🇦🇹 Your Bespoke 3-Day Austrian Itinerary: Imperial Vienna

To make the most of the Hofburg Palace, purchase a combination ticket that includes the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection. It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. For the Spanish Riding School, you can book tickets to see a morning training session, which is a great way to see the famous Lipizzaner horses in action, or a full formal performance. For a deeper dive into the Habsburgs’ treasures, don’t miss the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer), which holds an incredible collection of jewels and relics.

In the evening, a guided tour of the Vienna State Opera is a fantastic way to see the stunning interior of one of the world’s most famous opera houses. For a truly unforgettable experience, book tickets for a classical music concert. These are held in many beautiful, historic venues throughout the city, such as the Musikverein or the Kursalon, often featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss. Booking these concert tickets well in advance is essential.

Young Travelers: After the imperial sites, explore the adjacent MuseumsQuartier, a vibrant cultural complex with modern art museums, cool cafes, and a lively courtyard. In the evening, look for “standing room” tickets (Stehplatz) at the State Opera, which are sold at a very low price just before the performance—a classic Viennese experience for music lovers on a budget.
Seniors: The Hofburg complex is vast but mostly flat and accessible. A “Fiaker” (horse-drawn carriage) ride is a charming and relaxing way to see the exterior of the imperial buildings in the city center. Attending a concert at a comfortable, historic venue is a perfect way to spend the evening.
Families: The stories of Empress Sisi can be fascinating for older children. The Imperial Armoury, part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum complex near the Hofburg, with its collection of knights’ armor, is often a huge hit with kids. The Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School are also a magical sight for all ages.
With a Disability: The Hofburg Palace museums, the Imperial Treasury, and the Vienna State Opera are all wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps. The Spanish Riding School also offers accessible viewing areas for its performances. The city center is largely pedestrianized and flat, making navigation manageable.

Luxury Travel: Arrange a private, after-hours tour of one of the Hofburg museums for an exclusive viewing of the collections. Attend a premier performance at the Vienna State Opera from a private box, complete with champagne during the intermission. For dinner, book a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant like Steirereck im Stadtpark for an world-class culinary experience.

Adventure & Nature: After immersing yourself in imperial history, escape to the Burggarten, a beautiful garden adjacent to the Hofburg, to see the famous Mozart monument. For a more active pursuit, rent a Citybike and explore the famous Ringstrasse, the grand boulevard that encircles the city center, offering a fantastic architectural tour on two wheels.

For the ultimate in Viennese luxury, the Hotel Sacher Wien is an iconic institution, famous for its original Sachertorte and its location directly opposite the State Opera. The Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna is another grand, historic hotel that has been a center of the city’s cultural life for over a century.

A stylish and highly-rated boutique option is the Hollmann Beletage Design & Boutique Hotel, offering unique rooms and a central location in a quiet side street. For excellent value and modern comfort, the Motel One Wien-Staatsoper is a fantastic choice, offering a trendy design and an unbeatable location just steps from the opera house.

Vienna’s city center, or “Innere Stadt,” is a designated pedestrian zone and is best explored on foot. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes, as you will be covering a lot of ground on cobblestone streets. A great investment is the Vienna City Card, which offers unlimited travel on public transport (trams, buses, and U-Bahn) and discounts at many museums and attractions. You can purchase it for 24, 48, or 72 hours.

To avoid “museum fatigue,” it’s a good idea to pace yourself. The Hofburg Palace complex is enormous, and you cannot see everything in one day. Prioritize what interests you most—whether it’s the dazzling jewels of the Treasury, the personal story of Empress Sisi, or the art collections. Booking tickets online in advance is the single best tip to save time and avoid disappointment, especially for popular attractions like the Spanish Riding School.

For a day of exploring imperial palaces and attending a classical concert, a smart-casual dress code is appropriate. During the day, comfortable trousers or a smart skirt paired with a stylish top and comfortable yet elegant walking shoes or flats are ideal. Vienna is a city with a certain old-world elegance, and dressing up slightly will help you feel at home. In summer, lightweight fabrics are key, but it’s always wise to have a light jacket or cardigan, as museum interiors can be cool.

