How to Spend Three Days in Vienna: The Perfect Vienna Itinerary

Elegant, historic, and effortlessly charming, Vienna is a city that wows with imperial palaces, world-class museums, elegant coffeehouses, and a vibrant cultural scene. 

Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning to see more of its historic sites, three days in Vienna is the perfect amount of time to experience some of the highlights and get a taste of the city's unique atmosphere.  

From strolling grand boulevards to enjoying a slice of Sachertorte in a chandelier-lit café, this three-day Vienna itinerary will guide you through the best of what Vienna has to offer, complete with tips, must-see sights, and moments that make you fall in love with Austria's capital.

Three Days in Vienna: An Itinerary 

Whether you are traveling for a long weekend or looking to pair Vienna with some other nearby cities as part of a longer trip, three days in Vienna provides enough time to see the highlights in the city.  

With three days in Vienna, you can explore grand palaces, world-famous museums, and a storied opera house, all while pausing to sip a melange (an Austrian-take on a café au lait) in one of the city's iconic coffeehouses. This Vienna itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the best of the Austrian capital, from royal treasures to unforgettable architecture and art.  

This itinerary is for quite literally three days in Vienna, including your arrival on the morning of the first day and your departure on the evening of the third day. If you are coming to Vienna for more or less time, you can modify this itinerary as needed.

Without further ado, here is how to make the most of your time in this beautiful, historic city.

Day 1: The Historic Heart of Vienna

Morning: Arrive in Vienna

Once you arrive in Vienna and drop you bags at your hotel, it is time to get started sightseeing! From your hotel, start to make your way towards St. Stephen's Cathedral in the Innere Stadt, also known as Vienna's Old Town.

Time to Grab a Drink on Route?

If you are looking to grab a quick bite to eat, coffee, or cup of tea, on your way towards St. Stephen's Cathedral, this is actually a prime opportunity to try one of the famous cafés in Vienna: Demel. (Demel is just a few of blocks from St. Stephen's Cathedral.)

While Demel is a gorgeous, traditional Viennese coffeehouse, they have a takeaway window selling Kaiserschmarrn (a light, fluffy pancake shredded into small pieces), one of their signature desserts, without having to wait for a table. You can also get other pastries, desserts, and drinks to-go from the shop inside.  

In the event that Demel is already packed (as it sometimes can be), another traditional café is in the area is Café Central. Café Central accepts reservations, so if you know you are going to be arriving in Vienna hungry, then I definitely recommend snagging a reservation here to get your first experience at a Viennese café! Otherwise, the tables turn fairly quickly and it is usually not as busy as Demel.  

Late Morning: St. Stephen's Cathedral & Lunch

Explore Vienna’s Gothic Heart

Make your way to St. Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna, the Gothic heart of the city. As one of the most recognizable landmarks in Vienna, this Gothic masterpiece has stood at the heart of Vienna since the 15th century. The cathedral's colorfully tiled roof, intricate façade, and stunning interiors make it one of the top things to do in Vienna.

Inside the Cathedral

Inside of St. Stephen's Cathedral, you will find a soaring Gothic nave, an elaborately decorated High Altar, an intricately carved stone pulpit (be sure to look for the hidden self-portrait of a sculptor underneath the staircase of the pulpit), and strikingly modern pastel-colored stained glass windows.

These modern stained glass windows create a unique contrast with the otherwise Gothic décor. These windows replaced the original windows that were destroyed at the end of World War II. (Some of the original Gothic windows can still be seen in the cathedral, with some of the best surviving examples located behind the High Altar.) 

Visit the North Tower for Panoramic Views

After visiting the interior of the cathedral, do not miss the chance to visit the North Tower for some amazing panoramic views of Vienna. Even if you are not religious, I still recommend visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral for the views from the roof.

From the roof you can see many landmarks in Vienna and get an up-close look at the cathedral's extravagantly tiled roof. The North Tower is accessible by elevator, so even if you are tired from your morning travels into Vienna, you do not have to exert much energy to be treated to some pretty fantastic views of the city.

