3-day itinerary in Vienna, what to see and do in the Austrian capital.
If there is one city that embodies the elegance and fascinating beauty of Europe, it is surely Vienna.
Let us take you on a journey through the streets and majestic palaces of Austria’s fascinating capital as I reveal its hidden treasures, cultural riches and highlights for a complete 3-day itinerary in Vienna.

No matter if you are an art lover, a history enthusiast or simply curious about one of the most fascinating cities in the world, this detailed guide to Vienna will help you a lot when planning your itinerary!
In this 3-day Vienna itinerary, we’ll explore iconic sights such as the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and the famous St Stephen’s Cathedral together, but we’ll also explore the city’s most authentic and lively neighbourhoods, discovering gastronomic gems and authentic Viennese cafés. But that’s not all: I will take you by the hand through the most famous museums, such as the Sissi Museum and the Belvedere, and I will also reveal hidden and unusual corners of this fascinating city.

Prepare to be enchanted by Vienna’s beauty, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and enjoy delicious traditional dishes.
With this comprehensive guide, you will be able to plan your trip in detail, discovering all that Vienna has to offer. Ready to be surprised?

Welcome to Vienna, the beating heart of Austrian culture.

The Centre of Vienna

Vienna, a vast and fascinating city, offers a wide range of opportunities for visitors, especially those exploring it for the first time. During the summer months, the city indulges in long, bright days, ideal for strolling through its historical centre and picturesque parks. While in autumn and winter, especially during the Christmas market season, Vienna is transformed into a place of magical atmospheres, despite the early fall of darkness.

The historic core of Vienna has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, thanks to its crucial role in European musical history, sumptuous palaces, baroque gardens and elegant Ringstrasse boulevards. Although its origins date back to Celtic and Roman times, Vienna reached its peak when it became the capital of the Habsburg Empire. Today, it continues to shine as one of Europe’s most vibrantly cultural capitals, offering a rich experience of history and art.

Can you save money with the Vienna City card?

If you’re finding out about Vienna’s attractions, it’s certainly not the first time you’ve heard about the Vienna City card. And maybe you’re thinking about if this is a wise choice?
If you’re visiting Vienna for the first time, you might consider buying one. This pass gives you access to the sightseeing bus and line-free entry to many museums. You can also opt to add a ticket for the use of public transport.

To determine whether the Vienna City card is worthwhile for you, you can compare the overall cost of the pass with the cost of the individual attractions you intend to visit. Usually, the pass is an interesting option for those wishing to explore several museums, as individual tickets for each museum can be quite expensive.
If you prefer to explore the city comfortably aboard the hop-on-hop-off tourist buses, you can also consider buying tickets for one or more days, which will allow you to hop on and off at scheduled stops.

You can purchase the Vienna City card online, and prices vary according to the duration you prefer: 1, 2, 3 days. For instructions on how to collect the card, we recommend that you read the instructions carefully when making your purchase.

3-day itinerary in Vienna, what to do and see in the Austrian capital

Day 1
Stephenplatz and St Stephen’s Cathedral

The first morning’s exploration starts in the historic centre, St Stephen’s Square or Stephenplatz, where the main cathedral stands. This majestic Gothic structure, also known as Stephansdom in German, is an undisputed icon of the city, a beacon of history and architectural beauty that stands out in the heart of the old town.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, begun in 1137, is an architectural masterpiece combining Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance styles. Its imposing Gothic façade, with towers and spires, is dominated by the south tower, known as Steffl, which offers a spectacular view of Vienna from its top.

Inside, vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, richly decorated altars and chapels create an enchanting, sacred atmosphere, embellished by extraordinary works of art.

Beneath the cathedral is the Imperial Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family, which attracts history enthusiasts.

Besides being a historical monument, the cathedral is an active place of worship, regularly hosting religious services, concerts and musical events. Tours are generally possible, with the opportunity to climb the main tower for a privileged view of Vienna.

Kohlmarkt

Kohlmarkt, in the heart of Vienna’s first district, is one of the most elegant and renowned streets for luxury shopping. Close to iconic landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg, this street combines a strategic location with a refined atmosphere.