For an evening concert, many visitors choose to dress up more formally (a cocktail dress for women, a jacket for men), which adds to the sense of occasion. While it’s not strictly mandatory, especially at the more tourist-oriented concerts, you will not feel out of place by dressing elegantly. At the very least, a smart evening outfit is recommended. Avoid very casual wear like shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers for an evening performance.

For a quintessential Viennese lunch experience, visit Figlmüller, a historic restaurant famous for serving one of the best and largest Wiener Schnitzels in the city. It is incredibly popular, so making a reservation well in advance is absolutely essential. For a quicker but still traditional bite, try a “Würstelstand” (sausage stand) for a classic Viennese sausage like a “Käsekrainer” (cheese-filled sausage).

Before your evening concert, enjoy a pre-opera dinner at one of the excellent restaurants near the State Opera. Plachuttas Gasthaus zur Oper is a fantastic choice for classic Austrian cuisine. For a truly special treat, have a slice of the famous Original Sachertorte at the elegant Café Sacher inside the Hotel Sacher. It’s a classic Viennese indulgence and the perfect way to round off an imperial-themed day.

Today’s entire itinerary is located within the “Innere Stadt” (First District), which is best navigated on foot. All the main sights—the Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School, and the State Opera—are within a 10-15 minute walk of each other. Walking is the best way to appreciate the stunning architecture and atmosphere of the historic city center.

Vienna’s public transport system is excellent, and the Ringstrasse tram lines (1, 2, D, and 71) are particularly useful for circling the city center. The U-Bahn (subway) stations Karlsplatz (for the Opera) and Herrengasse (for the Hofburg) are also conveniently located. Your Vienna City Card or a multi-day public transport pass will provide unlimited access to all these options, making it easy to get to and from the city center from your hotel.

For Schönbrunn Palace, it is absolutely essential to book your tickets online in advance for a specific time slot to avoid extremely long queues. The “Grand Tour” is recommended as it covers all 40 of the rooms open to the public. Allow at least half a day for your visit to have enough time to explore the extensive gardens. Don’t miss the climb up to the Gloriette for the best view of the palace and the city. The palace grounds also contain the world’s oldest zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) and a charming carriage museum (Wagenburg).

At the Belvedere Palace, your ticket will be for the Upper Belvedere, which is where the main collection, including Klimt’s work, is housed. Again, booking online in advance is a wise choice. While “The Kiss” is the main draw, be sure to explore the rest of the collection, which provides a fantastic overview of Austrian art history, including works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. The palace’s baroque gardens are also beautiful and offer lovely views back towards the city.

Young Travelers: After the palaces, explore the trendy Wieden or Mariahilf districts, known for their independent boutiques, cool cafes, and vibrant atmosphere. For a unique evening, visit the Prater amusement park and take a ride on the famous Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel).
Seniors: At Schönbrunn, a “panoramic train” runs through the gardens, which can be a great way to see the vast grounds, including the Gloriette, without extensive walking. The Belvedere Palace is fully accessible. Both palaces have excellent cafes for a relaxing break with coffee and cake.
Families: Schönbrunn is a paradise for families. It features a dedicated Children’s Museum where kids can dress up as princes and princesses, a hedge maze and labyrinth, and the excellent Schönbrunn Zoo. The combination of history and fun makes it a perfect family day out.
With a Disability: Both Schönbrunn Palace (the staterooms) and the Upper Belvedere Palace are wheelchair accessible, with elevators and accessible restrooms. The main paths in the Schönbrunn gardens are paved and manageable, though reaching the Gloriette can be challenging due to the steep hill.

Luxury Travel: Arrange a private guided tour of Schönbrunn, focusing on the lesser-seen Bergl Rooms with their exotic landscape murals. In the evening, attend an exclusive “Evening at Schönbrunn” experience, which often includes a palace tour after hours, a gourmet dinner in the palace complex, and a classical music concert in the historic Orangery.

Adventure & Nature: The gardens of Schönbrunn are a fantastic place for a long walk or even a morning run. For a more extensive nature experience, take a tram from the Belvedere to the Lainzer Tor to explore the Lainzer Tiergarten, a vast nature preserve within the city limits that is part of the Vienna Woods. You can hike through the forest and might even spot wild boar.

