Considering a trip to Vienna and looking for that perfect first-time 3 days in Vienna itinerary?
One of the great cities of Europe and Austria’s regal capital city, Vienna is a bucket-list destination for many travelers seeking history, art and architecture, and culture.
Vienna is worth visiting for its elegant buildings, gorgeous palaces and gardens, and atmospheric old squares. The city is also a cultural mecca, where you can go to the opera or learn to waltz.
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Of course you have to experience Vienna’s well-known coffee culture, or visit a tavern (or three!) to sip local wines.
And come holiday time, Vienna hosts some of the top Christmas markets anywhere, making the city a popular destination for winter in Europe.
Not only is Vienna deserving of top billing on any Austria itinerary, it also makes for an easy (and memorable!) 10 days in Europe when combined with Prague and Budapest.
Visitors that enjoy touring grand European palaces will love Vienna! The Schonbrunn Palace is of course a must-visit, but there are so many gawk-worthy palaces in the city that you will be spoiled for choice on which ones to include in your 3-day Vienna itinerary.
Vienna is also a must-visit for Mozart enthusiasts, with many landmarks related to the maestro. Mozart lived and worked in the city for many years, and eventually died here.
Deemed the most livable city on the planet in 2023, Vienna will captivate you as a visitor, making you want to return again and again.
Excited? Let’s discover the ultimate 3 days in Vienna itinerary!
IN THIS ARTICLE…
The Best 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary
With More Time in Vienna
Getting to Vienna
Getting Around in Vienna
Where to Stay in Vienna
The Best Time to Visit Vienna
The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Vienna
Day 1 of your 3 days in Vienna
Today you will visit some of the major sights in the city’s historic core, and get a chance to wander the streets, soaking in the ambience, and perhaps stop for coffee at one of the coffee houses for which the city is known.
Vienna is the City of Music, after all, so you’ll want to round out your first day in the city with a musical performance in the evening.
Many performances feature artists in period costumes on grand stages and it’s a fascinating experience even if you only have a casual interest in the performing arts.
Stroll Stephansplatz
Stephansplatz is the geographical heart of the Austrian capital.
Located right in the center of Vienna, the square is named after one of the tallest churches you’ll find anywhere on the planet.
Stephansdom looms over the city. This makes Stephansplatz simple to locate, even for first-time visitors, while adding more than a touch of drama to the elegant plaza.
Whether you want to kick back with a coffee while indulging in a spot of people-watching, or practice your photography skills on the magnificent architecture, a visit to Stephansplatz is a must when in Vienna.
Though Stephansplatz is breathtaking at any time of year, it’s transformed into something truly special during the festive period in winter.
The twinkling lights, aroma of spiced Glühwein, and an assortment of appealing stalls making up the Christmas market ensure a mid to late November or December visit is an experience you’ll never, ever forget.
Whatever the month, the upscale shops, imposing architecture, and array of attractive pubs, cafes, and restaurants always makes Stephansplatz an incredible place to spend some time.
Step inside St. Peter’s Church
Known locally as Peterskirche, this house of worship is a Viennese landmark.
The striking green onion-shaped dome, pretty statues, and pale stonework ensure all eyes are on the exterior, but step inside and you can expect things to get even better.
The fact that this is a real-life working church means that you can feel at one with the very fabric of the city, simply by paying it a visit.
St. Peter’s can be found on Petersplatz, a city square that also takes its name from the local church.
It’s also easy to reach Peterskirche from Graben, Vienna’s ever-popular pedestrianized area.
The structure is flanked by other wow-inducing buildings dating from the 1700s and 1800s, so you might find it hard to put down your camera after stepping into Petersplatz.
St. Peters has a Baroque style interior that’s packed to the rafters with fascinating and beautiful sights.
Look for the vast 1751 organ, and don’t miss the sunlit, stained glass dove in the tower. Admire the intricately carved pulpit, and the clever 3D and illusionist artworks.
The current Peterskirche dates from the early 18th century, but it’s thought that a church may have been present at the site more than 1,300 years before that.
The church is open daily and is free to enter.
Visit Mozarthaus
Situated in the Old Town, Mozarthaus was once home to one of Austria’s most famous sons.
