Vienna Itinerary: The Perfect Austrian Weekend Away

Vienna: Where History Meets Elegance

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is a city of imperial palaces, charming coffeehouses, and stunning concert halls. With its rich history and vibrant contemporary scene, it’s a destination that appeals to all. Whether you’re a history buff, a music aficionado, a foodie, or simply seeking romance in a city that effortlessly blends tradition with innovation, Vienna promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into this comprehensive Vienna itinerary that promises to leave you with memories to cherish and stories to share.

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Things to Do and See in Vienna

Belvedere Palace

Comprising the Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces, this Baroque masterpiece is a Vienna highlight.

The Upper Belvedere houses an interesting collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting “The Kiss.” The Lower Belvedere offers insight into the palace’s history and the lavish lifestyle of its former residents.

The palaces are also surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with fountains and sculptures. As Vienna is not the cheapest city, I chose this as my one museum to visit while in the city and it did not disappoint!

St. Charles’s Church

One of the most interesting and beautiful churches in Vienna. This is a wonderful place to hang out at night with the reflecting pool, palm trees and a small bar.

You can also climb up the dome’s spiral staircase to an observation platform offering panoramic views of Vienna. Although I will say that I think other places offer better views (read on for more on that)!

Vienna Operahouse

Being the home of opera, can you really miss a visit to one of the world’s leading opera houses off your Vienna itinerary?

Ahead of my visit to Vienna, I had never been to see the opera, but as someone who enjoys music, I knew I wanted to see what it was all about. You can take a guided tour of the venue, however, I would recommend going to see a show while you’re in the city.

The best tickets can be expensive, but we managed to buy tickets (with a restricted view) for under €10. This allowed us to get some nice photos and enjoy the opera, without blowing the budget! They even provide individual screens with a translated version of what they are saying. Although I do recommend reading up on the opera ahead of the show to help you follow what is going on.

The Hofburg

Whether you have a passion for history, an appreciation for remarkable architecture, or are eager to immerse yourself in Austria’s imperial heritage, a visit to the Hofburg is an essential experience to add to your Vienna Itinerary. This awe-inspiring palace stands as a testament to the opulence and cultural heritage of Austria, promising to captivate you with its enduring charm and take you on a captivating journey through the country’s storied past.

Schmetterlinghaus

Nestled within the Palm House of the Hofburg Palace, the Schmetterlinghaus is a tropical oasis home to hundreds of colourful butterflies. It’s a unique space where you can observe these delicate creatures in a lush, humid environment.

Italian National Church of Mary of the Snows

This church is a bit of a hidden gem in Vienna. While the outside may not look that special, there is a unique piece of art on display.

This free to enter church has a mosaic of the Last Supper on its wall which I think is worth checking out if you find yourself in the area.

Rathaus

Vienna’s City Hall is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. While admiring its magnificent exterior from Rathausplatz is a treat, you may wish to consider taking a guided tour to explore its opulent chambers, including the Council Chamber and Festival Hall.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

This iconic Gothic cathedral is the heart of Vienna. Climb the 343 steps to the tower’s viewing platform for one of the best views across the city.

You can also explore the catacombs, housing the remains of past dignitaries, and discover the rich history within.

Ankeruhr Clock

This Art Nouveau clock located on Hoher Markt is an interesting sight to see if you find yourself in the area. It comes to life every hour, with 12 historical figures rotating in procession around the clock’s face, accompanied by music.

When I visited the procession started a few minutes after the hour, so don’t panic thinking you’ve missed it!

Hundertwasser’s Architecture

Transformed by Friedensreich, these whimsical buildings are quite the opposite to Vienna’s grand palaces.

Hundertwasserhaus:

This is no ordinary house, vegetation carpets the roof and traditional straight lines and rectangular conformity do not exist.

However, this is a residential building so you can only admire it from the outside. If you want to see more, head to the Hundertwasser Village opposite.

Hundertwasser Village:

Once a tire factory, Hundertwasser Village has been transformed to hold shops, cafes and a rooftop forest.

KunstHausWien:

This former furniture factory is a burst of colour and creativity. Whether you’re an art lover or just appreciate interesting architecture, you’ll enjoy admiring its exterior. Once on the inside, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the artist’s work and philosophy.

You can buy tickets upon arrival, with no wait line!

Prater

An afternoon at the Prater is a must on any Vienna Itinerary. This famous amusement park boasts the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad). It also offers various attractions suitable for all ages, including the Olympia Loop rollercoaster which is taken to London’s Winter Wonderland each year.

Top tip: many of the rides would not accept my foreign bank cards and all the cash points charged you to take money out. Therefore, I would recommend taking some cash with you.

Schönbrunn Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty. You can tour the lavishly decorated palace rooms.

