3-Day Travel Itinerary for Vienna, Austria? - Tips, Routes, Advice

Vienna, Austria’s majestic capital, blends imperial elegance with rich cultural heritage, making it a dream destination for travelers. This 3-day itinerary offers the perfect balance of art, history, cuisine, and vibrant city life. From grand palaces and world-class museums to quaint coffee houses and modern nightlife, Vienna invites exploration at every turn. Whether you’re admiring Klimt’s “The Kiss,” savoring a traditional Wiener Schnitzel, or enjoying panoramic views from the Giant Ferris Wheel, each moment in this city is unforgettable. Follow this detailed guide to discover the very best of Vienna in just three unforgettable days.

This is an extended version of our 2-day itinerary. In this version the second day has a new program, including shopping, but the first day's program is the same, and the 2nd day's program from the 2-day itinerary is moved to the 3rd day.

Day 1: Museums & City Center Exploration

8:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Café Central

Start your day at Café Central, a beautiful and historic café. Enjoy classic Viennese pastries like Apfelstrudel, along with a coffee to fuel up for the day ahead.

9:00 a.m. – Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour (Red Line)

Begin your sightseeing by hopping on a red line of the City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off tour. This allows you to see the major landmarks in Vienna, such as the Ringstrasse, Vienna State Opera, and Hofburg Palace, while getting in and out of the bus at your leisure. Make stops to explore key areas, especially museums and cultural sites.

10:00 a.m. – Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History)

Explore this world-class museum, which houses impressive collections, including works by Old Masters like Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Titian, as well as an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts.

12:00 p.m. – St. Stephen’s Cathedral

After visiting the museum, head to Stephansplatz to admire the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom). Take some time to climb the tower (or use the elevator) for stunning views of Vienna’s skyline.

1:00 p.m. – Lunch at Naschmarkt

Hop back on the sightseeing bus and head to Naschmarkt, Vienna's most famous food market. You’ll find a variety of international and local food stalls. Try Austrian delicacies like Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz from one of the restaurants there.

2:30 p.m. – Albertina Museum and Art Gallery

After lunch, visit Albertina, one of Vienna's most important art museums. Explore its collection of works from famous artists like Monet, Picasso, and Dürer, along with its magnificent historical rooms and views over the city.

4:00 p.m. – Hofburg Palace and the Imperial Apartments

Visit the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Explore the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Treasury, where you can learn about the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its royal family.

6:00 p.m. – Dinner at Figlmüller

After a day of cultural exploration, head to Figlmüller, an iconic restaurant famous for its Wiener Schnitzel. It’s an authentic spot for a traditional Austrian meal.

8:00 p.m. – Evening Walk around the City Center

After dinner, take a leisurely walk around Graben and Kohlmarkt. These pedestrian streets are lined with elegant shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Don’t forget to stop by the Pestsäule (Plague Column) for a photo opportunity.

9:00 p.m. – Drinks at the Rooftop Bar at Das Loft

End the evening with drinks at Das Loft, the rooftop bar at the SO/ Vienna Hotel. Enjoy stunning views of the city while sipping a cocktail.

Day 2: Museums & Shopping

8:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Café Sperl

Begin your day with a traditional Viennese breakfast at Café Sperl, a cozy and historic café known for its coffee and pastries.

9:15 a.m. - Visit Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace (Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna) is just a 10-minute walk from Café Central. Start with a visit to the Upper Belvedere to explore masterpieces from artists like Gustav Klimt (including the famous "The Kiss"), Egon Schiele, and other works from the Austrian Art Nouveau period.

After touring the museum, take some time to walk around the Belvedere Gardens. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and offer a stunning view of the palace. Make sure to take some photos of the expansive baroque-style garden and the fountain.

11:15 a.m. - Museum and Gardens Walk

If you’re interested in more culture, you can take a quick stroll through the Lower Belvedere, which also hosts additional exhibitions. However, if you’re feeling more relaxed, the gardens themselves are quite enjoyable for a peaceful walk before heading to lunch.

12:45 p.m. - Lunch at Gasthaus Pöschl

For a classic Viennese lunch, head to Gasthaus Pöschl (Resselgasse 43, 1040 Vienna), a traditional local eatery. Try the Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal) or a hearty Tafelspitz (boiled beef) with sides like Krautsalat (cabbage salad) and boiled potatoes. This is an excellent spot to sample authentic Austrian cuisine.