Now it’s a museum, so members of the public can see how the musical maestro really lived between 1784 and 1787.
Mozarthaus is the only one of the composer’s Viennese residences that’s still standing today.
Whether you’re interested in music or European high society during the late 18th century, a visit to Mozarthaus allows you to follow in the footsteps of a man some see as the greatest composer who ever lived.
It’s not only about the man or the music.
Mozarthaus also gives every visitor an enthralling insight into life in Vienna, all brought to life thanks to an impressive collection of maps and paintings housed on the third floor.
It’s an apt location, as you can see the city’s rooftops spread out before you while poring over the exhibits.
On the second floor, you can learn all about one of the planet’s most prominent composers, while the first floor is where you’ll find Mozart’s well-preserved private apartment.
Mozarthaus is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
>> Get tickets for your visit to Mozarthaus!
If you are a Mozart fan, you may want to return in the evening for an intimate concert in the Sala Terrena, in Mozart’s first apartment in Vienna!
>> Check pricing and availability for an evening concert at Mozarthaus now!
Discover St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s is Vienna’s landmark cathedral, and what a sanctuary it is.
It’s among the world’s loftiest cathedrals, and towers most imposingly over Stephansplatz, at the very epicenter of Vienna.
At its tallest point, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is more than 445 feet (or 135 meters) high. Add to that the unique roof design featuring multicolored tiles, and you have one of Vienna’s most iconic sights.
Stephansdom’s first foundation stone and initial church date back to the early 12th century, and the entrance door still in use today is from the 13th century.
Given that the church caught fire in 1945 this is akin to a miracle, as is the fact that the church had previously survived World War II bombings.
If you aren’t fazed by steps, pay the fee to climb the 343 steps to the top of the South Tower for panoramas over the city.
Exploring the subterranean crypts on a guided tour is essential for anyone with macabre leanings: expect plenty of urns, coffins, and bones.
St. Stephen’s is open everyday. While you can enter part of Stephansdom for free, you will have to pay for access-all-areas attractions like the tower and the catacombs.
Visit the Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace, or simply The Belvedere, is a historic, characterful complex.
Here you will find a pair of Baroque palaces, a museum, the palace stables, and an orangery.
All very pleasantly situated among beautifully landscaped gardens!
The Belvedere Museum showcases artworks that span an 800 year period, including notable works by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.
The Kiss, arguably Klimt’s most famous creation, is housed here.
In addition to the gawk-worthy art collection covering medieval times to the present day, the architecture of the building itself is nothing short of spectacular.
It’s an archetypal Viennese structure, with a pale green roof, white walls, and arched windows.
An exceptionally attractive lobby and the Grand Staircase ensure a sense of occasion as you ascend towards the magnificent Marble Hall.
As well as the decoration, featuring illusionist paintings, the hall offers sweeping views over the landscaped gardens surrounding the palace.
>> Get your entry tickets to The Belvedere now!
Prefer a guided tour? This highly rated 2.5-hour small group tour of the complex offers insights into the art, architecture, and history. You’ll see the highlights in the art museum, including Klimt’s works.
>> Check pricing and availability for this guided tour of the Belvedere now!
Be awed by the Vienna State Opera
Vienna is renowned on the world stage as one of the leading operatic centers. So it stands to reason that Vienna Operahouse is set to impress.
Wiener Staatsoper (state opera house) recently celebrated 150 years since its inception. The majestic opera house has over 1,700 seats, and is one of the city’s trio of major opera houses.
The venue was once even used as a set for a Mission Impossible movie starring Tom Cruise.
Mainly, though, it’s a venue for operatic productions, with the odd ballet performance thrown in for good measure.
The good news is that opera tickets sold here are priced to be accessible to all, but the bad news is that tickets are often sold out way in advance of each show.
>> Get your tickets for a Mozart concert at the Vienna State Opera now!
If you don’t get lucky, or you do not want to attend a performance, you can still see inside Vienna’s Staatsoper by booking a guided tour at the official website.
Good to know: Other places to enjoy an evening concert in the City of Music include the Golden Hall (book tickets), Karlskirche (get tickets), or St. Peter’s Church (reserve tickets).
