With world-class palaces and luxurious museums, there are a bunch of grand issues to do in Vienna. Get impressed with hovering music, a grasping artwork assortment, and conventional cafes in probably the most stately cities in Europe.
LAST UPDATE: 18 Nov 2023
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Residence to the Habsburg Royal household who dominated the Austro-Hungarian Empire and sat on the throne of the Holy Roman Empire for 300 years, Vienna wears its historic wealth and grandeur on its sleeve.
Few locations in Europe can compete with Vienna’s imposing array of state flats, royal collections, grandmasters, gothic structure, and baroque halls.
However there’s extra to do in Vienna than beautiful galleries and ostentatious palaces. Artists similar to Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss all frolicked right here and music nonetheless radiates from its soul.
There are old-school neighborhoods full of grand boulevards and conventional espresso homes the place philosophical ramblings formed the trendy psyche. Fashionable areas with colourful avenue artwork, and a canal-side city house with pop-up bars and a vibe that pulls cool younger issues.
Whilst you might see most of the greatest issues to do in two days, we recommend 3 days in Vienna. That approach you’ll be able to go to greater than a few museums and get beneath the pores and skin of Europe’s capital of regal cool.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
WHAT TO DO IN VIENNA ON A 3-DAY ITINERARY
This information accommodates the highlights to not be missed on a go to to Vienna together with useful suggestions and our recommended itinerary for 3 days.
3 DAYS IN VIENNA ITINERARY
Right here’s the way to seize all the very best issues to do in Vienna in 3 days. Now we have damaged them down to reduce the strolling and break up the museums.
DAY 1
- Amble the parks and grand buildings from the Rathaus to the Hofburg Palace.
- Go to the unbelievable Austrian Nationwide Library.
- Discover the Innere Stadt taking in Stephandsom Cathedral, the Kinsky Palace and Festrel Passage.
- Alongside the best way, take in Austrian tradition in considered one of its many effective espresso homes earlier than ending the day with dinner at a beisl.
DAY 2
- Begin the day by admiring the grand façade of Schloss Belvedere earlier than heading into the Oberes Belvedere to see the biggest Klimt assortment on the planet.
- Stroll the college space and go to Karlskirche.
- Seize lunch at both the microbrewery of Salm Bach or at a stall within the Naschmarkt.
- Within the afternoon discover Leopoldstadt and the canal, stopping to see the road artwork, grabbing a drink on the riverbank, and pottering round cool retailers.
- Because the solar units get a view of Vienna from above on both the Reisenrad or whereas sipping cocktails at Das Loft, earlier than winding right down to get pleasure from an evening of music.
DAY 3
- Spend the morning at both the Leopold, Albertina, or Kunsthistorisches Museums earlier than decamping to the Palmenhaus for lunch.
- Within the afternoon, take a tour of the Staatsoper after which recharge with candy Kaiserschmarrn at Demel.
- Because the night advances seize a seat on the terrace at Dachboden Loft, within the 25Hours Lodge for sundown drinks overlooking Vienna.
THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA
1 – HOFBURG PALACE
The Habsburgs, often known as the Home of Austria, have been one of many nice Royal households of Europe and for 300 years they sat on the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. Their house was the sprawling Hofburg Palace, a sequence of interconnected buildings forming one of many unmissable issues to do in Vienna.
Initially constructed for defensive functions in 1279, it was step by step remodeled into an ostentatious imperial palace. At the moment, grand façades conceal the house of the Austrian president and a wealth of artifacts acquired over centuries.
HIGHLIGHTS AT THE HOFBURG PALACE
Sisi Museum // Positioned within the Imperial Flats, the Sisi Museum accommodates private objects of Empress Elisabeth in lavishly appointed rooms. The ticket consists of entry to the Imperial Flats and the Imperial Silver Assortment – ebook a guided tour.
