3 days in Vienna
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The ultimate guide for your city break in Vienna: 3 days in this passionate city – from a local – for travelers that want to explore the real city.

Wien, pronounced is the federal capital and largest city of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria’s primary city, with a population of about 1.8 million (2.6 million within the metropolitan area, nearly one third of Austria’s population).

Vienna is full of history and there is a lot to see! I hope you brought good shoes: be ready to walk a lot. Almost all the buildings are full of charm in this wonderful city!

Vienna Unfolded: Dive into the City’s Heart and Soul

In just 3 days in Vienna, one can’t help but be captivated by the city’s majestic palaces. The Schönbrunn Palace stands as a testament to Vienna’s imperial grandeur, inviting visitors to step back in time. Nearby, the Hofburg Palace, once the imperial winter residence, now houses the intriguing Sisi Museum, offering a deep dive into royal tales. Including the Baroque splendor of the Belvedere Palace in your 3-day Vienna itinerary is essential, as it lets you walk through a timeline of European history.

The Heart of Vienna City: Old Town and Its Marvels

If you’re spending 3 days in Vienna, the Old Town is undoubtedly the city’s pulsating heart. Within its confines, the towering St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or St. Stephen, stands as a testament to architectural brilliance. And just a short walk away, the Vienna State Opera awaits, serenading visitors with its rich musical heritage.

“Vienna is a handsome, lively city, and pleases me exceedingly.”

— Frederic Chopin

Navigating with the Vienna City Card: Your Key to Exploration

For those on a 3-day journey in Vienna, the Vienna City Card is indispensable. This traveler’s companion offers unlimited transport and discounts to notable sites, ensuring you make the most of your Vienna experience. And while you’re exploring, don’t miss the Neo-Gothic splendor of the Vienna City Hall, a testament to the city’s architectural legacy.

Dive into Vienna’s Museum Landscape in 3 Days

Even with just 3 days in Vienna, the city’s museum landscape is rich and varied. The Natural History Museum beckons with its wonders, while the Kunsthistorisches Museum stands as a sanctuary for art lovers. The Hofburg Palace’s Sisi Museum offers a unique peek into Austria’s regal past, and those keen on intellectual pursuits can delve into Sigmund Freud’s legacy, deeply rooted in Vienna.

Ventures Beyond Vienna

With 3 days in Vienna, venturing beyond the city’s confines can offer a refreshing change. Its proximity to the Czech Republic presents opportunities for day trips, adding another layer to your Central European exploration.

Recreation and Relaxation: Vienna’s Greener Side in 3 Days

In your 3 days in Vienna, take a moment to breathe at Prater Park. More than a mere park, it’s a symbol of Viennese leisure. Its iconic Ferris wheel and vast greenery make it a favorite among both tourists and locals.

Combining all these elements, spending 3 days in Vienna becomes an unforgettable journey, weaving together culture, history, and emotion into a rich tapestry.

3-Day Planned Vienna Itinerary

Embarking on a 3-day journey in the heart of Vienna is an exciting endeavor, filled with the promise of rich history, architectural wonders, and vibrant culture. The itinerary provided below serves as a foundational guide to help you navigate this grand city. 

However, remember that every traveler’s experience is personal and unique. While this 3-day planned itinerary outlines some of the city’s highlights, feel free to twist and turn, prioritizing what resonates most with you. Vienna is a city that invites exploration, so let your curiosity guide you as you dive deep into its many wonders.

Day 1: First Impression of the City

Welcome to Vienna! Start your day on the north-west part of the center of Vienna at the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein. Not many tourists know about it so you will be able to start your day away from the crowd enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the park surrounding the Palace.

“Vienna is a city where, if nothing happens, you feel that you’ve missed out on something.”

— Sigmund Freud

Then make your way to the café Landtmann for breakfast/brunch, and take advantage of this walk to have a look at the real Viennese life before coming to the most touristy area.

On the way you will be able to admire the Votivkirche church and also take a look inside the University of Vienna.