Day 2 of your 3 days in Vienna Itinerary
Today it’s all about palaces!
You’ll visit the iconic Schonbrunn Palace and the Hofberg Palace. They are two of the top palace complexes in the city.
The complexes are large, with numerous attractions in each complex, so you’ll have to pick and choose what to see in each complex.
Even so, it’s an intense (but exciting!) day of sightseeing, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to head out early in the day!
And if you have the time and the energy, the Albertina Museum makes for a lovely visit.
Explore Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace was used as a summer home by the House of Habsburg.
The Danubian monarchy residence was named for an artesian well that provided water for the court, and schönbrunn translates as ‘beautiful spring’.
It’s a huge complex, as the palace has over 1,440 rooms, and the structure is set among magnificent gardens.
More than 2 million visitors flock here annually to discover three centuries of Habsburg history. The palace has been open to the public since the 1950s.
Reaching the site from the city center in Hietzing is easy, and once you arrive, there are so many attractions to explore. They range from the traditional to the thoroughly contemporary.
Take a palace tour for a classical perspective, or don a VR headset for an immersive dive into the history of the Habsburgs.
You can also visit the children’s and carriage museums, or simply let the kids run around Schönbrunn Park. Don’t forget to look out for red squirrels here!
Other highlights include the hilltop Gloriette triumphal arch with a view, the Neptune fountain, the Schönbrunn orangery packed with unusual plants, the classical Kronprinzengarden and oriental Japanese garden, the ‘Roman ruins’ that actually date from the late 18th century, the obelisk inscribed with Egyptian hieroglyphics, and of course the maze complex.
If that’s not enough, there’s also Schönbrunn Zoo, plus the Palmenhaus (palm house) and Wüstenhaus (desert house) close by.
For a first visit, we suggest a guided tour, so you can efficiently see the places of import in the huge complex.
This popular tour lasts 2 hours and takes you through many of the staterooms with a licensed guide that offers commentary on what you are seeing.
Afterwards, you can stroll the gardens on your own.
>> Check pricing and availability for a guided tour of the Schonbrunn Palace now!
If you plan to visit on your own, we suggest booking tickets in advance at the palace website and arriving at opening time for the best experience.
The Classic Pass offers access to the major attractions in the complex.
Good to know: For a special experience, you can visit Schonbrunn Palace in the evening. You’ll tour the palace after hours with an audio guide, followed by dinner and a concert.
We did this in addition to touring the palace and the gardens in the day, and do not suggest substituting the evening visit for a daytime one. It’s a totally different experience!
>> Check pricing and availability on the Schonbrunn Palace evening experience now!
Tour the Hofburg Palace Complex
The Hofburg in central Vienna was the principal rather than summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty.
It is one of the largest palace complexes in the world.
The majestic white building with its green dome is for many the star attraction, but the Hofburg zone actually comprises a collection of imposing buildings connected via a series of squares and walkways.
The Hofburg Palace proper houses Silberkammer, a silver collection of crockery, cutlery and tableware.
There’s also the Kaiserappartements, or Imperial apartments, where Empress Elizabeth lived, and the Sisi Museum that explores her life via a variety of fascinating exhibits.
Other indoor attractions include the Imperial Treasury or Schatzkammer, where you’ll find the crown jewels, and the Hofburgkapelle or Imperial Court Chapel that still holds church services.
The magnificent, curving Neue Burg wing, is home to an array of attractions.
Here you can visit the National Library, see the Arms and Armor Collection and Historical Instruments Collection, tour the Ephesos Museum and Weltmuseum, and visit the House of Austrian History.
Hofburg Palace also offers appealing outdoor areas to discover.
Stroll the Volksgarten with its fragrant roses and a modern art gallery, or the Burggarten with its butterfly house and Mozart monument.
You can also watch performing horses or horses in training at the Spanish Riding School.
Consider this highly-rated guided tour of the main palace and the Sisi Museum. The 2.5-hour tour includes insightful commentary for an enhanced experience.
>> Check pricing and availability for this guided tour of the Hofburg Palace now!
You can also do a guided tour of the Spanish Riding School, or, on weekends, you can watch a performance by the Lipizanner horses.
