land tour vienna

Vienna in 4 Days: An Ideal Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Vienna has been on my bucket list for quite some time, but I actually knew almost nothing about it. Now, after seeing the best of Vienna in 4 days, I can safely say that your itinerary will not be empty. You’ll even need more time to fully explore it.

Vienna, one of the best places to visit in Austria , is where you can find incredible historical landmarks and architecture, world-class museums, amazing coffee, and drool-worthy cakes, all wrapped up in a classic European vibe.

Well, there’s a lot more to this city, but those are some of the things that you absolutely must experience while in Vienna, and here’s the itinerary that will help you do exactly that.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

4-Day Vienna Itinerary – Summary

Here’s what you’ll see in four days in Vienna:

Day 1: Schönbrunn Palace, Naschmarkt, the Spittelberg quarter.

Being such a highly-visited complex with lots of things to do and see, you might want to book a guided tour of the Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens .

Day 2: Vienna State Opera, Burggarten, the Butterfly House, Hofburg Palace.

Day 3: Hundertwasserhaus, Kunst Haus, the Vienna Ring Tram, St. Stephen’s Cathedral (one of the most beautiful European cathedrals ) + city center.

Day 4: City Hall and Parliament, Volksgarten, Maria-Theresien-Platz and its museums, MuseumQuartier.

If you want to get out of the city in one of the four days, consider taking a day trip from Vienna to Salzburg independently by train.

Alternatively, book yourself: 1. A guided day tour to Salzburg , the filming location of The Sound of Music 2. A day trip to the scenic Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey with wine tastings 3. A day trip to Hallstatt , a fairytale town in Austria

Other Things I Would Have Loved to Do in Vienna

Well, it’s impossible to do and see everything in Vienna in four days, so here are a few more experiences I would have loved to try:

• Visiting the Belvedere Palace , a UNESCO Site. Get your ticket here .
• Local wine tasting in a historic cellar .
• Visiting the historic Prater amusement park and getting on the Giant Ferris Wheel .
• Taking a Viennese coffee, cake, and chocolate tour .

You can also take a classic free walking tour of Vienna or a free night tour of Vienna that includes many of the landmarks mentioned on this itinerary.

Where to Stay for 4 Nights in Vienna

I stayed at the Ibis Styles Wien City and had a great experience.

Although it’s not located in the city center , it ticked all the boxes for me as far as price, general atmosphere and design, connection to public transportation, staff (which was available 24/7), breakfast, and room comfort.

With double, triple, and quadruple rooms, it can be a great hotel choice for couples, a group of friends, and even families. You can check the latest prices of Ibis Styles Wien City here.

If you prefer finding accommodation in the city center itself (which is pricier but more convenient), check out the highly-rated: 1. Boutique Hotel Das Tigra (mid-range) 2. Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol (4-star boutique)

For other accommodation options, see the best areas to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets .

Vienna in 4 Days – Day 1

Schönbrunn palace.

The  Schönbrunn Palace is a beautiful baroque royal residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the Middle Ages.

Apart from being a residence of emperors and empresses (like Emperor Franz Joseph), the palace hosted important events and conferences, making people like six-year-old Mozart and Napoleon its guests.

The palace is one of Vienna’s most visited attractions, so if you want to take a tour inside it, you can book a guided Schönbrunn Palace and gardens tour in advance and skip the lines .

Touring the complex is free of charge, and you can easily spend a few hours wandering around the gardens.

You can also visit several other attractions (that have their own admission fee ):

• The historic Cafe Gloriette: Located on top of a hill, overlooking the beautiful gardens.
• The Imperial Carriage Museum (you can get your ticket in advance here ).
• The Orangery Garden.
• The Maze Garden.
• The Palm House.
• The Privy Garden.

If you’re visiting Vienna in winter as I did, most of these are closed, but if not, you’ll probably need more than half a day to fully explore the different activities in this amazing complex.

Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most famous market, and it offers a combo of market stands and restaurants in the same place.

To be honest, I had high expectations from this market, and it was quite underwhelming. Apart from some market shops selling beautiful produce like vegetables, bread, and cheeses, most stands were disappointing.

Also, most restaurants in the market seemed unappealing to me, and we ended up eating lunch at Neni which was one of the only spots that were packed with people.

I did like the concept and some of the stands, so I wouldn’t skip out on visiting the market.

If you want, you can also take a guided food tour of the Naschmarkt.

Tip #1:  If you love flea markets, that’s what you’ll get if you visit the Naschmarkt on a Saturday.

Tip #2:  In this area, you can find some really cool street art ( see this map for all street art spots in Vienna ) and unique buildings like Majolikahaus (Linke Wienzeile, 40).

Spittelberg Quarter

When I’m traveling to a big city, finding charming little corners like the Spittelberg neighborhood is like finding a treasure.

Although it’s a small area, it’s packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars, and its enchanting streets are the perfect place to spend an afternoon and evening.

If you’re planning a pre-Christmas visit, don’t miss Spittelberg’s Christmas market, which is super cozy and inviting.

Location:  Between Breite Gasse and Sigmundsgasse.

Tip: Only about a minute away there’s a really cute hidden cafe called Cafe in der Burggasse24 (Burggasse 24) you should totally check out.

Vienna in 4 Days – Day 2

Vienna state opera.

I admit it, opera is not my cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate Vienna’s Opera House , which is one of the city’s most important landmarks.

This incredibly beautiful building from the 19th century hosts more than 60 different operas and ballet productions each season, including a yearly ball (isn’t that mindblowing?). To learn more about it, you can book a behind-the-scenes guided tour (on some days, it takes place in the morning).

If you want to see a concert, you can purchase your tickets on the opera’s official website .

Who doesn’t love to stroll around parks and gardens? It’s a great way to take a little break from sightseeing and experience another side of a city.

I particularly loved Vienna’s Burggarten . Although it’s not a big park, it seemed super charming to me. Perhaps it’s because I got to see it covered in snow, and there were still hints of green and orange underneath it.

The Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus)

Right next to Burggarten, you can find a quirky yet interesting attraction that will make you forget that you’re in the middle of an Austrian city.

The Butterfly House is home to hundreds of butterflies that are flying freely in a rainforest environment recreated especially for them.

Here you can learn about the different types of butterflies and their life cycle and feel like a kid when you see them happily chasing each other.

With this amount of uniqueness, you’ll probably want to take beautiful pictures, so I feel like I should give you a heads-up that the humid setting makes it a bit challenging.

Coffee Break

If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in Vienna, it’s relishing a cup of Viennese coffee and cake. Since I’m a total sucker for local cafes, this important part of the Viennese culture was right up my alley.

Now, it’s quite difficult to pick out which Viennese coffee houses to check out (even if you have 4 days in Vienna and you can go to multiple places).

However, I wouldn’t skip out on institutions like Cafe Central (Herrengasse 14) and Demel (Kohlmarkt 14).

It’s not just the amazing coffee and cakes but it’s the entire atmosphere that feels elegant, sophisticated, and inviting all at the same time. Now, let’s talk about desserts.

After tasting Cafe Central’s strudel and kaiserschmarrn (Austrian shredded pancake), and Demel’s strudel and almond cake, I have one word for you: YUM.

Hofburg Palace

Once a royal residence and seat of government, the Hofburg Palace is now a huge palace complex that houses museums (like the Sisi Museum and The Imperial Treasury ), the Spanish Riding School , and other Viennese landmarks .

The amount of time you’ll need here obviously depends on your interests. You can either stroll around the complex for free or visit a museum or two (or more).

If you do plan to visit some museums, you can skip the lines by purchasing your tickets to the Imperial Treasury .

Vienna in 4 Days – Day 3

Hundertwasserhaus.

Being a huge fan of Antoni Gaudi (Spain’s most famous architect), I was thrilled to get to know Friedensreich Hundertwasser – an Austrian artist and architect who was influenced by him.

Amongst his creations, he designed the unusual Hundertwasserhaus .

This colorful work of art is actually an ordinary residential building (I don’t know about you, but I would be more than happy to live in such a quirky building), so you can only appreciate its exteriors.

The architect also designed the adorable Hundertwasser Village , a small shopping center right next to the Hundertwasserhaus. It houses a cafe and shops selling all kinds of Hundertwasser-style products.

Only a few minutes from the Hundertwasserhaus, you can find the Kunst Haus, another architectural creation of Hundertwasser.

This is a museum showcasing his work, but what I liked most about the place was the cafe on the ground floor.

It was probably one of the coolest cafes I’ve visited, and the coffee and the cheese strudel I had were not too shabby either.

Vienna Ring Tram

One of the most popular things to do in Vienna is walk alongside Vienna’s Ringstrasse.

It is a circular/ring road that passes through some of Vienna’s most important landmarks, like the State Opera, City Hall (Rathaus), and the Natural History Museum.

I’ve included some of them on this Vienna itinerary, but since the road is 5.3 km long (about 3.3 miles), taking a tram that runs alongside it seemed like a great way to explore the entire route.

You can definitely do it by walking, but you might need more than four days in Vienna if you don’t want to rush it. You can also explore the Ringstrasse with a local guide.

The Vienna Ring Tram leaves Schwedenplatz every half hour, and you can buy your tickets right on the spot (look for yellow coats).

You also get a set of earphones, so that you can listen to an informative audio guide about the different sights.

Walk Alongside the Danube Canal

When you get back to Schwedenplatz, cross the street and spend some time walking alongside the Danube Canal . This is one of the biggest areas where you can find really amazing street art.

Obviously, the canal is quite long, so feel free to explore different parts of it and check out this map to find the coolest street art spots.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Walk towards the city center and get to  St. Stephen’s Cathedral , an undeniably stunning Gothic structure from the 12th century and one of the most famous landmarks in Austria .

If the thought of climbing 343 stairs doesn’t make you cringe, you can get to the tower room and see Vienna from above (and take a closer look at the colorful tiled roof).

Also, try to spot the iron rooster on the roof, which connects to one of the most intriguing European myths and legends .

Explore the City Center (Old Town)

The area surrounding the cathedral is a maze of squares and streets packed with shops, cafes, restaurants, museums, churches, and other beautiful traditional buildings.

Take your time and explore this vibrant part of Vienna and don’t miss streets like Graben, Rotenturmstrasse, and Kärntner Strasse (as well as smaller hidden streets you’ll discover on your own).

Vienna in 4 Days – Day 4

City hall and the parliament.

Vienna’s City Hall is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. Its Gothic style makes it look like a cathedral rather than a city hall, and that’s what makes it unique.

Apart from its stunning facade, you can take a free guided tour inside the building on certain days of the week.

In winter , the city hall square (Rathausplatz) hosts the biggest Christmas market in Vienna, and parts of it turn into a giant ice skating rink.

Not too far from City Hall, you can see Vienna’s Parliament which is one of the most important landmarks in the city.

Volksgarten

If you feel like taking a little break from sightseeing, Volksgarten is a beautiful park that would be perfect for that. It houses a few buildings, monuments, fountains, and about 3,000 rose bushes.

If you’re not visiting during springtime, there will be a lot fewer roses, but this park is still a stunning spot you must see in Vienna.

Maria-Theresien-Platz and Its Museums

Apart from being a gorgeous European public square ,  Maria-Theresien-Platz sits between two very significant museums: the  Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum .

Both buildings were built in the 19th century, and if you look carefully, you will see that they are identical.

Another thing you can see in the square is the Maria Theresa Monument , honoring Empress Maria Theresa.

Tip: Skip the lines by buying tickets online to the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum) or combo tickets with the Leopold Museum or the  Imperial Treasury which will save you a bit of money.

Museumsquartier

If you think you’re in for just another museum complex, think again.

Vienna’s MuseumQuartier has become a cultural space where you can find all kinds of museums (including the famous Leopold Museum), performances, shops, cafes, and restaurants all in the same area.

Programs and events in the complex are constantly changing, so check the official website for the latest updates.

4 Days in Vienna – General Notes

Is 4 days in vienna enough time.

While I feel like I’ve seen many of Vienna’s highlights, I would have loved to spend at least one more day in the city itself and take 1-2 day trips.