Visiting Hours and Practical Info

St. Stephen's Cathedral is open daily. Visiting hours for tourists are Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. You can only visit the cathedral on Sundays and public holidays from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased on-site and are cash only. More information about ticket prices and visiting hours can be found on the St. Stephen's Cathedral website.

Want to Learn More About St, Stephen’s Cathedral?

If you are looking to learn more about St. Stephen's Cathedral, be sure to check out my blog post, St. Stephen's Cathedral Vienna: A Story of Resilience & Grandeur.  

Lunch Time in the Innere Stadt 

After you are finished visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral, it is time to grab lunch nearby. In the event that you arrive into Vienna closer to lunchtime, consider swapping the order of lunch and your visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral Vienna since the cathedral is closed from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, daily. (And, should you arrive closer to lunch, skip the morning visit to the traditional café. There will be more time in this itinerary for another café stop.) 

If your first day in Vienna is on a Sunday or a public holiday, keep in mind that the cathedral does not open until 1:00 PM. 

While a lot of the restaurants in the Innere Stadt, especially near St. Stephen's Cathedral, are a bit touristy, there are plenty of gems great for grabbing lunch. One of my favorite spots for a casual meal in Vienna is Reinthaler's Beisl and it is only a four-minute walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral, heading towards our next stop, the Hofburg Palace!

Reinthaler's Beisl serves authentic Austrian cuisine, so it is a great spot to try some Wiener Schnitzel, Spätzle, or even one of my personal favorites, Spinatknödel (spinach dumplings), shown below.

Afternoon: Hofburg Palace 

Spend your afternoon at the Hofburg Palace complex. Start with the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, followed by a visit to the Imperial Treasury Vienna (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien), where you will find crown jewels, religious relics, and the opulent treasures of the Holy Roman Empire. I suggest starting with the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments because they close first (the last admission is at 4:30 PM).

In the event that your lunch ran late, you can opt to visit either the Sisi Museum/Imperial Apartments or the Imperial Treasury, since you will likely not have time to do both.

I personally loved the Imperial Treasury, it was my favorite thing to see in Vienna, so if you are unsure which to pick, go with the Imperial Treasury. The incredible jewels and treasures on display will not disappoint! 

The Sisi Museum & Imperial Apartments 

The Sisi Museum and the Hofburg Imperial Apartments are integral to understanding Vienna's imperial history, making them an essential stop on your three days in Vienna.

One ticket provides you access to both the Sisi Museum, which is centered around Empress Elisabeth (known affectionately as Sisi), and the Imperial Apartments. Visiting the Hofburg Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum provides not only an insight into the daily lives of the Habsburgs but also an understanding of the political and cultural forces that shaped Vienna.

The Hofburg Palace, once the political and ceremonial center of the Habsburg Empire, served as the primary residence for the ruling dynasty from the 13th century until the end of the monarchy in 1918.

The Hofburg Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum are open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, daily. For more information, please check the Hofburg Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum website. 

Imperial Treasury Vienna

The Imperial Treasury Vienna is also located in the Hofburg Palace complex, making it a perfect addition to any itinerary that also includes a visit to the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg Palace.

The Imperial Treasury is easily one of the top things to do in Vienna and the crown jewels are out of this world! The Imperial Treasury can really be broken into two treasuries: the ecclesiastical treasury and the secular treasury. The ecclesiastical treasury boasts a large collection of sacred religious artifacts and relics, while the secular treasury houses the illustrious crown jewels. 

No visit to Vienna would be complete without seeing the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire (pictured below) which dates to the 10th century and was used for the coronations of Holy Roman Emperors for nearly a millennium!

The Imperial Treasury Vienna is closed on Tuesdays. The Imperial Treasury is otherwise open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM. Tickets do not need to be purchased in-advance and can be purchased at the treasury. You can expect to spend around 90 minutes as the Imperial Treasury. If you do wish to purchase your tickets online, you can do so on the Imperial Treasury website.

If you are planning on visiting both the Kunsthistorisches Museum (which is on the itinerary for your second day in Vienna) and the Imperial Treasury, then I highly recommend that you purchase the "Treasures of the Habsburgs" combination ticket for both of these Vienna museums. You can purchase the combo ticket either online on the Kunsthistorisches Museum website or in-person at whichever museum you choose to visit first. The tickets do not need to be used on the same day, but it can save you a bit of money versus buying the admission tickets separately.   