For a stay with a connection to the day’s theme, the Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn is located in the former guesthouse of Emperor Franz Joseph, directly opposite the palace grounds, offering a truly imperial experience. For a more modern luxury option, the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere is a stylish design hotel located right next to the Belvedere Palace, featuring a stunning rooftop bar with panoramic city views.

A great mid-range choice near the Belvedere is the Hotel Daniel Vienna, known for its trendy, urban design (including a boat on the roof) and its focus on smart luxury. For a reliable and comfortable base with excellent transport links to both Schönbrunn and the city center, the Star Inn Hotel Wien Schönbrunn is a practical and highly-rated option.

Both Schönbrunn and the Belvedere are large sites, so plan your day strategically to avoid backtracking and save energy. It makes the most sense to visit Schönbrunn in the morning, as it is further out and requires more time. You can have lunch near the palace or back in the city before heading to the Belvedere in the afternoon. Wearing comfortable shoes is non-negotiable for today, as you will be walking extensively through palace rooms and vast gardens.

To get the perfect photo of Klimt’s “The Kiss” at the Belvedere without a crowd, try to visit on a weekday afternoon, about an hour or two before closing time, when the tour groups have started to depart. The room can get very crowded, so a bit of patience is required. Don’t just rush to see the famous painting; the surrounding artworks provide important context and are masterpieces in their own right.

Today is another day of extensive walking, so comfort is the highest priority. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are a must. The day involves exploring both elegant palaces and expansive gardens. A smart-casual outfit is perfect for the occasion. Lightweight trousers, a comfortable skirt or dress, or smart shorts paired with a nice top will be suitable. You will be walking a lot outdoors in the gardens, so sun protection is important in the summer months; bring a hat and sunglasses.

As always in Vienna, dressing in layers is a smart strategy. Bring a light cardigan or jacket that you can easily take on and off as you move between the warm outdoors and the cool, air-conditioned palace interiors. The overall style is relaxed but put-together, reflecting a day spent appreciating art and imperial history.

At Schönbrunn, there are several dining options within the palace grounds. For a classic Viennese experience, visit Café Restaurant Residenz, located in the former palace kitchen. Here, you can enjoy a traditional lunch and even watch an apple strudel-making demonstration in the “Schaubackstube” (show bakery). For a quicker bite, there are smaller cafes and snack stands scattered throughout the gardens.

Near the Belvedere Palace, the neighborhood of Wieden (the 4th district) offers many excellent and less touristy dining options. For a modern take on Austrian cuisine in a chic setting, try GOLDIES. For a more traditional and cozy “beisl” (a Viennese pub), head to Gasthaus Wolf. This area is great for discovering authentic local flavors away from the main tourist hubs of the city center.

Vienna’s excellent U-Bahn (subway) system is the best way to travel between today’s sights. To get to Schönbrunn Palace, take the U4 line (green line) to the “Schönbrunn” station. The palace entrance is just a short walk from there. To get from Schönbrunn to the Belvedere Palace, you can take the U4 back to “Karlsplatz” and then switch to tram D, which stops right at “Schloss Belvedere.”

Alternatively, from Karlsplatz, it is a pleasant 15-minute walk through the 4th district to the Belvedere. Using a multi-day public transport pass or the Vienna City Card makes this journey seamless and cost-effective. The combination of U-Bahn and tram allows you to efficiently navigate between these two magnificent palaces located in different parts of the city.

At St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), you can enter the main nave for free. However, it is highly recommended to purchase an all-inclusive ticket which grants you access to a guided tour of the cathedral, the catacombs, and entry to both the North and South Towers. The South Tower requires climbing 343 steps and offers the best open-air view, while the North Tower has an elevator and is home to the massive Pummerin bell.

For the coffee house experience, choose a historic and atmospheric cafe like Café Central, Café Sperl, or Café Hawelka. The tradition is to order a coffee and then you are welcome to sit for hours without being rushed. In the afternoon, a visit to the Naschmarkt is a feast for the senses. Walk the entire length of the market to see the incredible variety of foods, from local Austrian cheeses and sausages to exotic spices and olives from around the world. The adjacent Saturday flea market (if you are there on a Saturday) is also a fantastic treasure hunt.