Spanish Using College // See the attractive white Lipizzaner stallions carry out traditional equestrian actions in excellent sync with music in entrance of the Baroque palace – ebook a guided tour.
Imperial Treasury Museum // Witness a few of the most essential treasures on the planet on the Imperial Treasury Museum. The spotlight is the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire – ebook skip-the-line tickets.
Austrian Nationwide Library // The one most spectacular attraction on the Hofburg Palace is the Austrian Nationwide Library which accommodates over 200,000 historic books. Extra about this subsequent.
TOP TIP | HOFBURG WALKING TOUR
The Hofburg Palace occupies a lot of central Vienna. Probably the greatest methods to get your bearings is on a strolling tour of the town which incorporates a number of websites within the palace advanced.
2 – AUSTRIAN NATIONAL LIBRARY (ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK)
Rooms don’t get any extra spectacular than the Prunksaal, the Grand Corridor within the middle of the Austrian Nationwide Library. Century-old wood bookcases maintain over 200,000 medieval leather-bound books that attain as much as the 20-meter-high ceiling.
The domed roof, supported by towering pillars with intricately carved marble reliefs, is wealthy in dramatic frescoes – a daring show of imperial aptitude.
Other than the majestic show of Habsburg wealth and energy, it’s additionally the biggest library in Austria. Sadly, the books are out of bounds, however it’s nonetheless an exquisite factor to do in Vienna.
E book — tickets on-line prematurely.
3 – STEPHANDSOM (ST STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL)
The Innere Stadt is the outdated middle of Vienna. Surrounded by the Ringstraße which marks the route of the previous metropolis partitions, it’s right here you’ll discover the center and soul of the town in addition to most of the greatest sights.
Prime of the record and bang within the middle is Stephandsom – St Stephen’s Cathedral. Hovering above the remainder of the inside metropolis its steeple stands above a colourful tiled roof.
Inside it’s darkish and gloomy and distinctly Gothic with slim columns extenuating its top.
In 2021 the ‘Ladder to Heaven’ fashionable artwork set up was added to the cathedral. It represents the connection to heaven and earth and it provides a cool fashionable distinction to an outdated medieval constructing.
A good way to expertise the Gothic house is to attend a classical live performance at Stephendsom.
4 – INNERE STADT
It’s value spending a couple of hours exploring the streets of the Innere Stadt that encompass the church. There are majestic façades, slim passageways, cute and quirky retailers, and quite a few hidden church buildings to hunt out.
Pop into Palais Kinsky, an impressive baroque palace with a surprising entrance corridor and grand staircase.
The Ferstel Passage, a quaint outdated buying arcade can also be properly value exploring. A few of the highlights are Xocolat, a wonderful chocolate store; Caffe Couture, a wonderful espresso roaster; and Beaulieu, a effective French restaurant.
All of the places are marked on our map under.
5 – COFFEE CULTURE
The Viennese take their espresso homes severely. Some are tucked into slim alleyways whereas others stand proud on the corners of sweeping boulevards. In case you are spending 2 or 3 days in Vienna, you’ll have loads of time to strive a couple of.
Café Central – Housed in an imposing constructing the inside of Cafe Central is paying homage to a Turkish palace with a grand arched ceiling. A pianist performs from 3.30 pm to eight.30 pm day by day (besides Tuesdays). Café Central is a very fashionable factor to do in Vienna, so queues could be lengthy. Think about reserving forward.
Café Leopold Hawelka – Our favorite coffeehouse in Vienna, Leopold Hawelka is an old-school cafe simply south of Stephandsom. With a selection of bistro tables or outdated striped cushioned cubicles, it has all of the environment you need from a Viennese cafe.
Kleines Café – This tiny coffeehouse on a beautiful little hidden sq. with cobbled stones and an outdated fountain is the proper place to absorb the Viennese way of life.