Getting Around

Vienna’s public transportation is incredible. There are more than enough U-Bahn (Metro) and tram stations in the city so you can get anywhere easily. Simply buy a daily or multi-day travel card in advance or at one of the U-Bahn stations.

Where to Eat

We had our breakfast at the hotel, and since we had visited Vienna in late November (because Vienna is one of the top winter city breaks in Europe ), we ate most of our meals at the Christmas markets’ food stalls. So if you’re looking for recommendations for restaurants in Vienna, check out this guide .

Solo Travel

If you’re traveling alone, check out this solo traveler’s guide to Vienna (though Vienna can also be a great girls’ trip destination ).

Vienna City Card – Worth It or Not?

For unlimited use of public transportation and discounts on many attractions, I purchased the  Vienna City Card .

Most attractions are pretty pricey and don’t offer free admission if you visit them on certain days or hours (unlike other attractions in Europe), so the card was great in saving me money on museums and landmarks in Vienna.

Plus, the city card offers discounts on tours of Vienna, day trips, concerts, and taxis from the airport to the city (and discounts in several cafes and restaurants).

Whether it’ll save you money or not depends on how much you’ll take advantage of these discounts .

The city card offers discounts on more than 10 attractions mentioned on this itinerary. Read more about it and get your Vienna City Card here.

Alternatively, you can also get a Vienna Pass , which is pricier but offers free entrance to many museums and attractions.

Related Posts

Planning your Vienna trip itinerary? Read more:

• Free museums in Vienna
• Cities to visit in Austria

Do you love European city breaks and were you inspired by my Vienna travel itinerary? Check out my:

• 3-day Turin itinerary
• 2-day Madrid itinerary
• 4-day Madrid itinerary
• 4-day Budapest itinerary
• 2-day Brussels itinerary
• 2-day Lisbon itinerary
• 2 days in Mostar
• 4-day Milan itinerary
• Long weekend getaways in Spain

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About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

4 thoughts on “Vienna in 4 Days: An Ideal Itinerary for First-Time Visitors”

I recently returned from a trip to Vienna and I have to say, it was a truly magical experience. The city is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and a rich cultural history. I was particularly impressed by the Schönbrunn Palace and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which both had incredible collections. The food was also delicious, particularly the pastries and coffee.

It’s such an elegant city! I can’t wait to go back!

I love your post! I am traveling to Vienna in March and I am so excited to visit! I am also traveling by bus to Salzburg. Have you ever been there? Do you have any recommendations?

Yay! I’m so happy you liked it! I LOVED Vienna 🙂 I would have also loved to take a day trip to Salzburg, but I didn’t have enough time :/

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

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Spire-studded skylines and fascinating histories are just the beginning.

Dotted with hilltop castles, ornate cathedrals, and imperial palaces, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague will captivate you. Spend a few days getting to know each of these dynamic cities­—you’ll discover their vivid World War II history, radical art movements, and unique local cultures.

Your tour package includes

• 9 nights in handpicked hotels
• 9 breakfasts
• 3 dinners with beer or wine
• 3 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides
• Private deluxe motor coach

Included highlights

• Hungarian State Opera House
• Danube River
• Matthias Church
• Belvedere Palace
• Ringstrasse
• Prague Castle
• St. Vitus Cathedral

Overnight Flight 1 night

Day 1: travel day.

Board your overnight flight to Budapest today.

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Day 2: arrival in budapest.

Included meal : Welcome dinner

Welcome to Hungary! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

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Our travel experts are here to help.

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Radisson Blu Beke Hotel

This elegant, traditional hotel is located in Terézváros. Guests enjoy an indoor swimming pool, laundry services, and a restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Andrássy Avenue, the Hungarian State Opera House, and the Hungarian...

MAXX by Steigenberger Hotel Vienna

This convenient hotel is located in the city center of Vienna, Austria. Guests enjoy the fitness area, on-site bar and restaurant, and spa. Nearby you’ll find the Naschmarkt open-air market, Leopold Museum, and Schönbrunn Palace.

NH Prague City

This modern hotel is located in the Smíchov district of Prague. Guests enjoy a gym and sauna, restaurants with terraces, and a tennis court. Nearby, you’ll find Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and Petřín Tower.

Arcotel Castellani

This contemporary hotel is located in Salzburg city center. Guests enjoy the large garden, fitness center, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the Salzburg Old Town, Mozart's birthplace, and Fortress Hohensalzburg.

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

• Round-trip flight for your tour
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• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

• This tour visits Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and the Czech Republic (plus Germany on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code VIB.
• You will walk for at least 3 hours daily across mostly flat terrain with some cobblestone streets, hills and stairs.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Budapest and depart from Prague (or Munich on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers. (Please note that on the extension, the travel time between Salzburg and Munich is approximately two hours, and should be considered for travelers purchasing their own airfare.)
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• Hungary claims goulash as its national dish, but is also known for excellent salamis, cheeses, nut-flavored pancakes, freshwater fish, and preserved fruits.
• Slovakian cuisine shares many characteristics with its neighbors. Dishes are rooted in a history where villages had to be self-sufficient, and easy-to-preserve staples like wheat, potatoes, pork, onions, and sauerkraut remain favorites.
• Austria is known for its savory Wiener schnitzel and excellent wild trout, carp, and crayfish. Save room for dessert—especially the strudels of fruit and nuts and elegant chocolate cakes, such as the world-famous Sachertorte.
• Czech food is hearty, and you’ll find large portions of veal, beef, and potato dishes. Some of the world’s finest beers are produced here, including the original Budweiser and Pils.
• German food, on the tour extension, is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.
• All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• All destinations visited on this tour are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
• You will use the Hungarian forint in Hungary, the euro in Slovakia and Austria (as well as in Germany on the tour extension), and the Czech koruna in the Czech Republic.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency or USD. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

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Overall rating based on 421 traveler reviews

Showing 1 - 6 of 421 traveler reviews

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Richard, traveled in Jul 2024

I didn't know what to expect since I had never booked a tour before. The coordination of all the moving parts was amazing Constatin did a great job of keeping everyone informed and accountable. The extra tours were great as we're the ones that came with the package . All the... Read more of My first tour ever

2nd-time traveler Paulette, traveled in Jun 2024

This was the second trip I took with your company and the most enjoyable one. Our tour director was wonderful,like a mother hen taking care of all our needs and a great source of information about everything. The mix of the travelers was contributing to a vivacious and very... Read more of Wonderful tour with great people

1st-time traveler Ian, traveled in May 2024

Very well designed and executed tour. Our tour director Jens was incredible! His knowledge and insights for the history of each area was exstensive. And his presentation was fantastic. If I find another tour I'm interested in and Jens is the director - I will not hesitate to... Read more of History Galore!

5th-time traveler Andrea, traveled in May 2024

This tour gave us a peek into Eastern Europe’s history and beautiful architecture. Our guide was incredibly organized, knowledgeable and friendly.

1st-time traveler Virginia, traveled in May 2024

What a great experience! A chance to learn about and see so many beautiful places. Our tour guide, Jens, could not have been better . . . genial, knowledgeable and entertaining. We will definitely consider anther trip wit EF Go Ahead at some point in the future!

1st-time traveler Suzette, traveled in Apr 2024

Phenomenal tour guide and great things to learn about. Loved it!

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Soaring Peaks. Classical Cities

Listen for the music of the great classical composers. Seek out grand capitals and wide boulevards. Austria travel takes you to fairytale landscapes and glorious castles. You are in Austria, a country that brings together a distinct culture with a diverse landscape.

Destination Must-See's

Europe’s mighty mountain range. Many of the Austrian people’s favorite activities have developed because of these mountains that cross the country including skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and hiking. The plentiful lakes, glaciers and rare flowers that lie on and around the mountains make for amazing vistas and one reason why tourism flourishes.

Lying in the midst of two mountain chains, the view from the city is impeccable. This lively and colorful city has a little something for everyone, from historic art and architecture to high-end and boutique shopping opportunities. Innsbruck has been host of the Olympic winter games twice, in 1964 and 1976, making it a major winter sports center with plenty of year round outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

Austria’s great capital is famous for its regal history and rich culture. The city is alive with activity, and there is so much to do! There is always an opera or classical music concert to attend, an art exhibition to browse, and another street to wander. No matter what you prefer, you’ll have to find the time to join the locals at one of its amazing coffee shops to sip their acclaimed coffee and sample the delightful local wines.

Medieval Castles:

The landscape is dotted with castles perched in the hills, allowing them to be seen from miles away. These white or light-colored stone castles look like something out of a fairytale. You are sure to be awed by these majestic structures with speared towers and tall-notched walls built in forests on top of the highest hills. As you travel through Austria, you find an abundance of castles to admire.

Destination Must-Do's

Apple strudel is a popular pastry in Austria. This sweet, layered pastry filled with apple goodness is sure to delight your taste buds. However, strudel can be more than a sweet treat, it can also be savory. It originated as an easy yet satisfying meal made by the poor. The oldest known strudel recipe was written in 1696 and was a milk-cream strudel. The Viennese have taken strudel and made it famous.

Melk Abbey:

Just outside of Vienna, on the banks of the Danube River, lies a yellow-hued architectural beauty that has been a religious and political center in the region since Roman times. The building has an impressive two-story library with a colorful frescoed ceiling and boasts many amazing views of the river. Even today, the abbey is a center of learning and culture and is still one of the most incredible sights along the Danube.

Habsburg Monarchy:

The Habsburg Empire began with Count Rudolf of Habsburg who moved the family’s rule from their ancestral Switzerland to what is now Austria in 1282. The Habsburg kings and queens made Austria the center of a multi-nation empire that spread through central Europe. They ruled Austria for centuries, all the way up to 1918. Their immense power and wealth earned them the title of one of Europe’s greatest royal families.

Classical Music Greats:

Austria is a country where classical music lovers flock from all over the world. They come to attend its music festivals and walk in the footsteps of the world’s greatest composers including Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Liszt, J. Strauss, Mahler, and Bruckner. You can hear their masterpieces resonating in the music halls daily and visit the places they worked and lived all throughout this amazing country.

Expert Advice

If you are venturing out on your own, I suggest public transportation. Trains in Austria are timely and quite reliable, as is the bus system.

Our local guides love their countries. Be sure to take advantage of your time with them and ask a lot of questions about local life.

I love Vienna. This is a city of classical music and grand palaces. Enjoy the cafés and parks. Savor the chance to slow down a bit and relax at a café or stoll through one of its famous parks like the Stadtpark.

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Vienna Tours & Vacations

The stylish, sophisticated  Austrian  capital’s compact center is made for walking, taking in elegant buildings like the Hofburg Palace, neo-classical Graben, gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Albertina in the Museum Quarter and the State Opera House – the heart of classical Viennese culture. From the centrally located city make the loop through the Czech Republic and Poland down to eclectic Budapest, or continue the journey south to the Croatian coast.

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7 Day Austria Itinerary – Best of Vienna, Salzburg & Innsbruck

Last Updated August 19, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 7 Day Austria Itinerary – Best of Vienna, Salzburg & Innsbruck

What do waltzes, the Hapsburgs, the Sound of Music, Mozart, mountains for days, schnitzel, and dumplings all have in common?  Austria is a country that magically weaves between high culture and music, amongst urban old town charm that’s juxtaposed with the vastness of alpine summits and outdoor delights.  Use these 7 days in Austria as inspiration and foundation for your future trip to the country.  Inside you’ll find advice from someone that’s been there, tips on where to eat, where to stay, what to see, and what to do.

This Austria itinerary picks the best of the 3 cities of Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck that’ll have you humming tunes, dreaming about the mountains, and salivating over Sacher Torte.  You’ll be amazed by the beauty of Austria and trust me, you’ll want to come back for more.  The hills and so much more are alive here.

In This Article

Highlights from 7 days in austria, day 1 – vienna – grand palaces of vienna, day 2 – vienna – you can have your art and cake too, day 3 – salzburg – all about mozart, day 4 – salzburg – the sound of music, day 5 – salzburg to innsbruck – off to the alps, day 6 – innsbruck – royalty and crystals, day 7 – innsbruck & vienna – nordkette, austria trip planning map, a quick austria travel guide, a magical austria experience, read more about travel in europe, travel resources for your next trip.

