How to Spend THREE DAYS in Vienna, Austria: 3-Day Itinerary

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Ready to plan an unforgettable 3 days in Vienna? You found the best itinerary!

We’ve been lucky enough to visit Vienna multiple times, and somehow this elegant city keeps pulling us back. With its grand palaces, world-class coffee and cuisine, and rich history, there’s so much to experience that it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re short on time.

That’s exactly why we’ve crafted this three-day Vienna itinerary, to help you soak up the very best of the city without the stress of planning. From iconic highlights to charming local spots, this guide strikes the perfect balance between must-see landmarks and hidden gems. Let’s explore the perfect three-day Vienna itinerary!

Day 1

Breakfast – Café Museum

Vienna is packed with history, so why not start the day somewhere that offers both that and fantastic coffee? Café Museum has been around since 1899 and has always been a popular hangout for Austrian artists, including some very famous ones!

Opening right at 8 am, it’s the perfect spot to grab a quick pastry and coffee before your 9 am walking tour. We love grabbing a seat by the window, ordering a croissant and cappuccino, and soaking up the elegant yet casual vibes. It’s a wonderful way to get acquainted with Vienna’s legendary café culture.

As a bonus, it’s an easy 8-minute walk from the start of today’s tour—you’ll arrive caffeinated and ready to explore!

Morning – Get to know Vienna on a guided walking tour

There’s no better way to dive into a new city than by joining a walking tour. We have done one in nearly every major city we’ve visited, and they always help us get our bearings while learning a ton along the way. That’s why this historical walking tour is the perfect activity to kick off your time in Vienna. In just 2.5 hours and you hit all the major sights, including the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the grand Hofburg Palace!

We loved wandering through Vienna’s elegant streets, the air smelling faintly of fresh pastries and the echo of footsteps on the cobblestones. The blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture at every turn made it feel like stepping back in time.

Our guide was fantastic, sharing plenty of entertaining tidbits and local legends that brought Vienna’s medieval past to life. We even learned that the Habsburgs ruled from Hofburg Palace for over 600 years!

This tour is an incredible value considering you’ll stop at 18 major landmarks along the way. And with over 1,000 glowing 5-star reviews, it’s clear we’re not the only ones who thought it was absolutely fantastic.

Trust us, this is the best way to kick off your Vienna adventure. You’ll leave with a full heart and plenty of stories to tell!

Check availability for this popular city walking tour here!

Lunch – Figlmüller

Walking around can work up quite the appetite, so the fact that Figlmüller is only 5 minutes from where the last tour ends makes it an easy choice. Oh, they are also known for their world-famous schnitzel, so if you’re a foody, do yourself a favor and eat here!

This place can get busy, so we recommend booking a table here in advance so you have enough time before the next experience. All in all, we spent about an hour and a half here and got the full world-famous experience it’s known for. We shared schnitzel and the roast beef with grilled vegetables, which was mouth-wateringly good! 

Plan on finishing around 2 pm so you have enough time to take the U-bahn subway to the next must-do activity in Vienna, a tour of Schonbrunn Palace!

Afternoon – Skip the line and explore the beautiful Schonbrunn Palace

After lunch, head to Schwedenplatz subway station to start this 2-hour skip-the-line tour of Schonbrunn Palace. From Figlmüller, hop on the U4 line toward Hütteldorf and get off at Hietzing station—the entire trip, including a bit of walking, takes about 30 minutes, so be sure to arrive by 3 pm!

Schonbrunn Palace is Vienna’s most visited sight, and it’s easy to see why. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once home to generations of emperors, including the legendary Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph. We loved how this tour let us breeze past the crowds and dive straight into the palace’s grand halls and stunning gardens.

With a knowledgeable guide sharing fascinating stories and historical insights, it was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon immersed in Vienna’s imperial past. Seeing relics of the Habsburg dynasty in these lavish rooms was a truly memorable experience, and having some free time afterward to explore the grounds at our own pace made it even better.

