If you’re wondering how much time you’ll need to see most of Vienna, this post provides an itinerary and other things you might want to see or do while visiting the city.
- How Many Days Are Enough?
- 3-Day Itinerary
- More Things to Do and See
- Best Time to Visit Vienna?
- How to Get Around Vienna
Travel planning is an art.
It's crucial to know how much time you may need in a city to truly enjoy it, and it's also important to know how much it could cost.
This section will aid in budgeting and scheduling, and ultimately in ensuring a fulfilling travel experience.
Are 2 days in Vienna enough?
Two days can offer a taste of Vienna, covering some of the major sites like Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and perhaps a museum or two. However, it might feel rushed.
How much money do I need for 2 days in Vienna?
You might need around 150-200 Euros per day for a comfortable stay including meals, accommodation, and sightseeing, making it 300-400 Euros for 2 days.
Are 3 days in Vienna enough?
Three days can give you a more relaxed exploration of Vienna. You can add more sites like the Vienna State Opera, and Hofburg Palace, or take a stroll along the Danube.
How much money do I need for 3 days in Vienna?
Based on the estimate of around 150-200 Euros per day, you might need around 450-600 Euros for a 3-day stay.
Are 4 days in Vienna enough?
Four days would provide a deeper exploration of the city, allowing you to visit some of the lesser-known sites, enjoy more museums, or even attend a classical concert.
How much money do I need for 4 days in Vienna?
Based on the above estimates of 150-200 Euros per day around 600-800 Euros should be budgeted for 4 days.
Are 5 days in Vienna enough? Or is it too much?
Five days in Vienna would not be too much if you enjoy soaking up the local culture and atmosphere.
This would allow more leisure time and flexibility. It could also provide time for a day trip to nearby places such as Bratislava or the Wachau Valley.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Vienna?
Considering the budget of 150 to 200 euro per day, a budget of 750-1000 Euros could be suitable for 5 days.
We have designed a 3-day itinerary to spend some quality time in Vienna.
This is the average time that you need to see some of the major tourist attractions without losing interest or running out of money.
This 3-day Vienna tour is described in the next section of this article.
3-Days Vienna Itinerary
Starting out in the cultural and historic "Inner City" (world heritage site), this itinerary takes you off the beaten path into contemporary Vienna’s art and social scene.
You may have already read our blog on 25 Things to Do in Vienna offering an exhaustive list for you to pick and choose from.
Here we have provided a detailed overview of the highlights of the city.
This itinerary will have you exploring the historic and cultural highlights in the "Inner City," enjoying an excursion to the Danube water streams, and more.
You might also find yourself hitting up a “Würstelstand” or even admiring some modern street art.
Here are a few extra tips to consider before heading out on this adventure.
- First things first, we take our food seriously when we travel, and so do the Viennese.
- Start your (every) day in Vienna by trying out different traditional coffee houses (Kaffehaus). Whether its Café Hawelka or Café Lantmen, coffee houses are rife with history and energy.
- Sausage kiosks, Wurstelstand, are a must-try and offer a range of sausages from cheese-filled to spicy or smoked.
- Incorporate Strudel Tasting at the Schonbrunn Palace to experience apple strudel in the making
- Secondly, Vienna is rather walkable, so look up our offering of free walking tours to maximize your time, especially when in the Old Town neighborhood.
- Thirdly, stretch your spending with a Vienna City Card, which provides discounts on access to the major museums, the Danube Tower, and the Giant Ferris Wheel.
This blog will lay out 3 unforgettable days for you and your family in Vienna. Excited? So are we!
Let's get started.
Day 1 in Vienna
The first day of this itinerary will check some of the most notable highlights in Vienna off your list.
We'll start at Mozarthaus and move along through the city to several other historic sites.
Mozarthaus
Mozart, the famous composer of classical music, lived in Vienna and one of his homes is situated in Old Town.
It’s a wonderful introduction to life in Vienna in the 18th century and a closer look into Mozart’s life.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral or the Stephansdom
A quick walk from the Mozarthaus will bring you to the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the home of the Catholic Church’s Bishop in Vienna.
The structure is as stunning as its history, as is the building’s fortitude through wars and tests of time.
You can walk through the interiors, for sure, but our favorite recommendation is to check out the catacombs.
For a view of the city, go up the North Tower (on an elevator). Hey, we got your back.
Wien Museum or the Vienna Museum (the main building on Karlsplatz)
We absolutely love this dedicated building to the history and art of Vienna, celebrating the city’s notable residents over the ages.
Karskirche
Located right by the Wien Museum is the 18th-century St. Charles Church, built mainly to celebrate the end of the plague in the city and to honor St. Charles, known to be the plague healer.
Naschmarkt
You must be tired of soaking it all in by now, so head over to the Naschmarkt and call it a day.
Choose from the many eateries and compose your dinner of exotic spices, cheeses, olives or even sushi.
Day 2 in Vienna
Get pumped up for your second day in Vienna with a cup of coffee. Ok, let's add a small cake (Sachertorte) as well.
Today, we have planned for you a half day at the Schonbrunn Palace complex, followed by lunch.
In the late afternoon, get on a relaxing city river cruise and enjoy an evening ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel.
Schönbrunn Palace
Read all about everything there is to do at the Schonbrunn Palace on our detailed blog which covers information about tickets and tours, the palace itself, the park, the zoo, as well as the Children’s Museum.
A trip to Vienna cannot be complete without understanding the rise of the mightiest family in Europe, the Habsburgs.
City River Cruise
With the Danube River running through the city, a river cruise is a must.
