The Ultimate 3 Day Vienna Travel Itinerary: How I Spent a Weekend in Vienna as a Tourist

I’ve spent my fair share of time in Vienna, first as a wide-eyed tourist on a magical 3-day Christmas vacation with my family, and later on countless visits to see one of my best friends who calls the city home. 

And as much as I love hanging out with her and discovering local gems, there’s just something extra special about doing Vienna the tourist way, diving into the museums, wandering palaces, and lingering in those grand old cafés. That’s exactly what this 3-day Vienna itinerary is all about. 

I’ve mapped out the perfect mornings, afternoons, and evenings so you can see the best of the city without the stress. And of course, I’ve sprinkled in a few local secrets along the way. By the end, I think you’ll love Vienna every bit as much as I do so let’s get into it!

3 Day Vienna Itinerary

Vienna is one of those cities where you can easily fill 2 days, stretch it to 4, or spend a whole week and still find new corners to explore. But in my opinion, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights without rushing.

To keep things simple, I’ve broken this itinerary down into morning, afternoon, and evening plans so you can mix and match while still getting a true feel for the city.

Vienna Travel Itinerary Day 1

Alright, so Vienna day one is all about getting right into the heart of the city. I like to walk as much as possible here since everything in the center is super close, but the metro is also easy to use if your feet need a break.

On this first day, we’ll cover the absolute classics: cathedrals, palaces, cafés, and even a little music if you’re up for it.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral and a Coffee Stop

First stop is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, right in the middle of Vienna. The spires are insanely detailed, and every time I come back, I end up just staring at it like a tourist all over again. If you don’t mind a workout, climb the South Tower. The view over Vienna’s rooftops is worth every step. 

I recommend buying a ticket to visit the cathedral, which includes entrance to the museum and the catacombs! The guide made it all the more interesting as I learned the history of the church.

After that, I wander down Graben and Kärntner Strasse. They’re basically the city’s main shopping streets, but even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s fun to people-watch. At Christmas this area is filled with the gorgeous chandelier lights and Christmas trees for locals to buy. It’s honestly so magic.

And since this is Vienna, I have to stop for coffee. My go-to is Café Central or Demel, both iconic spots where you can sit for way too long over a melange and a slice of cake. You can also get the viral pancakes from Demel just outside of the cathedral at the food stand. 

Hofburg Palace and the Opera

Once I’ve had my caffeine fix, I head over to the Hofburg Palace. This is where the Habsburgs lived, and you can still see the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum. It’s a lot of history in one stop, but the interiors are so grand that even if you’re not a museum person, it’s worth it.

You can skip the line with this ticket to an entrance to the museum and the gardens! It makes planning your day much easier.

From there, I walk to the Vienna State Opera. Even if you don’t have tickets to a performance, the guided tours are fascinating. You get to see the stage, the ornate halls, and all the behind-the-scenes details that make it one of the most famous opera houses in the world. 

Dinner in the Innere Stadt

By evening, I’m usually starving, so dinner in the Innere Stadt (the 1st District) is the way to go. There are plenty of restaurants tucked into side streets, and the setting couldn’t be more atmospheric. 

But personally, I recommend getting reservations at Figlmuller, home of the best weiner schnitzel in Vienna. It’s located right around the corner from the cathedral, making it easy to find. This is probably one of the most touristy restaurants in Vienna, but it’s delicious and totally worth the hype! 

If you’ve still got some gas left in the tank, Vienna is one of the best places to hear classical music live. Whether it’s a concert or an opera, it’s the kind of experience that makes you fall in love with the city all over again. 

My family booked our tickets online for this classical music experience on get your guide and it was amazing. The music, the atmosphere and architecture of the location. It was the perfect ending to our first day in Vienna.

Vienna Travel Itinerary Day 2

Yesterday was pretty much all in the city center, so for day two we are gonna get just a little bit out of the city. You’ll visit massive palaces, sprawling gardens, and some of the best art in the city. 

It’s a little more spread out than day one, so you’ll have to take some public transportation. You can also get the Vienna Pass that gives your free admission to many attractions and unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides.

Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

I like to start the day at Schönbrunn Palace. It was the Habsburgs’ summer home, but calling it a “summer home” feels like a joke. It’s and absolutely massive complex. At Christmas time, the whole courtyard it turned into a huge Christmas market with a ferris wheel, plenty of stalls and fun things for kids to do. It super beautiful! And the interiors are just as lavish as you’d expect, with endless gold details and giant chandeliers.