Evening: Relaxed Dinner & Drinks

After a culture-filled first day in Vienna, enjoy a relaxing dinner at ef16 Restaurant Weinbar a few blocks from the Donaukanal. If you are feeling up to it, finish your first evening in Vienna with a drink nearby at Truth & Dare, a cute cocktail bar in the Innere Stadt. 

Day 2: Imperial Grandeur 

Morning: Schönbrunn Palace

Dedicate your morning to exploring Schönbrunn Palace, the lavish former summer residence of the Habsburgs. Book the Classic Pass in advance of your visit to see the richly decorated palatial rooms and learn about the lives its most famous inhabitants, including Empress Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph, and Empress Elisabeth.

Highlights of the Palace Interior

Some of the most remarkable rooms at Schönbrunn Palace showcase the grandeur and personality of the Habsburgs. The Great Gallery, arguably the most impressive room in the entire palace with its crystal chandeliers and restored ceiling frescoes, once hosted imperial banquets and balls. In the gilded Hall of Mirrors, a young Mozart famously performed for Empress Maria Theresa.

Nearby, the Blue Chinese Salon reflects a beautiful fusion of Rococo design and Chinese artistry, while also marking a historic moment, as it was here in 1918 that Emperor Karl I stepped down from power, ending the Habsburg monarchy.

Other highlights include the Hall of Ceremonies, with its portraits and scenes of royal weddings; the richly adorned Rich Room, featuring Maria Theresa’s original bed and furnishings from the Hofburg Palace; and the Millions Room, panelled in rare wood and filled with miniature paintings of the Mughal court, once used for private audiences.

Stroll Through the Gardens

After touring the palace, stroll through the gardens, including the Privy Garden and Orangery Garden, visit the Neptune Fountain, and check out the Gloriette for panoramic views of Vienna.

Lunch on the Palace Grounds

For lunch, consider eating at one of the cafés or restaurants located on the Schönbrunn Palace grounds. There are several options on-site, ranging from casual cafés to more traditional sit-down spots, so you should have no trouble finding something that suits your taste and schedule. 

Afternoon: Kunsthistorisches Museum 

After lunch, head back into the city to visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna’s premier fine arts museum.

Housed in an incredible neo-Renaissance building commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph to house the art collection of the Hapsburgs, the museum is as much a work of art as the masterpieces it holds.

Inside, you will find an impressive collection of European art, including major works by Vermeer, Rubens, Caravaggio, Titian, Bruegel, and Diego Velázquez. The museum also houses a large collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities.  

Highlights of the Collection

The museum is home to the largest collection of art by Pieter Bruegel the Elder in existence, including two of his most famous paintings: The Tower of Babel and The Peasant Wedding.

You will also find a remarkable collection of portraits by Diego Velázquez, which are rarely found outside of Spain, including formal portraits of the Spanish royal family, who were cousins of the Habsburgs.

The highlights of the museum's collection are primarily located in the Gemäldegalerie (Picture Gallery) and since we are trying to see as much of the city as possible in only three days in Vienna, this is where you will want to spend your visit at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: The museum café, scenically located beneath the cupola, is a perfect spot for a mid-afternoon melange or snack! 

Don’t Miss the Grand Staircase and Klimt Ceiling

Before you leave the museum, take a moment to admire the grand marble staircase and its painted ceiling. Look up and you will see a beautiful painting by a young Gustav Klimt (shown below), created years before his most famous works.

Visitor Information

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily. The museum offers extended opening hours on Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

From September through May, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is closed on Mondays. For additional information, please visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum website.

Evening: Vienna State Opera & Dinner

Experience a Performance at the Vienna State Opera 

End your second day in Vienna with a performance at the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper), one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses.

While the building is best known for its world-class opera performances, it also regularly hosts ballet productions and classical music concerts, offering a variety of ways to enjoy a night out in this historic space. 