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You are now at the well-known Café Landtmann. Stop there for savory food with impeccable service. This is a good occasion to try a real Vienna coffee/chocolate.

After you enjoyed your first meal of the day, get out of the café and you will have in front of you two point of interest to check out: the Burgtheater and the city hall.

Then make your way down to see the Austrian Parliament, Volksgarten park, and Heldenplatz square in front of the wing of the Hofburg Palace.

I know you might want to take a look at the whole palace, but wait! This is for tomorrow! Go around the wing and  take some time in the Burggarten and also look for the statue of Mozart.

Then cross the road to get to Maria-Theresien-Platz.

You will have on both side two incredible buildings. Those are the museum of Natural History and the museum of Art History. If you feel like it you can take a look inside, but it’s not a must-see in this city where there is already a lot to explore.

Cross the road again to go into the Museums Quarter.

There are some cafés here or if you want to relax and enjoy ice-cream/snack on their weird shaped benches, you can find cheap food for lunch in many wurst stands just outside the metro station everywhere in the city.

It doesn’t sound appealing like that, but street food in Vienna is actually delicious!!

Once your feet are ready to walk again get out of the quarter and walk through the Rahlstiege, but admire the historical Gansemadchenbrunnen (Goose Girl Fountain).

Make your way to Resselpark. On the way you will be able to admire the Secession, a contemporary-art museum with an elegant design. Now that you are at Resselpark you just have to look for one thing: Karlskirche, one of the most beautiful churches of the city!

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Spend the night at the Prater: the big amusement park.

To get there you can take the U1 (Red) or U2 (Purple) metro lines and stop at “Praterstern”. Take a ride on the big Ferris wheel (10€*) and get a look at the city from the sky. The ride is about 20 minutes long, so you will have time to take a lot of pictures.

There are many dinner options inside the park, but I would advise to eat at Schweizerhaus just for the pleasure to see the waiters carrying like 30 jugs of beers at once! This German/Austrian restaurant is perfect for beer and meat lovers.

As for food, I would recommend to get the Stelze (pork knuckle), but if you want to try something else they have menus in many languages.

Day 2: Inside the Buildings

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Start your second day at Michaelerplatz, and once you admire the square make your way through the gates of the Hofburg Imperial Palace.

You should start your day with a show of the morning exercise of the Lipizzan horses and their riders at the Spanish Riding School, as the show runs only at 10am (Tuesday to Friday).

The show lasts for 2 hours and it cannot be booked in advance, so get there a little early to make sure to see something. (15€*)

After the show, you might be a little bit hungry. Inside the courtyard of the palace you can find Café Hofburg which serves a similar selection of food as Café Landtmann, so perfect again for break/lunch.

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Once your tummy is full, it’s time to go again for the most exciting part for most visitors. What would be Austria without Sisi?

You’ve waited long enough yesterday, it’s finally time to visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace. With one ticket you’ll get a look inside the Imperial Apartments, visit the Sisi Museum and admire the Imperial Silver Collection (13.90€*)

After your visit of this enriching place, there are two places to visit next to the palace: the Austrian National Library, where you need to admire the incredible State Hall (8€*), and the church “Katholische Augustinerkirche” (the entry is very small so make sure you don’t miss it)

If your feet can still walk a bit, then you can visit the Albertina Museum (14,00€*), which has the largest and most valuable graphical collections in the world.

Time for snack?

You cannot go to Vienna without trying the delicious Sachertorte.

You can try it at many restaurants, but if you want to try the original recipe from 1832, you need to go to the Café Sacher.

There is very often a long queue to get in, so try go there before or in between peak hours. It’s also quite expensive there, so if you just want to try it and you don’t care if it’s the original one or not, most cafés in Vienna have it.

On your way to the café or after, don’t forget to take a look at the gorgeous State Opera House.

You are now in the pedestrian part of the city so you can take your time, walk anywhere and get a bit lost in the different streets. In this part of the city you have to go take a look at St. Stephen’s Cathedral (5.5€*), walk through the Graben and take a look at St. Peter’s Catholic Church also.

