18 Top Things To Do In Vienna In 3 Days

With world-class palaces and sumptuous museums, there are a host of grand things to do in Vienna. Get inspired with soaring music, a greedy art collection, and traditional cafes in one of the most stately cities in Europe.  

Home to the Habsburg Royal family who ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire and sat on the throne of the Holy Roman Empire for 300 years, Vienna wears its historic wealth and grandeur on its sleeve.

Few places in Europe can compete with Vienna’s imposing array of state apartments, royal collections, grandmasters, gothic architecture, and baroque halls.

But there’s more to do in Vienna than exquisite galleries and ostentatious palaces. Artists such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss all spent time here and music still radiates from its soul.

There are old school neighbourhoods packed with grand boulevards and traditional coffee houses where philosophical ramblings shaped the modern psyche. Trendy areas with colourful street art, and a canal-side urban space with pop-up bars and a vibe that draws cool young things.

While you could see many of the best things to do in two days, we suggest 3 days in Vienna. That way you can visit more than a couple of museums and get under the skin of Europe’s capital of regal cool.

// Booking your trip via the links on this page (or on our book page) will earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark.

01. HOFBURG PALACE

The Habsburgs, also known as the House of Austria, were one of the great Royal families of Europe and for 300 years they sat on the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. Their home was the sprawling Hofburg Palace in Vienna which incorporates several major sights in the city.

Originally built for defensive purposes in 1279, it was gradually transformed into an ostentatious imperial palace. Today, surrounded by gardens, grand façades conceal the home of the Austrian president and a wealth of artefacts acquired over centuries.

Stroll the courtyards and parks, peer up at immense statues and peek into the imperial stables to (hopefully) see the white Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School. If you are interested in stately rooms, head to the Sisi Museum (including the Kaiserappartements and state silver collection) and for jewelled treasures and state crowns explore the Schatzkammer Museum (Imperial Treasury Museum).

But if you decide to visit only one, make it the Austrian National Library.

02. AUSTRIAN NATIONAL LIBRARY (ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK)

Rooms don’t get any more impressive than the Prunksaal, the state hall in the centre of the Austrian National Library. Century-old wooden bookcases hold over 200,000 medieval leather-bound books which reach up towards the 20-metre-high ceiling.  

The domed roof, supported by towering pillars with intricately carved marble reliefs, is rich in dramatic frescoes – a bold display of imperial flair.

Apart from the majestic display of Habsburg wealth and power, it’s also the largest library in Austria. Unfortunately, the books are out of bounds, but it’s still a wonderful thing to do in Vienna.

03. STEPHANDSOM (ST STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL)

The Innere Stadt is the old centre of Vienna. Surrounded by the Ringstraße which marks the route of the former city walls, it is here you’ll find the heart and soul of the city as well as many of the best sights.

Top of the list and bang in the centre is Stephandsom – St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Soaring above the rest of the inner city its steeple stands above a colourfully tiled roof. Inside its dark and gloomy and distinctly Gothic with narrow columns extenuating its height.

In 2021 the ‘Ladder to Heaven’ modern art installation was added to the cathedral. Lit up every night and representing the ascent and descent between heaven and earth, it adds a cool modern contrast to an old medieval building. Exploring the main church is free, but access to the South Tower for views over the city costs €5. The catacombs can only be visited on a tour. A great way to visit the cathedral is by attending a classical concert held in the gothic space.

04. INNERE STADT

It’s worth spending a few hours exploring the streets of the Innere Stadt that surround the church. There are majestic façades, narrow passageways, cute and quirky shops, and numerous hidden churches to seek out.

Pop into Palais Kinsky, a magnificent baroque palace with a stunning entrance hall and grand staircase.

The Ferstel Passage, a quaint old shopping arcade is also well worth exploring. Some of the highlights are Xocolat, an excellent chocolate shop; Caffe Couture, an excellent coffee roaster; and Beaulieu, a fine French restaurant.

All the locations are marked on our map below.