Visit the Albertina Museum
One of the premier print rooms on earth is just waiting to be discovered at the Albertina Museum in Vienna.
This depository in the city’s Innere Stadt holds a collection of around a million Old Masters prints.
That’s not all, by any means. The Albertina also offers an intriguing mix of original photographs, modern graphic design pieces, architectural drawings, and about 65,000 drawings.
In fact, the Albertina is officially divided into the Albertina Museum Vienna (on Albertinaplatz) and the Albertina Modern (on Karlsplatz), and is central Europe’s biggest hub for contemporary art.
Ultra-famous artists such as Picasso and Monet are typically the subject of both the permanent displays and more short-lived exhibitions.
The palace staterooms at the Albertina beg a chicken-and-egg question. Is this a museum (or even an art gallery) inside a palace, or a palace within an art gallery or museum?
There are about 20 palace staterooms at the Albertina. As you can visit these as part of your admission ticket, it’s pretty much a no-brainer. Who would want to miss all this sumptuous Austrian splendor?
>> Get your ticket for the Albertina Museum now!
Day 3 of Your Vienna itinerary
On day three of your Vienna itinerary, you can choose to stay in the city and do more sightseeing, or you can opt for a day trip to Bratislava or Salzburg.
You’ll also float down the Danube on a scenic cruise, the perfect end to your stay in Vienna.
We’ve described a day of more sightseeing in Vienna below, followed by options for other things if you want to do something different in the city or take a day trip.
These additional options are also great to consider if you have more than 3 days in Vienna.
Admire the Vienna City Hall
A visit to the stunning City Hall is a wonderful addition to your 3 days in Vienna itinerary!
The local government of the city is overseen from Vienna City Hall – or the Rathaus – which can be found on Rathausplatz in the Innere Stadt.
The building, and its incredible state rooms, were designed by Friedrich Schmidt, and it was constructed between 1872 and 1883. Appearance-wise, it’s more like a soaring Gothic cathedral than an administrative center.
The city hall’s dreamy spires overlook key parts of the city, and it can be particularly impressive when illuminated by night.
During the holidays, a Viennese Christmas market also takes place on Rathausplatz. If you enjoy ice skating, you will find a rink here in the winter.
In the summers, you may find food stalls, and evening concert recordings showing on a large screen.
Free guided tours of the impressive building are offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1 p.m.
Visit Karlskirche
Positioned on the southern edge of Karlsplatz, St. Charles Church or Karlskirche is an imposing Baroque structure.
It’s widely regarded as both one of Vienna’s finest buildings and the best example of a Baroque house of worship in the city.
Karlskirche is dominated by a curving green dome, and dates back to the 18th century.
The open expanse in front of it increases the sense of grandeur as you approach this Viennese icon, and the dome itself is also flanked by a pair of glorious columns.
The church is very well preserved indeed, and there are spectacular decorative touches everywhere you look.
It’s also well worth ascending the tower here to be rewarded with panoramic city views, and you can also get up close to the paintings adorning the walls.
The church is open everyday and tickets are required to enter the church.
You can also attend a music concert at Karlskirche in the evenings on select days.
Have lunch at Naschmarkt
For a break from Vienna’s many historic palaces, churches, and museums, head for Naschmarkt.
It’s a must to add to your list anyway, as one of the coolest places to shop and dine in the city.
You can browse around 120 stalls at Naschmarkt.
It’s also one of the best places to eat in Vienna, and the restaurants serve cuisines from all over the world.
Whether you hanker after Greek, Indian, Italian, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, organic, seafood or of course Austrian dishes, you’ll find them here.
On Saturdays a weekly flea market is held here, and DJs even spin the tunes to ensure a festive vibe.
In summer, sitting outside is de rigueur, and it’s a great place for people watching while savoring delicious morsels of global fare. Or of course, more hearty meals.
Tour the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is housed in yet another of the city’s architectural gems. It’s the biggest art museum in Austria, and has won worldwide acclaim for its art collection.
When viewed from outside the building is a pleasingly symmetrical structure, and is topped by a central, octagonal dome.