This tour was the perfect blend of structured learning and leisurely wandering—exactly what we love about well-crafted tours. With over 800 glowing reviews, it’s safe to say we’re not the only ones who thought it was well worth it!

Reserve your tour of Vienna’s most popular attraction here!

Explore the Palace Gardens

After the tour, if the weather is cooperating and you’re feeling up to it, spend some time wandering through the Schonbrunn Palace Gardens. They’re stunning, and you can get some great pictures from the Gloriette viewpoint. There are also some Roman Ruins in the garden that are worth checking out, and some fun signs that give the history of them.

Either way, after you’re finished, you’ll want to head back to the subway station and take the U4 line back into town to Stadtpark station so you can treat yourself to one of our favorite dinner spots.

Dinner – Zum weißen Rauchfangkehrer

After you get off at Stadtpark station, you’ll take a leisurely 13-minute stroll into downtown to the super cozy Zum weißen Rauchfangkehrer. We discovered this place on our first trip to Vienna and always make a point of eating here whenever we visit.

The customer service is top-notch, and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. They specialize in authentic Austrian cuisine, and one of my favorites is the sourkraut soup. They also have an excellent drink selection!

Evening – Explore Downtown Vienna at night

Downtown Vienna at night is such a treat. When the sun goes down, the city lights up and transforms into an absolute spectacle. It’s super romantic, and walking by places like Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral offers a unique way to appreciate the city’s historic architecture when lit up.

If you’d like a nightcap to go along with your first day, don’t hesitate to pop into this rooftop bar (on top of the Ritz-Carlton) for great views and even better drinks. Just don’t stay out too late, we have a full day tomorrow!

Day 2

Morning/Afternoon – Day trip to see Hallstatt and the Alps

Even if you aren’t familiar with Austria’s Salzkammergut region, chances are you’ve seen it as a screensaver and thought, “Wow, I’d really like to go there,” because it’s just that beautiful. On our last trip to Vienna, we booked this full-day tour, and it completely blew us away. It takes you out of the city and into the dreamy landscapes of alpine lakes, rolling green hills, and charming villages that feel like they belong in a storybook. 

The bus ride is about three hours each way, but it’s anything but boring. The views are spectacular, and there are a few stops to stretch your legs. One of our favorites was Schloss Ort, a picturesque castle floating on a bright blue lake.

But the real highlight was visiting Hallstatt. This postcard-perfect village is surrounded by mountains and sits right on the edge of a lake. We took in the views from the Hallstatt Skywalk, a viewing platform suspended 350 meters (1,148 feet) in the air, and honestly, the panoramic view of the town, lake, and surrounding peaks was one of the most breathtaking things we’ve ever seen.

This tour is a great value and includes everything except food and drinks, so just make sure to budget a little extra. If you’re into nature, scenery, or just jaw-droppingly beautiful places, this tour should be high on your Vienna itinerary!

Check availability and book this scenic day trip in advance here!

Late Dinner – Your choice!

You’ll be getting back to Vienna around 8-9 pm and most likely be ready for a hearty meal. We have a couple of options below, depending on what you’re in the mood for, and both are less than a 10-minute walk from where the tour ends.

Reinthaler’s Beisl

Want some more authentic Austrian cuisine? Look no further than Reinthaler’s Beisl. Open until 11 pm, this place hits the spot with Austrian staple foods like schnitzel, sausages, stew, and even a rotating weekly menu. 

It’s a local favorite, and the waitstaff are incredibly friendly. It’s got all the Austrian charm you came for and the flavor to match!

Hǎo Noodle & Tea

European-Asian fusion food. Did your tastebuds just do a backflip? Because if they did, you’d definitely want to eat dinner at Hǎo Noodle & Tea. Also open until 11 pm, this is a great choice if you want something other than Austrian food or just want some really, really good Chinese food.

Fresh dumplings, grilled octopus, and homemade noodle soup—it’s all fantastic! This place can get busy, so we recommend making a reservation here in advance, if possible.