05. COFFEE CULTURE

The Viennese take their coffee houses seriously. Some are tucked into narrow alleyways while others stand proud on the corners of sweeping boulevards. If you are spending 2 or 3 days in Vienna, you’ll have plenty of time to try a few.

The grand dame of them all is Café Central. Housed in an imposing building, its interior is reminiscent of a Turkish palace with a grand arched ceiling. A pianist plays from 3.30pm to 8.30pm daily (except Tuesdays). Café Central is a very popular thing to do in Vienna, so queues can be long. Consider booking ahead.  

Our favourite was Café Leopold Hawelka, an old school coffeehouse just south of Stephandsom. With a choice of bistro tables or old striped cushioned booths, it has all the atmosphere you want from a Viennese cafe.

Kleines Café is a tiny coffeehouse on a lovely little hidden square. When the sun comes out, grab a table on the cobbled stones by the fountain out the front and soak up Viennese lifestyle.

06. SACHERTORTE, STRUDEL AND KAISERSCHMARRN

Leading the sweet offerings in Vienna is Sachertorte. A dense chocolate cake with layers interrupted by sweet apricot jam; finished in a chocolate glaze. It’s the dessert staple in most Vienne establishments, but the original is claimed by Café Sacher.

Another great dessert to try is Kaiserschmarrn. This sweet fluffy pancake with rum-soaked raisins is ripped apart, caramelized, and served with powdered sugar and a fruit preserve. It’s delicious and the best we had was at Demel.

We wouldn’t exactly say we were captivated by Apple Strudel as most visitors to Vienna are, however, the punters at Café Central seemed pretty happy with their decision.

07. SCHLOSS BELVEDERE

The Schloss Belvedere is one of the world’s finest baroque palaces and a must-see on a 2- or 3-day Vienna itinerary.

There are three museums to choose from inside the ornate building, but we highly recommend at least visiting the Upper Belvedere. Housed in the main palace in a mix of marble, frescoed and stuccoed rooms, it’s an important collection of Habsburg art. The highlight is the first floor which focuses on Viennese art from 1880-1914, including the largest collection of Gustav Klimt pieces in the world. There are also the expressive busts of Franz Xaver Messerschmidt.

Only slightly less overwhelming is the Impressionists, Romantics and Realists that hold sway on the floor above. With opulent rooms, lovely gardens, sweeping city views and informative captions, explore the history of art progression in an inspiring setting.

The two other museums are the Lower Belvedere & Belvedere 21. Both have temporary exhibitions, so it’s worth seeing what’s on before you buy tickets.

08. KARLSKIRCHE (ST CHARLES CHURCH)

Built in the 18^th century after the great plague had swept through Europe, Karlskirche is the finest Baroque church in Vienna. Its copper domed roof is flanked on either side by towering columns resembling Trajan’s in Rome and supported by what looks like a Greek temple.

Unencumbered by surrounding buildings and standing on the edge of flower-filled Resselpark, it’s one of the great photo opportunities in Vienna.

The inside of the church (€8) is impressive also with frescoed ceilings, a spiral staircase, a small treasury, and views over the city.

Karlskirche is recognised as one of the most outstanding concert venues in Vienna. One of the best ways to get a peek inside is by attending the Mozart & Vivaldi concerts performed on period instruments by the famous Orchestra 1756.

09. NASCHMARKT

Consisting of about 120 stalls, the Vienna Naschmarkt is a colourful culinary journey through the flavours of Europe and the Middle East. It ranges from traditional Austrian sausages and cheeses to Italian pasta and Turkish dried fruit and baklava.

There are coffee shops and wine shops, places to buy clothes and rugs, and plenty of interesting little cafes for lunch. Sit in sheepskin covered chairs at Neni and enjoy Israeli influenced creations or dine amongst milliner artefacts at Nomade Moderne.

Saturday is the busiest time to visit with more of the stalls open and a massive flea market underway. Progress is slower, but the atmosphere is buzzing.  