In front of the building is the impressive Maria Theresa Monument. Empress Maria Theresa is one of the most famous Habsburg monarchs.
If you appreciate opulence and glamor then you’ll love the interior of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. It’s awash with ornamental details like intricate murals, gold leaf, marble, and ornately molded stucco.
The artworks are mainly those that were once owned by the Habsburgs.
You can look out for a seriously impressive list of works here, including pieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Titian, Rubens, Tintoretto and Vermeer.
Fans of Gustav Klimt can find his works displayed here, not least on the building’s Grand Stairway.
The museum is open everyday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. with extended hours on Thursday, until 9 p.m.
>> Get your tickets for the Kunsthistorisches Museum now!
Enjoy Sachertorte at Cafe Sacher Wien
Just a 10-minute walk from the Natural History Museum, you will find Café Sacher Wien, in Hotel Sacher.
You have to stop here to enjoy a slice (or three!) of the famous Sachertorte, a chocolate cake created by pastry chef Franz Sacher for Prince von Metternich.
The two-layer dense chocolate cake has apricot jam in between the two layers and is coated in dark chocolate icing. It’s typically served with whipped cream.
Cafe Sacher is one of the most popular places to try Sachertorte in Vienna. It doesn’t hurt that the interior looks like a palace!
It’s very busy, so reserve a table if you do not wish to wait.
Take a Danube River Cruise
The mighty (and mythically) blue Danube is a major European artery flowing through the heart of Vienna.
Taking a cruise on this iconic waterway means seeing the city from an entirely different perspective.
You’ll also enjoy the sense of tranquility as you skim along over the surface of the water.
The Danube isn’t Vienna’s only river – there’s also the River Wien or Wienfluss. This river flows through parts of the heart of Vienna, sometimes confusing visitors who wonder why the majestic Danube isn’t quite as magnificent as they’ve been led to believe.
The Danube flows through the upper section of Vienna, a little removed from the city’s historical heart. An offshoot is the Donaukanal or Danube Canal, which also joins up with the River Wein by the Urania building.
River cruises on the three rivers tend to focus on the Danube, though they may also traverse the Donaukanal. They may last for anything from one to several hours.
Some cruises include lunch so you can dine as you skim along, drinking and soaking in all of the key city sights.
>> Check pricing and availability on a Vienna Danube River cruise now!
With More Time in Vienna…
If you have another day or two in Vienna, there’s more to see and do in the city.
You can also exchange some of the activities we’ve described above in our 3 day Vienna travel guide for another activity we detail below!
Plus, if you plan to spend a few days in the city, you may want to build in a day trip or two, to explore Salzburg, or visit Bratislava in Slovakia.
Enjoy an Evening Walking Tour with Food
If you like a guided overview to major sights and food options, then consider this evening walking tour with food and drink options!
It’s a great tour to add to your itinerary for your first day in Vienna if you bump the evening concert to night 2 or 3.
On this tour you will accompany a knowledgable local guide to major sights and trendy neighborhoods, and get insider tips on the best places to eat and drink in Vienna.
Get introduced to nightlife in Vienna as you discover the artsy 4th district. Relax at a rooftop bar, enjoy Austrian beer, wine, or a cocktail, and try some street food.
>> Check pricing and availability on this night walking tour of Vienna now!
Visit the Natural History Museum of Vienna
Near the Art History Museum is another excellent Vienna museum you can visit: the Natural History Museum.
Vienna’s Natural History Museum is a major center for natural science research, and one of the largest museums in Austria.
Over 100,000 objects are on display at the Natural History Museum, and there are 39 exhibition rooms filled to the brim with exhibits.
Whether you’re into dinosaurs, mammoths, animals that are still thriving today, molluscs, or even minerals, you can learn more about them right here.
Vienna’s Natural History Museum is housed in one of the city’s most magnificent buildings: it mirrors the Art History Museum building. They were both built at the same time.
Inside you’ll find the zoological and prehistory floors, temporary exhibitions, and a cafe and shop.
The museum is open Thursdays through Mondays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Get tickets at the museum website.
tour the Freud Museum
Sigmund Freud is one of Vienna’s most famous sons.
