Vienna 5 Day Itinerary: Complete City Guide + 2 Day Option
Looking for help planning your 2 to 5 day Vienna travel itinerary? Our Vienna city guide outlines where to stay, how to get around, and all the top things to do with 5 days in Vienna.
Vienna – or Wien, in German – is the capital of Austria and a mecca of art, music, and culture. Home of Mozart and Strauss, Vienna exudes refinement and charm on every meticulously groomed street corner. It’s got everything you could want out of a European capital – UNESCO World Heritage sites, delicious food, and excellent public transit, to start – and somehow at a more affordable price than many of its neighbors. We spent a month visiting Vienna, and we’re here to share everything we learned to help you make the most of your trip.
In our Vienna city guide, we’ll share with you our ideal 2 day and 5 day Vienna travel itinerary, plus tips on how to get there, where to stay, and other helpful travel advice in our FAQs. Look out for bolded items as the can’t miss priorities, and check out our other essential Vienna planning posts below:
- Where to Stay in Vienna, Austria: Best Areas for First Time, Budget, & Nightlife
- Where to Eat in Vienna: 13 Exceptional Eateries
- 9 Top Bars in Vienna: Where to Drink in Wien
- 120+ Common German Phrases for Tourists in Austria
Update note: This guide was reviewed in February 2026 to confirm current openings, pricing, and overall relevance.
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Your Vienna 2-5 Day Travel Itinerary: At a Glance
(Click each Day to jump down for more information)
Vienna 5 Day Itinerary
- Free walking tour with GuruWalk
- MuseumsQuartier
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile
- Spanish Riding School
- Imperial Treasury
- Hofburg Palace
- Austrian National Library, State Hall
- Coffee at Café Central
- Dinner at Mama Liu & Sons
- Albertina Museum
- Stephansplatz and Café Sacher
- Waltz Dance Class
- Dinner at Griechenbeisl
- Classical Concert or Opera
- Brunch at mani im vierten
- Naschmarkt
- Prater Park
- Danube Tower
- Dinner at Lugeck
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Dinner at Meixners Gastwirtschaft
2 Day Vienna Itinerary
*Day 1 - The Best of Central Vienna:
- Free walking tour with GuruWalk
- Lunch at Naschmarkt
- National Library, State Hall
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile
- Classical Concert or Opera
Day 2 - Schönbrunn Palace:
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Dinner at Lugeck
- Belvedere Palace
- Vienna State Opera
- Hundertwasser House and Museum
Why Visit Vienna?
Vienna is chock full of culture. If you like a destination with historical significance, stunning architecture, palaces, art museums, live music and theater – not to mention incredible food – this is the place for you. Seriously, if you don’t order Kaiserschmarrn at least twice during your visit, your passport should be revoked. Vienna is a beautiful, clean, and safe city that is extremely easy to get around. English is widely spoken, and it’s noticeably more affordable than neighboring countries like France, Germany, or Switzerland. Really, it’s hard to go wrong here.
The only drawback we could come up with for Vienna, if you can even call it that, is that we were just extremely comfortable. Visiting Vienna felt easy. Viennese culture is a little more subtle and familiar to Americans – especially a Midwesterner like me – so it doesn’t have quite the same “wow” factor of somewhere like Italy or Thailand. But, that also makes it a great destination for a more novice traveler, or just someone who likes a comfortable vacation. It also makes it a very easy place to be a digital nomad.
Where To Stay in Vienna?
Spacious Flat - walking distance Central Station
2 Guests - 1 Bedroom - 1 Bed - 1 Bath - Pet Friendly
If you’re only visiting Vienna for a few days – especially if you’re using our 2 day Vienna travel itinerary – we recommend in our city guide to choose a hotel in one of the following districts (learn more in our Vienna hotels guide by neighborhood):
- 1st (Innere Stadt) – the city center. Most walkable to key sites, but will be pricier. Best for first-time visitors with an ample budget.
- 7th (Neubau) – a trendy, hipster area, best for foodies and cocktail lovers.
- 6th (Mariahilf) – best of both worlds. Centrally located to both top sites and excellent bars and restaurants, but more affordable than Innere Stadt. Best for mid-budget travelers that want a bit of everything.