10.  LEOPOLD MUSEUM

There are few cities with more museums than Vienna, and there are only so many you can visit in 2 or 3 days, but we recommend including the Leopold Museum. Dedicated to Secession Art (for which Viennese artists were the most influential) it tracks the historic break between the conservative art of the 19^th century and the avant-garde artists of the 20^th.

Gustav Klimt led the group, but the museum delves deeper into his follower’s works such as Egon Schiele and Richard Gerstl. Spread over two floors it’s unsettling, provocative, entirely enthralling and utterly Viennese.

11. ALBERTINA MUSEUM

Whereas the Leopold Museum gives a unique insight into Viennese Art the Albertina Museum is a whirlwind tour of European art from Monet to Picasso. Once a remarkable private collection but gifted to the state, it is a journey through impressionism, pointillism, and cubism to early modern. Be engrossed by the brushstrokes of Monet, Picasso, Kandinsky, Klee, Miro, and Chagall.

Temporary exhibitions are housed on the top and bottom floor. On our visit, we were lucky to be treated to a Dialogue with Edvard Munch, which displayed his work and those of artists heavily influenced by him, including Francis Bacon & Tracey Emin.

12. KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM

Our final museum recommendation is the Kunsthistorisches (KHM) Museum, the granddaddy of museums in Vienna. It houses many of the treasures of the Habsburgs and is so immense you could spend a whole day here. There are four good reasons to visit.

Firstly, if you are interested in ancient history there is a plethora of Greek, Roman and Assyrian sculptures, mosaics, and vases, all beautifully lit in soft atmospheric light.

Secondly, the wide collection of strange curiosities picked up by the Habsburg Emperors over the centuries could keep you intrigued for hours. Thirdly, the volume of works by grandmasters from the 16th to 18th centuries including Rubens, Bruegel, van Dyck, Titian, and Tintoretto is immense.

But one of the best reasons to visit is the magnificent building they are housed in. Sweeping staircases, frescoed ceilings, grey marble pillars and massive doorways connect the rooms adorned with important art.

13. LUNCH AT PALMENHAUS

Palmenhaus – a massive greenhouse restaurant – is near many of the museums and a great place to rest the weary legs after hours of strolling around. Dine inside with towering palms all around you or enjoy the outdoor terrace overlooking the park.

It’s a great place to grab a coffee or a glass of wine. They also had some pretty decent vegetarian options, something that wasn’t too easy to find in many places in Vienna.

14. LEOPOLDSTADT & CANAL

If the Innere Stadt is home to old Vienna then Leopoldstadt, just across the canal, is the younger cooler neighbour. There are three good areas to explore.

The Karmeliterviertel is a trendy urban neighbourhood with a laidback and unpretentious vibe. Its main market (Karmerlitermarkt) has a variety of food stalls during the week but becomes a vibrant farmers’ market on Saturday.

Down by the canal, modern street art brightens up the walls, while on sunny days locals flock to the bars and barges lining the waterfront. You can hire a bike, go for a swim in a pool barge or simply grab a drink and watch the world go by.

Finally, it is also home to Prater Park, the city’s green playground containing Wurstelprater – a massive funfair. There are rides and thrills aplenty, but for connoisseurs of old films, it is best known for the large Ferris wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) that is featured in the film The Third Man starring Orson Wells.

15. DINNER IN A BEISL

To absorb old school Vienna one of the best things to do is have a meal in a beisl. These traditional bistros are pared back, down to earth establishments that have been serving the same fare for centuries.

Standard favourites are Wiener Schnitzel; slow-cooked beef goulash with dumplings; and Tafelspitz – Viennese style boiled beef.  Wash it all down with wine or locally brewed beer and end with a homemade strudel.

Two of the best are Griechenbeisl which has been serving food in atmospheric wood-panelled rooms since 1447 and Glacis Beisl which has a wonderful outdoor courtyard lit by low hanging lights. The odd vegetarian dish has crept onto the menu – but don’t expect much choice.

16. RATHAUS (VIENNA CITY HALL)

Towering over the Ringstraße is Vienna’s monumental Gothic town hall. Its richly adorned façade consists of multiple layers of arches rising to five spindly turrets. The design is intricate and beautifully symmetrical.