This 7 day Austria itinerary covers the top bucket list items and shows you how you can easily spend a week if not more.

Here are our top 5 highlights of Austria that you can’t miss!

• Mozart Concert Dinner
• Sound of Music Tour
• Swarovski Crystal Worlds
• Belvedere Palace

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO AUSTRIA

• Where to stay – We stayed in 4 remarkable hotels in Austria but if I were to pick, the best one out of all of them was The Mozart in Salzburg with its modern take on boutique with an awesome restaurant and close proximity to all the action in the city. We used Booking.com for all of our stays and is great for finding the best deals. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
• Car rentals – Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
• Flights – International flights are never cheap, but with the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature you can find the best deals. Check how much it would be for you to get to Austria!
• Insurance – Not always required but always recommended! Make sure you’re covered with the best travel insurance .
• Best deals – Bookmark our frequently updated travel deals page .

7 Day Austria Itinerary

Austria is often a country that most will pass through.  In fact, our first experience to the country was 6 years ago and we hopped into Vienna and then bounced right out to Prague.  Yearning to go back, this Austria 7 day itinerary is a really great introduction to what the country is all about, allowing you to see the three cities of Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck that we can only describe as unexpected and surprisingly incredible .

As we do with all of my other itineraries, this is a travel guide that’s meant to provide a detailed walkthrough of how you can plan your own trip if you only have 7 days to work with.  We’ll describe what each of your days is like and also summarize it below for each day.  We’ll also be making key recommendations and tips that we learned along the way.

Vienna is a lesson in imperial history, one where the Hapsburg monarchy is ever so present and with your first day in the capital of Austria, you’ll be going all-out by seeing some of the most important residences that’ll rival most other cities in Europe.

If you’re coming from North America like I was, brace for a long day because many flights arrive early in the morning and you’ll need to have the endurance to last.

Once you arrive, there’s one thing you’ll need to do.  Head over to the tourist info booth at arrivals and pick up your Vienna City Card .  For your two days in the city, order the 48 hour card and this’ll cover you for all local transit and more than 210 discounts to attractions all over the city.  Once you’ve done that, take your  private airport transfer  which I recommend because it’s affordable and convenient and have them drop you off at your accommodation for the next 2 days.  We were lucky with the Gratzlhotel in Karmelitermarkt  because my room was ready by the time we arrived in the morning.

Don’t lie down though because there’s much to do on your first day!

To get things started, a great way to get situated is by doing either a larger group city tour  or go with a private tour with a local guide  so you can get to know the neighbourhood you’re staying and also the core which is known as District 1.

The tour will cover quite a bit of ground but if it’s a private one and you’re staying in District 2 like I did, make sure to stroll through the buzzing Karmelitermarkt , spot where Johann Strauss lived, drink a typical Viennese drink known as a melange (shot of espresso with foamed milk), and see the revitalized Danube canal .

Say goodbye to your guide at your lunch spot which should definitely be at Motto am Fluss , a trendy restaurant perched right above the canal which has a prime view of the water way and the mix of new and old architecture of District 2.  Here you can try Austrian classics or dive into their excellent breakfast items while sipping on fresh lemonade.

The tour might’ve taken you into the core but now is your time to explore the city on your own.  Make your way to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and marvel at the mosaic roof and the incredible detail you can see when you enter the church.  It’s free to walk inside the church but if you’re looking to do a guided tour or see the catacombs.

Once you’re here, there’s a maze of winding and wide promenade of pedestrian shopping streets.  You’ll be back tomorrow so no need to do it thoroughly.  Make your way over to the Karlplatz U-Bahn station .

This’ll be the first time you take the metro so make sure you validate your Vienna City Card by inserting it into the little blue boxes that are typically right before the escalator down to stamp the back of it with the date.  Don’t validate it until you actually want to start using your card.

PRO TIP:  If you plan it right, you can stretch your 24 hour Vienna City Card over multiple days.  For example, you can start it at noon and you’ll be able to use it until the next day at 11:59AM.  Don’t validate your card until you actually need to use it.

Vienna City Card

One thing that you’ll notice quickly about Austria is that all major cities have their own city card.  The Vienna City Pass is excellent and a must-have if you’re spending even just 1 day in the city.  There are too many benefits to describe but here are the key features that matter:

• All local transit is included in the city.
• Discounts to almost all major attractions including the Hofburg, Schönbrunn, Leopold Museum, Belvedere, Albertina, and tons more.
• 1 day starts at 17 EUR.  A 24-hour U-Bahn ticket is already 8 EUR.  Savings for attractions range from 2-5 EUR.  Hit up 3 attractions a day and you’re golden!
• There are also advanced passes that include hop-on hop-off busses, and transfers from the airport if you need it.
• The pass doesn’t start until you validate it at a metro station machine.

Purchase your card

Take the U-Bahn all the way to Schönbrunn station.

Schönbrunn was the Hapsburgs’ summer palace and is an opulent example of court life, the pinnacle of architecture from the 18th century, and the melding of art and design in the gardens that sprawl all around the grounds.

Take your time to explore Schönbrunn.  Depending on your interests you can do the tour of the palace , special side attractions, or you can walk right into the grounds and walk the gardens free of charge.

You need to know that the grounds are massive and so you’ll need to plan your time well.  Besides the palace itself, the labyrinth is worth it and so is the Gloriette viewing terrace that’s all the way on the other end of the gardens.  The Cafe Gloriette is a great place to rest your feet and take in the spectacular view.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  Schloß Schönbrunn, 1130 Vienna

Hours:   The hours vary quite a bit throughout the year and is also different between the palace museum and the gardens.  In general, the palace opens at 8AM and the gardens open at 6:30AM.  The full breakdown of hours can be found here .  Note that in the winter season (November and onwards) many attractions are closed.

Price:  There are a ton of attractions and combination passes at the Schönbrunn Palace.  The below are adult ticket prices.  Concessions/discounts are available.  The discounts with the Vienna City Card are indicated in red .

• Imperial Tour (22 rooms) – 16 EUR
• Grand Tour (40 rooms) – 20 EUR
• Classic Pass (5 attraction combination) – 26.50 EUR ( 22.50 EUR )
• Classic Pass Plus (same as the above but includes the zoo) – 40 EUR
• Sisi Ticket (includes Grand Tour, Hofburg, and Imperial Furniture Collection) – 34 EUR ( 31 EUR )
• Gloriette – 4.50 EUR ( 3.50 EUR )
• Maze – 6 EUR ( 4.50 EUR )
• Privy Garden – 4.50 EUR
• Orangery Garden – 4.50 EUR
• Children’s Museum – 9.50 EUR ( 7.50 EUR )

Do they accept credit card?: Yes

Tips:  

• You actually don’t need to pay anything just to walk the main grounds of the gardens and to look at the palace from the outside.
• If you buy your tickets online through the official site  is you can purchase them in advance and not have to queue at the ticket office in person.  That said, there is no discount for purchasing online.
• The advantage of purchasing skip-the-line tickets Imperial Tour from Viator is that a guide is included.  Official tickets for the Imperial Tour are self-guided.
• When you purchase tickets, you need to pick a time slot and these selections are binding.  If you show up late, your ticket is invalid.  That’s one reason for purchasing tickets in-person if you’re not sure about timing.

Buy the Imperial Tour

From Schönbrunn, take a combination of the U-Bahn and S-Bahn to Quartier Belvedere Station .

Belvedere may not have the scale of Schönbrunn but it is just as striking and beautiful in its own right.  This is a baroque masterpiece at one point belonged to Prince Eugene of Savoy who was the commander-in-chief of the Hapsburgs which was gifted to him after his successful campaigns against the Ottoman Empire.

Consisting of an Upper and Lower Belvedere, the Palace Stables, and gardens in between, there’s much to see here with all buildings now part of the Belvedere Museum.  In the Upper Belvedere , you’ll find famous Austrian painter Klimt’s best known work “The Kiss” and many other highlights from Monet, van Gogh, and more all housed in an incredible Baroque palace.  The Lower Belvedere is an art exhibition of Prince Eugene’s period.  Lastly is the Palace Stables which has treasures from the Middle Ages.  There’s also the newly built Belvedere 21 across the street on the north side which is an icon of post-war Modernism and houses international art, film, and music in the contemporary style.

You might only have time to breeze through one of these or if you’re near closing time, it’ll be worthwhile just walking the grounds and catching the sunset from the large pool of Upper Belvedere or the palace gardens.

Address:  Upper Belvedere, Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna

Hours:   The hours are different for each of the buildings so it’s worth heading to the Belvedere Visit page .  In general, all the museums close at 6PM except on Fridays when they open late to 9PM.

Price:  Like Schönbrunn, there are many attractions here and different packages.  The below are adult ticket prices.  Concessions/discounts are available.  The discounts with the Vienna City Card are indicated in red .

• Upper Belvedere – 16 EUR  ( 14.50 EUR )
• Lower Belvedere (includes Palace Stables) – 14 EUR ( 12 EUR )
• Belvedere 21 – 8 EUR ( 6 EUR )
• Klimt Ticket (Upper and Lower combo) – 22 EUR ( 19.50 EUR )
• On July 1, 2019 a time-slot ticket system is being introduced for the Upper Belvedere. This means that you need to book a specific entrance time for your visit and like Schönbrunn, you need to be there for your slot.
• You can bypass the above by buying a ticket online through GetYourGuide which has a general ticket.  You show up with your printed voucher at the group cash desk to receive your time slot ticket when you get there.

Buy the Upper Belvedere Ticket

To close out the night, call an Uber over to Karlsplatz where you’ll be able to see the magnificent  Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) illuminated by light and reflected by the pool of water in front.  Pay attention to the design of the church which many say is an architectural curiosity because it is such an eclectic mix of styles of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance all in one.

Dinner is right next door at the Heuer Am Karlsplatz .  This is located right in a local corner park which means a lovely outdoor terrace in the summer.  Inside is always buzzing with energy, frequented by locals chatting about their week, the sizzling from the kitchen, and fresh ingredients displayed on wooden racks.  This is a refreshing restaurant that gives you a look into what the modern culinary scene in Austria is like.

Day 1 Summary

What you’ll see:

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Schönbrunn Palace
• Belvedere Museum & Gardens
• Karlskirche

What you’ll do:

• Vienna city walking tour  or private walking tour

Where you’ll eat:

• Lunch – Motto am Fluss – Situated right along the Danube canal, you have prime views of the waterway and transition from District 1 and 2.
• Dinner – Heuer Am Karlsplatz – A modern eatery with Austrian classics.  Super trendy spot that is popular for its beautiful outdoor terrace, ambiance with DJ music, and solid drinks.

Where to stay:

As with my all of my trips, I was able to find everything I needed through Booking.com  because of their massive inventory and variety in terms of types of accommodations.

Here, I share with you where I personally stayed but also recommended alternatives that I think you’ll like based on different budgets.  For a full breakdown, make sure to read the best area to stay in Vienna .

I STAYED HERE

GRÄTZLHOTEL KARMELITERMARKT

A urban accommodation concept in Vienna where former side-street bars have been transformed into ground-floor studio apartments.  These large spaces are fabulously furnished and complete with small kitchenette.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

BUDGET APARTMENT

STANYS HOTEL & APARTMENTS

Extremely affordable apartment/hotel that’s located 5 minutes from Westbahnof.  Rooms are spacious and Viennese breakfast provided every morning in their self-service lounge.

BY HAUPTBAHNOF

MOTEL ONE WEIN-HAUPTBAHNOF

New as of 2015, if this is anything like the Motel One I stayed at in Hamburg, you’re going to blown away by this property.  Their breakfast are legendary, rooms are modern, and location superb.

UNIQUELY MODERN

HOTEL DANIEL

I stayed at the end of the trip and was impressed with this quirky property that has a boat hanging on the edge of the roof and doesn’t take itself too seriously.  Their breakfast is amazing and their rooms open-concept modern.