An Unforgettable Interior and Performance

I had the chance to see the ballet during my visit, and it was truly one of the highlights of my time in Vienna. The interior of the opera house is as impressive as the performances themselves: rich red velvet, gold detailing, and a magnificent chandelier create a setting that feels every bit as grand as you would expect from a city with such deep musical roots.

Ticket Tips & Performance Info

Opera tickets can be quite expensive, especially for prime seats, but there are always more affordable options. Ballets and concerts tend to be a little less costly.

Additionally, the standing room only tickets at the Vienna State Opera are an excellent way to experience a performance on a budget as these tickets are offered at a significantly reduced rate. (Standing room only tickets are available online and at the box office beginning at 10:00 AM on the day of the performance.)

I do recommend booking your tickets for a performance at the Vienna State Opera in advance since they frequently sell out. Most shows run between 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM, but check the performance schedule for specifics. To view the upcoming performance schedule and to purchase tickets, please visit the Vienna State Opera website.

What to Wear

The Vienna State Opera does not have a strict dress code, however, if you are wearing flip-flops, shorts, or athleisure wear, you may be refused admission. So, if you are planning on attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera during your three days in Vienna, be sure to pack accordingly. 

Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: If you do not want to attend a full performance, consider taking a guided daytime tour of the opera house to admire its interior up close. Guided tours can be booked online via the Vienna State Opera website.

Dinner at Restaurant Bier & Bierli

After seeing your show, head to the nearby Restaurant Bier & Bierli for dinner. Restaurant Bier & Bierli's kitchen is open late, until 11:30 PM, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner and late-night drink.

Alternatively, if you are hungry pre-show, Restaurant Bier & Bierli's close proximity to the opera house makes it the perfect place to grab a meal ahead of showtime. 

Day 3: Art & Café Culture

Morning: Belvedere Palace or the Albertina 

For your final morning in Vienna, choose between two incredible art experiences:

Option 1: Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace consists of two main buildings: the Upper Belvedere (Oberes Belvedere) and the Lower Belvedere (Unteres Belvedere), along with expansive gardens, formerly belonging to Prince Eugene of Savoy.

The Upper Belvedere is home to Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece, The Kiss, and a fantastic Austrian art collection. The Lower Belvedere, initially used as Prince Eugene's living quarters, now serves as an exhibition space for special exhibitions.

The historical rooms in the Lower Belvedere, such as the Marble Gallery and the Hall of Grotesques, showcase the lavish decorative arts of the baroque era. For more information, please visit the Belvedere Palace website. 

Albertina Museum

Steps from the Vienna State Opera, the Albertina blends classical and modern art in a former palace.

The museum's collection includes over a million prints and 60,000 drawings, featuring masterpieces by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, whose famous watercolor piece "Young Hare" is a highlight.

The Albertina also holds significant works by Raphael and Michelangelo Buonarroti. Its rotating exhibitions often feature big names like Monet and Picasso. The Albertina's rich history is reflected in its origins as a palace - the Tarouca Palace - and visitors can still explore its elegant State Rooms. For additional information, please visit the Albertina website.

Both museums (and former royal residences) are centrally located and make for a memorable final cultural stop during your three days in Vienna.  

Alternatively, if you only had time to visit the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace complex on your first day in Vienna, you could always head back to the Hofburg to see the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments. 

Midday: Café Sacher 

No trip to Vienna would be complete without a visit to Café Sacher, one of the city’s most iconic coffeehouses.

Located next to the Vienna State Opera at the upscale Hotel Sacher, this elegant café is home to the original Sachertorte, a dense, chocolatey cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, coated in dark chocolate glaze and traditionally served with a dollop whipped cream. It is a quintessential Viennese treat!

Extra Time: Naschmarkt (Optional)

If you have some extra time in Vienna on the final day of your three days in Vienna, then I recommend checking out Naschmarkt. (Unless, of course, the final day of your three days in Vienna lands on a Sunday, when Naschmarkt is closed.)

 Naschmarkt is the city’s famous open-air market, stretching over a mile and filled with stalls selling everything from fresh produce and spices to cheeses, cured meats, and street food. Naschmarkt is a lively spot to browse, snack, or sit down for a casual meal. The stalls at Naschmarkt are open from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays. 

Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Depart

As your time in Vienna comes to an end, spend your final moments soaking in the city's elegance one last time. Both the train station and the airport are easily reached from the city center.

So, whether you are heading to your next European destination or catching a flight home, Vienna makes saying goodbye as easy as it is bittersweet. For clear instructions on how to reach Vienna Airport, check out this article from Austrian Airlines. 

Travel Tips to Help Make the Most of Your Three Days in Vienna

To make the most of your three days in Vienna, a little planning goes a long way. From getting around the city to knowing where to stay, these practical tips will help you spend less time navigating logistics and more time enjoying everything Vienna has to offer.

Book a Centrally Located Hotel

When you are spending only three days in Vienna, booking a centrally located hotel, ideally in the Innere Stadt, can save you valuable time and allow you to walk to many of the places on this itinerary.

For such a short stay, booking a hotel with included breakfast can help you make the most of your time in the city! If you are traveling on a budget, consider booking accommodations near Wien Hbf (Vienna Central Station) in the Favoriten neighborhood.  

Hotels in this area tend to be more affordable, and thanks to Vienna's efficient public transportation system, you will still have quick and easy access to all the must-see sights. Some of the hotels that I recommend in the Innere Stadt and Favoriten are listed below.

• • • Park Hyatt Vienna (Innere Stadt)
    • Rosewood Vienna (Innere Stadt)
    • The Leo Grand (Innere Stadt)
    • Hotel Grand Ferdinand Vienna (Innere Stadt)
    • Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof (Innere Stadt)
    • Vienna Marriott Hotel (Innere Stadt)
    • Hotel Topazz & Lamée (Innere Stadt)
    • Schlosshotel Römischer Kaiser (Innere Stadt)
    • Leonardo Hotel Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Favoriten)
    • Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof (Favoriten)
      

Utilize Public Transportation

Getting around Vienna is incredibly easy thanks to its efficient public transportation system, especially the U-Bahn (subway) and trams, which connect all corners of the city with speed and reliability. If you are spending three days in Vienna, consider purchasing a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour transit pass, which offers unlimited travel on all public transportation.

Sunday Closures

One thing to keep in mind when planning your time in Vienna is that stores, including grocery stores, are closed on Sundays. This is due to local laws that honor Sunday as a day of rest, and it is something that can catch visitors by surprise.

While most restaurants, cafés, and museums remain open, it is a good idea to pick up any essentials, like snacks, drinks, or toiletries, in advance if one of your three days in Vienna includes a Sunday.

Advance Tickets & Reservations

By and large, you do not need to book tickets in advance for most of the top things to do in Vienna, except for Schönbrunn Palace and performances at the Vienna State Opera.

Tickets for the other top things to do in Vienna, listed in this three days in Vienna itinerary, can be purchased at the venues themselves on the day of your visit. As far as reservations go, if you are interested in visiting the iconic Café Sacher, then I highly recommend making an advance reservation.

 This café is extremely popular and wait times can get to be long. With that being said, if you are unsuccessful in securing a reservation, try to visit either when they first open at 7:00 AM or in the late afternoon to try your luck in getting a table.

While not every restaurant in Vienna requires reservations and many of the ones included in this itinerary do not, making dinner reservations can save time, especially if you are traveling with a large group. For dinner reservations in Vienna, I recommend using TheFork. 

Three Days in Vienna: In Summary

Three days in Vienna is just enough time to get a taste of all that this culture-rich city has to offer. 

From grand imperial palaces and world-class museums to cozy cafés and classical music, Vienna offers a perfect blend of history, beauty, and charm. Whether you are strolling through the opulent halls of Schönbrunn Palace, admiring Gustav Klimt's masterpiece at the Belvedere, or savoring a slice of Sachertorte in Café Sacher, every moment here feels timeless.

With thoughtful planning and a bit of curiosity, your three days in Vienna can be as enriching as it is unforgettable. And who knows, you might already start dreaming of your return before you have even left. 

Looking for even more inspiration to plan the perfect Vienna itinerary? 

Check out our Vienna Travel Blog for tips, recommendations and insider guides to help you make the most of your three days in Vienna! 

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