Quick Summary
- Climb St. Stephen's Cathedral South Tower for panoramic views
- Explore the Hofburg Imperial Palace and Sisi Museum
- Ride the Ringstraße tram past Vienna's grandest buildings
- Feast at the vibrant Naschmarkt
- See Klimt's "The Kiss" at the Belvedere Palace
- Ride the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel at the Prater
- Experience the legendary Vienna State Opera
- Tour the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and gardens
- Discover world-class art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum
- Enjoy coffeehouse culture at the legendary Café Central
- Photograph the colorful Hundertwasserhaus
- Visit the graves of Beethoven, Mozart, and Strauss at the Central Cemetery
- Taste local wine at traditional Heurigen taverns in Grinzing
Three days is the sweet spot for Vienna — enough time to thoroughly explore the imperial city center, tour the magnificent palaces, dive into the world-class museum scene, experience the legendary coffeehouse culture, attend an opera or concert, and venture beyond the tourist center to discover Vienna's quirky, creative, and wine-soaked side.
Day 1 immerses you in the imperial heart of Vienna — the Gothic splendor of Stephansdom, the Habsburg grandeur of the Hofburg, the bustling Naschmarkt, Klimt at the Belvedere, sunset at the Prater, and a world-class evening at the State Opera. Day 2 takes you to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the MuseumsQuartier, the extraordinary Kunsthistorisches Museum, the ritual of Kaffee und Kuchen at Café Central, and the vibrant Danube Canal. Day 3 ventures off the beaten path — the fantastical Hundertwasserhaus, the surprisingly moving Central Cemetery where Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, and Brahms rest (with a Mozart memorial), and a perfect finale at the Heurigen wine taverns of Grinzing nestled in the Vienna Woods. This is the complete Vienna experience.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A perfectly paced day covering St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Ringstraße tram ride, Naschmarkt for lunch, Belvedere Palace, the Prater Giant Ferris Wheel, and the Vienna State Opera in the evening.
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Start at St. Stephen's Cathedral. Climb the 343-step South Tower for panoramic views, admire the tiled roof, and explore the Gothic interior.
Details
- Hours: Monday - Saturday, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM; South Tower: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Entry: Cathedral free; South Tower €6; Catacombs €6.50
- Best Time: Early morning (8-9 AM) for fewest crowds
Nearby Food
- Figlmüller
- Café Diglas
Pro Tips
- Arrive before 9 AM for the shortest tower queue
- The 20,000-tile chevron roof is best photographed from Stephansplatz
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria
Hofburg Imperial Palace
Walk along the Graben and Kohlmarkt to the Hofburg. Tour the Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum with the Sisi Ticket (€17.50).
Details
- Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Entry: €17.50 (Sisi Ticket)
- Best Time: Morning (9-11 AM)
Nearby Food
- Café Central
- Palmenhaus
Pro Tips
- The Sisi Museum tells the fascinating story of Empress Elisabeth
- Enter through the grand Michaelertor gate
Hofburg Imperial Palace
Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien, Austria
Ringstraße Tram Ride
Board tram 1 or 2 for a scenic Ringstraße ride past the Opera, Parliament, Rathaus, and twin museum palaces (€2.40).
Details
- Hours: Daily, Trams 5:00 AM - midnight
- Entry: €2.40 (regular tram)
- Best Time: Late morning
Nearby Food
- Café Landtmann
- Bitzinger Würstelstand
Pro Tips
- Regular trams are the same route as the €12 Ring Tram
- Sit on the right for best views
Ringstraße Tram Ride
Ringstraße, 1010 Wien, Austria
Naschmarkt
Lunch at the Naschmarkt. Browse 120+ stalls, grab a Käsekrainer (€4-5), and enjoy the diverse food scene.
Details
- Hours: Monday - Saturday, 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM; Closed Sunday
- Entry: Free
- Best Time: Lunchtime
Nearby Food
- Umar Fisch
- Neni am Naschmarkt
Pro Tips
- The Naschmarkt is Vienna's best lunch spot
- Bring cash for smaller stalls
Naschmarkt
Wienzeile, 1060 Wien, Austria
Belvedere Palace
Visit the Belvedere for Klimt's "The Kiss" and Schiele works. Stroll the formal gardens for skyline views.
Details
- Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Entry: €17.50
- Best Time: Early afternoon
Nearby Food
- Salm Bräu
- Café Belvedere
Pro Tips
- Head to the Klimt rooms first
- The gardens are free — don't skip them
Belvedere Palace
Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria
Prater & Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad)
Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel (€13.50) at golden hour for panoramic views over Vienna and the Danube.
Details
- Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 9:45 PM
- Entry: €13.50
- Best Time: Late afternoon for golden hour
Nearby Food
- Schweizerhaus
- Luftburg
Pro Tips
- Arrive 1 hour before sunset for the best light
- The amusement park is free to enter
Prater & Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad)
Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Wien, Austria
Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)
End Day 1 at the Vienna State Opera. Queue for standing tickets (€4-15) or enjoy a pre-booked performance. Cap the evening with Sachertorte at Hotel Sacher.