The Sigmund Freud Museum in Vienna is dedicated to his life, and you can explore his craft in the very building he lived and worked in for almost 50 years.
Also at the museum is a small art gallery, a souvenir shop, and exhibits including original objects, photos, letters and other documents. You can even see the psychiatrist’s couch he was given by a patient.
The World War II connection is strongly felt here: a lack of furniture in places highlights the fact that Freud was forced to flee the Nazis in 1938. His Jewish roots and scientific approach were at odds with the ethos of the Third Reich.
>> Get tickets to the Sigmund Freud Museum now!
Enjoy the Chocolate Museum
For a fun museum to visit, consider the Chocolate Museum!
Vienna’s Chocolate Museum, or SchokoMuseum, is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
It’s among the best Vienna attractions for families, and is educational as kids can learn all about the history and cultivation of cocoa.
It’s not only an informative experience though: it can also be a hands-on one.
You can take part in chocolate workshops here, and of course taste some of the sweet stuff too. Nougat and marzipan are featured as well as chocolate.
For happy snappers and social sharers, there are plenty of spots to pose at the SchokoMuseum.
>> Check pricing and availability on a chocolate workshop with tasting!
Take in the views from the Danube Tower
The Danube Tower is Austria’s tallest structure, and is located on the north bank of the river after which it’s named.
Visit the Danube Tower – or Donauturm – and you can of course enjoy breathtaking views over the city and its famous blue-hued waterway.
This applies whatever the weather, as there are both covered and open-air options.
Enjoy a coffee in the revolving restaurant at the top to make the most of your experience.
The simple, slightly vintage interior design also acts as a reminder of just how long the views from this tower have been delighting visitors to Vienna.
Discover Time Travel Vienna
Time Travel Vienna is a cool experience if you want to learn more about Vienna’s history. It’s a lot of fun for kids!
Not least if your visit coincides with inclement weather, as the interactive exhibits and multi-media experiences can all be enjoyed indoors.
Time Travel Vienna is all about bringing the history of this stunning European city to life. This is achieved via animatronic wax figures, a 5D cinema, multimedia shows, VR glasses, and more.
Admire the State Hall at the Austrian National Library
One of the most stunning libraries in the world, the Austrian National Library is worth visiting for its Baroque architecture.
The State Hall, which dates back to the 18th century, is enormous, and is decorated with lovely frescoes. Look up to admire the gorgeous dome.
Four Venetian globes add the finishing touch to this dramatic hall, which houses over 200,000 books.
The Augustinian Reading Room, which houses rare books and manuscripts, is another stunning hall here, but you can only visit it on one day a month as part of a guided tour.
The room has a lovely frescoed ceiling and beautiful wood bookcases.
From June to September, the State Hall is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (9 p.m. on Thursdays). From October through May, it is open everyday other than Monday.
There is a fee to visit the State Hall, 10 euros per adult at the time of writing.
Enjoy Prater Park
If the sun shines while you’re visiting the Austrian capital, then you might not be able to resist spending some time at Prater Park.
It’s an amusement park and public space, with plenty of open meadows for kids to run around and let off some steam.
Other than the oversized Ferris wheel at Prater Park, which has been operating since 1897, you’ll find many other rides here, from roller coasters to ghost trains.
As well as the fairground rides, Prater Park also offers a history museum and a Madame Tussauds waxworks museum.
Prater Park is free to enter, but you have to pay for the rides you want to experience.
Snap Photos of Hundertwasser House
Hundertwasser House is a concept apartment building in Vienna that you’ll definitely want to photograph if you plan to spend a few days in Vienna.
It was named after the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who designed the colorful structure.
The 1985 creation makes it clear that in architectural terms, Hundertwasser is to Vienna what Gaudi is to Barcelona. If you love unique art forms, then this is a place not to be missed!
More than 200 shrubs adorn the roof terraces and balconies of Hundertwasser House.
Though you can only view the complex from outside, you can also spend some time at Hundertwasser Village, directly opposite. Here there are lots of shopping and dining opportunities to make a longer visit an attractive prospect.
Do a Day Trip to Salzburg
If you’d rather spend your last day exploring outside Vienna, consider a day trip to Salzburg!