For dinner, if you can go to Gasthaus Pöschl (make reservation or go early!) to eat the traditional wiener schnitzel, this big fried veal steak. Delicious!!

You might even be able to eat outside, on the terrace facing another one of the many churches of the city. You can also find on this square the famous Kleines Café. If Gasthaus Pöschl is full, a lot of others would serve the same dish don’t worry.

Day 3: Schönbrunn and Hundertwasser 

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You can start your third and last day at the Naschmarkt. It’s considered like one of the best flea markets in all of Europe. You will be able to get very cool and original souvenirs and you will also have many options for breakfast here.

Then it’s time to go to the most famous place of Vienna: the outstanding Schönbrunn Palace.

“Vienna is a world treasure. Vienna, to me, is like a dream. I must sleep to dream.”

— Malcolm McLaren

You will need to take transportation to go there (metro U4 – Schönbrunn or Hop-on Hop-off bus). This place is huge and there is a lot to see, so you will need at least a half day, if not a day to visit it.

If you don’t want to rush, the most important things are the inside of the Palace (17.5€*) and the Gloriette, which will give you an incredible view over the Palace and the city. Book a guided tour here

You can walk around the palace, but there is also a train going around the whole park, stopping at each place and your feet will thank you (8€*). For food and drinks, you can find several cafés around the palace (near the palace, in the forest, at the Gloriette,…)

On your way back from Schönbrunn, stop at the top of the Belvedere Palace.

After visiting Schönbrunn, I don’t think visiting the inside is necessary, but if your feet are still alive then why not? (22€*). There is also a small café here if you need a snack. Then make your way down to the Hochstrahlbrunnen fountain.

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You probably have seen it hundreds of times in picture, so it’s now time to see the Hundertwasser House for real!

If your feet are still alive you can decide to walk there from the Belvedere, which will take about 30 minutes. On the way you will be able to admire the Russian Orthodox Church, an unknown treasure of Vienna.

If your feet can’t take no more, then just hop on a bus or the metro (U3 or U4 lines) to Landstrasse / Wien-Mitte stations.

Just next to the house there is the Hundertwasser Village, which has been constructed with the same design as the house and combines cafes and souvenir shops. 500 meters away you also have the Kunst Haus Wien, the Hundertwasser museum.

For your last night in Vienna, head to the Danube Tower for incredible view over the city on last time.

Take the U1 metro line to the station VIC/Kaisermühlen, go through UNO-City and the DonauPark. Signs will guide you from the metro to reach the Danube Tower (14,90€*).

With its 352 meters, it is the tallest structure in Austria, and you can enjoy an incredible view over the city until midnight! There is a restaurant at the top of the tower which rotates during your meal! How cool is that?!

Vienna’s Hidden Gems

Vienna, often associated with its opulent palaces and renowned composers, holds within its bounds countless lesser-known treasures. When you’re setting out on a journey of just 3 days in Vienna, diving a little off the beaten path can lead to an enriching experience. Here’s a curated guide to some of Vienna’s underrated wonders and how to make the most of your 3-day stay.

An Artful 3 Days in Vienna Expedition 

For the art aficionados, 3 days in Vienna is a playground of visual delights. While many flock to the grandeur of the Belvedere Palace to witness the mesmerizing strokes of Gustav Klimt, fewer are aware of the Art Nouveau gems tucked away in corners of the city. 

The Leopold Museum, nestled within the Museum Quarter during your 3 days in Vienna, boasts an eclectic collection of modernist pieces, capturing the essence of Vienna’s rich artistic heritage. Moreover, while the Sigmund Freud Museum offers a deep dive into the psyche of one of history’s greatest minds, the museum also showcases lesser-known contemporary artworks inspired by Freud’s theories.