6 – SACHERTORTE, STRUDEL AND KAISERSCHMARRN
Main the candy choices in Vienna is Sachertorte. A dense chocolate cake with layers interrupted by candy apricot jam; completed in a chocolate glaze. It’s the dessert staple in most Vienne institutions, however the unique is claimed by Café Sacher.
One other nice dessert to strive is Kaiserschmarrn. This candy fluffy pancake with rum-soaked raisins is ripped aside, caramelized, and served with powdered sugar and a fruit protect. It’s scrumptious and the very best we had was at Demel.
We wouldn’t precisely say we have been captivated by Apple Strudel as most guests to Vienna are, nonetheless, the punters at Café Central appeared fairly proud of their resolution.
7 – SCHLOSS BELVEDERE
The Schloss Belvedere is likely one of the world’s most interesting baroque palaces and a must-see in your Vienna itinerary.
There are three museums to select from contained in the ornate constructing, however we extremely advocate not less than visiting the Higher Belvedere. Housed in the principle palace in a mixture of marble, frescoed, and stuccoed rooms, it’s an essential assortment of Habsburg artwork.
The spotlight is the primary ground which focuses on Viennese artwork from 1880-1914, together with the biggest assortment of Gustav Klimt items on the planet. There are additionally the expressive busts of Franz Xaver Messerschmidt.
Solely barely much less overwhelming are the Impressionists, Romantics, and Realists that maintain sway on the ground above. With opulent rooms, pretty gardens, sweeping metropolis views, and informative captions, it’s a good way to discover the historical past of artwork development in an inspiring setting.
The 2 different museums are the Decrease Belvedere & Belvedere 21. Each have short-term exhibitions, so it’s value seeing what’s on before you purchase tickets.
8 – KARLSKIRCHE (ST CHARLES CHURCH)
Constructed within the 18th century after the nice plague had swept via Europe, Karlskirche is the best Baroque church in Vienna. Its copper domed roof is flanked on both aspect by towering columns resembling Trajan’s in Rome and supported by what appears like a Greek temple.
Unencumbered by surrounding buildings and standing on the sting of flower-filled Resselpark, it’s one of many nice picture alternatives in Vienna.
The within of the church (€8) is spectacular additionally with frescoed ceilings, a spiral staircase, a small treasury, and views over the town.
Karlskirche is acknowledged as probably the most excellent live performance venues in Vienna. Probably the greatest methods to get a peek inside is by attending the Mozart & Vivaldi concert events carried out on interval devices by the well-known Orchestra 1756.
9 – NASCHMARKT
Consisting of about 120 stalls, the Vienna Naschmarkt is a vibrant culinary journey via the flavours of Europe and the Center East.
It ranges from conventional Austrian sausages and cheeses to Italian pasta and Turkish dried fruit and baklava.
There are espresso retailers and wine retailers, locations to purchase garments and rugs, and loads of attention-grabbing little cafes for lunch. Sit in sheepskin-covered chairs at Neni am Naschmarkt and luxuriate in Israeli-influenced creations, or dine amongst milliner artifacts at Nomade Moderne.
Saturday is the busiest time to go to with extra of the stalls open and an enormous flea market underway. Progress is slower, however the environment is buzzing.
10 – LEOPOLD MUSEUM
There are few cities with extra museums than Vienna, and there are solely so many you’ll be able to go to in 2 or 3 days, however we advocate together with the Leopold Museum.
Devoted to Secession Artwork (for which Viennese artists have been probably the most influential), it tracks the historic break between the conservative artwork of the 19th century and the avant-garde artists of the 20th.
Gustav Klimt led the group, however the museum delves deeper into his follower’s works similar to Egon Schiele and Richard Gerstl. Unfold over two flooring it’s unsettling, provocative, fully enthralling, and completely Viennese.
E book — skip-the-line tickets for the Leopold Museum.
11 – ALBERTINA MUSEUM
Whereas the Leopold Museum offers a singular perception into Viennese Artwork the Albertina Museum is a whirlwind tour of European artwork from Monet to Picasso.