As digital nomads, we stayed at an Airbnb in the 10th district, Favoriten. We loved this unit – the flat was super spacious, it was extremely close to one of the most convenient metro lines, and the host was lovely. It’s an excellent option for budget-friendly long-term stays, but it is just outside the nicer, “inner ring” districts of 1 through 9.
Pro tip: If you’re hoping to find some hostels in our Vienna city guide, the 10th district is a good option. You can find some hostels here and in other outer ring districts – you won’t find any in Innere Stadt.
Need more help deciding? Check out our complete guide to the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Vienna here.
- Budget Hotels & Hostels ($) – $60-$120 per night
- Mid-Range Hotels ($$) – $120-$200 per night
- Luxury Hotels & Boutique Stays ($$$) – $200+ per night
- 1st District (Innere Stadt):
- Hollmann Beletage Design & Boutique Hotel ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 average rating – hip and trendy, with a sauna
- Hotel Zur Wiener Staatsoper ($$$) – 9.6 average rating – classic luxury
- 6th District (Mariahilf):
- Mint@Naschmarkt Premium Apartments ($$) – 9.5 average rating – complete apartment with kitchen and terrace
- Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.5 average rating – steps from shopping & the MuseumsQuartier
- 7th District (Neubau):
- Hotel Schani Salon ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.4 average rating – clean and modern, super close to the metro
- Hotel Altstadt ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 average rating – cozy and artsy
How to Get to Vienna?
The primary ways to get to Vienna are by flight or by train.
If you’re beginning your Vienna 5 day travel itinerary by train – which we always recommend when possible! – you’ll arrive at Vienna Central Station, located at the upper edge of the 10th district (Favoriten). In addition to often being cheaper and far less stressful than flying, you’ll arrive closer to the city center and your Vienna hotel. From here, you can easily connect to the appropriate metro line to get you to your hotel – discussed more in the next section. We recommend finding your best train deal using Omio. It’s our favorite site for comparing routes and operators.
If you’re flying to Vienna, you’ll arrive at Vienna International Airport, which is about 12 miles (20 km) from the city center. You can take a taxi or the metro from the airport to reach your hotel, but it may take up to two times longer by taxi, depending on traffic. If you’re ready to book your flight, consider using Skyscanner – it’s one of our favorite tools to compare flight prices on different airlines:
How to Get Around Vienna?
The easiest way to navigate Vienna is by metro. While taxi and rideshare operators exist, Vienna’s metro is extremely well-designed and will usually get you to your destination faster and cheaper than a car will.
Pro tip: Make sure to download Bolt before your visit, an Uber competitor that’s often much cheaper in Vienna!
You can buy metro passes at any station and they cost as little as 3.2 euro (~$4) for a single ride pass or 10.2 euro (~$12) for a day pass (perfect for 2 day Vienna travel itineraries). You can also buy a 7-day pass (a great deal for Vienna 5 day itineraries!) for just 25.2 euro (~$30) – learn more about Vienna’s metro passes here. Note that these passes will be valid not just on the underground metro, but also on buses and trams.
Pro tip: Vienna advertises heavily at the airport for getting to the city using the CAT (City Airport Train). However, we recommend in our Vienna city guide to just buy a standard metro pass with a top-up for Schwechat to Flugenhaf (outside the core zone). This route requires a connection, but taking the metro over the CAT will save you around 10 euro (~$12) per person for a one-way ticket.
Vienna Pass - Is It Worth It?
Throughout this post, we’ll highlight when attractions are included within the Vienna Pass by adding (VP) after the ticket price. The Vienna Pass is a tourism pass that grants entrance to up to 90 of Vienna’s most popular museums and attractions at a bundled discounted rate. You can buy the pass for 1 to 6 consecutive days at prices starting at 98 EUR (~$115). But the real question is, is it worth it?
Well, that entirely depends on your itinerary. Generally, we find you have to sightsee pretty aggressively to make these packages worth it. We don’t love to travel that way, so if you’re following any of the schedules in our 2 day or 5 day Vienna travel itinerary below, the answer is no – the Vienna Pass will not save you money, but it may still make your trip more convenient if you’ve got funds to spare.
