Vienna, Austria 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Vienna, Austria

Day 1: Explore the City Center

Morning:

  1. Breakfast at Café Central: Start your day with a traditional Viennese breakfast (Vollkornbrot mit Schmaltz und Marmelade) at this historic café located in the heart of Vienna.
  2. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom): A short walk from Café Central, explore the stunning Gothic cathedral and its famous towers.
  3. Hofburg Palace: Just a few minutes away, visit the Imperial Palace, home to many Habsburg rulers and now the residence of the Austrian President.

Afternoon:

  1. MuseumsQuartier: This large district houses several museums, including Leopold Museum and Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK).
  2. Lunch at Naschmarkt: Sample international cuisine from a variety of vendors at Vienna’s most popular market, or dine at Zum Wocher for traditional Austrian dishes.
  3. Belvedere Palace: Visit this Baroque palace to see Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting, The Kiss, at the Belvedere Museum.

Evening:

  1. Dinner at Plachutta Wine Tavern (Plachutta im Grinzingerhof): Enjoy a hearty Austrian meal in this classic Viennese tavern.
  2. Prater Amusement Park: End your day with a visit to the historic Prater amusement park, where you can ride the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Wurstelprater).

Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace and Naschmarkt

Morning:

  1. Breakfast at Schönbrunnerhof: Have breakfast at the in-house restaurant of Schönbrunn Palace before exploring.
  2. Schönbrunn Palace: Spend the morning touring this magnificent Baroque palace, including the Imperial Apartments and the Palmenhaus (Palm House).
  3. Zoo Schönbrunn: If you have time, visit one of the oldest zoos in the world, located within the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace.

Afternoon:

  1. Lunch at Zum Schwarzen Kameel: Grab a quick lunch at this popular Vietnamese restaurant near Naschmarkt.
  2. Naschmarkt: Return to Naschmarkt for more shopping and food tasting. Don’t miss the Demel Pastries store!
  3. Albertina Museum: Visit this museum, home to one of the world’s largest and most important print rooms.

Evening:

  1. Dinner at Figlmüller: Try traditional Viennese Schnitzel at this popular restaurant.
  2. Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper): If you can, catch an evening performance at the famous Vienna State Opera.

Day 3: Art and Architecture

Morning:

  1. Breakfast at Backwerk: Start your day with a breakfast pastry from this popular Viennese bakery.
  2. Kunsthistorisches Museum: Visit this art museum housing one of the world’s largest art collections, including Egyptian and Roman antiquities, as well as works by Titian, Rembrandt, and Rubens.
  3. Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum): Next door, explore the Museum of Art History, home to the Habsburg imperial art collection.

Afternoon:

  1. Lunch at Plachutta im Grinzingerhof: Return to Plachutta Wine Tavern for a leisurely lunch.
  2. Hundertwasserhaus and KunstHausWien: Visit the unique Hundertwasserhaus, an apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and nearby KunstHausWien, a museum dedicated to his work.
  3. Stroll around the Ottakringer Brauerei: End your day with a walk around this historic brewery, which also offers tours and tastings.

Things to Know

  • Vienna is famous for its coffee houses, so take some time to enjoy a coffee and cake (Kaffee und Kuchen) in one of the many traditional cafés.
  • The city operates an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (subway). Consider getting a 72-hour travel pass for unlimited travel during your stay.
  • English is widely spoken in Vienna, especially among service industry workers. However, learning a few German phrases can enhance your experience.
  • Vienna is known for its classical music history. Consider attending a classical concert during your visit.
  • Tips are expected in Austria (around 10% of the bill). It’s also customary to round up when paying in cash.