Related Read: Planning to extend your stay? Check out our list of the 10 best things to do in Vienna—from iconic landmarks to hidden gems you won’t want to miss!

Day 3

Morning/Afternoon – Enjoy a half-day tour of your choice

For today, we have two different options depending on how you’re feeling and want to spend your last day in Vienna. Both are fantastic and leave the evening free for you to explore at your own pace. The question is, food or wine tour? Keep reading to see our breakdown of both.

Taste your way around Vienna

You’ve already had some great food in Vienna, but if you want to take your tastebuds to the next level, this food, coffee, and market tour is going to be an easy choice. Starting at 9:30 am and wrapping up around 3:30 pm, it leaves plenty of time in the late afternoon for more exploring.

The morning kicks off with a visit to one of the best unknown local cafés in Vienna for a slice of Apfelstrudel and a cup of Viennese coffee. And let me tell you, Viennese coffee is something special. Rich, creamy, and topped with whipped cream and chocolate, it’s basically everything we’d ever want in one cup.

From there, we had a guided walk through both Naschmarkt and Brunnenmarkt, two of the city’s most beloved open-air markets, sampling different Austrian bites as we went. One of the highlights was trying Wurst and Gulasch, two hearty staples of traditional Austrian cuisine. The tour also includes a proper Austrian lunch, so definitely come hungry, you’ll need the room!

This experience includes lunch, street food tastings, coffee, and even a drink. Just keep in mind it’s not available on Sundays, so plan accordingly!

We left full, happy, and already planning to revisit a few of the spots we discovered. If you’re a food lover, this is easily one of the best ways to experience Vienna!

Check availability and reserve your spot before it sells out!

Go on a wine tour in the Austrian countryside

When people think of European wine, countries like France, Italy, and Spain usually come to mind, but Austria? It’s often overlooked, and unfairly so. We loved this wine tour because it showcased the best Austria has to offer (wines we had never even heard of!) while wowing us with the incredible views of the countryside.

One of the best parts of this experience is that all the transportation is taken care of, so you can sip and enjoy without a worry. With visits to two wineries and up to 12 tastings, having a dedicated driver is essential.

We also loved how our guide shared insights about Austrian wine culture, which really made each sip feel more special. Plus, you get to meet local winemakers, learn about the wine-making process firsthand, and enjoy a delicious two-course meal to round out the experience.

As two people who love wine and take a wine tour in any place that has one, we can’t recommend this experience enough. Starting at 10 am, it lasts for 4 hours, and it’s an absolute steal for what you get. Plus, you can brag to your friends about trying wines they have never even heard of!

Book this tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!

Late afternoon – Spend a laid-back afternoon exploring shops and city gardens

It’s been a busy three days so far, so let’s end this trip with some fun, but casual activities. We recommend checking out the local gardens or doing a little shopping for souvenirs. Heck, why not both? We will go over our recommendations for the best spots to do this below.

Go shopping

If you’re looking for one-stop shopping, the Graben and Kohlmarkt area is where you need to go. The shops here offer a little bit of everything. You can find your classic souvenirs, sweet treats, handmade goods, clothes, and even some luxury stores. 

Österreichische Werkstätten specializes in handmade goods that are a little pricer, but of high quality. If you’ve been on the hunt for an authentic nutcracker to put out around Christmas time, this is where you’ll find it. 

The Steffl Department Store is perfect for general souvenir shopping and has some unique fashion options if you want to show off a new outfit when you get back home.

If you want to take back some treats to share with friends and family (or just hide and eat yourself), Läderach is my go-to chocolate/sweets shop. This place can be dangerous, especially if you’re coming after that wine tour!  

Relax in the Austrian gardens

Vienna has some great gardens, but a few have stood out to us over the times we’ve been here as the best. Burggarten is a lovely little spot that also has a café if you need a little pick-me-up to go along with smelling flowers. 