Your second day in Vienna is going to be packed with culture and sweets so get ready!

To start your morning, head to Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier which is an area within the city’s Ringstrasse that can only be described as a complex near the Imperial Palace that is hive of artistic and cultural activity that includes museums, studios, schools, cafes, and shopping.  Sit in one of the many purple chaises in the neighbourhood’s sprawling courtyard and feel the creative energy fill in.

Among one of the highlights of MuseumsQuartier is the Leopold Museum .  From the outside, you’ll see a bright sandstone cube building but inside is one of the most important collections of modern Austrian art.  You’ll find the incredibly impactful work of Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, Oska Kokoschka, and designers of the Weiner Werkstätte.

I highly recommend that you try to do one of their public guided tours to maximize on your experience at the museum so you can pick up on all the small details of Viennese Art Nouveau, Vienna Workshop, and Expressionist Period.

Address:  Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria

Hours:  Daily except Tuesday: 10PM to 6PM.  Thursdays: 10AM to 9PM.  Closed on Tuesday.

Price:   The discounts with the Vienna City Card are indicated in red .

• 14 EUR for regular admission (12 EUR)
• 10 EUR for reduced ticket
• Audio guides are 4 EUR

Website:    Leopold Museum

Public guided tour:  The schedule for the tours vary quite a bit so it’s recommended to contact the museum in advance.  The price of these tours is 3 EUR.

• The museum does not allow large backpacks inside the museum so you’ll need to either use their lockers (coin deposit required) or the use of the coat check (1 EUR).

SKIP THE LINE TICKET

Vienna’s coffee culture is something you might not’ve known of before but it’s time to dive right in to an integral part of the city’s social experience.

The story goes that when the Turkish invaders were pushed out by the Polish-Hapsburg army in the late 1600’s, they left behind many sacks of small brown beans.  Not knowing what they were for, they experimented on them until the birth of the country’s premier beverage.

Today, it’s an absolute staple to go to one of the city’s grand cafes that feature high ceilings, cultivated interior decoration, and an air of elegance.  Here the practice of drinking coffee is one of the city’s most coveted traditions as they lay one of many claims to the invention of the addictive brown beverage.

If you’re looking for one of the city’s best coffee houses for that elevated experience, look no further than Café Sperl .  With grand tall ceiling, opulent decorations, cosy booths, and unhurried air, the 1880 cafe is the perfect place to grab lunch, their incredible strudel, people-watch, and of course sip on a coffee.

If you’re looking for food recommendations, take a look at these on the menu:

• Melange – mocha with foam that is close to a cappuccino except with a bit more foam
• Beef soup with thin-sliced pancakes
• Sausages with mustard, horseradish, roll – Classic Austrian appetizer
• Apple strudel

After lunch, make your way over to one of the most historically important buildings in Vienna – the Vienna State Opera House which is also known as the Staatsoper.

Open in 1869, this opera house has graced the presence of celebrities, state officials, and world-class artists including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Even if you don’t get a chance to see a performance here, the behind-the-scenes tour of the venue is a must-do in Vienna.  Given in a number of different languages, you’ll get to see the world’ largest repertory theatre, learn about its history, architecture, how it operates, and see many of its salons, state rooms, and backstage.

Address:  Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria

Hours:   See the tour schedule as it varies quite drastically because of the opera season and other operations that might be happening at the opera house.  Normally tours are conducted at 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM.

Price: 

• Adults: 9 EUR
• Seniors: 7 EUR
• Children and students (up to 27): 4 EUR

Website:  Vienna State Opera House

• Tours are given in German, English and Spanish at all times but if you are looking for tours in Italian, French, Russian and Japanese, you’ll have to call.
• You can’t purchase tickets in advance.  For the tour time that you’re interested in, show up 20-30 minutes in advance.  There’ll be a large overflow of people outside because the ticket purchasing process is slow.  Once you’re in, they’ll slot you into language sections and there’s almost a continuously flow of groups that go in so the tour times aren’t exactly at one slot per say.  They limit group sizes to roughly 20 and they keep alternating between the languages until everyone gets through.

READ REVIEWS

Once you finish at the Vienna State Opera, you’ll be in prime location to start your own mini-adventure.  You have a few choices – you can walk through the pedestrian streets of Vienna around St. Stephen’s Cathedral or you can do what we did which was go on a cake hopping extravaganza.

The first spot deserves a bit of attention because of how popular it is and the rest I’ll list off and I’ll leave it to you to decide whether you want to visit or not.

The cake you’ve undoubtedly read about or have had a friend tell you about is the Sacher Torte .  This is an elegant and refined combination of chocolate flavours with a truly Austrian apricot jam, chocolate icing, and of course a mandatory dollop of whipped cream.

This national culinary specialty was invented by Franz Sacher for Prince Metternich in Vienna.  Franz’s eldest son eventually took over the business and opened a boutique hotel.  Today, this tasty triad of chocolate, whipped cream, and apricot jam is truly symbolic of Vienna and a mandatory stop to make sure you can try the “Original Sacher Torte”.

Business is booming because right across from the Vienna State Opera house is not one but 3 different Sacher cafes.  So which one do you go to?  Well the truth is any will go but if you’re looking for the newest, I’d recommend that you try to line up for Sacher Eck Vienna .  The queue may look long but it moves pretty quickly.  In no time you’ll get a spot in the velvet padded cafe.

PRO TIP: If you’re looking for the shortest line, don’t be afraid to scope out the other cafes along the street parallel to the opera house.  Tourists are always drawn to the longest line but most don’t realize that they all serve the Sacher Torte.

The other cafes that you can weave into your tour of Vienna are:

• Cafe Central
• Cafe Imperial

For dinner, you’ll be eating at a hyper-local establishment.  Recommended by locals in-the-know, Gasthaus Ubl is where you’ll get a chance to eat a superb selection of Austrian dishes including veal schnitzel, Viennese boiled beef, pork & sauerkraut dumpling, and liver dumpling soup.  A heads up that they only have hand-written German menus here so you may have to get some help from the servers there.

Day 2 Summary

• Leopold Museum
• Vienna State Opera House
• Breakfast – MQ Daily – The perfect cafe in the museum district.
• Lunch – Café Sperl – The classic Viennese coffee house that has many Austrian classics and one of the city’s best strudel.
• Dessert – Sacher Eck Vienna – Newest of the 3 cafes by Hotel Sacher that serves the famous Sacher Torte.
• Dessert – Cafe Central – Another classic Viennese cafe that has a wide selection of cakes.  Expect lines here.
• Dessert – Demel – A historic cafe in the middle of Vienna’s pedestrian zone.  Not many seats here but has excellent cakes.
• Dessert – Aida – There are multiple locations and this is more of a casual dessert shop in the city.  Great place to take a break while exploring the city.
• Dessert – Cafe Imperial – Located at one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, their Imperial Torte may not be as famous as the Sacher Torte but is quite amazing in my opinion.
• Dinner – Gasthaus Ubl  – German-only menus shouldn’t dissuade you from coming here as they are a classic example of an Austria eatery that is frequented by locals and serve the best of the traditional dishes.

With two days in Vienna completed, it’s sadly time to say goodbye but don’t worry, there’s a ton ahead as you make your way to the city of Salzburg.

From your hotel, grab an Uber to the central Hauptbahnof train station in the city.  Once here, you’ll have a ton of opportunities to pick up some breakfast including either the popular cafe/bakeries Ströck or Anker.

If you haven’t yet, purchase an ÖBB Railjet that’ll take you from Vienna to Salzburg in 2.5 hours as the train tops 230 km/h.

Upon arrival in Salzburg, hop on another cab to your hotel for the next two days, The Mozart .  This is really the perfect place to stay while in Salzburg.  It’s a new boutique hotel that’s got that European modern decor but with an added spunk of art and Mozart.  Location wise, it’s conveniently located not far from the main pedestrian street north of the river so everything is walkable.  Their included breakfast is superb and their lunch is quite excellent as well.

In fact, it’s at the hotel’s restaurant, Mozart Bistro , where you’ll be having a modern tapas take on Austrian food.

Since it’s quite early, you won’t be able to check into your rooms so leave your bags in storage and meet your city guide for a tour around this city which you’ll soon find to be much more compact, easily explorable, and packed with charm.

There are a number of historical walking tours of Salzburg such as this one  but we ultimately went with a private English-speaking tour with Christian of  Salzburg Smile Tours .

About Guides

In order to become a guide in Austria, you need a professional license.  This is why you’ll see the governing body, “Austria Guides”, appear on most websites.  This is actually a good thing because this means that the country is regulating the industry and ensuring a standard of service and quality.

The 2 hour tour starts in the stunning Mirabell Gardens and Palace .  For those that are Sound of Music fans, this should bring back memories of ‘Do-Re-Mi’ so don’t be surprised to see people hopping on the steps or marching around the fountain.  It’s here that you’ll learn more about Salzburg’s Walk of Modern Art and how sculptures can be found all over the city.  Pass by the Mozart Residence and then cross over the River Salzach on the famed bridge that is filled with locks.

This brings you into Old Town where you’ll be able to roam the pedestrian streets of Getreidegasse that is lined with popular shops, hidden alleys, and charming streets.  There are some brilliant examples of medieval, gothic, and baroque styles here and there’s a story behind all of them.  Your guide will point out key features that you’d normally pass and also explain the history of Mozart Balls (Mozartkugel), show you the best cafes, and show you the original family behind all of the iron-wrought signs.

In the middle of it is Mozart’s Birthplace .  Using your Salzburg Card, you’ll gain access to building where the famous composer spent most of his early life in.  It’s here that you’ll be able to see the room where Mozart was born, artifacts and recreated room of the time when they lived in a small humble section of the building, to the full story of his career, the family, and rise as a legend.

Salzburg Card

Salzburg has its own version of a city card and it has incredible value with completely free access to almost all the attractions in the city including Fortress Hohensalzburg, St. Peter’s Monastery, Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg City Cruises, Hellbrunn, Salzburg Museum and more.  What made it extra convenient was that for most locations that had turnstiles, all you have to do is skip the line, tap and go.  You also get free public transit throughout the entire city.

During low season (Jan – Apr, Nov – Dec) it’s 26 EUR for 24 hours and high season (May-Oct) it’s 29 EUR for adults.

Purchase your card online and pick it up at either Mozart Square or at the Salzburg Hauptbahnof.

Buy Your Card

Continue your tour where you’ll pause at Salzburg Dome Cathedral , St. Peter’s Monastery , and learn about Fortress Hohensalzburg beside the golden sculture dubbed “Sphaera”.

As you make your way back to the hotel, make sure to drop by Cafe-Konditorei Fürst which is in fact the creator of the beloved Mozart Balls or Mozartkugel.  What you learn quickly about Salzburg is that the balls are everywhere and all of them look kind of the same with Mozart front and center.  Through our tour, we learned that almost all of them are machine made is replicas of the original created in 1890 by Paul Fürst.  There are only 3 shops in town so if you want this handmade treat of marzipan and pistachio surrounded by nougat and dark chocolate, make sure you drop by.  They’re 1.40 EUR each, 8 EUR for 5, 10 for 15 EUR, or 15 for 23 EUR.

It’s time to change and snazzy up because you’re in for a treat this evening at the Mozart Dinner Concert .  Grab an Uber and make your way back to St. Peter’s Monastery and the adjacent restaurant.  The venue of the concert is actually one of the world’s oldest, dating back to the year 803.

Whether you’re a fan of Mozart or not, this is a delightful evening where you’ll hum to the music of 3 of Mozart’s greatest operas while also having a candlelit dinner in a beautiful hall that’ll transport you back to the 1790’s.  You’ll be treated to a multi-course meal created from original historical recipes while listening and watching arias and duets performed by two opera-singers and chamber ensemble, all while wearing authentic period costumes.

What impressed me the most about this experience is that it’s done in a way that you can enjoy the music and meal thoroughly because the food is served during the performance intermissions.  This way, you’ll be able to finish one course as a break to the performance before it begins again which keeps you engaged and refreshed instead of one continuous performance while you’re eating.