Details
- Hours: Varies, Standing tickets sold 80 min before curtain
- Entry: Standing €4-15; Seated €15-250+
- Best Time: Evening performances
Nearby Food
- Hotel Sacher
- Café Mozart
Pro Tips
- Standing tickets are Vienna's best cultural bargain
- Hotel Sacher across the street serves the original Sachertorte
Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)
Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria
Where to Eat
Café near Stephansplatz
Viennese breakfast
€6-14
Try: Viennese breakfast, Melange, Kipferl
Naschmarkt
International street food
€5-18
Try: Käsekrainer, Fresh oysters, Falafel
Hotel Sacher or Beisl
Viennese classics
€5-30
Try: Sachertorte, Wiener Schnitzel, Käsekrainer
Schönbrunn Palace and gardens in the morning, the MuseumsQuartier and Kunsthistorisches Museum in the afternoon, Café Central for Viennese coffeehouse culture, and the Danube Canal at sunset.
Schönbrunn Palace
Start Day 2 at Schönbrunn Palace. Tour the Grand Tour rooms (€29) including the Great Gallery and Mirror Room where Mozart performed at age 6. Explore the gardens and walk to the Gloriette for panoramic views.
Details
- Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (extended in summer)
- Entry: €22-29
- Best Time: First entry at 9:00 AM
Nearby Food
- Café Residenz
- Café Gloriette
Pro Tips
- Book timed-entry tickets online
- The Grand Tour is worth the upgrade for the Millions Room
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
MuseumsQuartier (MQ)
Visit the MuseumsQuartier. Lounge on the colorful ENZI furniture, then visit the Leopold Museum (€15) for the world's greatest Schiele collection.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Courtyard 24/7; Museums 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Entry: Courtyard free; Leopold Museum €15
- Best Time: Afternoon
Nearby Food
- Café Leopold
- Glacis Beisl
- Halle
Pro Tips
- The Leopold Museum is the top pick for a single MQ visit
- The courtyard is a beloved local hangout
MuseumsQuartier (MQ)
Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Cross to the Kunsthistorisches Museum (€21). See the extraordinary Bruegel room, Vermeer's "The Art of Painting," and Raphael. Take a coffee break at the stunning cupola café.
Details
- Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Thursday until 9:00 PM); Closed Monday
- Entry: €21
- Best Time: Afternoon; Thursday evening
Nearby Food
- KHM Cupola Café
- Café Museum
- Plachutta
Pro Tips
- The Bruegel room is the highlight — world's largest collection
- The cupola café is one of Vienna's most elegant coffee spots
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria
Café Central
Experience Café Central. Order a Melange (€5.50) and Apfelstrudel (€7.50) beneath vaulted ceilings where Freud and Trotsky held court. Enjoy live piano and the UNESCO-recognized coffeehouse ritual.
Details
- Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Entry: Free entry (food/drinks €4-18)
- Best Time: Weekday afternoon (3-5 PM)
Nearby Food
- Café Central itself
- Zum Schwarzen Kameel
Pro Tips
- Weekday afternoons are much less crowded
- Lingering is the point — don't rush
Café Central
Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien, Austria
Danube Canal Sunset Stroll
End Day 2 with a sunset stroll along the Danube Canal. Walk from Schwedenplatz, admire the street art, and stop at Strandbar Herrmann for an Aperol Spritz (€8-12).
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours
- Entry: Free
- Best Time: Sunset
Nearby Food
- Strandbar Herrmann
- Tel Aviv Beach
- Motto am Fluss
Pro Tips
- Strandbar Herrmann is the most popular spot — arrive early
- The street art changes regularly
Danube Canal Sunset Stroll
Donaukanal, Wien, Austria
Where to Eat
Café Residenz at Schönbrunn
Viennese pastries
€8-16
Try: Apfelstrudel, Melange, Kaisersemmel
Glacis Beisl or Café Leopold
Viennese cuisine
€10-22
Try: Wiener Schnitzel, Gulaschsuppe, Tafelspitz
Strandbar Herrmann or canal-side restaurant
Canal-side dining
€12-35
Try: Aperol Spritz, Grüner Veltliner, Canal-side snacks
A day beyond the tourist center — the colorful Hundertwasserhaus in the morning, the surprisingly moving Central Cemetery where Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, and Brahms rest, and a perfect finale at the traditional Heurigen wine taverns of Grinzing nestled in the Vienna Woods. Alternative: Wachau Valley day trip.
Hundertwasserhaus
Start Day 3 at the Hundertwasserhaus, Friedensreich Hundertwasser's fantastical public housing building where no two windows are alike, trees grow from the walls, and the floors undulate. Photograph the colorful exterior, browse the Hundertwasser Village shopping gallery across the street, and optionally visit KunstHausWien (€12) for Hundertwasser's art. This is Vienna at its most playful and creative.