After the Schonbrunn tour, I head straight into the gardens. They’re in the back of the property, so you can’t see them without passing through. They are massive and easy to get lost in, but the best part is climbing up to the Gloriette, a hilltop pavilion with amazing city views. There’s a café up there too, which makes it the perfect mid-morning coffee stop. 

Lunch at Naschmarkt

By midday, I’m usually starving, so I make my way to Naschmarkt. It’s Vienna’s big open-air food market, and you can find just about everything here—Austrian classics, Turkish street food, falafel, sushi, fresh pasta, you name it.

I’ll be honest, I’ve never eaten the same thing twice here. There are few popular places to eat, but for the most part everything is good, and a lot of stalls have samples to try. It’s casual, busy, and the perfect lunch stop after a morning of sightseeing.

On our first trip, my family actually stayed right next to Naschmarkt, and it was perfect. The area always feels lively and you’re within walking distance of so many top spots. So if you haven’t booked your stay in Vienna yet, this area is one that I highly recommend.

Belvedere Palace and Klimt’s The Kiss

Next stop is Belvedere Palace, another baroque masterpiece that now doubles as an art museum. You’ll need to either take public transportation or grab an uber here.

The Upper Belvedere is where you’ll find the star of the show: Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. Even if you’re not a huge art person, this painting is one of those bucket-list pieces that’s worth seeing in person.

The gardens connecting the Upper and Lower Belvedere are also gorgeous, so I like to wander through them on my way out. It’s honestly a massive area, it takes like 5 minutes just to walk to the main gate. And at Christmas, there are a few stalls right in front of the Palace, so grab a cup of Ghluwein and hang out for a bit! 

Dinner in Wieden and Karlsplatz by Night

After a full day of palaces and gardens, I like heading to the Wieden neighborhood for dinner. It’s in the 4th District, just a short walk from the Belvedere, and it’s one of my favorite areas to wander in Vienna. The streets here are lined with cozy restaurants and wine bars that feel a little more local than the busy city center.

From there, Karlsplatz makes the perfect evening stroll. The Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) is lit up beautifully at night, and if the pond out front is calm, you’ll catch that postcard reflection. 

And here’s a little bonus: if you skipped the classical concert the night before, Karlskirche actually hosts one most evenings around 8:15. It’s an incredible setting for music and such a memorable way to close out the night. You can book your seat here!

Vienna Travel Itinerary Day 3

You’ve seen a lot of Vienna by day thee, so now it’s time to slow down a bit. I like to mix things up with a little bit of culture in the morning, some good food and art in the afternoon, and then some amazing vintage shopping and coffee finds!

Morning at MuseumsQuartier

I start the day at MuseumsQuartier, which is basically Vienna’s artsy playground. There are several museums here, but my favorite stop is the Leopold Museum. It has the largest collection of Egon Schiele’s work, which is wild and fascinating, plus pieces from Klimt and other Austrian artists.

Even if you don’t step foot in a museum, the whole area is worth hanging around. The courtyards are filled with cafés and outdoor seating, and in the mornings, it’s calm enough to grab a coffee and just people-watch.

Afternoon Brunch and Vintage Shopping in the 7th District

For the afternoon, I like to switch gears and wander through the 7th District, also known as Neubau. It’s got a completely different vibe from the polished center of Vienna—this is where the creative crowd hangs out, and the streets are full of indie boutiques, vintage shops, and quirky coffee spots.

My favorite place to start is Burggasse 24. It’s a café tucked inside a vintage shop, and it just feels effortlessly cool. I usually come here for a late brunch or coffee and end up browsing the racks afterward. The mix of food, fashion, and atmosphere sums up the whole neighborhood perfectly.

What I love most about Neubau is how lived-in it feels. While Vienna’s grand palaces and manicured gardens show off the city’s refined side, the 7th District gives you a glimpse into the younger, everyday life of the city. It’s where you’ll find students, artists, and locals just going about their day, it’s so easy to get swept up here for hours.

Evening at Prater and a Beer Garden Stop

Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, you can spend your last night in Vienna a couple of different ways. In summer, I love heading to Prater, the old-school amusement park. The big draw is the giant Ferris wheel, the Riesenrad, which has been turning since the 1800s.

If the weather’s nice, I always make a stop at Schweizerhaus inside Prater. The traditional beer garden is full of outdoor tables to enjoy a cold mug of beer at and their crispy pork knuckle is so delicious. 