2:15 p.m. - Shopping on Kärntnerstraße and Walking in Surrounding Areas

After lunch, head to Kärntnerstraße, a bustling shopping street just a short walk from the Opera House. You’ll find high-end boutiques, department stores, and international brands. Stop into stores like Steffl Department Store for luxury goods or Swarovski for beautiful crystal items.

Burggarten (just around the corner from Kärntnerstraße) is a lovely park where you can relax and take in the atmosphere while surrounded by statues, fountains, and greenery.

St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna) is nearby and worth a visit. You can admire its gothic architecture and even climb the bell tower for a stunning view of the city. From there you can go to another famous shopping street called Graben. This street host many cafes, restaurants, gourmet shops and high-fashion stores.

Stop for a treat at Café Demel (Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Vienna), a classic pastry shop known for its decadent cakes and confections. Try a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and enjoy a coffee.

7:30 p.m. - Dinner at Steirereck

For an elegant and memorable dinner, book a table at Steirereck (Am Heumarkt 2A, 1030 Vienna), a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Stadtpark. It’s one of Vienna’s top dining spots and offers innovative Austrian cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere. Make sure to try their signature dishes, like Austrian sourdough bread with beetroot and horseradish, or seasonal specialties.

10:00 p.m. - Night Out at Porgy & Bess or a Local Club

Porgy & Bess (Riemergasse 11, 1010 Vienna) is a renowned jazz club where you can enjoy live music, if you're into jazz or other performances. Alternatively, if you're looking for more of a club scene, Grelle Forelle (Spittelauer Lände 12, 1090 Vienna) is one of Vienna's most popular clubs, known for its electronic music and vibrant atmosphere.

Day 3: Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

9:00 a.m. – Schönbrunn Palace Tour

Head to Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a few hours exploring the Imperial Apartments, the Great Gallery, and the Hall of Mirrors. Don’t miss the Gloriette, where you can get panoramic views of the city.

11:30 a.m. – Explore Schönbrunn Gardens

Wander through the stunning Schönbrunn Gardens. Be sure to visit the Neptune Fountain, the Maze, and the Gloriette to take in the expansive views of the palace and surrounding park.

1:00 p.m. – Lunch at Gasthaus Pöschl

Take a short break for lunch at Gasthaus Pöschl, a traditional Viennese restaurant offering classic dishes like Sauerbraten and Schweinsbraten.

2:30 p.m. – Visit the Schönbrunn Zoo

Head to the Schönbrunn Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world. It is home to a wide variety of animals and is especially famous for its successful breeding programs, including the giant pandas.

4:30 p.m. – Schönbrunn Botanical Garden

Take a relaxing stroll through the Schönbrunn Botanical Garden. The garden is beautifully arranged with various thematic areas, including rose gardens, palm houses, and an orchid house.

6:00 p.m. – Kaffee und Kuchen (Coffee and Cake) at Café Gloriette

Enjoy coffee and traditional Austrian cakes at the Café Gloriette, located within the gardens. Take in the peaceful surroundings while sipping your coffee.

7:30 p.m. – Dinner at Restaurant Ofenloch

For a more local dining experience, head to Restaurant Ofenloch, known for its hearty, rustic Austrian dishes. You can enjoy Wiener Schnitzel, Käsekrainer sausages, and other regional specialties.

9:30 p.m. – Night Out at the Prater Park

After dinner, head to Prater Park, where you can take a ride on the famous Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad), which offers great nighttime views of the city. The area is also full of bars and casual spots for a night out.

10:30 p.m. – Drinks at Gigerl Bar

End the night at Gigerl Bar, a laid-back spot with excellent cocktails and a cool vibe, perfect for enjoying Vienna’s nightlife.

Enjoy your trip

As your three-day adventure in Vienna comes to a close, you’ll leave with more than just photos—you’ll carry the memory of timeless architecture, exquisite flavors, and the warmth of Viennese hospitality. This itinerary offers a well-rounded journey through the heart of Austria’s capital, capturing both its imperial past and its lively, modern pulse. From serene palace gardens to lively music venues, every stop contributes to the city’s unique charm. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Vienna’s elegance and energy ensure it won’t be your last. Until next time—Auf Wiedersehen from one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.