As soon as a exceptional personal assortment however gifted to the state, it’s a journey via impressionism, pointillism, and cubism to early fashionable.
Be engrossed by the brushstrokes of Monet, Picasso, Kandinsky, Klee, Miro, and Chagall.
Momentary exhibitions are housed on the highest and backside ground. On our go to, we have been fortunate to be handled to a Dialogue with Edvard Munch, which displayed his work and people of artists closely influenced by him, together with Francis Bacon & Tracey Emin.
E book — skip-the-line tickets for the Albertina Museum.
12 – KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM
Our last museum advice is the Kunsthistorisches (KHM) Museum, the granddaddy of museums in Vienna. It homes most of the treasures of the Habsburgs and is so immense you possibly can spend an entire day right here. There are 4 good causes to go to.
Firstly, in case you are focused on historic historical past there’s a plethora of Greek, Roman and Assyrian sculptures, mosaics, and vases, all fantastically lit in comfortable atmospheric gentle.
Secondly, the extensive assortment of unusual curiosities picked up by the Habsburg Emperors over the centuries might preserve you intrigued for hours. Thirdly, the amount of works by grandmasters from the sixteenth to 18th centuries together with Rubens, Bruegel, van Dyck, Titian, and Tintoretto is immense.
However probably the greatest causes to go to is the magnificent constructing they’re housed in. Sweeping staircases, frescoed ceilings, gray marble pillars and large doorways join the rooms adorned with essential artwork.
E book — skip-the-line tickets for Kunsthistorisches.
13 – LUNCH AT PALMENHAUS
Palmenhaus – an enormous greenhouse restaurant – is close to most of the museums and an amazing place to relaxation the weary legs after hours of strolling round. Dine inside with towering palms throughout you or benefit from the outside terrace overlooking the park.
It’s an amazing place to seize a espresso or a glass of wine. In addition they had some fairly respectable vegetarian choices, one thing that wasn’t too straightforward to seek out in lots of locations in Vienna.
14 – LEOPOLDSTADT & CANAL
If the Innere Stadt is house to outdated Vienna then Leopoldstadt, simply throughout the canal, is the youthful cooler neighbour. There are three good areas to discover.
Karmeliterviertel is a classy city neighborhood with a laidback and unpretentious vibe. Its important market (Karmerlitermarkt) has a wide range of meals stalls through the week however turns into a vibrant farmers’ market on Saturday.
Down by the canal, fashionable avenue artwork brightens up the partitions, whereas on sunny days locals flock to the bars and barges lining the waterfront. You possibly can rent a motorbike, go for a swim in a pool barge or just seize a drink and watch the world go by.
15 – DINNER IN A BEISL
To soak up old style Vienna probably the greatest issues to do is have a meal in a beisl. These conventional bistros are pared-back, down-to-earth institutions which were serving the identical fare for hundreds of years.
Normal favourites are Wiener Schnitzel; slow-cooked beef goulash with dumplings; and Tafelspitz – Viennese-style boiled beef. Wash all of it down with wine or regionally brewed beer and finish with a home made strudel.
Two of the very best are Griechenbeisl which has been serving meals in atmospheric wood-paneled rooms since 1447 and Glacis Beisl which has an exquisite outside courtyard lit by low-hanging lights. The odd vegetarian dish has crept onto the menu – however don’t count on a lot selection in the event you’re not a meat eater.
16 – RATHAUS (VIENNA CITY HALL)
Towering over the Ringstraße is Vienna’s monumental Gothic city corridor. Its richly adorned façade consists of a number of layers of arches rising to 5 spindly turrets. The design is intricate and fantastically symmetrical.
There’s a free tour to look inside the inside however merely staring up on the exterior is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Vienna.
17 – STAATSOPER & VIENNA BOYS CHOIR
Within the 18th and 19th centuries, the wealth and energy of the Habsburgs attracted many composers seeking to make their dwelling. Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, and Brahms are only a few who frolicked creating masterpieces in Vienna.