But if you’re here in winter or around Christmas, I’d swap Prater for something cozier, like Vienna’s famous Christmas markets or a warm coffee house. The city feels magical in the cold months, and it’s better to lean into that vibe.

Other Cool Things to do in Vienna

Obviously, this itinerary is just one way to spend 3 days when visiting Vienna. If you’ve got extra time, or just want to swap a few things around, here are some other experiences worth checking out in the city:

• Hundertwasserhaus: A colorful, quirky apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. It feels straight out of a storybook.
• Austrian National Library: One of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The State Hall is absolutely gorgeous, with frescoed ceilings and shelves stacked to the sky.
• Kunsthistorisches Museum: Vienna’s grand art museum, packed with Old Masters, ancient artifacts, and one of the most stunning museum interiors you’ll ever see.
• Spanish Riding School: If you’re into horses, seeing the Lipizzaner stallions perform their famous routines is such a unique Vienna experience. You can book lessons here!
• Danube Island: In summer, this is the spot for bike rides, swimming, and hanging out by the river.
• House of Music: An interactive museum that’s actually really fun with giant instruments you can play and sound experiments.
• Day Trip to Wachau Valley: If you have an extra day, escape the city for vineyards, castles, and dreamy little towns along the Danube.

Where to Stay in Vienna

I’ve actually written a full guide on the best areas to stay in Vienna, but here’s the quick version if you just want the highlights:

• Innere Stadt (1st District): If it’s your first time in Vienna, this is the obvious choice. You’re right in the middle of the action with imperial palaces, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Vienna’s most famous cafés at your doorstep. It’s central, beautiful, and super walkable, but expect hotel prices to match the location.

My Favorite Hotel in the 1st District: Hotel Palais Mailberger Hof

• Neubau (7th District): This is the creative heart of the city. Think MuseumsQuartier, indie boutiques, and cool coffee shops. It’s trendy, artsy, and feels more local than touristy, so it’s great if you like staying in neighborhoods with character.

My Favorite Hotel in the 7st District: The Weekend Hotel

• Wieden (4th District): A nice balance between central and laid-back. You’ll find the Naschmarkt, Belvedere Palace, and a mix of student hangouts and stylish restaurants. It’s perfect if you want charm and convenience without being right in the middle of the tourist crowds.

My Favorite Hotel in the 4st District: Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel

FAQ Vienna Itinerary 3 Days

How many days do you need for Vienna?

I’d say 3 days is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to see the big sights like Schönbrunn, Belvedere, and the Hofburg, while still sneaking in long coffee breaks and a night at the opera. If you’re more of a slow traveler, 4–5 days lets you dig deeper into museums and local neighborhoods.

Is 4 days in Vienna too much?

Not at all. Vienna is packed with palaces, museums, markets, and neighborhoods to explore. With 4 days, you can move at a more relaxed pace or even take a day trip to the Wachau Valley, Bratislava, or Salzburg.

What to do in Vienna?

There are so many things to do in Vienna, like visiting grand palaces, historic cafés, classical music, and plenty of art. The highlights include Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Belvedere, the Hofburg, and the Prater. But honestly, just wandering the streets, popping into coffee houses, and people-watching is half the fun.

Is Vienna a walkable city?

Yes! The historic center is super compact, so you can walk between most major sights. For longer trips, Vienna’s public transport (U-Bahn, trams, buses) is excellent, clean, and easy to use.

Final Thoughts on the Ultimate Vienna Travel Itinerary

This 3 day itinerary definitely keeps you busy, with something to do from morning until night. But that’s part of the charm of Vienna, you can dive into palaces and museums, then slow down with coffee breaks and aimless strolls through pretty streets. 

To me, it’s the perfect mix of lingering and go-go-go. Follow this Vienna Travel Guide and you’ll leave the city feeling like you really got to know the city, while still wanting just one more slice of cake before you go.

Check Out My Other Vienna Travel Guide

How Many Days in Vienna: My Day by Day Vienna Guide

Is Vienna Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Restaurants in Vienna: My 13 Favorite Places to Eat

Vienna Travel Itinerary: How I Spent 3 Days in Vienna

Where to Stay in Vienna: My Top Areas And Hotels

Things to Do in Vienna Austria: My Top Activities

Vienna Christmas Markets: My Top Christmas Markets in Vienna