Young Travelers: After the cathedral, explore the trendy shops in the surrounding side streets. For your coffee house experience, try a more modern, third-wave coffee shop in the Neubau district. The Naschmarkt is a great place for a vibrant, affordable lunch and to feel the city’s multicultural buzz.
Seniors: Climbing the South Tower of the cathedral is very strenuous; the elevator in the North Tower is the better option for a high-up view. A Viennese coffee house is the perfect place for a long, leisurely, and comfortable rest. The Naschmarkt is flat and easy to walk through, offering a stimulating but not overly strenuous experience.
Families: Kids will be impressed by the sheer size of St. Stephen’s, and the catacombs tour can be a spooky adventure for older children. After the cathedral, a visit to the nearby Haus der Musik (House of Music) is a fantastic, interactive museum that is fun for all ages. At the Naschmarkt, kids will love trying all the different samples and sweet treats.
With a Disability: St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s main floor is accessible. The North Tower elevator provides an accessible way to get a view of the city. Many of the grand, historic coffee houses are accessible. The Naschmarkt is a flat, outdoor market that is easy to navigate with a wheelchair.

Luxury Travel: Arrange for a private guided tour of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which may include access to areas not on the standard tour. For your coffee house experience, reserve a window table at the elegant Café Central. In the afternoon, take a private Viennese pastry or chocolate-making class with a renowned patissier for a delicious and exclusive farewell experience.

Adventure & Nature: After climbing the cathedral tower, embark on an “urban hike” on the Stadtwanderweg 1, which takes you through the Vienna Woods on the edge of the city, offering beautiful views. For a culinary adventure, book a guided food tour of the Naschmarkt to get an insider’s perspective and taste a curated selection of the market’s best offerings, from local specialties to international delicacies.

For a stay that is literally at the heart of the city, the DO & CO Hotel Vienna is a chic, modern design hotel located in the Haas-Haus building, with rooms offering direct, breathtaking views of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The Hotel Am Stephansplatz is another fantastic option, situated directly opposite the cathedral and known for its elegant rooms and commitment to sustainability.

Near the Naschmarkt and the trendy 6th district, the 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier is a quirky and vibrant design hotel with a fantastic rooftop bar and a fun, circus-themed decor. For a more traditional and charming option, the Hotel Beethoven Wien is a family-run hotel right next to the Naschmarkt, with each floor dedicated to a different aspect of Viennese culture.

The Viennese coffee house is an experience to be savored, not rushed. It is perfectly acceptable to order one coffee (a “Melange” – similar to a cappuccino – is the classic choice) and a glass of tap water, which will be continuously refilled, and sit for a couple of hours. Use this time to write postcards, read a book, or simply enjoy the elegant, historic atmosphere. Each coffee is traditionally served on a silver tray with a glass of water.

The Naschmarkt is busiest on Saturday mornings when the flea market is also running. For a more relaxed experience, visit on a weekday. Be prepared for vendors to offer you samples of their products, from olives to dried fruit. It’s a great way to taste before you buy. The market has two main aisles: one is primarily fresh produce and specialty food stalls, while the other is lined with small restaurants and bars that get very lively in the evenings.

For your final day in Vienna, a smart-casual outfit remains the best choice. As you will be visiting St. Stephen’s, an active and important place of worship, respectful attire is key. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered when you go inside. Comfortable walking shoes are, once again, essential for climbing the cathedral tower and exploring the sprawling Naschmarkt. A stylish pair of trousers or a skirt with a blouse or polo shirt will be perfect for the day’s activities, from sightseeing to relaxing in a grand coffee house.

The overall style for the day should be comfortable, practical for walking, but also polished enough to fit in with the elegant ambiance of a historic Viennese cafe. A light jacket or cardigan will still be useful for the cool interior of the cathedral. This versatile approach will ensure you are comfortable and appropriately dressed for all the cultural and culinary experiences of your last day.

The quintessential culinary experience today is at a traditional coffee house. Don’t just have coffee; indulge in one of the famous Viennese cakes. Café Central and Café Sperl are renowned for their beautiful interiors and delicious pastries like “Apfelstrudel” (apple strudel) or “Kaiserschmarrn” (a fluffy shredded pancake). This can serve as a delightful late breakfast or afternoon treat.