Day 1 - Getting Familiar on Foot
- 10:00-12:00 – Start your day with a free walking tour via GuruWalk – don’t forget to tip!
- 12:30-5:30 – Head to the MuseumsQuartier and grab some lunch. Then, choose one of the several museums in the area to explore. We recommend the Naturhistoriches Museum or the Kunsthistorisches Museum located just next door – more on these below.
- 6:00-7:00 – Tour St. Stephen’s Cathedral and catch sunset views of the city from the North Tower.
- 7:30-9:00 – Enjoy a classic Viennese dinner of Tafelspitz (a boiled beef dish that tastes way better than it sounds) at Plachutta Wolzeille. We recommend making reservations at Plachutta at least 1 week in advance. Looking for an after-dinner drink? Check out some of our favorite bars in Vienna.
Day 1 Itinerary Details
Walking Tour
Our favorite way to start off any new city is with a walking tour. It’s the best way to get familiar with the area, learn some fascinating tidbits about the city’s history, and pique your interest on which sites or museums you would like to add to your itinerary. Plus, you usually get some great bar and restaurant recommendations from your local guide. On a Vienna walking tour, you can expect to cover much of the Ringstrasse, the 5.3 km (3.3 miles) long boulevard that encircles the city center. The Ringstrasse is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is home to some of Vienna’s most impressive buildings, such as the State Opera (one of our Honorable Mentions below), Hofburg Palace, and Parliament.
We reserve our tours through GuruWalk, which is an app that offers free – yes, free – walking tours in over 800 cities in 100 countries (and counting!). Check out some of their most popular Vienna tours below:
MuseumsQuartier
For your afternoon slot, head to the MuseumsQuartier (MQ), one of the largest cultural quarters in the world. It covers approximately 60,000 sq m (nearly 650,000 sq ft!) and houses several significant institutions, including the Leopold Museum, the mumok (Museum of Modern Art), and the Kunsthalle, along with a slew of cafes, bars, and restaurants. While technically not within MQ proper, the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum) and the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), are located right outside and personally, we recommend one of these. Not only are the exhibits inside incredible, but the buildings themselves are architectural masterpieces. Tickets for the Kunsthistorisches are 22 EUR (VP) and for the Naturhistorische are 18 EUR (VP).
Pro-tip: While you’re in the MuseumsQuartier, head up to the free viewpoint on top of MQ Libelle. It’s not the best view in the city, as it’s not that high, but you can’t beat free!
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral was my favorite sight in Vienna and definitely a can’t miss when visiting Vienna. And we mean that in every way, as you probably couldn’t miss it if you tried – it’s one of the city’s tallest buildings, and it’s located smack dab in the center of town. St. Stephen’s is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and features an incredible geometric tiled roof unlike anything you’ve seen before. Plus, it offers some of the best views in the city from its South and North Towers. While the South Tower is taller, we recommend the North Tower for better views. Views through the South Tower are limited to small windows, whereas the North Tower ends in an outdoor terrace.
The church itself is free to enter, but you can buy tickets to visit the catacombs, where several of the Habsburgs are buried (8 EUR), take an elevator up the North Tower (8 EUR), or climb the 343 stairs up the South Tower (8 EUR). You can also purchase an all-inclusive ticket for 29 EUR that provides access to these as well as to the museum and a guided tour of the cathedral. Tickets are purchased in person, in cash – learn more here.
Want an even more unique experience? Consider attending a classical music concert inside the cathedral – a perfect way to kill two birds with one stone on a tight 2 day Vienna travel itinerary.
Day 2 - The Hofburg Palace Complex
- 10:00-11:00 – Start your day at the Hofburg Palace complex with a training session of the Lipizzan stallions performing dressage to classical Viennese music at the Spanish Riding School.
- 11:00-12:00 – Visit the Imperial Treasury to see the crowns, scepters, and 800 years’ worth of other opulent riches of the Habsburg dynasty. Don’t miss the Emerald Unguentarium, one of the world’s largest cut emeralds.
- 12:00-4:00 – Grab lunch nearby or at the onsite cafe and then head into Hofburg Palace proper.
