurants in Vienna, make a reservation ahead of time.

Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours are one of the best things you can do in a new city! You get a great history lesson while seeing the city’s highlights in an engaging atmosphere as the tour guides are passionate, knowledgeable, and charismatic. It is also a great opportunity to meet other travelers (especially when solo traveling). It is best to schedule this right when you get to Vienna as it is a great introduction to the city and you can learn about tips and other things to do from your guide. Check out GuruWalk for your free walking tour in Vienna and choose the 10:30 AM tour. You will get immersed in Vienna’s history while strolling through charming streets with beautiful architecture. This was a highlight of my time in Vienna! 

Although “free,” make sure to tip your tour guide as appropriate based on your experience!

AFTERNOON

Lunch At A Würstelstand

You will find a Würstelstand all over Vienna and you must give one a try! It is a traditional Austrian street food spot that serves sausage and hot dogs and will be the perfect place to stop after you’re walking around from the tour. I love the hot dogs served in a large baguette but you can also get the meat cut up on a plate. The Käsekrainer is a good choice as it’s a sausage filled with cheese. I tried a few different stands and they were all good, but you can ask your guide from the walking tour if they have a favorite!

Museum

You should check out a museum as there are countless museums throughout Vienna! Choose one that interests you most to visit. Below is a list of popular museums, or find out information about all museums in Vienna here.

• Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History): Extensive collection of European art.
• Belvedere Palace and Museum: A beautiful palace with an impressive collection of Austrian art.
• Albertina: Known for its graphic art collection and temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
• Leopold Museum: Focuses on Austrian art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum): Exhibitions on minerals, fossils, and taxidermied animals.
• Technisches Museum Wien (Vienna Technical Museum): Focuses on the history of technology, industry, and transportation in an interactive format.
• Sisi Museum: Located within the Hofburg Palace, this provides insight into the life of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi).
• Jewish Museum Vienna: Offers a comprehensive view of Jewish history, culture, and art in Austria.
• Haus der Musik (House of Music): A modern and interactive museum dedicated to sound and music.
• Vienna Museum of Modern Art (Mumok): This is the largest museum in Central Europe for modern and contemporary art.

EVENING

Dinner At Lugeck

For dinner, I would recommend Lugeck for Austrian cuisine. Here you can have Wiener Schnitzel, which you must eat while you are in Vienna! Wiener Schnitzel is a thinly pounded and breaded cutlet of veal or pork that is pan-fried until golden brown. I would also recommend the Vienesse-style beef in a pot or the veal goulash.

Dessert/Drinks At Café Schwarzenberg

Cafés are a large part of Vienna’s culture! Coffee is known to be top-notch and many cafés have an elegant feel. Most of the cafés have delicious food menus and alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages, so don’t think that you are only limited to mornings or early afternoons to visit, as many are open until midnight. For tonight’s café, go to my favorite spot for the evening which is Café Schwarzenberg! Whether you want an evening coffee, delicious ice cream, hot chocolate, or a glass of wine, it is the perfect spot. The elegant marble throughout the café, the waiters in suits, and the live pianist create a spectacular atmosphere!

Day 2

MORNING

Breakfast At Palmenhaus

To start your second day in Vienna, have breakfast at the Palmenhaus. This is an iconic building in Vienna and creates a beautiful setting as you are in a greenhouse with windows and luscious plants such as ferns and palm trees surrounding you. During a sunny day, the light comes through and it’s even more beautiful. It is a unique place so sip on a cup of coffee, have a pastry and breakfast, and enjoy your time here!

I also went to the Palmenhaus for dinner and thought the dinner food was just okay and was overpriced. I’m still happy I went once, but if you do choose dinner here just know it’s more for the atmosphere than the food! I would recommend coming for breakfast, or just for drinks or a snack in the evening.

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most popular attractions in Vienna. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the summer palace of the Habsburgs. As you arrive, its yellow color immediately draws you in and you will realize just how enormous and immaculate the palace is. You can walk the grounds admiring the stunning gardens and architecture, or venture inside to see the palace in more depth, learn its history, and explore the on-site museums. I truly enjoyed walking the grounds and making the hike up the hill behind the palace to explore the area from all angles. In the winter, they have a beautiful Christmas and New Year’s Market that is also worth spending time at!