Befitting this heritage Vienna has some nice music venues.
The Musikverein and its golden corridor is house to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of many most interesting on the planet. The Vienna Boys Choir enthralls audiences on Sundays on the Imperial Court docket Chapel.
Lastly, there are few grander or older opera homes than the Staatsoper. Seeing a efficiency is nice, however even in the event you don’t wish to stump up for the tickets it’s value taking a tour. Not solely is the principle live performance corridor an impressive sweep of pink velvet and curved bins however even the intermission rooms and staircases are beautiful.
18 – SUNSET DRINKS AT DACHBODEN LOFT, 25HOURS HOTEL
The rooftop bar of the 25 Hours Lodge, Dachboden Loft, is likely one of the greatest locations in Vienna for a relaxed cocktail to observe sundown over the town.
Pleasant employees, a calming environment, reside music and well-priced cocktails make it probably the greatest rooftop bars within the metropolis.
The indoor house has an urban-inspired design, and the outside terrace has wonderful views over Hofburg Palace and Rathaus.
Some traditional bar snacks can be found to order, or you’ll be able to seize a pizza from the restaurant on the bottom ground and produce it as much as the bar. A dance ground that appears like somebody’s lounge slowly swings into motion because the night progresses.
19 – SIGMUND FREUD MUSEUM
The Sigmund Freud Museum is the place the founding father of psychoanalysis lived and labored for 47 years earlier than being pressured to flee from the Nazis.
Go to all of the rooms the place Sigmund and Anna Freud held their practices. There are exhibitions on the household’s life and the historical past of the event of psychoanalysis, in addition to unique items of furnishings on mortgage from the London Museum.
It’s an attention-grabbing exhibition, though you don’t want lengthy to go searching.
Common occasions and exhibitions happen within the museum. Take a look at what’s on throughout your go to at freud-museum.at
20 – RIDE THE WIENER RIESENRAD AT PRATER PARK
Prater Park, the town’s inexperienced playground, accommodates Wurstelprater. This large amusement park is full of nostalgic goals of outdated enjoyable gala’s with sufficient loopy ridess for the children.
Experience the mysterious ghost practice, hit the go-carts, or amble via a enjoyable home. It’s an amazing factor to do in Vienna with youngsters.
The park is greatest recognized for the massive Ferris wheel, Wiener Riesenrad, featured within the movie The Third Man starring Orson Wells. Though the park is just open from March to October, the Ferris Wheel runs all yr climate allowing.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA
Our record of the 18 greatest issues to do in Vienna is curated from our favourite experiences throughout our journeys to the town. However listed below are a couple of extra that you just may fancy.
SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
One other grand Habsburg palace, Schonbrunn Palace is a 30-minute practice journey from the middle of city. Full with lavish baroque rooms and grand gardens on a mighty scale, Mozart performed right here in 1786. E book skip-the-line tickets to Schönbrunn Palace.
SECESSION BUILDING
In case you are a fan of Klimt, pop in to see his Beethoven Frieze on the Secession Constructing.
HEURIGER
A heuriger is a tavern the place native winemakers serve their very own tipple. Most are positioned on the outskirts of the town, so that they take a little bit of attending to, however when you’ve got the time, it’s a enjoyable conventional evening out. This information has some nice concepts.
MUMOK
In the event you really feel you possibly can see some extra fashionable artwork, head to MUMOK. Specializing in the 20th and 21st centuries, it’s a mixture of nouveau realism, pop artwork, cubism, and photorealism in an imposing gray granite block of a constructing.
HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN VIENNA
We advocate staying 2 to three days in Vienna. In two days, you’ll be able to discover the parks and grounds across the Hofburg Palace, amble the lanes of the Innere Stadt, marvel at Schloss Belvedere and take a look at all types of conventional Austrian fare.