The Naschmarkt is the perfect destination for lunch. The market is lined with dozens of small restaurants offering a huge variety of cuisines. For a fantastic Viennese-Israeli experience, try NENI am Naschmarkt, which is incredibly popular for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Middle Eastern dishes. Alternatively, you can assemble a picnic from the various market stalls, buying fresh bread, local cheeses, cured meats, and olives for a wonderful al fresco meal in a nearby park.

Today’s main sights are very well connected by the U-Bahn. St. Stephen’s Cathedral has its own dedicated station, “Stephansplatz,” which is a major interchange for the U1 and U3 lines, placing you in the absolute center of the city. From Stephansplatz, many of the most famous coffee houses are just a short walk away.

To get to the Naschmarkt, you can take the U1, U2, or U4 lines to the “Karlsplatz” station, which is located at the top end of the market. The market stretches from Karlsplatz down to the “Kettenbrückengasse” station on the U4 line, so you can easily walk its entire length and then hop back on the subway. The combination of walking and using the efficient U-Bahn makes navigating your final day in Vienna simple and stress-free.

Austria is a premier destination for wellness, with a long tradition of spa towns and health resorts (“Kurort”). You can find world-class yoga and wellness retreats set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps or by serene lakes. These often combine yoga and meditation with activities like hiking, forest bathing, and Kneipp therapy. The focus is on natural healing and relaxation, utilizing the country’s pristine air, mineral-rich waters, and tranquil environment for a truly rejuvenating experience.

Packing for Austria requires preparing for four distinct seasons. For a city trip to Vienna, comfortable walking shoes are the most important item. Austrians tend to dress smartly, so pack smart-casual attire. Layers are always a good idea, including a sweater or light jacket even in summer for cool evenings or air-conditioned interiors. A waterproof jacket and a small umbrella are wise additions year-round. In winter, a warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof boots are essential for the cold and potential snow.

Vienna offers a wonderful shopping experience. The Graben and Kärntner Strasse are the main pedestrianized luxury shopping streets. For more unique and independent boutiques, explore the side streets of the 7th district (Neubau). Look for traditional Austrian crafts like Augarten porcelain, hand-blown glassware from Riedel, and traditional clothing (“Trachten”). Mozartkugel chocolates and Original Sacher-Torte make for delicious and iconic souvenirs. Most shops are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping accordingly.

The currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller cafes, markets, and sausage stands.

Yes, English is widely spoken in Vienna and other tourist areas, especially by younger people and those in the service industry. The official language is German, but you will have no problem communicating in English for most tourist activities.

It’s a tourist card that offers unlimited travel on Vienna’s public transport (U-Bahn, trams, buses) for 24, 48, or 72 hours, plus discounts at over 200 museums, attractions, and restaurants. It can be a very cost-effective option if you plan to use public transport and visit several attractions.

Austria is one of the safest countries in the world, with a very low crime rate. Vienna is a very safe city for tourists. Standard precautions, such as being mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, are all that is needed.

The best times to visit are during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). The weather is mild and pleasant, and the city is less crowded than in the peak summer months. The winter season is also magical, especially from mid-November through December, for the world-famous Christmas markets.

Yes, Austria’s tap water is of excellent quality and is perfectly safe to drink. It comes directly from the Alps and is some of the best in the world. Feel free to refill your water bottle from any tap.

Tipping is customary but not obligatory. In restaurants, it is common to round up the bill or add a tip of 5-10% for good service. It is best to tell the server the total amount you wish to pay (including the tip) rather than leaving money on the table. It is also common to round up the fare for taxi drivers.

This is the classic Viennese coffee order. It is similar to a cappuccino, consisting of a shot of espresso served in a large coffee cup, topped with steamed milk and a dollop of milk foam.

Shops in Austria generally open around 9 or 10 am and close between 6 and 7:30 pm on weekdays and Saturdays. Be aware that almost all shops, including supermarkets, are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Austria uses the standard European plug type F, which has two round pins. The standard voltage is 230V. You will need a standard European travel adapter for your electronic devices.