Vienna Travel Guide: Itinerary, Must-See and Travel Tips

📌 Vienna Travel Guide

Easily find what you need by clicking on the topics below:

• 🗺️ Ultimate 3-Day Vienna Itinerary – A complete step-by-step guide to exploring the best of Vienna.

  
  

• 🛌 Best Places to Stay in Vienna – Where to book accommodations in Innere Stadt, Leopoldstadt, and Keplerplatz.

  
  

• 🚍 How to Get Around Vienna – Public transport, bike rentals, and travel tips.

  
  

• 💸 Vienna Travel Costs & Budget Guide – Accommodation, food, transport, and activity prices.

  
  

• 🌤️ Best Time to Visit Vienna – Weather, seasons, and when to plan your trip for the best experience.

  
  

• 🍴 What to Eat in Vienna & Best Restaurants – Traditional Austrian dishes and top dining spots.

🗺️ Ultimate 3-Day Vienna Itinerary: Explore the Best of the city

Get ready for a whirlwind adventure in Vienna! This 3-day itinerary will take you through the best sights and experiences in the Austrian capital. From exploring grand palaces and museums to enjoying local coffee and cakes, you’ll get to soak in the culture, history, and charm that makes Vienna a must-visit destination.

😎 Day 1: Explore Vienna's Historic Heart

Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose your accommodation from a variety of options. Since you have a 3-day itinerary in Vienna, a 2-night stay won’t break the bank.

If you're looking for a more affordable stay, consider areas like Keplerplatz, where you'll find budget-friendly hotels or hostels. If you'd like to be more centrally located, areas near the Innere Stadt offer proximity to major attractions but can be pricier. Either way, Vienna's public transport system will make it easy to get around.

Start your day by visiting the 📍Votive Church, located in the 9th district. This stunning neo-Gothic church is an architectural gem, known for its intricate facade and impressive spires.

💥 Pro tip: It’s a peaceful spot to relax and start your day. Bring a blanket, grab a coffee or a pastry from a nearby café, and enjoy breakfast on the church’s square.

From Votive Church, it’s just a short walk to 📍Rathausplatz, home to the striking 📍Vienna City Hall . The Rathaus is an impressive neo-Gothic building, and you can admire its towers and intricate architecture from the square.

Next, take a stroll to the nearby 📍Austrian Parliament.

Afterward, make your way to the 📍Justizpalast. This is one of my personal favorite buildings in Vienna, and you can visit free of charge so do not miss during your 3 days itinerary in Vienna.

For your evening plans, take a slightly more relaxed approach with a visit to the Danube River. There are several stylish bars on boats where you can enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the water.

😎 Day 2: Vienna's Imperial and Architectural Highlights

Start your second day with a visit to the vibrant 📍Naschmarkt again if you want a leisurely breakfast or a morning snack at one of the market’s many cafés. From here, it’s only a short walk to the 📍Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence of the Habsburg dynasty. At the Hofburg Palace, you can explore the Sisi Museum, dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

Afterward, walk to 📍St. Peter’s Catholic Church, one of the city’s most beautiful Baroque churches in Austria.

Next, head to the iconic 📍St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna’s most famous landmark. You can visit the Cathedral's Tower for panoramic views.

After lunch, make your way to the beautiful 📍St. Charles Church. This Baroque church, with its impressive dome and columns, is one of Vienna’s most stunning architectural masterpieces.

Next, head to the 📍Schloss Belvedere, a majestic Baroque palace complex that houses an incredible art collection, including Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss.

This day is perfect for those interested in Vienna’s imperial history, architectural beauty, and art collections.

😎 Day 3: Vienna's Royal Heritage and Creative Spaces

Start your day early with a visit to 📍Schönbrunn Palace, one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The former summer residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and lush gardens. It’s the perfect way to end your 3-day Vienna itinerary, giving you a taste of the city's history and beauty.

💥 Pro tip: Take the U4 (green metro line) and get off at Schönbrunn station. From there, it's just a short 5-minute walk to the palace entrance.

You can easily spend several hours at Schönbrunn Palace, as there are various tour options to explore the palace, stunning gardens to stroll through, and even a zoo to visit on the palace grounds.

Next, make a stop at 📍Hundertwasser Village, where the colorful, unique architectural style of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser comes to life.

Then head to 📍Prater Park, a large green space that offers both relaxation and entertainment. The Giant Ferris Wheel is the park’s iconic attraction, providing stunning views of Vienna. If you're looking for more fun, explore the amusement park.