The filming location for The Sound of Music, Salzburg is hugely popular with fans of the classic that want to tour the sites from the movie.
Your guide will provide insights into the city’s history and architecture as you tour the filming locations.
>> Check pricing and availability for the Salzburg Sound of Music tour now!
Salzburg is also the birthplace of Mozart, and you can see the house where he was born in 1756. It’s now a museum and you can tour the rooms, maintained as they original looked.
Tour the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, see the famous “trick” fountains at Hellbrunn Palace, and wander the picturesque Old Town.
Also be sure to take the funicular to the Hohensalzburg Fortress for 360-degree views of the city and its surroundings.
If you want to visit independently, take the train to and from Salzburg. The journey is about 2 hours and 20 minutes each way.
Ot, for a hassle-free experience that maximizes sightseeing time, take a guided tour. This well-reviewed full-day tour includes a guided walking tour of Salzburg Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
>> Check pricing and availability on this guided day tour of Salzburg now!
Visit Bratislava for the Day
If you’d like to add another country to your visit, consider a day trip from Vienna to Bratislava in Slovakia.
Just an hour away by train or road, Bratislava is a cultural melting pot, with architecture and traditions reflecting the many cultures that have influenced it over the years.
On a one day trip to Bratislava, you will want to focus on the Old Town.
Climb the tower at St. Michael’s Gate for panoramic views. The gate is the only one left of the four medieval gates into the city.
Nearby is St. Martin’s Cathedral, where you can tour the creepy catacombs.
Stroll the main square, Hlavne Namestie, where you will find the Old Town Hall, which houses an interesting history museum.
Walk the quaint streets of the old town, admiring the architecture.
Visiting the Bratislava Castle at the top of the hill is a must for the views. From the top you’ll get spectacular views over the city, the surrounding countryside, and the Danube River.
There is an entrance fee if you want to go inside, but on a one day visit, we’d skip it.
Across the Danube River, you’ll find yet another observation point, this time UFO Observation Deck, shaped like a flying saucer.
If you prefer to leave the logistics to someone else, check out this full-day guided tour of Bratislava from Vienna. You’ll return by catamaran for a Danube River excursion.
>> Check pricing and availability for this guided tour of Bratislava now!
Getting to Vienna
If you plan to fly into Vienna, the city has an international airport that’s located in Schwechat, 18 kilometers (about 11.2 miles) from the center.
To get to the city center from the airport, you can opt for a private transfer, which comes with a fixed price and an English-speaking driver.
Or you can take a taxi: you’ll see booths in the arrivals area and the taxi ranks are just outside the terminal as you exit.
If you do not have a lot of baggage, you can also take the train or bus into the city.
The train station is under the terminal and you will see signs. The airport express train called CAT will take you straight to the Wien Mitte Station. Buy your tickets at the machines and then proceed to the platform.
>> Book tickets for the CAT for transfer between Vienna Airport and Wien Mitte!
Buses stop right outside the terminal. Vienna Airport Lines offers services into the city.
Vienna is well connected by train to other places in Austria and to cities in other parts of Europe.
The city is also served by an inter-city coach system, and of course you can drive to Vienna if you are doing a road trip through Europe.
The main train station, Wien Hauptbahnhof, is located very close to the city center, and you can take a taxi to your hotel, arrange a transfer, or take the metro.
Getting Around in Vienna
If you stay in the city center, which we suggest you do, many major sights in Vienna are within walking distance.
But if you do not want to walk everywhere, Vienna has an excellent public transport system.
You can also opt for Hop On, Hop Off bus tours.
The popular Big Bus Hop On, Hop Off tour comes with a 24-hour or 48-hour validity, with options for a guided walking tour, or river cruise.
The Vienna Hop On, Hop Off City Tour comes with a validity of 24, 48, or 72 hours.
Both tours offer audio commentary and onboard wifi, and feature a number of stops.
The transport authority in Vienna is Wiener Linien, and they offer global tickets and passes that cover all forms of public transport: bus, tram, subway, and local train.
The Vienna Pass, an all-inclusive sightseeing card, also includes Hop On, Hop Off bus rides (but not public transport.)