The Allure of the Lesser-Known in 3 Days in Vienna 

Beyond St. Stephen’s Cathedral lies St. Peter’s Church, a Baroque masterpiece that often escapes the typical tourist’s itinerary. Its ornate interiors and stunning frescoes offer a quiet retreat from the bustling streets of the Old Town. 

Likewise, the Vienna Woods, a patchwork of lush forests and vineyards, provides a serene backdrop for those looking to escape the city’s hustle during their 3 days in Vienna. Here, history enthusiasts can trace the footsteps of Emperor Franz Joseph and delve into tales of old.

The Day Trip Advantage of 3 Days in Vienna 

While Vienna itself is a mosaic of experiences, its proximity to Central Europe’s other gems is worth noting. A day trip to Cesky Krumlov not only unveils a UNESCO World Heritage site but also offers a picturesque journey through time, reminiscent of medieval tales and legends, fitting perfectly into your itinerary of 3 days in Vienna.

Optimizing Your 3 Days in Vienna Travel 

Navigating Vienna can be a breeze with the right tools. The Vienna Card can be your passport to the city, offering not only transportation benefits but also exclusive discounts at various attractions. For a more comprehensive experience during your 3 days in Vienna, the Vienna Pass can unlock doors to over 60 locations, ensuring you don’t miss out on any hidden gems.

Tips:

Transports:

Most attractions are in the center of the city so you can walk to most places, except the Schönbrunn Palace and the Danube tower. Depending on where you are and how fit you are I would also advise to consider taking transport to the Prater and Hundertwasser House.

There are two hop-on hop-off buses in Vienna: Big Bus Vienna and Vienna Sightseeing (28€*).

Vienna has also a great public transportation system.

But be careful! Although there are no ticket barriers at the metro entrance, there are frequent checks by undercover transport officers. So even if it’s tempting to just go through the gate for free, don’t. Make sure to buy and validate your ticket!

I’ve done the experience for you:  the agents have heard all the excuses… And if you say you have no IDs or money to pay the fine, they will take you to the nearest police station. So just pay your 2,40€ one-way ticket (or 8€ for a day-ticket), instead of your 105€ fine.

Another option is to rent a city bike as the bicing system is so great in Vienna! First hour is free and then 4€ per hour. Vienna is made for cycling, there are bikes lines everywhere, everyone is on a bike here so it’s very safe!

Coming From the Airport:

  • Cheapest: regular train to Wien Mitte station: 4.10€ (includes travel on entire Vienna public transport network) – 30 minutes

Discount Card:

*ALL attractions starred in the article are free with the Vienna Pass. If you plan on visiting as much as possible then this pass if a very good deal: you will save money and time (no queue with the pass!). With this pass you also have unlimited access to the Vienna Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off.

Price:  1 day adult: €59.00, child: €29.50 / 2 days adult: €89.00, child: €44.50 You can buy it online or near the Opera State House.

If you are more a relaxed traveler who would like to see only one or two things, then it may not pay off to purchase it. Look at the prices of the places you want to visit + transportation and see if it would be a good deal for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Did you know?

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is often referred to as the “City of Music” because it has been the home and inspiration for many famous classical composers. Some of the world’s most renowned musicians, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, and Johann Strauss II, lived and composed their masterpieces in Vienna.

The city’s musical heritage is celebrated through its numerous concert halls, opera houses, and music festivals, making Vienna a paradise for classical music enthusiasts. Visitors can attend performances at historic venues like the Vienna State Opera, listen to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and explore museums dedicated to these musical geniuses. Vienna’s rich musical history continues to influence and inspire musicians and music lovers from around the world.

Bottomline

Vienna, like every city, has a whole lot to offer. If it is culture, food or simply just the mentality of the people and the aura of its places.

If you are hooked with the idea of going to Vienna than don’t forget to sign up for our 5 secret tips.

But even more important, we would like to hear from you:

What are your thoughts about Vienna? Is there anything missing in this guide? Do you have open questions? We love to discuss travel so go ahead and fire away, there are no wrong comments!

Also, please let us know how your trip went and what was the most exciting part about it.

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