🛏️ Where to stay in Vienna: Inner Stadt, leopodstadt and Keplerplatz

Vienna offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommended areas, including Keplerplatz, where we stayed:

Innere Stadt: Historic Heart of Vienna

Central location, close to major attractions like St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, and the Vienna State Opera. Can be more expensive than other districts.

Leopoldstadt: Cultural District of Vienna

A mix of cultural attractions and parks, including the Prater. It’s just a short walk or tram ride to the city center.

Keplerplatz: Local Vibe of Vienna

A quieter, residential area that offers a more local experience. There are local shops, cafes, and good transport links to the city center.

Vienna has an excellent public transport system, so staying slightly outside the city center can still be convenient.

🚌 How to get around in Vienna: Public transport, walking and more

Vienna has an efficient public transport system, making it easy to navigate the city.

🚍 Public Transport: The Best Way to Explore

Vienna has an efficient and well-connected public transport network consisting of trams, buses, the U-Bahn (metro), and S-Bahn (suburban trains). You can easily navigate the city using the Vienna Card or purchase individual tickets.

Ticket Prices:

• Single Ticket: €2.40

• 24-Hour Pass: €8.00

• 48-Hour Pass: €14.10

• 72-Hour Pass: €17.10

👣 Walking: Easy exploration

If you're in the city center, Vienna is very walkable. The historic districts are packed with attractions, and you’ll find something new every 100 meters. It's the best way to immerse yourself in Vienna's charm.

🚲 Bicycles: Bike friendly

Vienna is a bike-friendly city, and there are plenty of rental options available, making it easy to explore parks, riversides, and hidden corners.

💸 How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Vienna? A Complete Budget Breakdown

Vienna can be a bit pricey, especially in the city center and for popular attractions, but there are still affordable options if you plan ahead. Public transport and meals at local cafés offer good value, while accommodation can range from budget-friendly to luxury depending on your preferences.

🏠 Accommodation in Vienna

In Vienna, accommodation options range from budget to luxury. You can find hostels for around €20-€40 per night, while mid-range hotels typically cost between €80-€150 for a double room. Booking in advance often helps secure better rates, especially during peak tourist seasons.

🍽️ Food and dining in Vienna

A meal at a casual restaurant costs around €10-€15, while a mid-range restaurant might charge €20-€30 per person. To save a bit, we found it better to eat at places a bit outside the center.

🚍 Transportation in Vienna

Getting around Vienna is budget-friendly. A single ticket for public transport costs €2.40, while a 24-hour pass is €8.00, and a 72-hour pass is €17.10. Renting a bike is another great option, with the first hour of Citybike rentals being free.

🏰 Attractions in Vienna

Many attractions in Vienna are either free or have a nominal entry fee. Museums usually charge between €10-€15 for admission, while some may offer discounted rates on certain days.

🌤️ Vienna's Climate: The Best Time to Visit

If you’re thinking about visiting Vienna, the best times to go are in spring or autumn.

🌷 Spring is so beautiful with mild weather and everything blooming, perfect for wandering around and enjoying outdoor events.

🍁 Autumn brings stunning fall colors, and the temperatures are still nice for sightseeing, but without the summer crowds.

🌞 Speaking of summer, it’s super lively with festivals, but it can get pretty hot and crowded, plus prices are higher.

🌨️ Winter has its own charm, especially with the Christmas markets, but it can be really cold. I’d say spring and autumn are the sweetest spots to experience the city’s vibe and culture.

🍴 What to Eat in Vienna: The city’s Top Dishes and Best Restaurants

Vienna is renowned for its hearty and comforting cuisine, offering a mix of traditional Austrian dishes and international flavors. Don’t miss trying Wiener Schnitzel, the iconic breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet, or indulge in a slice of Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake filled with apricot jam.

Wiener Schnitzel

A breaded and fried veal cutlet, typically served with a lemon wedge and potato salad or parsley potatoes.

Schweinsbraten

Roast pork, typically served with crispy crackling and often accompanied by dumplings and cabbage.

Sachertorte

A famous chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam, typically served with a dollop of whipped cream.

Apfelstrudel

A delicious apple strudel, filled with spiced apples and raisins, often served warm with vanilla sauce or ice cream.

Almdudler

A popular herbal lemonade that’s refreshing and often enjoyed on its own or as a mixer.

🍽️  Best Restaurants to Try These Dishes in Vienna:

• Kaiser's

• Kolonitz Beisl

• Hemmers

• Landstein