You might not know it all but you’ll be sure pick up on famous moments from “The Magic Flute”, “Don Giovanni”, “The Marriage of Figaro”, and “A Little Night Music”.

Address:  Stiftskulinarium St. Peter Restaurant: St.-Peter-Bezirk 1/4, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Hours: Performance starts at 7:30PM and doors open at 6:30PM, 7 days a week however depending on the time of year, there are periodic days off so make sure to check the schedule.

Price: 66 EUR Adults, 51 EUR Youth (14-26), 43 EUR Children (<14)

Website:  Mozart Dinner Concert

• Dark rye bread with butter
• Lemon-chicken broth with a curd cheese and rosemary dumpling
• Stuffed roasted chicken breast in a red wine and herb jus with potato gratin and homegrown vegetables
• Wild honey parfait with 2 different kinds of fruit sauce
• If vegetarian, vegan or allergy-free alternatives required, let them know and they will aim to accommodate
• Drinks are extra (including bottled water)
• Reservations – This is not a large hall and so performances do fill up quickly.  It is highly recommended that you reserve this several weeks ahead of time.
• Photography – Flash photography is not allowed but you’re definitely allowed to take photos from your dinner table.

Day 3 Summary

• Mirabell Gardens & Palace
• Mozart Birthplace
• Salzburg Historic Walking Tour
• Mozart Dinner Concert
• Breakfast – Ströck – One of the large franchises of bakeries in Austria that you’ll find at Hauptbahnof which is great for food on-the-go.
• Lunch – Mozart Bistro – Newly opened that does this modern twist of Austrian traditional dishes in tapas form.
• Dessert – Cafe Konditorei Fürst – The place of the original Mozart Balls.
• Dinner – Mozart Dinner Concert  – Amazing music and dinner experience that you have to do while you’re in Salzburg.

THE MOZART HOTEL

Newly opened that takes European modern and adds a funky artistic and Mozart twist.  Rooms are fabulously furnished, there may be a creepy Mozart bust, bathroom floors are heated and their breakfasts are to die for.

AFFORDABLE BY MIRABELL

HOTEL IMLAUER & BRÄU

Surprisingly affordable for its location and rooms.  This is a traditional hotel in Salzburg steps away from Mirabell Palace that you can often find under $100.   There’s free wifi throughout and is eligible for 10% Genius discount with Booking.

GREAT LOCATION

ALTSTADT HOTEL HOFWIRT

This building dates back to 1878 and right by the pedestrian zone of the centre of Salzburg.  All rooms have been renovated to have a modern feel while retaining its traditional roots.  Free wifi is available and breakfast is included.

CLASSIC LUXURY

ALTSTADT HOTEL STADTKRUG

Perfectly located on Linzergasse Street north of the river, this is a 700 year old building that is conveniently located to explore all of Salzburg.  Rooms are clean and spacious.  Reviews of this hotel are excellent including “this hotel is without doubt the best property we stayed in.”  Amazing free breakfast is included.

Looking for deals?

Before you head out, make sure to check out all of the current travel deals that we have curated. You never know, you might find some good ones to save you heaps of money . Current Travel Deals

You can’t come to Salzburg and not re-enact your favourite scene from The Sound of Music.  It’s one of those things that many of you may have grown up with and have spent multiple Christmases huddled around the TV watching.

Regardless of your level of fandom, much of the beauty of Salzburg and the whole province is tied to the iconic landscapes featured in the movie so on your fourth day in Austria, you’ll be spending your day with Salzburg Experience and the esteemed Michaela Muhr who is extremely well reviewed .

Now one thing I have to set straight because this is hilarious ironic is that most Austrians haven’t watched this movie and don’t know about the hype.  The reason is that this was purely a Hollywood creation and so if you come to Salzburg expecting all the locals to be crazy about The Sound of Music, you’ll be in for a surprise.

Website: Salzburg Experience

• Salzburg’s Favourite Things – This is run by Michaela Muhr and covers the most important historic sites but avoid the big tourist crowds as much as possible. You will also see several famous Sound of Music film locations and a few hidden gems.  This is a private tour.
• Driving Tour of Salzburg’s Favorite Things – A Michaela Muhr tour that spends a day covering the best sites of Salzburg city and Salzkammergut region including the go-to spots for Sound of Music as a private tour.
• The Original Sound of Music Tour – These guys are the only ones that can be named “Sound of Music” because of legal rights so they’re probably the best known.  This is on a large coach bus and will take you to all of the main filming locations for the movie.  It’s 4 hours long and is quite affordable but will not take you to some of the smaller sights that a full day tour will afford you.
• Private tour of Austrian Lakes and Mountains – The focus here is more on the lake region outside of Salzburg but as a private tour you can request to see more Sound of Music sights.
• Private Sound of Music Tour with Breakfast at Leopoldskron – This is a 6 hour long tour capped at 9 travellers that is very similar to the Salzburg Experience tour and exclusive to Viator.

BOOK A TOUR

The Sound of Music tour starts with Leopoldskron which you’ll immediately recognize from the rowboat scene near the beginning of the movie.  The larger tour busses aren’t able to come through here because the neighbourhood that runs up to the lake consists of small narrow streets.  From here you get an amazing view of Schloss Leopoldskron, the lake, and Fortress Hohensalzburg in the distance.  Today, the castle is a hotel and conference centre.  You’ll also learn that the gazebo built for the movie was filmed here but because of the unwanted attention and traffic that it resulted, it was later moved.

Where the gazebo is currently standing is at Schloss Hellbrunn .  While you may be here for a twirl in front of the iconic gazebo, what you’ll actually remember are the trick fountains of this palace.  Built by prince-archbishop of Salzburg as a summer palace, Hellbrunn is filled with mysterious grottos, water-spewing stags, hidden water jets, and hydraulic powered figures.  Take a tour of the enormous grounds to see all of the behind-the-scenes water “tricks” and water playground.

At the end of the tour you’ll find the famed gazebo where the lovesick Liesl von Trapp sang ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’.  Normally, the gazebo is closed to visitors but with an official Austria Guide, they’re able to grab the key for you to take a twirl inside.

To really solidify the Sound of Music connection, you’ll get to stop at Hotel Villa Trapp which was the actual home of the von Trapps which is today turned into a B&B hotel.

For lunch, you’ll be heading to Schloss Fuschl that sits perched on the idyllic Lake Fuschl.  Have lunch on the beautiful terrace of Marriott Luxury Collection property restaurant which serves a high-class fusion of Austrian and French cuisine.

In the afternoon you’ll drive through the mountain passes and lakes that this region is so well known for.  Along the way you’ll pass by the Red Bull headquarters which you’ll be surprised to hear is Austrian, a gorgeous lookout of the town, St. Gilgen , which is used in the opening helicopter shots of the movie.  Finally, close out with a visit of St. Michael Basilica where Maria and Georg von Trapp marry in the movie.

You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore the rest of the old town of Salzburg.

If you’re a photographer and want that perfect shot of the city, I highly recommend that you take a look at the Trip Planning Map above where I mark the spot where you’ll get the best view of Fortress Hohensalzburg, the river, and flanking sides of the city.  During my research, it wasn’t obvious where I could get this shot but after talking to locals and doing my own scouting, I learned that it was this pedestrian bridge (not the one with the locks) further north along the river that I needed to be on.

For dinner, head to the historic Pitterkeller .  On the outside it might not look it being below a modern office building/hotel but down below is Salzburg’s oldest beer cellar.  A popular meeting spot for locals, this traditional restaurant has an extensive selection of popular Austrian dishes and first-class brews.  This is also your chance to try the traditional Salzburger Nockerl which is an exquisite dessert that is light and fluffy, meant to evoke the memories of Austria’s snow capped-mountains.

Day 4 Summary

• Schloss Leopolskron
• Schloss Hellbrunn
• Schloss Fuschl
• St. Michael Basilica
• Breakfast – The Mozart Hotel – Included buffet breakfast.
• Lunch – Schloss Fuschl – This Luxury Collection hotel has a high-class restaurant that has a gorgeous view of the lake from the terrace.
• Dinner – Pitterkeller  – Traditional Austrian restaurant located in Salzburg’s oldest beer cellar.

There’s one big thing that you haven’t been to explore yet and that’s the giant fortress that you’ve been looking at your whole time in Salzburg.

Start your morning early with another amazing breakfast at The Mozart Hotel.

As you make your way over, there’s a really great viewpoint that overlooks the old part of Salzburg and the fortress as well and again I’ve marked that on the Trip Planning Map as Kapuzinerkloster.  There are hidden steps located on Steingasse that lead upwards.  Keep going up and you’ll see the beautiful lookout.

If you want more details, the city of Salzburg has actually created a couple of curated walking tours including the Instagrammable Salzburg Footpath which is where I got the inspiration to do this.

When you’re back down, cross the river and make your way past the golden ball sculpture, Sphaera, and to the bottom of the hill where the funicular for Fortress Hohensalzburg is located.  Thanks to your Salzburg Card , you’ll be able to bypass any line and head straight to the turnstiles where you tap you card and enter.

Depending on how much time you have, there is a million of things you can do once you’re in the castle.  Beyond taking lots of photos once you get off the funicular, there’s the Fortress Museum, the apartments, Marionette Museum, the Altes Zeughaus for the castle’s arsenal, as well as the Museum of the Rainer Regiment.  If you’re short on time though, you might only be able to head up to Observation Tower which has awesome 360 degree views of the castle, city below, and the countryside.

Check out of your hotel and cab back to the Salzburg Hauptbahnof to catch your 1 hour 45 minute train ride to Innsbruck.  For lunch grab something quick at another favourite in the station, Anker.

You’ll arrive in Innsbruck in the mid-afternoon which will be just enough time to check into your hotel and do a quick tour of the city which is quite walkable.  There’s just enough time to climb up the twin-helix circular staircase of Stadtturn Town Tower which is a great orientation of town, see the Golden Roof of Innsbruck that you’ll come back to the next day, and also head to the river where you’ll see a row of colourful houses in the foreground to the giant mountains towering behind.

On your walk around of the city, make sure to stop by  Tomaselli Gelateria which has a number of stores scattered around and the perfect little snack to stroll with.

A top restaurant that you must to try Innsbruck is Gasthof Weisses Roessl .  Serving traditional Tyrolean dishes, this has to be one of my favourite ones from the whole trip for their service, quality, and ambiance.  The dining rooms give off a homely cottage ambiance with their cedar wood decor and hunting trophies.  You can tell that there’s a strong emphasis on authentic cuisine using fresh ingredients.  Dishes you should definitely try are the Speckknödel (dumplings), spicy Tiroler Gröstl (sautéed meat and potatoes), sweet Kaiserschmarrn (famous minced pancakes), and Cordon Bleu (get the spicy one if they have it available).  Also, we learned that there’s a Tyrolean cola here that’s quite unique called Tirola Kola.

Day 5 Summary

• Fortress Hohensalzburg
• Stadtturn Town Tower
• Golden Roof
• Colourful houses of Innsbruck
• Lunch – Anker – Grab a few pastries at the train station.
• Dessert –  Tomaselli Gelateria – Superb gelato in Innsbruck.
• Dinner – Gasthof Weisses Roessl  – Highly ranked Tyrolean cuisine restaurant in the heart of the city.

ADLERS HOTEL INNSBRUCK

Located a short walk from the train station, this hotel has superb views of the mountain from the panoramic windows.  It’s modernly furnished and extremely spacious.  Breakfast is extra but is quite amazing.  Despite being closer to the train station, it is still quite walkable to the core and main attractions.

DAXBURG APARTMENTS

This is an Airbnb like apartment that have units that comprise of a sofa, dining area, fully equipped kitchenette including cooking appliances, private bathroom, and free wifi.  Ski storage space is available on-site.  Location is walking distance to all the major sights in town.

AC HOTEL INNSBRUCK

This is an incredibly central hotel 5 minutes away from Old Town.  The hotel has panoramic views of the mountains as the city’s highest building, free wifi, and spacious rooms.  This is also a Marriott property.  “The room was larger than expected, well appointed and the staff were just delightful.”