A 3rd day permits time to go to extra of Vienna’s museums, from artwork to armoury, flats to antiquities. In case you are a museum fanatic, you might even wish to add a fourth day.
MAP | THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA
That can assist you plan your 3 days in Vienna, we have now included all the principle points of interest on the under map, organized by day.
Tips on how to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the record of places, then click on on the places to show additional info. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to avoid wasting to your Google Maps.
BEST TIME TO VISIT VIENNA
One of the best time to go to Vienna is within the shoulder seasons of Could to June and September to October. The temperatures are heat however not too scorching and the town is in full swing however not too crowded.
Spring is especially pretty as tulips and roses convey life and colour to the parks.
In June, two worldwide music festivals (Vienna Jazz Competition and Donauinselfest) come to city and two world-class orchestras carry out without cost.
In September Vienna Trend Week arrives and in October there’s the Lengthy Night time of the Museums and the Movie Competition.
In July and August, the town will get busy with vacationers, lodge costs rise and temperatures common 27 to twenty-eight°C. Within the winter months, Vienna normally will get some snow with temperatures plunging to round zero, however December brings an exquisite Christmas spirit to the streets.
In case you are versatile on what days to go to, attempt to keep away from Tuesday as virtually all of the museums are closed.
WHERE TO STAY IN VIENNA
Vienna has a aptitude for boutique motels with model. Many are in refurbished grand outdated residences that incorporate stylish design with conventional model. So, in the event you’re searching for a particular weekend getaway, Vienna is a superb selection. Listed here are some suggestions from us.
OUR PICK
BOUTIQUE
BOUTIQUEHOTEL DAS TYROL
This contemporary design 4-star boutique lodge is adorned with unique works by up to date Viennese artists. It’s quirky, vibrant, good worth and solely a brief stroll or metro experience to all the principle sights.
COOL STYLE
HOTEL MOTTO
In a grand constructing on the principle buying avenue of Vienna, this lodge has splendidly trendy touches, a cool breakfast/cocktail bar and a sun-drenched rooftop terrace. With only a 12-minute stroll to the Museumsquartier, it’s very handy too.
REGAL
HOTEL IMPERIAL
The peak of luxurious and grandeur within the coronary heart of Vienna, this grand dame lodge transports you again to the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Constructed for the Prince of Württemberg, it gives a slice of royal life on the imposing Ringstraße Boulevard.
GETTING TO VIENNA
BY TRAIN
Vienna is positioned within the coronary heart of Europe and trains journey from everywhere in the continent arriving at Wien Hauptbahnof Station. The station is only a thirty-minute stroll or 10-minute metro experience to the middle of the town.
Touring by practice will not be solely a enjoyable solution to arrive however good for the planet too. Test Austrian Rail for timetables and tickets.
BY AIR
Vienna Worldwide Airport welcomes flights from many airways, however most routes are offered by Austrian Airways, the nation’s flagship service. The airport is a 25-minute taxi experience (about €35-40) from the middle of city or a 15-minute practice experience (leaving each thirty minutes) from Wien Hauptbahnhof Station (about €5).
GETTING AROUND VIENNA
Vienna has a wonderful public transport system. Six metro strains and an in depth tram community join the completely different components of the town.
Having stated that, most of the greatest issues to do in Vienna are in a compact space across the Innerestadt. So, exploring on foot is usually one of the best ways to go.
VIENNA CITY CARD
Vienna journey playing cards can be found for twenty-four hours (€8); 48 hours (€14); or 72 hours (€17); or as a part of the Vienna Metropolis Card. It gives free journey on all public transport within the middle of Vienna.
A single journey prices €2.40 so in case your lodge is a bit out of the middle it might simply prevent cash, particularly in case you are spending 3 days in Vienna.
Museum Low cost – The Vienna Metropolis Card offers you reductions (about 20%) on virtually all museums and sights.
This information was produced in partnership with the Vienna Vacationer Board.
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