AFTERNOON

Lunch At Naschmarkt

After the palace, navigate back to the city center and visit Naschmarkt, which is Vienna’s most popular open-air market with market stalls, restaurants, and specialty food shops. It has plenty of fresh produce and international food options. It is fun to wander through the stalls filled with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and spices as well as the food stalls and restaurants filled with international flare from Middle Eastern to Asian cuisines. On Saturdays, there is a flea market that adds an extra layer of charm offering antiques and unique treasures from glassware to clocks to trinkets. Plan to wander through the market as well as stop into one of the restaurants to eat lunch.

Walk Ringstraße (Vienna Ring Road)

Walking around and admiring the architecture is one of my favorite things in Vienna! As Vienna is easy to get around whether walking or using the tram system or subways, take advantage of this and explore the sights! Ringstraße is a great street to walk around, with lots of notable places to stop to look at. 

• Vienna State Opera: A symbol of Vienna’s rich musical legacy, hosting operas, ballets, and classical concerts.
• Hofburg: A majestic palace that houses the history of the Habsburg dynasty. With its grand halls, museums, and the Spanish Riding School, the Hofburg is a cultural and architectural gem that reflects centuries of Austrian history.
• Museum of Fine Arts: Has an extensive collection of European art.
• Museum of Natural History: Known for its exhibitions of minerals, fossils, and taxidermied animals.
• The Burgtheater: With a rich history dating back to the 18th century, it remains a cultural hub for theatrics in Vienna.
• The City Hall (“Rathaus”): This is a striking Gothic-style building! Beyond its administrative functions, it serves as a venue for cultural events, festivals, and the famous Vienna Christmas Market.
• The Parliament: Its beautiful structure and historical significance make it a notable landmark in Vienna.

EVENING

Dinner At Pizza Randale

For your second evening in Vienna, have dinner at Pizza Randale. The pizza here is very good and the atmosphere is lovely. You can’t go wrong ordering any of the pizzas, they are all quite good!

Mozart Concert

Vienna is deeply intertwined with Mozart’s life and legacy, so it is the perfect setting for attending a Mozart concert! You will experience one of Vienna’s elegant concert halls creating a beautiful setting for the music masterpieces. I recommend this experience while in Vienna as it brings you back in time and is the perfect way to end an evening! Get tickets here.

Day 3

MORNING

Breakfast At Wirr

Start your third day in Vienna by getting breakfast at Wirr. This restaurant is in a very “trendy” area of Vienna, so it will be fun to check out this spot. The highlight is the “Naher Osten” breakfast option, which is labneh and two poached eggs with honey and an almond-slicked sauce.

Giant Ferris Wheel

The Giant Ferris Wheel (“Riesenrad”), is located in Prater Amusement Park and offers panoramic views of Vienna and its surroundings. It is 212 feet (65 meters) high and each cabin is spacious and enclosed. This is a fun activity to see a different area of Vienna and experience a unique Ferris Wheel experience with spectacular views!

You will take the subway to get to the Giant Ferris Wheel.

• Subway: Take the U1 or U2 and get off at Praterstern 

AFTERNOON

Lunch At A Würstelstand

As I mentioned, I LOVE the Würstelstands in Vienna, so don’t worry I have allocated another time for you to try another stand!

Café

Relax at another café! Check out Café Central, Café Demel, or Café Hawelka. At any of these, try the famous Sachetorte which is a rich chocolate cake with layers of apricot jam and a chocolate ganache topping. It is delicious!

Museum

Choose another museum that interests you from the list above!

EVENING

Dinner At Tachles

For your final dinner in Vienna, eat at Tachles. They are known for their Pierogi, which are Polish dumplings filled with beef, spinach, or potatoes. They also serve pasta and great cocktails!

Opera

End your evening, and sadly your 3-day Vienna trip, at the Vienna State Opera (“Wiener Staatsoper”), which encompasses Vienna’s rich cultural heritage and its love for classical music and opera. It’s luxurious inside and out and attending a performance here feels like the ultimate Vienna experience!

More Time?

If you have another day, I highly recommend a day trip to Hallstatt. This fairy tale town is the perfect day trip from Vienna. You can do this independently by taking the train (check route availability and prices and book your tickets online with OBB) or with a tour from GetYourGuide. It is even better to spend the night in Hallstatt to get the full experience, as the evenings are much less busy when the day-trip tourists leave, but spending just the day is well worth it too!

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This 3-day Vienna itinerary allows you to efficiently experience the city’s key attractions! From historical sites to cafés to music, Vienna’s diverse offerings will keep you busy!

Follow for more on social media and email me with any questions! If you use this 3-day Vienna itinerary, I would love to know how your experience was!