Meanwhile, Volksgarten is another favorite of ours and has some neat sculptures and architecture sprinkled throughout its many walking paths. After shopping, these are a great place to wind down and think back on how great Vienna has been!

Dinner – Lugeck

Lugeck is our final dinner recommendation and not one you want to skip out on. We also have one last bucket list experience for you, so it’s best if you make a reservation and get here by 6:30 pm at the latest.

The Lugeck brothers specialize in Austrian food with a modern twist. Many of their recipes are based on a cookbook that their grandmother gave them, and have been passed down through generations. Meals like boiled beef in a pot, specialty schnitzel, glazed liver, and steak sandwiches are just a few of the standouts.

On your last night in Vienna, treat yourself to the best. They also have a killer craft beer and wine menu, so have fun!

Evening – A candlelit concert at St. Peter’s Church

We want you to end your trip on a high note (literally!), which is why we’ve been saving this candlelit concert at St. Peter’s church for the finale.

The cathedral itself is already breathtaking with its Baroque interiors, intricate frescoes, and soaring dome. But when it’s lit by candlelight and filled with the sounds of live classical music, it feels almost otherworldly, like you’ve stepped into a dream.

The concert begins at 8:30 pm and lasts around an hour, making it a lovely way to wind down your last evening in Vienna. You’ll hear works by Mozart, Bach, and Vivaldi performed by talented musicians right in the heart of this historic space, where the acoustics add a richness to every note.

There are three seating categories available. VIP, Category I, and Category II, so you can choose your level of proximity to the musicians (we went with Category I and had a great view). But no matter where you sit, the ambiance is the real star here.

After days of sightseeing, this experience is the perfect way to pause, reflect, and say goodbye to Vienna in the most elegant way possible!

Read glowing reviews and book this candlelit concert here!

Related Read: Heading to Salzburg next? We’ve put together a list of the five best things to do in Salzburg—from historic fortresses to music-filled streets and stunning mountain views!

Where to Stay in Vienna, Austria

Now that you’ve found the best activities to fill your Vienna itinerary, you need somewhere equally amazing to rest! As Austria’s largest city, Vienna has tons of options.

I’ve put together my top three choices for luxury, mid-range, and budget stays. These are all popular spots, so if you find any of them still have availability, I’d recommend snapping them up before they’re gone!

Luxury – $$$

If you’re looking for the prime location and a classy stay, the Hotel Topazz & Lamée is just for you! The rooms are furnished to make your stay luxurious, either with a city view or a balcony. There is a rooftop terrace, a ground-floor restaurant, and a bar. Best of all, it’s within walking distance to Vienna’s top sights!

Rooms can range from about €215 to €800, depending on your choice. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com. 

Mid-range – $$

MOOONS Vienna is a trendy hotel, just a short walk from the main train station. I love the modern design of this hotel and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows. It has a garden, a terrace, and a restaurant for your convenience. It won’t break the budget either, rooms range from €120 to €250. 

You can book this stay on Booking.com. 

Budget – $

B&B Hotel Wien-Hbf is one of the most popular hotel stays in Vienna, offering a budget-friendly option. They offer twin, double, triple, or family-style rooms, ranging from €65 to €120. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and honestly, a great deal for the quality! All of Vienna’s top sights are a short train ride away. 

Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

See all hotel options available in Vienna here!

Renting a Car in Europe

Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.

We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

• Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
• Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
• Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
• Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
• Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
• Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

Three days was the perfect amount of time to fall in love with Vienna and uncover its mix of imperial grandeur, cozy coffee culture, and hidden gems. While we could have happily spent weeks here, this itinerary hit all the essential sights and left us with memories we’ll be talking about for years.

Before you pack your bags, be sure to check out our other Europe blogs here—we’ve explored everything from the romantic canals of Venice to the hidden corners of Amsterdam, and we love sharing the best of our adventures. Here are a few other articles we think you’ll find helpful as you plan your next adventure. Prost!

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