There’s a free tour to look inside the interior but simply staring up at the outside is one of the best things to do in Vienna.

17. STAATSOPER & VIENNA BOYS CHOIR

In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the wealth and power of the Habsburgs attracted many composers looking to make their living. Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, and Brahms are just a few who spent time creating masterpieces in Vienna. Befitting this heritage Vienna has some great music venues.

The Musikverein and its golden hall is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the finest in the world. The Vienna Boys Choir has had a tough pandemic (being an NGO without state support), but it’s back on its feet and the world-renowned choir is playing again on Sundays at the Imperial Court Chapel.

Finally, there are few grander or older opera houses than the Staatsoper. Seeing a performance is great, but even if you don’t want to stump up for the tickets it’s worth taking a tour. Not only is the main concert hall a magnificent sweep of red velvet and curved boxes but even the intermission rooms and staircases are stunning.

18. SUNSET DRINKS AT DACHBODEN LOFT, 25HOURS HOTEL

The rooftop bar of the 25 Hours Hotel, Dachboden Loft, is one of the best places in Vienna for a relaxed cocktail to watch the sun set over the city. The cool bar with friendly staff has a chilled atmosphere, live music and well-priced cocktails. The indoor space has an urban-inspired design, and the outdoor terrace has excellent views over Hofburg Palace and Rathaus.

Some classic bar snacks are available to order, or you can grab a pizza from the restaurant on the ground floor and bring it up to the bar.  A dance floor that looks like someone’s living room slowly swings into action as the evening progresses.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA

Our list of the 18 best things to do in Vienna is curated from our favourite experiences during our trips to the city. But here are a few more that you might fancy.

Schönbrunn Palace – Another grand Habsburg palace, Schonbrunn Palace is a 30-minute train journey from the centre of town. Complete with lavish baroque rooms and grand gardens on a mighty scale, Mozart played here in 1786.

Secession Building – If you are a fan of Klimt, pop in to see his Beethoven Frieze.

Heuriger – A heuriger is a tavern where local winemakers serve their own tipple. Most are located on the outskirts of the city, so they take a bit of getting to, but if you have the time, it’s a fun traditional night out. This guide has some great ideas.

MUMOK – If you feel you could see some more modern art, head to MUMOK. Focusing on the 20^th and 21^st centuries, it’s a mix of nouveau realism, pop art, cubism, and photorealism in an imposing grey granite block of a building.

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN VIENNA

We recommend staying 2 to 3 days in Vienna. In two days, you can explore the parks and grounds around the Hofburg Palace, amble the lanes of the Innere Stadt, wonder at Schloss Belvedere and try all sorts of traditional Austrian fare.

A third day allows time to visit more of Vienna’s museums, from art to armoury, apartments to antiquities. If you are a museum fanatic, you may even want to add a fourth day.

3 DAYS IN VIENNA ITINERARY

Here’s how to capture all the best things to do in Vienna in 3 days. We have broken them down to minimise the walking and break up the museums.

DAY 1

Amble the parks and grand buildings from the Rathaus to the Hofburg Palace, popping into one of its many museums including the Austrian National Library. Next, explore the Innere Stadt taking in Stephandsom Cathedral, the Kinsky Palace and Festrel Passage.

Along the way, soak up Austrian culture in one of its many fine coffee houses before ending the day with dinner at a beisl.

DAY 2

Start the day by admiring the grand façade of Schloss Belvedere before heading into the Oberes Belvedere to see the largest Klimt collection in the world. Next, stroll the university area making sure not to miss Karlskirche. Grab lunch at either the microbrewery of Salm Bach or at a stall in the Naschmarkt.

In the afternoon explore Leopoldstadt and the canal, stopping to see the street art, grabbing a drink on the riverbank, and pottering around cool shops. As the sun sets get a view of Vienna from above on either the Reisenrad or while sipping cocktails at Das Loft, before winding down to enjoy a night of music.