- 4:00-5:00 – Finish off the Hofburg complex with a visit to the Austrian National Library. Don’t skip this one – it’s a true showstopper.
- 5:00-7:00 – Grab a coffee at one of Vienna’s famous cafes like Cafe Central (reservation recommended), or a nap at your hotel – you’ve earned it!
- 7:30-9:00 – Mix things up a bit and get dinner tonight at Mama Liu & Sons. Located in the trendy 6th district, Mama Liu & Sons serves up amazing Chinese hot pot and fabulous cocktails too. Be prepared – they’re cash only! Not in the mood for Chinese? Check out our list of the best restaurants in Vienna for other ideas.
Day 2 Itinerary Details
The Hofburg Complex
The Hofburg Palace, once the winter residence of the Habsburg dynasty (and thus the center of the Holy Roman Empire for over 600 years), is a sprawling complex located in the center of Vienna. While not as extravagant as the summer residence, Schönbrunn (which you’ll visit on Day 5 of your Vienna travel itinerary), Hofburg has a lot to offer to visitors. Within the palace, you can visit the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum (Austria’s affectionate nickname for the glamorous Empress Elisabeth), and the Silver Collection. In the rest of the complex, you can tour the Spanish Riding School, the Imperial Treasury, two sizable parks (the Burggarten and the Volksgarten), as well as the incredible Austrian National Library. It’s quite easy to spend a full day here!
Each of these attractions is ticketed separately. For the Spanish Riding School, tickets are 17 EUR (VP) for training or start at 26 EUR if you’d like to see a full performance. For the Imperial Treasury, tickets cost 16 EUR (VP) and for the Palace, tickets are 20 EUR (VP). And for the grand finale, tickets for the Austrian National Library cost 11 EUR (VP). This treasure was not only a highlight of the Hofburg complex, but one of our favorite attractions in Vienna – a true can’t-miss in our Vienna city guide.
The Austrian National Library
Ever dreamed about visiting one of those magical libraries from fairytales and fantasy novels? As an avid reader, my heart practically stopped when we entered the State Hall of the Austrian National Library. Floor to ceiling polished wooden bookcases line the hall, and its tall domed ceiling is decorated with gorgeous, romantic frescoes. Touches of gold, statues, and four giant Venetian globes add further beauty and gravitas to the room, and the historical documents on display are truly incredible. In fact, the Austrian National Library owns one of the world’s most significant collections of manuscripts, including major works from almost all literate cultures from the 4th century onwards! While only a select few of these are displayed, the ancient calligraphy and ornamentation really can’t be missed. I don’t understand why this doesn’t make more “top sights” lists, but do yourself a favor and make sure it doesn’t miss yours.
Day 3 - A Day of Art and Music
- 10:00-1:00 – Visit the Albertina Museum, an art museum in a former Habsburg palace that offers one of the world’s largest and most important collections of graphic art. You can also catch works by Picasso, Matisse, and Monet, including his water lilies. Tickets cost 20 EUR (VP).
- 1:30-3:30 – Stroll up Kärntner Strasse toward Stephansplatz and enjoy some shopping and street food. Stop by Café Sacher for a coffee and a slice of Vienna’s famous Sachertorte. Don’t worry – every hour is an appropriate hour for cake in Vienna.
- 4:00-5:00 – Step outside the ordinary and experience Vienna’s culture in a uniquely engaging way – a dance lesson. Learn the Viennese Waltz, the quintessential Viennese experience in a city still enthralled by its annual season of more than 450 formal balls.
- 5:30-7:00 – Grab an early dinner at Griechenbeisl, the oldest restaurant in Vienna. If you haven’t tried Kaiserschmarrn yet (a delicious pancake-funnel cake-donut hybrid with a crispy bottom and plum sauce on the side), theirs is quite tasty. We recommend making a reservation a few days in advance.
- 8:00-10:00 – Lean into the magical music of Vienna with an opera or classical music concert.
Day 3 Itinerary Details
Viennese Waltz
Learning the Viennese Waltz was one of the most fun things that Colby and I did while in Vienna. While you may not have time for it in a 2 day Vienna travel itinerary, we definitely recommend it if you have 5 days in Vienna.