Details
- Hours: Daily (exterior), Exterior viewable 24 hours; KunstHausWien: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Entry: Free (exterior); KunstHausWien €12
- Best Time: Morning for best light on the colorful façade
Nearby Food
- Café Hundertwasser Village
- Zum Alten Fassl (nearby Beisl)
- Steirereck im Stadtpark (nearby, Michelin-starred)
Pro Tips
- The building is residential — the exterior and Hundertwasser Village are the main attractions
- KunstHausWien (€12) is excellent if you want to dive deeper into Hundertwasser's philosophy
Hundertwasserhaus
Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Wien, Austria
Vienna Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
Take tram 71 to the Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof), a surprisingly moving pilgrimage for music lovers. Enter at Gate 2 and walk to the Musicians' Section (Group 32A) where Beethoven, Schubert, Johann Strauss II, and Brahms rest within steps of each other, alongside a Mozart memorial. Visit the beautiful Art Nouveau Karl-Borromäus-Kirche and find Falco's popular grave. The cemetery is vast (2.5 sq km) and peaceful — more like a park than a graveyard.
Details
- Hours: Daily, March-October: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM; November-February: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Entry: Free
- Best Time: Morning for peaceful atmosphere and good light
Nearby Food
- Concordia Schlössl (near Gate 2, traditional restaurant)
- Café at the cemetery entrance
Pro Tips
- Enter at Gate 2 (Tor 2) — the Musicians' Section is straight ahead
- Tram 71 from the city center takes about 30 minutes — it's called the "Cemetery Tram"
Vienna Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234, 1110 Wien, Austria
Grinzing Heurigen (Wine Taverns)
End your Vienna trip at the Heurigen wine taverns of Grinzing, a uniquely Viennese tradition dating to 1784. Take tram 38 from Schottentor to the charming wine village. Choose a Heuriger with a pine branch above the door, order a Viertel of Grüner Veltliner (€3-5), and help yourself to the cold buffet — roast pork, Liptauer cheese spread, bread dumplings, and salads (€8-15). Visit Mayer am Pfarrplatz where Beethoven lived in 1817, or Fuhrgassl-Huber for vine-covered garden views over the city. This is the perfect farewell to Vienna.
Details
- Hours: Varies by tavern (check for Buschen/pine branch), Typically 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Entry: Free entry (wine from €3-5/glass, buffet plates €8-15)
- Best Time: Late afternoon to evening (5-9 PM) for sunset over the vineyards and the full Heuriger atmosphere
Nearby Food
- Mayer am Pfarrplatz
- Weingut Fuhrgassl-Huber
- Heuriger Reinprecht
Pro Tips
- Tram 38 from Schottentor takes 20 minutes to Grinzing — a scenic ride
- Bring cash — many Heurigen don't accept cards
Grinzing Heurigen (Wine Taverns)
Cobenzlgasse / Himmelstraße, 1190 Wien (Grinzing), Austria
Where to Eat
Hotel breakfast or nearby café
Viennese breakfast
€6-14
Try: Viennese breakfast platter, Melange, Fresh Semmel (bread roll)
Concordia Schlössl or nearby restaurant
Traditional Viennese
€10-22
Try: Wiener Schnitzel, Gulaschsuppe, Kaiserschmarrn
Heuriger in Grinzing
Traditional wine tavern cold buffet
€15-35 (wine + buffet)
Try: Grüner Veltliner wine, Liptauer (spiced cheese), Schweinebraten (roast pork), Sturm (in autumn)
Pro Tips for Your Trip
Get the 72-Hour Transit Pass
The 72-hour Wiener Linien pass (€17.10) is essential for 3 days — it covers all U-Bahn, tram, and bus travel. Day 3 especially requires trams to the outer districts (Hundertwasserhaus, Central Cemetery, and Grinzing). Buy it at any U-Bahn station machine.
Book Schönbrunn Online in Advance
Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna's most visited site with queues exceeding 1 hour in summer. Book timed-entry tickets at schoenbrunn.at. The Grand Tour (40 rooms, €29) is worth the upgrade over the Imperial Tour (22 rooms) for the Millions Room and Maria Theresa's apartments.
Consider a Wachau Valley Day Trip Alternative
If you've seen Vienna's museums and want a countryside escape, swap Day 3 for a Wachau Valley day trip. Take the train to Melk (1 hour, €20-25 return), tour the spectacular Melk Abbey (€14.50), then cruise the Danube to Dürnstein or Krems (€25-35) through terraced vineyards. Return by train. This is one of Austria's most beautiful day trips.
Carry Cash for Day 3
The Heurigen in Grinzing and smaller shops around the Hundertwasserhaus are often cash-only. Carry €40-60 for Day 3. The cemetery is free, but the nearby restaurants and Heurigen prefer cash.
Plan Your Opera or Concert Night
Vienna is the world capital of classical music. Beyond the State Opera (standing tickets €4-15), check the Musikverein (home of the Vienna Philharmonic), the Konzerthaus, and the many churches hosting Mozart and Strauss concerts. The Vienna Boys' Choir performs Sunday Mass at the Hofburg Chapel (free, but arrive early).
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Vienna Itinerary Team
A team of Vienna travel experts and long-term residents passionate about sharing the best of Austria's imperial capital. With years of experience exploring every palace, coffeehouse, and hidden courtyard, we know Vienna inside out.
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