However, I enjoyed a stroll through its immaculate gardens and a walk up to the Gloriette offering sweeping views of Vienna. With a visit to the grounds being free, this is definitely worth adding to your Vienna itinerary.

Spanish Riding School

If you want to see the famous white horses then head to the Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule). Here you can enjoy the art of classical dressage as Lipizzaner horses perform intricate maneuvers. It’s a captivating display of equestrian skill and grace.

There’s no doubt seeing a show is the best way to see the horses in action. However, tickets aren’t cheap, so you may wish to attend a training session for a cheaper price!

Top tip: just want to see a Lipizzaner horse (for free)? Head to Stallburg, and through the windows you can see the stables where they keep the horses!

Best day trips to add to your Vienna Itinerary

Bratislava, Slovakia

Just over an hour away by train, is Bratislava. Nestled along the scenic banks of the Danube River, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity. With its charming Old Town, historic landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere, Bratislava offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travellers, even if you have just one day to explore its treasures.

Read more: How to spend a day in Bratislava

Food to try while in Vienna

• Wiener Schnitzel: This iconic Austrian dish consists of a breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet. It’s typically served with a slice of lemon and a potato salad. The portions can be very generous, so you may wish to share one!
• Goulash: Savor a hearty bowl of Austrian goulash, a stew made with tender beef, onions, paprika, and spices. It’s typically served with dumplings or bread.
• Manner: Vienna is famous for Manner wafers, thin layers of hazelnut chocolate sandwiched between crisp wafers. Add the flagship Manner store on Stephansplatz to your Vienna itinerary to stock up on these sweet delights and enjoy a coffee at their café.
• Apfelstrudel: Enjoy a slice of warm apple strudel, a pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon. It’s often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Sachertorte: Savor a slice of Vienna’s famous chocolate cake, the Sachertorte. This decadent dessert features layers of chocolate cake, apricot jam, and a glossy chocolate glaze.

Where to eat in Vienna

Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbacker: My favourite cafe in Vienna! Located near the Opera House, this is a great place to enjoy a Sachertorte.

Cafe Konditirei Aida: This pink cafe feels like a candy shop. A great place to stop and enjoy a coffee and cake.

Demel: Another great pastry shop in Vienna. A good place to try a strudel!.

Cafe Central: I had to queue to get into this cafe and honestly I thought it was overrated. The building itself is stunning but the cakes were overpriced in my opinion. Definitely an insta worthy cafe though.

Brasserie Palmenhaus Wien: This restaurant is situated in the Palm House. It is a bit touristy and overpriced. However, it’s atmosphere makes it worth it. It is a great place to go for breakfast!

Zwolf Apostlkeller: this underground restaurant feels like you’re in a cellar. This is the perfect place to try out the local cuisine, such as the Wiener Schnitzel.

Gasthaus Reinthaler: Another easygoing restaurant offering traditional cuisine.

Das LOFT: with floor to ceiling windows, this restaurant offers incredible views across the city. This is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and admire the sunset! Food and drinks aren’t cheap, but that’s to be expected.

Erich: Located in the Neubau district, this taco bar is very trendy. The food was great and the prices were very reasonable. I also hear they do a great breakfast here, 10/10 recommend it.

How to get around Vienna

Vienna’s metro and tram network made it very easy to get around the city. You can purchase tickets on the trams or some stations have ticket machines.

I highly recommend you have the City Mapper app downloaded on your phone. It will tell which line to catch and which direction. It is much better than Google Maps in my opinion.

Where to stay in Vienna

With public transport making it so easy to get around you may want to consider staying slightly further out from the city centre to save yourself some money.

• Rioca Vienna Posto 2: great for couples with great public transport connections.
• Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna: great for solo travellers, especially with their communal dinners making it easy to get to know others.

Vienna FAQs

The best time to visit Vienna

• Spring: with the city in full bloom, spring is a great time to visit. Parks and gardens, such as Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna Prater, are at their most beautiful during this season. The weather is perfect for site seeing, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
• Summer: Summer is the peak tourist season in Vienna, with warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is the best time for outdoor activities, open-air concerts, and exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions. However, it can be crowded, and accommodation prices may be higher.
• Autumn: Early autumn is a great time to visit Vienna when the summer crowds start to quieten down, but the weather is still nice. You will also get to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in Vienna’s parks and gardens.
• Winter: Vienna is famous for its magical Christmas markets, making December a popular time to visit if you enjoy the festive atmosphere and holiday lights. If you want to experience a traditional Viennese Christmas, this is the time to go.

Is English widely spoken in Vienna?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Vienna. Many people in Vienna, particularly those in the service sector, have a good level of English. Signs and public transportation announcements often have English translations as well.

That said, while English is widely understood, I would always recommend learning a few basic German phrases and expressions.

What currency is used in Vienna?

The currency used in Vienna, as well as throughout Austria, is the Euro (EUR, €).