HOTEL INNSBRUCK

Located on the bank of the river, you’re only 5 minutes away from Congress Centre and the cable car.  This luxury hotel is known for their modern rooms, 2 spa areas, pool, and breakfast.  “Really nice hotel, clean modern rooms with all comforts. Breakfast was really good. Staff very friendly and accommodating of all our needs.”

Innsbruck is mostly known for its winter sports being at the gateway to the Austrian Alps but there is plenty more to see that you might not make a direct connection with.

Armed with your Innsbruck Card, you’ll be able to take all local busses including the Sightseer line .  This essentially operates like a hop-on-hop-off bus except it’s operated by the city.  From Hauptbahnof, it’ll take 40 minutes to get to Bergisel Ski Jump while getting a nice bus tour of the city.

Innsbruck Card

You shouldn’t be surprised that Innsbruck also has a card.  Their card is quite robust as well in terms of its offerings of activities and transportation.  The card gives you access to almost everything you’ll want to see in the city including the City Tower, Swarovski Crystal World, Bergisel Ski Jump, Imperial Palace, and Golden Roof.  In addition, the biggest value comes from it also including the funicular and cable cars that’ll take you up the Nordkette mountain, the Sightseer bus, and all other public buses.

They are available in 24 (43 EUR), 48 (50 EUR), and 72 hours (59 EUR).

Bergisel Ski Jump is one example of star-architect’s Zaha Hadid work in the city.  The newest iteration of the ski jump has a prime panoramic view of Innsbruck and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to watch ski jumpers training here which is quite the delight.   There’s a funicular that takes you to the base of the tower and from there an elevator up to the top.  What makes this unique is that it’s quite rare to get this up close to the actual ski jump but as visitors you can get right up to the ramps themselves from the observation deck and cafe.

Address:  Bergiselweg 3, 6020, Innsbruck

Hours: 9AM – 6PM June to October, 10AM – 5PM November – May.  Closed at certain times for special events so check the hours .

Price: 9.50 EUR for adults, 8.50 EUR for seniors, 4.50 EUR for children 6-14.  With the Innsbruck card, this is free.

Website: Bergisel Ski Jump

• During the summer (May to November), there is a ski jumping show at 10AM-12PM and 1-3PM (if weather and wind conditions allow).

SKIP THE LINE

Back in the city thanks to the Sightseer bus, it’s time to grab lunch at Stiftskeller .  There’s a ton of history and tradition here as part of the Emperor’s palace and where royalty used to frequent.  Inside you’ll find many charming features including frescos in the knights room, and another room that has the crests of all the nearby towns.  While you’re here, try out the “national drink of Austria” which is called Almdudler – an alpine herbal soft drink that is kind of like ginger ale.

After lunch, this’ll be your chance to visit the Golden Roof museum, Hofkirche , and the Hofburg Imperial Palace .  Through visits, you’ll begin to understand Emperor Maximillian’s importance to the city of Innsbruck and what makes him so adored and well-remembered.

The Hofkirche is a special gothic church that houses the emperor’s cenotaph. Also known as the Court Church, it was built from 1553 to 1563 after Emperor Maximilian I died in 1519.  It’s one of the finest examples of royal court churches with the ornate black marble tomb, incredible detail in the reliefs, and also the flanking giant marble figures of the family and historical figures that pay their respects to him.  When here, make sure to watch the multi-room presentation that tells the story of Maximillian.

Address:  Universitätsstraße 2, 6020 Innsbruck

Hours:  Mondays to Saturdays 9AM – 5PM,  Sundays & Holidays 12:30PM – 5PM

Price: 7 EUR for adults, 5 EUR reduced price, children under 19 are free.  No discount for Innsbruck Card.

Website: Court Church

READ THE REVIEW

Hofburg Imperial Palace  stands alongside Schönbrunn Palace and the Imperial Palace of Vienna in terms of importance and impressiveness.  Extensive work has been done to restore the interior and it shows with the chance to walk through the Giant’s hall, Empress Elisabeth Apartment.  You really get a sense of the splendour and wealth of the Hapsburg dynasty with examples of furniture, tapestries, and art as you walk through the palace.

Address:  Rennweg 1, 6020 Innsbruck

Hours:  9AM – 5PM everyday with last admission at 4:30PM

Price: 9.50 EUR for adults, 7 EUR for reduced admission.  Free if you have the Innsbruck Card.

Website: Hofburg Innsbruck

• No photography allowed inside at all.
• Backpacks can be brought inside but you will have to wear it on your front.

For the rest of the day, Swarovski takes centre stage.  I certainly didn’t know this before coming to Austria but yes, Swarovski is Austrian and has its headquarters only 20 minutes outside of Innsbruck.  Not only are the crystals made here but there is an entire world made from Swarovski bling.

When it comes to Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Kristallwelten) , think amusement park meets modern art museum.  As you may have guessed, everything here is made with crystal.  With the Tyrolean mountains as the backdrop, this is a wonderland that is unlike anything else I’ve seen.

There are two parts – the outdoor park and the indoor Chambers of Wonder.  Outside, you’ll find a number of giant (pun intended) art installations.  Front and centre is “The Giant” where the gaze of the crystal eyes of the mythical mountain creature greets you with a spouting of water from its mouth and into the pond.  Outside you’ll also find a collection of pools, mazes, and mystical sculptures that’ll transport you to another land.  The key highlight here is Crystal Cloud where 800,000 Swarovski crystals float in the sky like whisps of cloud and reflect down on a black Mirror Pool.  This is also the perfect place for kids with their Play Tower.

When you delve inside to the Chambers of Wonder, you’ll encounter room after room of insane crystal artwork and installations by many well-known artists that’ll blow your mind.  My favourites are the Crystal Dome, Into Lattice Sun, Transparent Opacity, and El Sol.  Each room has a special message, is interactive, and contains many ways to interpret the work.

Inside you’ll also find Yayoi Kusama’s only permanent piece named “Infinity Mirror Room”.

Address:  Kristallweltenstrasse 1, 6112 Wattens, Austria

Hours:  Daily 8:30AM to 7:30PM (last entry at 6:30PM).  In the winter (Nov 29 – Jan 6), hours are extended from 8:30AM – 9PM.

Price: 19 EUR for adults, 7.50 EUR for children 6-16) , free for children up to 5.  Free with the Innsbruck Card.

Website: Swarovski Kristallwelten

• They offer a new audio guide that is location intelligent. As you walk into various areas of Crystal Worlds, audio will play.  The cost is 2 EUR.
• Shuttle busses are available from Innsbruck with pick ups at Hauptbahnof and Congress/Hofburg.  Check the full schedule .  Cost is 9.50 EUR for round trip or 5 EUR one way.  Children under 16 are free.  The shuttle is free if you have an Innsbruck Card.
• Crystal Worlds is free if you’re just interested in visiting The Giant in front, the souvenir shop, or to have dinner at Daniels Kristallwelten.
• Combo tickets that include shuttle and admission can be purchased here in advance.

BUY TICKETS

Crystal Worlds also has its own on-site restaurant, Daniels Kristallwelten , and they are well-known for their gourmet cuisine and a perfect pairing after you’ve explored the grounds.  They serve a combination of  international, regional, and fresh seasonal cuisine plus they make their own pastries.  On Thursdays they also have DJ night which made for quite the ambiance amongst the crystal-themed restaurant.

Day 6 Summary

• Bergisel Ski Jump
• Hofburg Imperial Palace
• Breakfast – aDLERS Hotel – Buffet breakfast.
• Lunch – Stiftskeller  – Traditional Austrian restaurant entrenched with history.  Their Spaetzl (Austrian mac & cheese) was excellent!
• Dinner – Daniels Kristallwelten  – International restaurant right on the grounds of Crystal Worlds.

So far you’ve done most of the main sights in the city but you have yet to make your way up to the mountains that you’ve been staring at for the past few days.  Today’s the day to head up to the Nordkette which has almost a cult status amongst locals and visitors because of its mesmerizing beauty and dynamic contrasts from the ground below. 

Mere minutes away from the downtown core, you can get away from the city and ascend above the clouds into a colourful array of greenery, sharp rock faces, and visibility as far as the eye can see. It’s where the urban meets the outdoors.

What’s most impressive is how easy the city has made it to get from ground to peak.  Right in the city is the station and next to the Hofburg and Congress Center is an underground station which is the start of the  Hungerburgbahn funicular.  There are 4 stops in total and this takes you across the river, over the Alpenzoo, and eventually to the final Hungerburg stop.  This is the first phase.

From here, you switch over to the Seegrubenbahn cable car/gondola.  This takes you up to 1,905 metres above sea level at a midway point called Seegrube.  Here you’ll find a restaurant, general facilities, the way to the Path of Perspectives hike which ends in a gorgeous cantilevered viewing platform that juts out from the mountain.  This is second phase.

For the final phase, you’ll need to connect onto the Hafelekar cable car  and go all the way up to 2,556 metres.  It’s here that you’re finally near the top of the Nordkette mountains.  There are view points galore here.  On one side you can look down and see the entire city below.  Go to the back side and you’ll see a dazzling depth of mountains that start with rugged rock faces and alpine trees below.  To one side of the range you can make your way to the Hafelekar ski-run which is one of the world’s steepest in the world.  This is also the start of a via ferrata route and you might catch a few people making their way up.  On the other side is a short hike to the very peak of the mountain and should only take you 10-15 minutes.

Address:  Congress Station – Rennweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Hours:  

• Hungerburgbahn – Weekdays 7:15AM – 7:15PM, Weekends 8AM – 7:15PM, departs every 15 minutes
• Seegrubenbahn – Daily 8:30AM – 5:30PM, departs every 15 minutes
• Hafelekarbahn – Daily 9AM – 5PM, departs every 15 minutes

Price: These are round trip tickets from the city to Hafelekar – 38 EUR for adults, 34.20 EUR for seniors and students, 30.40 EUR for youth 17-19 and 22.80 EUR for children 7-16.  Children 6 and under are free.  However, if you have an Innsbruck card, this is all free.

Website: Nordkette 

• Is the hiking strenuous? – No, if you’re not doing any of the long hikes and sticking to the peak of Hafelekar and Path of Perspectives, you won’t have too much of a challenge.  I’d say it’s for low to medium fitness levels.

PURCHASE TICKET

After your mountain adventures, head back to your hotel and you have just enough time to grab lunch at the aDLERS Hotel restaurant.  From there, walk to Innsbruck Hauptbahnof and catch the Railjet back to Vienna which should take 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Upon arrival in Vienna, catch an Uber over to your hotel, Hot e l Daniel , and settle in.

Since it’ll be perfect for sunset, you’re located perfectly to visit Belvedere Palace one last time.  Take sunset photos here and either walk or take a cab over to your dinner spot.

So far you’ve had a lot of amazing traditional Austrian foods but one thing you haven’t done yet is have that epic-sized schnitzel.  Now many guide books will tell you to go to Figlmuller  but all the locals told us that it’s way too touristy there.  That’s why we ended up at the snazzier Meissl & Schadn  where actual local Viennese go to for their schnitzel.

With #SchnitzelLove as their motto, I was quite amused that from the street you can watch the chefs pound and prepare the veal before dunking it in egg yolk and smothering it with batter.  Okay fine, it’s a little bit touristy but once you’re inside you definitely don’t get that feeling.

While there is quite the selection on the menu, ultimately the thing to order here is the wiener schnitzel prepared the way Sigmund Freud had it all those many years ago.  What is unique at this restaurant is that you can actually choose what type of oil you’d like your schnitzel fried in and also choice in side.  The full Sigmund Freud combo gives you all the sides and is fried in lard (when in Vienna right?).

Holy moly this schnitzel is massive and is literally the size of my face, if not larger!

Head up stairs at the same hotel and have a drink (or two) at the Grand Etage Rooftop Restaurant where you’ll be able to lounge on comfy couches in the open air to reminisce how incredible your trip to Austria has been.

