Vienna Austria 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Imperial City

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Central Kaffeehaus (Augustinerstraße 59), one of Vienna’s oldest and most traditional coffee houses.
    • Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) (Stephansplatz 3) - the Gothic masterpiece that dominates Vienna’s skyline. You can climb up to its tower for a stunning view of the city.
    • Stroll through Hofburg Palace (Heldenplatz 1), the former winter residence of the Habsburg dynasty, now housing the Presidential Apartments, the Imperial Chapel, and the Sisi Museum.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit MuseumsQuartier (Maria-Theresien-Platz), home to numerous contemporary art museums, such as the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK).
    • Explore the beautiful Belvedere Palace (Prinz Eugen-Straße 27) and its gardens, which house the Austrian Gallery Belvedere with works by Gustav Klimt.
    • Grab lunch at Zum Schwarzen Kameel (Wallensteinstraße 35), a cozy restaurant offering traditional Viennese cuisine.

  • Evening:

    • Take a relaxing walk along the Ringstrasse, Vienna’s grand boulevard, admiring its historic buildings and monuments, such as the Parliament Building (Parlament) and the State Opera (Staatsoper).
    • Enjoy dinner at Das Loft (Gumpendorfer Str. 184/2), a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of Vienna’s skyline.

Day 2: Art, History, and Coffee Culture

  • Morning:

    • Begin your day at the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum) (Maria-Theresien-Platz), home to one of the world’s greatest art collections.
    • Visit the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum) (Burgring 7) next door, which houses an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils and minerals.
    • Grab a quick coffee at Café Central (Dob-Wolff-Gasse 14), another historic Viennese coffee house.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Schönbrunn Palace (Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47) and its gardens, including the Gloriette and the Palm House. Don’t forget to try a Sacher-Torte at the Café in the palace!
    • Take a stroll through the beautiful Prater Park, home to the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Wurstelprater).
    • Grab lunch at Plachutta Wirtschaft (Schwarzenbergstraße 17), famous for its Tafelspitz, a traditional boiled beef dish.

  • Evening:

    • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most popular market. Try some local specialties at one of the many food stalls, and don’t forget to visit Sophie’s Lounge (Naschmarkt 10) for a drink with a view of the market.
    • For dinner, try Zum Walfisch (Grünangergasse 9), an excellent seafood restaurant located near Naschmarkt.

Things to Know:

  • Vienna is famous for its coffee culture. Viennese cafes are great places to relax, have a coffee, and watch the world go by.
  • The city’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable. Purchase a travel card (Wiener Linien) at any underground station or tobacco shop.
  • Most museums in Vienna are closed on Mondays. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
  • Viennese people are known for their politeness, but it’s always good to know some basic German phrases.

Transportation: The best way to get around Vienna is by using its extensive public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and the underground (U-Bahn). Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive.

Tips:

  • Buy a Vienna Pass for free admission to over 60 attractions, as well as unlimited travel on the city’s public transportation system.
  • Take a boat tour along the Danube Canal or the Danube River for a different perspective of the city.
  • Visit during the Christmas season to see Vienna’s stunning Christmas markets.