DAY 3

Spend the morning at either the Leopold, Albertina, or Kunsthistorisches Museums before decamping to the Palmenhaus for lunch. In the afternoon, take a tour of the Staatsoper and then recharge with sweet Kaiserschmarrn at Demel. As evening advances grab a seat on the terrace at Dachboden Loft, in the 25Hours Hotel.

MAP OF THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA

To help you plan your 3 days in Vienna, we have included all the main attractions on the below map, organised by day.

BEST TIME TO VISIT VIENNA

The best time to visit Vienna is in the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October. The temperatures are warm but not too hot and the city is in full swing but not too crowded. Spring is particularly lovely as tulips and roses bring life and colour to the parks.

In June, two international music festivals (Vienna Jazz Festival and Donauinselfest) come to town and two world-class orchestras perform for free. In September Vienna Fashion Week arrives and in October there is the Long Night of the Museums and the Film Festival.

In July and August, the city gets busy with tourists, hotel prices rise and temperatures average 27 to 28°C. In the winter months, Vienna usually gets some snow with temperatures plunging to around zero, but December brings a wonderful Christmas spirit to the streets.

If you are flexible on what days to visit, try to avoid Tuesday as almost all the museums are closed.

VIENNA CARDS AND PASSES

Vienna has lots of different passes and cards to help you see the best things to do in the city. The two most popular are the Vienna City Card and the Vienna Pass.

VIENNA CITY CARD

The Vienna City Card gives you free access on the public transport (including the extensive tram and underground system) as well as discounts (about 20%) on almost all museums and sights. You can purchase it to cover 24 hours (€17), 48 hours (€25) or 72 hours (€29).

If you plan to visit 4 or 5 museums and use public transport to travel to and from your hotel, it will probably save you money. But if you follow our itinerary above and mainly walk from place to place then it won’t be any cheaper than paying for the sites separately.  

VIENNA PASS

The Vienna Pass can be purchased for 2 to 6 days and gives you free access to over 70 museums and the Hop On Hop Off Vienna Sightseeing Bus. If you are a museum addict staying for a longer time, this is the one for you. The 6 days pass costs the same as about 8 to 9 museum entrances, so if you plan on seeing more, it will save you money and provide fast track entrance to the busier museums.

WHERE TO STAY IN VIENNA

Vienna has a flair for boutique hotels with style. Many are in refurbished grand old residences that incorporate chic design with traditional style. So, if you’re looking for a special weekend getaway, Vienna is a great choice. Here are some recommendations from us.  

GETTING TO VIENNA

BY TRAIN

Vienna is located in the heart of Europe and trains journey from all over the continent arriving at Wien Hauptbahnof Station. The station is just a thirty-minute walk or 10-minute metro ride to the centre of the city.

Travelling by train is not only a fun way to arrive but good for the planet too. Check Austrian Rail for timetables and tickets.

BY AIR

Vienna International Airport welcomes flights from many airlines, but the most routes are provided by Austrian Airlines, the country’s flagship carrier. The airport is a 25-minute taxi ride (about €35-40) from the centre of town or a 15-minute train ride (leaving every thirty minutes) from Wien Hauptbahnof Station (about €5).  

GETTING AROUND VIENNA

Vienna has an excellent public transport system. Six metro lines and an extensive tram network connect the different parts of the city. Having said that, many of the best things to do in Vienna are in a compact area around the Innerestadt. So, exploring on foot is often the best way to go.

Vienna travel Cards are available for 24 hours (€8); 48 hours (€14); or 72 hours (€17); or as part of the Vienna City Pass. It provides free travel on all public transport in the core centre of Vienna. A single trip costs €2.40 so if your hotel is a little out of the centre it could easily save you money, especially if you are spending 3 days in Vienna.

This guide was produced in partnership with the Vienna Tourist Board.

MORE READING

As London based travel bloggers, we’re often exploring cities close to home. Here are more of our guides from some of our favourite European cities.

The very best things to do in Bologna

Our guide to Florence

A day in the medieval city of Siena

Our 3-day Paris itinerary

The best things to do in Antwerp, Belgium

Our favourite things to do in Lisbon

The very best things to do in Seville