It's relaxing and easy (especially with kids), and a welcome change from your heavy walk this morning.
There is a lot to look at and even surprising facades with street art. Many tourist passes include such type of a cruise.
Prater Amusement Park and the Giant Ferris Wheel
Prater Park is an enormous park sprawling over miles (includes a beer garden and a mini railway line) and houses an amusement park.
The giant Vienna Riesenrand Ferris Wheel is here, and it's a thrilling ride with a view. There are tons of eating options around, so your dinner is also taken care of.
Day 3 in Vienna
We are suckers for art, as it brings to life the true vibe of a city. So today we have you visiting Albertina first.
After that, according to us, the 7th District is the place to check out on your last day in Vienna.
Laden with alternative bars, music, people, artwork, and vintage photography, this is where the hip and cool are seen.
Also, if you plan to check out of your hotel or Airbnb today and need to store your luggage, you can find out all about it on our Luggage Storage in Vienna blog.
Albertina
Kill two birds with one stone by visiting this lovely art museum housed in the Hofburg Palace complex.
The Albertina has one of the largest print rooms in the world and boasts a varied collection from Monet to Picasso.
The staterooms feature commanding architecture, a view into the luxury and opulence of lifestyle and furnishings.
7th District or Neubau
With vibes like those in the East Village of New York City, Neubau offers an alternative side to historic Vienna.
While Neubau is no longer a hidden secret from the tourists, you can still pat yourself on the back for exploring off-the-beaten paths in Vienna.
From super cute cafes to awesome thrift shopping, you will find yourself amazed at the vast collection of art packed in this neighborhood.
Walk all the way to check out Vienna’s Museum Quarter, especially the MUMOK, an amazing modern art museum.
More Things to Do in Vienna
If you should find yourself with enough time for other activities after completing this itinerary, or you want to switch out some of the attractions with locations you are more interested in visiting, this section will cover some of the other great things to do in Vienna.
1. Visit the Vienna State Opera House
The Vienna State Opera House is one of the leading opera houses in the world.
Not only does it offer stunning architectural design, but it also hosts world-class performances throughout the year.
If you're a fan of music, art, or history, this venue deserves a visit.
2. Go to the Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere is two palaces: the Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere.
Stunning gardens and impressive art collections surround the palaces.
Here, you can also see Gustav Klimt's iconic painting "The Kiss."
3. Head to a Museum
Vienna is rich in museums, including the following examples.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum offers historical artifacts and classic art, and the Natural History Museum showcases fascinating geological and anthropological exhibits.
The Sigmund Freud Museum provides a deep dive into the life of the founder of psychoanalysis.
4. Explore the Imperial Palace
The Hofburg is the former winter residence of the Habsburg monarchs, including Emperor Franz Joseph.
Today, it houses the Imperial Apartments, the Imperial Silver Collection, and the Sisi Museum, where you can learn about Empress Elizabeth’s life.
5. Discover Rathaus (City Hall)
The Vienna City Hall, or Rathaus, is an impressive Neo-Gothic building and administrative center.
It's particularly beautiful when lit up at night, and it hosts a delightful Christmas market in winter.
6. See a Concert at Musikverein
The Musikverein is a concert hall famous for its acoustics and the New Year's Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic.
The Golden Hall within the Musikverein is known for its grandeur and artistic detail.
7. Take a Day Trip
Vienna's central location is ideal for day trips.
Through these free or paid tours, you will get to see the panoramic scenery of Vienna and will wow your tastebuds with amazing food and wine-tasting experiences.
Here are some day trips you can consider:
- Vienna: Hallstatt & Alpine Peaks Day Trip
- Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour
- From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting
8. Take a Guided Tour
If you prefer a structured exploration, consider taking one of our free walking tours.
Guided by local experts, these tours provide deep insights into the city's history, architecture, and culture.
Check out our detailed post here for a more comprehensive list of things to do in Vienna.
What is the Best Time to Visit Vienna?
Whether you’re interested in learning more about when to experience the best weather in Vienna or you just want to know the best time of the year to save money on travel, this section will provide tips to consider if you’re trying to decide when to visit this beautiful city.
When is the best time for the weather?
The best time to visit Vienna for the most pleasant weather is between April and October, with the summer months of June, July, and August being particularly sunny and warm.
When is the best time to save money?
The off-peak winter months, from late November to March (excluding the Christmas and New Year periods), tend to be the best for budget travelers as accommodation and flight costs are usually lower due to decreased demand.
Consider visiting during a shoulder season
The term "shoulder season" refers to the periods between peak and off-peak seasons, typically spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) in the case of Vienna.
These periods can be a great time to visit as they often combine decent weather with more affordable prices.
During the shoulder season, you may find that hotels and flights are cheaper compared to the peak tourist season, and the city is less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
Plus, you'll still have a chance to participate in many of the city's cultural offerings that run throughout the year.
How to Get Around Vienna
Vienna has an excellent public transportation system which includes trams, buses, and a subway (U-Bahn), making it easy for visitors to move around.
Trains are especially useful for longer distances.
A convenient option for first-time visitors is hop-on hop-off bus tours, such as those offered by Big Bus Vienna.
These tours allow you to get an overview of the city and its landmarks at your own pace.
You can hop off at any stop to explore further and then hop back on the next bus when you're ready to move on.
If you're looking for a more active and unique way to explore, consider renting kick bikes. You can navigate the city's streets and parks while getting a bit of exercise.
Lastly, Vienna's city center is quite walkable, with many attractions within easy reach of each other.