Originating in the 18th century, Vienna’s fast version of the Waltz remains a vibrant part of Austrian identity. Each year Vienna hosts a formal ball season between November and February, and the Viennese Waltz features prominently on the dance floors. The Vienna State Opera even converts into a massive 50 m (164 ft) ballroom for two days for the annual Opera Ball! Being able to physically connect with the city in this way was such a unique and enjoyable experience, and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Vienna. Click below to book the class we took, which was an excellent small-group experience with a friendly and knowledgeable – and patient – instructor in a beautiful 19th century ballroom:
Classical Music
Known as the “City of Music,” Vienna has been a hub for classical music for centuries. The city played a pivotal role in the careers of legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss, and attending a live concert or opera should be a must-do activity in any Vienna city guide. In fact, every evening over 10,000 people attend a live performance in the city.
The city has a plethora of opera houses, concert halls, and churches in which live music is performed. Some of the most prominent venues are the Vienna State Opera, the Musikverein, and the Konzerthaus, but there are many more intimate venues as well. Rather than stumble through an opera in a language we didn’t understand, we opted to attend a concert of the Wiener Royal Orchester at Imperial Hall. The concert was about 2 hours with an intermission and played several of the most famous Viennese pieces, such as Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Strauss’ Blue Danube. The concert also featured a soloist and two dancers, and everyone involved was exceptionally talented. You can buy tickets to that concert at the link below, or see all concerts happening during your visit here.
Day 4 - A Stroll Through the Park
- 10:30-12:00 – Time to take a break from all the culture and enjoy the outdoors and a drink or two. Start today with brunch at mani im vierten, a cute spot with a killer bloody mary. Come prepared, they’re cash only!
- 12:00-3:00 – Head around the corner to Naschmarkt and sample the local goods.
- 3:30-5:30 – Make your way to Prater Park, home of Vienna’s iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad). The ferris wheel offers amazing panoramic views of the city for a ticket price of 14.5 EUR (VP). This is also where they host Vienna’s Oktoberfest, Wiener Wiesn, if you’re visiting Vienna in the fall!
- 6:00-7:00 – Looking for even more views? Check out nearby Danube Tower (Donauturm). At 252 m (827 ft), it’s the highest landmark in Austria, and offers panoramic views from both an inside and outside viewing platform. Even better? There’s a slide at 165 m (541 ft). Entry tickets are 18 EUR (VP) and the slide costs an additional 5 EUR.
- 7:30-9:00 – Tonight’s dinner is Lugeck. Run by the same owners as the famous Wiener Schnitzel spot Figlmüller, Lugeck is an excellent place for Austrian cuisine. Absolutely do not pass on their homemade bread and salted butters. Reservations recommended, book your table a few days in advance here.
- 9:30-late – Ready for some nightlife? Check out nearby Kleinod Prunkstück for some classy cocktails followed by O – the club for late night. You might be lucky enough to catch one of their fabulous theme nights – when I went, it was carnival night, complete with dancing clowns and men on stilts. You can also find more bar recommendations in our post 9 Top Bars in Vienna: Where to Drink in Wien.
Day 4 Itinerary Details
Naschmarkt
Naschmarkt is Vienna’s famous open-air market with roots going back to the 16th century. Stretching 1.5 km (nearly 1 mile), this lively outdoor market boasts over 120 food stalls, bars, and restaurants. And, if you’ve planned your visit for a Saturday, there’s a massive flea market until 3pm. It’s a great place to sample local foods, pick up souvenirs, or just sit with a beverage and people-watch. If you’re planning your 2 or 5 day Vienna travel itinerary for the fall like we did, make sure to try sturm, a partially fermented grape juice that’s quite tasty and very popular. Otherwise, enjoy all the other seasonal food and drink available, but be on your guard for vendors who may take advantage of your wide eyes and love of cheese! We may or may not have accidentally walked away with an embarrassingly large chunk of bergkäse for 40 EUR.
Day 5 - Schönbrunn Palace
- 09:00-5:00 – Spend the day at the summer residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn Palace. Tour the State Apartments, stroll through the luxurious gardens, visit the animals at the world’s oldest zoo, and hike up to the Gloriette for breathtaking views of the city. Even as a full-day activity, it’s still an incredible enough site to garner a slot in our shortened 2 day Vienna travel itinerary, so it’s a real can’t-miss attraction.