Day 7 Summary

• Breakfast – aDLERS Hotel  – Buffet breakfast
• Lunch – aDLERS Hotel  – They offer a set-menu lunch here that is very good and affordable.
• Dinner – Meissl & Schadn  – One of the top restaurants to have gigantic schnitzel in Vienna.
• Night cap – Grand Etage Rooftop Restaurant – Superb rooftop bar in the same hotel that Meissl & Schadn is located.

If you’ve seen my 14 Day Greek Islands Itinerary ,  3 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary , Richmond BC 4 Day Itinerary , or Best Ramen in Tokyo , you’ll know that I’m a big fan of trip planning maps especially for when I’m on the road.  I always have one prepared before I travel so that I can quickly pull them up for reference.  With this trip planning map, you’ll be able to take this to go and have it ready for you on your phone or use it as part of your itinerary planning.

PRO TIP: View the Austria 7 Day trip planning map in full screen and create a copy (this step is key) for yourself.  Make tweaks for your own trip and in Google Maps, you’ll be able to view it by going into the menu, selecting “My Places” and the “Maps” tab.

Money – Credit card is widely accepted all around Austria as you’ll find very few places that only accept cash.  ATMs and moneychangers are also accessible in each city but the usual caution applies in terms of making sure you don’t ripped off by the exchange rate for Euros.  Loose change is certainly useful for things like tips.  Normally in European cities, coins are good to have for bathrooms but did not any that were paid on this particular trip.

When is the best time? – The best time to go to Austria will largely depend on the type of activities that you want to do in the country.  For instance, if you’re looking to take advantage of their wealth of mountains and use Innsbruck as a launching pad for skiing or snowboarding, the winter months between December – March are amazing.  If you’re coming to Austria for hiking, city exploring, and great weather, come when it’s not as hot and the crowds aren’t as thick so that would be in the shoulder months between May – June and September – October .

Getting here – The primary way into the country is through the capital of Vienna (VIE) where most international flights will arrive in which is why it’s the perfect place to start your trip.  Salzburg (SZG) and Innsbruck (INN) have their own airports but are served regionally but may be worth looking into if you’re coming in from another European city.  The European rail network is also an option and is quite efficient if you’re continuing your trip from one of the neighbouring countries (Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, and Slovenia).  For budget travellers, you may want to look at Flixbus as well.

How do I get around the city? – All three cities visited in this itinerary are very similar so I’ll speak to them as a collective.  There’s a fairly comprehensive bus network that’s handy to use when visiting the city but not absolutely necessary and the main reason for that is because everything is quite walkable in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.  When tight on time, you can always take a taxi or Uber but walking is the best way around.  Vienna has more sprawl naturally so luckily they have a local train system you can take to get to farther reaching places like Schönbrunn.  In all cases, they all have their own city card ( Vienna City Car d, Salzburg Card , and Innsbruck Card ) and each one covers all transportation for the number of hours that you purchased the cards for.  Renting a car isn’t necessary in these cities unless you’re doing a road trip because exploring within the city is easy and going between cities is convenient by rail.

Where should I stay? – The most comprehensive platform for bookings based on personal experience was Booking.com .  They had everything from hotels, hostels, and guesthouses and we always managed to find an awesome place for a great place.  As an alternative, there’s also Expedia and Airbnb .

Do I need travel insurance? – As always, travel insurance is highly recommended.  My philosophy is that you want to make sure you’re covered in case the unknown happens.  Make sure to read our guide on choosing the right travel insurance for you. Overall, HeyMondo has the best balance of price and coverage.

From start to end, my trip to Austria truly opened my eyes.  If I’m being candid, the general feeling I get from people when I ask about Austria is that there’s always the thought of “we’ll go there someday” or “isn’t it like Germany?”.  This couldn’t be further removed from the truth and I got to see this first hand.

First, Austrians are fun, friendly, and have some spunk about them.  What I mean by that is that you come here expecting it to be like Germany (My German friends, hopefully you don’t take this the wrong way!) which is very serious, orderly, and Vulcan if that makes sense.  Austrians have a little bit of that and of course they speak German but whether in mannerism or culture, or food, the only way I can describe it is that they’ve brought in a little bit of Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Swiss, Slovakia, and Slovenia.  They’re Germanic but with attitude and spunk.

I then think about each of the cities we visited and they were so incredibly dynamic and different and each with its own surprises.  With Vienna, there were the grand palaces, incredibly art galleries, and heartbeat of music but I didn’t expect the coffee houses or their love for cakes.  In Salzburg, we saw a lot of Mozart and the Sound of Music of course but I didn’t expect to find a via ferrata in the city or the trick fountains Hellbrunn.  Then we have Innsbruck which I knew to be a place for winter sports but I didn’t expect to learn about Emperor Maximilian, Tyrolean culture, and Swarovski.

Austria may not be on the top of your list but it really should be.  The whole country deserves  at least 7 days if not more because I didn’t even get to go to places like Hallstatt or delve into the mountains to do more of the outdoor adventure stuff I love doing.

What you need to prepare before you go:

• Buy a Vienna City Card or Vienna Pass if you really want to maximize your time in the city
• Book your Mozart Dinner Concert way ahead
• Buy a Salzburg Card
• Buy an Innsbruck Card
• Make sure you have your hotels booked through Booking.com and train tickets via ÖBB .

Austria is a trip you’ll never forget.

Got questions for your own trip to Austria? Let me help by simply  dropping a comment down below !

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If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300 ) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The one we find using the most is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order. The newest eSIM we’ve tried is KnowRoaming that sneakily has great rates on unlimited plans. We’ve partnered with them to give you a custom code GAP10 to save you 10%.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key ).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
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• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

This trip was in collaboration with Advantage Austria ,  Vienna Tourist Board , Salzburg.info , and Innsbruck Tourism  but all opinions are our own.

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William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Berlin and Imperial Capitals

Eastern whispers, three country ski tour, alpine christmas markets (classic, 9 days), europe christmas markets: munich to budapest, winter wonderland (classic, 9 days), classical danube (passau - budapest - passau), christmas in central europe, vienna to berlin, prague, vienna & budapest, romantic danube 2024.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year
• Explore Prague's old buildings
• Visit Berlin's famous churches
• Cruise along the Danube in Budapest

“The whole duration of the tour was awesome. Hotels - Very good esp. the Novotel tourist destinations - very good.”

• Cruise along the Danube & see the impressive Budapest
• Visit the Swarovski Museum & learn how they are made
• Admire the beautiful gardens of the amazing Schönbrunn

“Amazing trip. Toilet on bus will be helpful.”

• Ski, Snowboard & Snow
• Ski the slopes of St. Anton and enjoy Après Ski
• Shop and sightsee in the charming Innsbruck
• Ride in style from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

• Enjoy a medieval banquet of Austrian specialities
• Taste the aromatic Lebkuchen with a glass of Glühwein
• Experience the wonderment of the Christmas Markets

“Unbelievable experience. Fantastic company coach and tour guide amazing.”

• Discover the vibrant sights of Vienna
• Central Europe’s festive market scene
• Savour the delights of Salzburg

“Great markets, wonderful food and drink, beautiful city. We ended in Budapest where the rain drove me into the thermal baths for the day.”

• Toast the culmination of your travels at a rousing dinner
• Witness half-timbered houses and Baroque buildings
• Taste the delicious Lebkuchen with a cup of Glühwein

“The hotels were great, clean and comfortable. Great group of people on our tour too!”

• River Cruise
• Venture across Budapest's seven bridges, connecting the traditional cosmopolitan enclave of Buda with the lively Pest.
• Absorb the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Bratislava from the town hall's towering vantage point.
• Visit 4 different countries during this amazing cruise: Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia with stops in 6 memorable towns.

“The price of the trip was affordable. The staff was very helpful and the communication with them was easy.”

• Festival & Events
• Visit traditional Christmas markets in Vienna
• Explore Vienna with a CEO-led city tour
• Discover Salzburg's historic sites and markets

“Everything was wonderful and festive!”

• Enjoy a Bavarian dinner in Munich
• See Vienna's State Opera and Imperial Palace
• Explore medieval Nuremberg and its castle

“The itinerary was good.”

• Walk through Budapest's historic Castle Hill
• Bike or hike through the scenic Wachau Valley
• Explore Vilshofen's charming old town

“Our cruise manager Maddy was super kind, fun and knowledgeable. Our hotel manager Adlie led her team taking good care of us.”

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary

Last Updated on October 9, 2023

by Hope Brotherton

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the perfect itinerary for Vienna can see a bit overwhelming when you realise on every cobbled street corner, there’s something to admire here. There are baroque facades, imperial palaces and Viennese coffee houses.

A home for intellects, artists and politicians, in order to soak in all of the sophistication Vienna has to offer, you’ll need 2 to 3 days in the city.

Austria’s capital city is filled with world-famous paintings, artefacts and relics of one of the most impressive European royal dynasties, and it has picturesque views of the Alps too. To make sure you don’t miss the best attractions or skip out on the lesser-known sites, read on to plan the perfect trip.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Vienna?

The majority of tourists are drawn to Vienna for its history. To feel truly satisfied with your trip, you’ll be wondering how many days you’ll need to spend in order to get the most out of your trip.

A weekend will give you plenty of time to tick off all of those bucket-list attractions. Those 2 days in Vienna will give you ample time to explore palaces, museums and even have a slice of Sacher torte too.

But you might be wondering if you should extend your holiday by one day to give yourself a long weekend in the capital. If you have the time, 3 days will give you time to squeeze in a day trip to the neighbouring capital city of Bratislava or over to Salzburg .

If a day trip isn’t your ticket, then a third day in the city will give you time to explore Vienna’s lesser-well known attractions.

Getting To & Around Vienna

For international arrivals, the easiest way to arrive into the city is by Vienna international airport. The airport is well-serviced by several public transport links, but the most convenient way to arrive is via the rapid transit railway (also known as the S-Bahn).

Services arrive at several stations including Wien Hauptbahnhof. A one-way single ticket costs €4.10, so they’re highly economical too.

If you’re travelling across mainland Europe, the easiest way to get to Vienna is by train to Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). You can jump on a direct train into Vienna from Rome , Budapest , Munich , Bratislava, Prague and many many more. You can check schedules and prices here.

Now that you’ve arrived in the city, you’ll want to know how to get around Vienna. On the whole, the city is a highly walkable city with most of its top sites located within walking distance of one another.

Because some of the sites are further out of the city, you will need to navigate Vienna’s public transport. The best way to move through the city is on Vienna’s U-Bahn (the metro).

They’re highly frequent and run from 5 am all the way through to midnight. Vienna also has an extensive tram and bus network too – use CityMapper to navigate these. If you end up purchasing the Vienna City Card , public transit is included – along with entry into a number of different sites and museums. You can also get a travel card with the purchase of the Vienna Pass .

2 to 3-Day Vienna Itinerary

This is a great travel itinerary for first-time visitors getting to know the city who want to see the major attractions in Vienna.

Day 1 – City Centre Highlights

Free walking tour.

As we’ve already mentioned, Vienna is a highly walkable city so we recommend jumping on a free walking tour. Our favourite is the Red and White Walking Tour . They have an informative bunch of guides who offer tidbits about the city and local recommendations.

If you’re ever on a free walking tour, it is generally expected that those on the tour will tip their tour guide at the end. How much you’d like to tip is at your discretion (the tip is really about how much you enjoyed the tour).

But if you don’t fancy hopping on a free walking tour, then you can easily build your own or join a paid walking tour if that suits your schedule better. This will allow you to join more specialised tours such as this food tour .

Vienna Opera House

To see Vienna in 2 days, start your first day outside its world-renowned Opera House – the Vienna State Opera. Also known as the Wiener Staatsoper, this Opera House first opened its doors in 1869 and has since received a global reputation.

Its facade is grand and striking, a beauty that deserves to be admired.

If you want to watch an evening performance, then purchase tickets online well before you arrive in Vienna. Tickets for a night at the opera can be purchased for as little as €14 – it’s a bit of a bargain really.

The Albertina Museum

After you’ve ogled at the might of the Vienna Opera House, take a short walk over to Albertinaplatz where you’ll find the Albertina Museum.