If you think you’ll be using public transport a fair bit, get the Vienna Public Transport City Card, which offers unlimited use of the bus, train, train, or subway, plus discounts at attractions.
Where to Stay in Vienna
If it’s your first visit to Vienna, you’ll ideally want to stay in the old town, which offers oodles of atmosphere and is convenient for sightseeing.
Luxury Hotels in Vienna
Rosewood Vienna is located a few steps from St. Peters Church, very convenient for sightseeing. The 5-star hotel offers an onsite restaurant, a terrace, and fitness center and spa.
Rooms are very well appointed, with quality furnishings.
Grand Hotel Wien is located by the Vienna State Opera Kärntner Straße, the famous shopping street. Rooms and suites are luxuriously furnished.
The hotel offers an onsite spa, several restaurants (including the Michelin starred Le Ciel by Toni Mörwald, and a rooftop terrace with panorama of the city.
Hotel Imperial is a 5-star hotel located on the Ringstraße boulevard in the heart of Vienna. It offers a gourmet restaurant and a 24-hour rooftop fitness center with a sauna.
Rooms are furnished with antiques and silk wall coverings but come with modern conveniences like air-conditioning.
Mid-Range Hotels in Vienna
Boutique Hotel Am Stephansplatz is located across from the main entrance to St. Stephens Cathedral. Get a room with views of the mosaic cathedral roof!
Rooms feature elegant contemporary furnishings and the breakfast is highly rated.
Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth is located in the city center, near the Kärntnerstraße and the Graben, and just a few steps from St. Stephens Cathedral.
Elegantly furnished rooms come with air-conditioning and the bathrooms are modern and well-appointed.
Hotel König von Ungarn is also located close to Saint Stephens Cathedral, convenient for sightseeing. It’s the oldest hotel in Vienna.
Rooms are individually designed and there’s a lovely glass-ceilinged courtyard in which to relax.
The Best Time to Visit Vienna
As one of Europe’s great cities, Vienna is a popular travel destination for most of the year.
Vienna’s Christmas markets are very famous, so the time leading up to Christmas is a delightful time to visit the Austrian capital. The markets here are considered some of the best Christmas markets in Europe!
Yes, it’s cold, so pack smart and dress warm, but come prepared to enjoy the lights and the festive atmosphere, special holiday concerts, and more.
Summer is a wonderful time to visit Vienna. The days are long and mostly sunny, perfect for wandering outdoors, taking in the beauty of the gardens, and enjoying the city’s cafe culture.
Spring and fall offer reasonably decent weather and lower crowds, so they are great times of the year to pick if you want a more relaxed visit and lower prices on accommodations.
January and February are very cold, but without the attraction of the holidays, you’d only want to visit then if you are looking for cheaper stays. Another upside is that there won’t be too many other visitors so entry to popular sights will be quick and painless!
Getting a Vienna Pass
If you plan to visit many fee-based attractions on your 3-day Vienna trip, you will want to consider getting a pass: it may end up saving you some money.
Of course, you’ll want to run the numbers based on your planned Vienna itinerary to see if you will save money, before you purchase.
The Vienna Pass comes with a 3-day option (along with 1, 2, or 6 day options) and includes free admission to covered attractions as well as unlimited rides on the Hop On, Hop Off bus.
Many of the top Vienna attractions are included. This is the pass we chose for our first visit to Vienna!
>> Check pricing and availability on the Vienna Pass now!
Also check out Go City, which offers a couple of options for your Vienna visit.
The Go City Vienna All-Inclusive Pass has a 3-day option (along with 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6-day options), and you can visit as many covered attractions as you like within the validity period of the card.
Many top Vienna attractions and experiences are included, such as a guided tour of the Schonbrunn Palace, a walking tour of the Hofburg Palace and more.
>> Check pricing and availability on the Go City Vienna All-Inclusive Pass now!
The Go City Vienna Explorer Pass allows you to choose a few attractions for savings on the sights you plan to see.
>> Check pricing and availability on the Go City Vienna Explorer Pass now!
And finally, the Vienna City Card offers unlimited use of the city’s public transport, along with discounts (but not free admission) to many major Vienna sights.
>> Check pricing and availability on the Vienna City Card now!
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