- 6:30-8:00 – Have your last dinner in Vienna in the outdoor garden terrace of Meixners Gastwirtschaft. Yes, it’s a bit out of the way in the 10th district, but after a month in Vienna it was still the best Weiner Schnitzel we had, hands down.
Day 5 Itinerary Details
First off, I’ll just be clear – yes, Schönbrunn is a full-day activity. There is SO much to see here. In fact, the Classic Pass Plus ticket, which we highly recommend, grants you access to nine different attractions on the property. This pass costs 76 EUR (expected to increase slightly in April 2026) and allows you to take the Grand Tour of the palace, visit the Orangery, Privy Garden, the Hedge Maze, the Desert Experience, the Palm House, the Gloriette, and the Tiergarten Zoo, plus enjoy a fun virtual reality experience at the palace. If you prefer to just visit the palace, tickets start at 28 EUR (VP), but I promise you’ll be missing out.
Pro tip: Certain attractions at Schönbrunn close in the winter. Winter Passes are available for 69 EUR and include entrance to the Palace, Tiergarten Zoo, the Desert Experience, and the Palm House. It’s not everything, but still worth including in your winter Vienna travel itinerary!
The Palace and Gardens
Starting with the palace, this is the only portion of your day that will require a timed entry, so make sure to book ahead. We recommend in our Vienna city guide that you do this tour first thing, before the crowds pick up. You’ll be given a free audio guide at entry, and the tour takes about 1 hour. The palace boasts a whopping 1,441 rooms, but you’ll only be seeing a selection of them. The audio guide is really interesting, and the rooms are gorgeous and opulent. There is even an amazing Mirror Room modeled after the Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors where Mozart once performed as a child.
After your tour, head to the gardens to enjoy the immaculate landscaping. The gardens are quite expansive, so keep an eye on the clock as you wander, as you’ll want to save plenty of time for the zoo. Don’t miss the hedge maze, which is super fun! There is a short one for children and a tall one for adults, and I thoroughly enjoyed beating Colby to the top. Once you’ve seen your fill, head to the zoo, and we’ll save the Gloriette for the grand finale.
Tiergarten Zoo
Tiergarten Schönbrunn was established in 1752 and is the world’s oldest continuously operating zoo. The zoo is large and well-rounded, fun for both kids and adults. It serves as home to over 700 species, including giant pandas, polar bears, Siberian tigers, and elephants. The zoo is committed to preserving biodiversity through research initiatives and breeding programs. In fact we saw quite a few adorable baby animals during our visit! There is also a panoramic treetop trail you can walk to see some of the animals from a whole new vantage point. You could easily spend a whole day here, but make sure to save some time for the Gloriette. If you would like to just visit the zoo, tickets are 29 EUR (VP).
The Gloriette
The Gloriette requires a bit of a hike, but it is not to be missed. In fact, it offers one of the best views of Vienna in the city. The Gloriette is a Baroque style triumphal arch built in 1775 to celebrate the Habsburg Empire’s military victories. It sits on a hill above the gardens, and can be accessed from the top of Tiergarten Zoo or from the gardens themselves. Once you arrive, there is a charming cafe inside if you need a refreshment, and then a viewing platform on the roof. Make sure to bring your camera to snap some stunning panoramas.
What to Do in Vienna if You Have More Time
Looking for something a little different? We’ve got three more sites that didn’t make the cut in our 2 day and 5 day Vienna travel itinerary. We’ve included them in our Vienna city guide regardless, as they’re still iconic sites that might be up your alley, especially if you’re an art lover:
Belvedere Palace can be a great addition to your 5 day Vienna travel itinerary if you know what you’re getting into, but the name can lead many astray. While it is an excellent choice for art lovers, it will leave those excited by the “Palace” distinction underwhelmed. Belvedere was essentially sold off for parts by a previous owner, so though the exterior and grounds of the Belvedere are gorgeous, the interiors are quite plain. But, if you’re in it for the art, you won’t be disappointed. The Belvedere houses one of Austria’s most valuable art collections, including Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” and a large collection of his other works. Tickets are 19.5 EUR (VP) for Upper Belvedere and require a timed entry.
The Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper) is one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Built in 1869 and largely reconstructed after WWII, the theater is a mix of neo-Renaissance and 1950’s design. The Staatsoper features the largest stage in Europe and an extremely busy schedule, with over 300 shows a year. You can of course visit the theater for a performance (which we would highly recommend), but you can also take a guided tour (which we recommend with caveats).
While I quite enjoyed my tour of the Vienna State Opera, I would not recommend it for those who aren’t already a fan of live theater, especially if you’re on a tight 2 day Vienna itinerary. Though the space is lovely, it’s not the most beautiful building you’ll see in Vienna, and the guided tour leaves a bit to be desired. Tickets are only 15 EUR (VP), but it’s extremely popular and runs like an assembly line, so it feels impersonal and crowded. However, if you are a fan of theater, the guide shared a plethora of interesting tidbits that I felt made it worth the hour of my time.
Hundertwasser House and Museum are a great option for fans of architecture, and were excluded from the main itinerary primarily just because they’re a bit out of the way. The House, which can be viewed only from the outside, is characterized by organic forms over straight lines and vibrant colors over the traditional. To learn more, head to the nearby museum, where a large collection of Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s work is displayed, including paintings, tapestries, and eco-friendly designs. Tickets cost 16 EUR (VP).
FAQs: Vienna City Guide
When is the Best Time to Visit Vienna?
Vienna is a lovely place to visit all year round, with pleasant summers and cozy Christmas markets in the winter. Peak season is from June to August, but December is also a popular due to the Christmas markets. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, consider planning your 2 or 5 day Vienna travel itinerary during the shoulder seasons from April to May and September to October. We visited during September, and it was ideal. Tourist attractions were less busy, and the weather was still lovely, though a bit rainy.
How Many Days in Vienna Do I Need?
There is a lot to see in Vienna, so if you can afford 5 days in the city, we highly recommend it. A 2 day Vienna travel itinerary will hit a few of the highlights, but you’ll definitely miss out on experiencing the local feel of the city. We do not recommend only visiting Vienna for 1 day, as you’ll definitely miss out on major attractions like Schönbrunn Palace. If your stay is short, your hotel choice will be even more important – make sure to check out our guide to where to stay in Vienna before booking.
Should I Tip at Bars & Restaurants in Vienna?
Unless it’s a very casual establishment, expect that no matter where you go out in Vienna, Austria, tipping will generally be expected. In our Vienna city guide, we recommend rounding up a euro or two to an even number for casual spots. For nicer bars and restaurants in Vienna, plan to tip between 5-10%, increasing as the quality of the establishment and of the service increase.
Can I Drink the Water in Vienna?
Absolutely! The tap water in Vienna is very clean, most of it coming straight from the Alps. You’ll see public water fountains and bottle refill stations throughout the city (keep an eye out for blue and silver pillars). At a restaurant, ask for ein glas leitungswasser (INE glahs LIE-toongs-vah-ser) if you don’t want to pay for bottled.
What Kind of Outlets Are Used in Vienna?
Austria uses the standard EU plug type. Make sure to pack a converter for your 2 or 5 day Vienna itinerary if your devices are US-type plugs. We like this US-EU converter from Amazon, which has both USB-C and USB-A ports, plus 3 standard plugs and a 3-prong plug for your laptop.
Do I Need to Speak Austrian German to Visit Vienna?
No, but knowing a few words won’t hurt. We had no issues interacting with people in the service industry in English during our 4 weeks in Vienna, though knowing a few key phrases will definitely win you some brownie points with the locals. Practice these ones before your trip:
- Hello – Hallo – HAH-loh
- Goodbye – Auf Wiedersehen – owf VEE-der-zayn (Austrians also use servus – SEHR-voos as a casual goodbye/hello, similar to Italy’s ciao)
- Please – Bitte – BIT-teh
- Thank you – Danke – DAHNK-uh
- Excuse me (to call your server) – Entschuldigung – ent-SHOOL-dee-goong
- Do you speak English? – Sprechen Sie Englisch? – SHPREKH-en zee EHNG-lish?