The Albertina Museum houses one of the most important collections of art in the world. Inside its walls, there are around one million prints including paintings by Monet and Picasso. You can book entry tickets here .

Austria National Library

Once you’ve finished staring at some works of art, walk over to the Austrian National Library. The library houses several different attractions including the State Hall, the Literature Museum, the Papyrus Museum, the Globe Museum, the Esperanto Museum and the House of Austrian History.

Individual tickets can be bought for each attraction, if you want to visit more than two it is worth buying a combined ticket. At the moment, the State Hall is under refurbishment and will re-open its doors in 2023.

The Hofburg

Finally, it is time to walk on over to the Hofburg – an incredible place to visit on any trip to Vienna. The Hofburg is a labyrinth of monumental buildings and wings. To experience it in all its glory, make sure you enter from Michaelerplatz’s cobbled courtyard.

This part of the Hofburg is lined with statues of Heracles and soothing fountains. Here, you’ll find the classic horse-drawn carriages from the Spanish Riding School (they should be on your left).

As you walk through the Hofburg, you’ll find yourself in a courtyard with a large monument to Emperor Franz I. While you’re there, make sure you visit the Swiss Gates. These red and gold gates date back to the 16th Century and give the Hofburg’s exterior a pop of colour.

Straight ahead from the Swiss Gates is Heldenplatz (also known as Heroes Square). The balcony in Heldenplatz is where Hitler addressed a rally in 1938 – just standing in the square will give you the chills.

As well as walking around the Hofburg, there is plenty to see inside the imperial palace’s formidable walls. Inside the building you’ll find the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, the Imperial Silver Collection, the Spanish Riding School and many more.

You can gain entry to the Sisi Museum by itself, or you can purchase a combined ticket that will include a grand tour of the Schönbrunn Palace, the Sisi Museum, the imperial apartment and the silver collection as well as entry into the Vienna Furniture Museum.

You can also get tickets to the Spanish riding school or you can book a guided tour here.

Stephansdom

From the Hofburg, walk 10 minutes along Vienna’s winding cobbled streets to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The Gothic cathedral stands in a busy, bustling square.

Before touring around the cathedral, we recommend stopping for a drink or a light snack at one of the many bars surrounding the cathedral. Even though these bars are in a tourist hotspot, the prices are relatively affordable.

As you sip your drink, admire the outside features of the cathedral. One side of the roof is adorned with Green tiles including the Hapsburg house crest (a double-headed eagle). You’ll also notice a golden ladder on the side of the spire, which is referred to as the stairway to heaven.

Now, it’s time to head inside. The Cathedral’s attractions are separated into these distinct parts: the cathedral, catacombs, south tower and the north tower. If you’re planning on going to only one or two of these attractions, then you’ll want to purchase separate tickets.

That being said, it makes more sense to purchase a combined ticket if you want to visit the entirety of the cathedral. You can also purchase tickets to see a concert here.

Day 2 – Schönbrunn Palace, Schloss Belvedere & Museums Quartier

Schönbrunn palace.

To see Vienna in 2 days, you’ll want to start your second day bright and early at the summer residence of the Hapsburg family, the Schönbrunn Palace.

It is one of the most famous examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. Head into the palace and move through the 44 rooms, including private apartments and staterooms, and other precious 18th-century interiors. A tour around the palace will take hours, and once you’ve come outside it’s not over there.

Take a stroll through the palace gardens to the viewing point. You’ll be able to soak in tremendous views of Vienna as well as glimpses of the Alps. When you’re here, sit down and have a coffee so you can really soak in those views.

There are numerous different tickets to purchase at Schönbrunn. Have a browse through the ticket options and pick one that piques your interest. You can also book a guided tour here if you want to learn more about the history with a travel guide and skip the line.

Karlskirche

After visiting the Schönbrunn Palace, it’s time to visit Karlskirche – an 18th Century cathedral. It dominates Vienna’s skyline, so it isn’t very easy to miss. On the outside, you’ll notice a large dome and two long columns. Entry into the cathedral is paid, and it’s worth paying the price for panoramic views of the city.

Schloss Belvedere

After visiting the cathedral, jump onto tram line D and head over to Schloss Belvedere. Formally two palaces, Schloss Belvedere is now a museum complex. Its collection of art ages from the middle ages all the way up to the present day.

Access to the majority of the gardens is largely free and accessible to the public. To visit inside, you’ll have to purchase a ticket here for the Upper Belvedere and you can purchase tickets here for the Lower Belvedere.

Museums Quartier

Spend the rest of the afternoon in the Museums Quartier. This former imperial stable is one of the largest cultural quarters in the world.

It’s an urban, edgy, part of the city where locals enjoy long summer evenings lounging around on bean bags and deck chairs.

You can easily spend a day in the Museums Quartier, but if you’re short on time make sure to see the Leopold Museum (you can pre-book tickets here ) and the Museum of Modern Art.

Day 3 – Day Trip from Vienna

Day trip to bratislava.

If you want to see Vienna in 3 days, there are a few ways you can spend your final day in the city.

Firstly, you can continue to explore Vienna a little deeper. You might want to return to the museum quartier and visit another museum or you might want to sit back and relax with a warm mug of coffee and a slice of cake. Take the time to, perhaps, visit the city hall and the nearby Rathauspark.

Alternatively, you could send your final day in another country. Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia) is only a one-hour train ride away from Vienna Central Station. Visiting Bratislava is really worth it if you have more time in Vienna to spend.

Because Bratislava is a small city, it can be easily explored within one day. Trains run every hour between the two capitals and can be purchased here. Alternatively, it is also possible to book a guided day trip if you don’t want to do the trip independently.

Once you’ve arrived in the capital, make a beeline for the Old Town. Head straight to St Michael’s Gate – one of the city’s last remaining fortresses. For great views of the city, climb to the top of the tower, but get there early to beat the crowds.

After you’ve taken in the views of the city, walk over to St Martin’s Cathedral. While it may not look impressive from the outside, underneath the cathedral lies a labyrinth of catacombs, which are worth a visit.

From here go for a wander around the main square where you’ll find brightly-coloured buildings. One colourful building in Bratislava that stands out, in particular, is the Blue Church. Officially known as the church of St Elizabeth of Hungary, it is a must-see if you’re a lover of whimsical buildings fit for a fairytale.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Motel One Wien – Hauptbahnhof – For those travelling on a mid-range budget in Vienna , then this hotel is a fantastic option. Situated within easy reach of Vienna’s main train station they have a number of clean, comfortable and nicely decorated rooms on offer. There is also a breakfast option available each morning.

Hotel Brauhof Wien – If you’re looking for a luxury option in the Austrian capital, then this 4-star hotel is a great choice for you. They have a myriad of luxe rooms available, a fantastic location for exploring the city and a number of other great amenities to ensure you have an excellent stay.

Hostel Ruthensteiner – For budget or solo travellers, this hostel can be a fantastic option in Vienna. Family-run, they have both private rooms and dorm beds available, a central location for exploring the city and there are plenty of great common areas that make it easy to meet other visitors to the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vienna hotels!

Vienna is a city of grandeur, dynasty and culture, so it’s easy to feel sophisticated when you’re exploring palace after palace. However you’ve chosen to spend your time, we hope you found our Vienna itinerary useful.

Are you planning a trip to Vienna? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Innsbruck Itinerary

Planning a Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna

The Ultimate One Day in Hallstatt Itinerary

About Hope Brotherton

Hope is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Birmingham, England, she is passionate about budget-friendly travel and incorporating greener and more eco-friendly travel into her adventures. She keeps returning to Italy but loves to travel around any European country.

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On most of our departures, you can secure your trip today with a low deposit from just $200.

What are the different kinds of experiences available?

Each Trafalgar tour has a carefully-selected range of included experiences to help immerse yourself in a destination. But did you know that every tour also has a Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience? Be My Guest Experiences are the original local travel experience, letting you step into the lives of hosts who will share stories about their families and communities. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences that give back to the local communities, which support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our tours also include a selection of Optional Experiences which are available for an additional cost, allowing you to make your trip your own.

Can I join a Trafalgar tour as a solo traveller?

A guided tour is the perfect way to solo travel. You'll meet like-minded people traveling with Trafalgar, and you'll relax knowing you can travel with ease, forming genuine connections as you go. To find out more solo room types and pricing select your preferred departure date and continue to the next page.

Where can I find room options?

Once you've selected your preferred departure date, on the next step add the number of guests to review the available room options and find the one that suits you best.

How can I apply my past guest discount?

It's great to have you back on board - the loyalty of our guests means everything to us. To access your Global Tour Rewards discount, please confirm the name and date of your past trip once you've added your passenger details. The discount will be applied before you book.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELER REVIEWS

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Our Europe tours connect you with the emotion and camaraderie of day-to-day life as you travel throughout its vibrant cities and along the Yellow Roads... those smaller back roads that immerse you on a deeper level offering that authentic sense of place.

• Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary
• England, Ireland and Scotland
• Mediterranean & Greece
• Netherlands & Belgium
• Scandinavia and the Baltics
• Spain and Portugal
• Switzerland

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to Europe

Experiential, culturally diverse, and filled with timeless art, Europe is a true melting pot of cultures on a grand scale. Whether you are traveling along our off-the-beaten-path Yellow Roads on a land journey, or aboard a small ship cruise or river cruise... you are connected to day-to-day European life, with its many historical sites and culinary treasures. The finest handpicked hotels add a luxurious sense of place... making you feel right at home.

Yellow roads of europe.

Land Journeys

Join us along the "Yellow Roads of Europe"...

Whether you're planning your first journey to "the Continent," or want to add a new set of European experiences to your collection, our "Yellow Roads" land journeys will take you to the Europe you want to see... in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Great Britain and Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Central Europe, the Balkans and Russia.

• River Cruises

Cruising Europe's inland waterways on a Tauck River Cruise...

Many of our river cruise guests tell us that they believe there's no better way to explore Europe than aboard one of Tauck's custom-designed riverboats. While riverboating may not be for everyone, it may be for you... and there's no better way to find out than by joining us aboard a Tauck river cruise along the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhône, Saône or Seine rivers.

• Small Ship Cruises

Discover the best of Europe by sea...

Tauck small ship cruising began more than a quarter-century ago in European waters, with a Mediterranean cruise crafted to delight our guests with the best of land and sea, aboard a ship selected especially for the destination. This holds true today as our small ships cruises set off for European destinations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Adriatic and the Dalmatian Coast, Greece and the Aegean, Russia and the Baltic , Iceland, the fjords of Norway, and Mediterranean cruises to Italy, Sicily, Spain and Portugal.

Small Group Departures

Small group departures transform your travel experience throughout europe.

Small Group departures averaging 24 guests and even Smaller Group departures averaging 15 guests are available on Tauck's Europe land journeys.

Tauck Bridges Family Travel

Exciting adventures await your family on our tauck bridges trips throughout europe.

Scavenger hunts in famous museums like the Louvre in Paris... bicycle tours, train trips, boat and gondola rides... culinary adventures like a cooking class in Ireland, truffle-hunting in Italy, chocolate art in Paris... a day in gladiator school, a night in a castle, and so much more awaits on our Tauck Bridges family trips and river cruises to fun destinations including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia.

Journey Collection

Experience Europe

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Guest Favorites in Europe

Many of our Europe journeys and cruises explore some of the continent's greatest cities in one trip – Venice, Florence and Rome on a family adventure in Italy... Amsterdam, Köln and Budapest on one Danube cruise, Berlin, Vienna and Krakow on another... Heidelberg, Strasbourg and Basel on the Rhine...

Italia bella: rome to venice, budapest to amsterdam by riverboat, royal danube, berlin & kraków, the rhine and moselle, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

Travel Experiences that are as memorable as the places...

Leave Your Worries At Home

Tauck takes on all of details of travel – all of the planning, all of the logistics...

One Upfront Price

Get what you pay for and then some; no hidden costs, no options sold...

Travel In Good Company

Our Tauck Directors are the best in the industry, making every moment of your journey count...

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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