Ready to learn more than the basics in this Vienna city guide? Check out our post Austrian German Phrases Tourists Actually Need (With Pronunciation).
Where Else Should I Visit in Austria?
Looking for more of Austria after you finish your Vienna 5 day travel itinerary? Good news – there are tons of other excellent destinations to visit!
For scenic alpine beauty, consider Hallstatt, known for its fairytale charm and wealth of outdoor activities. If you’re a music lover, you can’t miss Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and backdrop of “The Sound of Music” – though we don’t recommend mentioning that to the locals, unless you want to receive some eyerolls in return. Finally, if you’re looking to enjoy some skiing in the Alps, try Innsbruck, with cable cars that can get you on the slopes in no time.
Are There Helpful Apps I Should Download for My 2 to 5 Day Vienna Itinerary?
Absolutely! These are the top apps we recommend you download before your trip to Austria:
- Airalo – having full use of your phone while traveling is incredibly important! eSIM apps like Airalo make getting cell service anywhere you travel easy and affordable. If you haven’t used it before, you can use this Airalo code to get a discount on your first purchase.
- Bolt – while Austria does have Uber, we generally found competitor Bolt to be much more affordable, all with the same ease of use.
- Omio – one of the greatest joys of European travel is their incredible train network. Use Omio to find and compare routes and purchase your tickets. And, if you’re on a budget, they show bus routes too!
- Foodora – this is your go-to for food delivery, in case you’re too tired to go out for the night.
- TooGoodToGo – perfect for budget-concious and sustainability-driven travelers, this app sells surplus food from restaurants and bakeries at a fraction of the cost, saving your budget and the planet from excess food waste.
- Google Translate – we recommend downloading the German language for offline use on Google Translate, so you can always communicate even if you lose cell service. While our Austrian German language guide is helpful, we don’t expect you to memorize all the phrases you may need to know while visiting!
- Google Maps – for the same reason, we also recommend in our Vienna city guide that you download the offline map of Vienna on Google Maps.
Which Travel Resources Should I Use to Plan My Trip to Vienna?
For starters, use our site! Check out all of our Austria travel guides to help you decide where to go, what to do, and where to stay. We’ve got detailed itineraries and travel guides, plus recommendations on all our favorite bars, restaurants, and more.
Once you’re ready to plan your trip, we recommend the following resources to plan your 2 to 5 day Vienna travel itinerary:
- Flights – we use Google Flights and Skyscanner to book our flights. These resources help you compare all the airlines at once, plus give you tips on the best times to purchase. I use their price tracking features religiously to make sure we get the best deal.
- Hotels – we always use Booking.com for choosing hotel stays. We think they have the best prices, their star ratings are super reliable, and we love the perks we get with their rewards system.
- Transit – if you’re traveling throughout Europe on anything other than planes – like trains, buses, or ferries – we recommend Omio. Omio lets you find and compare and buy bus, train, flight, and ferry routes across Europe in one easy-to-use platform.
- Trip Planning – the most frequently opened app on our phone, regardless of our destination, is Wanderlog. This app makes travel planning SO easy. You can import all your flights, hotels, and transit information, add top sites to your itinerary, and even track and split your budget amongst your travel buddies. It also provides recommendations on where to visit and a map of all the attractions you plan to see, with transit time between each.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Austria?
While it’s not required, we highly recommend it. You never know when something might go wrong, and it’s best to be prepared. We use and recommend SafetyWing, which is an especially good option for those traveling for a month or more. For as little as $56, it covers everything from lost luggage to hospital stays – a heck of a deal if you encounter any emergencies while abroad.
Final Thoughts on Vienna 2 to 5 Day Travel Itinerary
We hope this post helps you plan the perfect 2 to 5 day Vienna travel itinerary. Like us, you may find that 5 days in Vienna simply isn’t enough! We’ll be back for some Wiener schnitzel and Kaiserchmarrn as soon as possible. After reading our Vienna city guide, make sure to check out our posts with all our favorite Vienna restaurants and top Vienna cocktail bars. Comment below what you loved most about Vienna!
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