Always a symbol of Viennese elegance, it is home to haute couture boutiques, jewellers and exclusive shops located in impressive historical buildings. There are also art galleries, antique shops and sophisticated cafés, making every walk a unique experience between history and modernity.

Ankeruhr, The Anchor Clock

Not far from Kohlmart, I recommend you head for the Ankerruhr.
The Ankeruhr in Vienna is a clock that combines art and functionality. It is located on the façade of a building called the Haus zum Scharfenstein, situated on the Hoher Markt square in the historic centre of Vienna, not far from the famous Stephenplatz.
Its special feature is the gilded bronze animated figures representing Austria’s historical figures such as Mozart and Schubert, and every day at 12 noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., these figures come to life and perform a 12-minute performance.
The clock also has an astronomical dial showing the positions of the sun and moon in the Vienna sky.

Mozart’s House

Located in a central position at number 5 Domgasse, in the heart of Vienna’s first district, this house was Mozart’s residence from 1784 to 1787. It was here that the maestro composed some of his most celebrated works, including the immortal masterpiece “The Marriage of Figaro.”
This historic residence, known as Mozart Wohnhaus, is much more than just a building; it is a magical portal that allows us to travel back in time and connect with the life and genius of one of the greatest musicians in history.

But Mozart’s house is not merely a place of historical memories. It is a living museum, a gateway offering a privileged glimpse into the composer’s daily life. Visitors will find not only Mozart’s personal belongings but also his musical instruments and original scores—an invaluable treasure that links us to his extraordinary creative talent.

L’ingresso a questo mondo incantato ha un costo accessibile di soli 12 euro, acquistabile direttamente a questo link. È un investimento modesto per un’esperienza straordinaria che vi lascerà con una comprensione più profonda e una rinnovata ammirazione per il genio di Mozart.

Schönbrunn Palace

After visiting Mozart’s House, I took the subway, line 4 (green), heading toward the magnificent Schönbrunn—arguably Vienna’s most famous attraction! Schönbrunn is a must-see destination that offers an exclusive glimpse into the life of Vienna’s imperial nobility.

Located in the 14th district, Schönbrunn is a baroque gem that combines history, architecture, and enchanting gardens. Serving as the summer residence of the Habsburgs, it reached its peak under Maria Theresa and was also the birthplace of Emperor Franz Joseph.

The palace captivates visitors with its elegant facades, opulent halls, and artistic details. The complex also includes the Gloriette, a theater, and gardens inspired by Italian baroque, featuring terraces, fountains, and sculptures. The gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll, add to the charm of the location, which also houses the Vienna Zoo—one of the oldest in the world.

Schönbrunn Palace is open to the public and offers a variety of guided tours that take you through the state rooms, private salons, dining hall, and other historical spaces. Tours can be booked directly by clicking here. The gardens, on the other hand, are open to the public free of charge year-round, and it’s not uncommon to spot locals jogging there!

Hofburg and the Sisi Museum

Hofburg is a monument to the grandeur of the Habsburgs and the history of Austria. The Sisi Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the extraordinary life and personality of Empress Elisabeth. With an Italian audio guide, you can walk through these halls and corridors, feeling surrounded by the majesty and beauty of an era that still lives on in the stories and memories of Hofburg.

The history of Hofburg is as vast as it is fascinating. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and modified to meet the changing needs of the imperial family. Every corner of Hofburg tells a part of its history, from the Imperial Apartments, with their opulence and grandeur, to the Imperial Chapel, a lavish Baroque church that evokes the sacred.

Visit to the Upper Belvedere

The Belvedere is an extraordinary place that blends art, architecture, and nature into a symphony of beauty and culture. Its palaces, gardens, and art collections make it one of Vienna’s major cultural attractions, leaving an unforgettable mark on the hearts of all who visit.

The Belvedere complex consists of two baroque palaces, the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere, set around a vast garden. Here, a wide collection of Austrian art awaits discovery, with masterpieces by artists such as Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. Every step through the museum’s rooms is a journey into Austrian art and culture.

Among the Belvedere’s precious gems, the Austrian Museum of Medieval Art (Österreichische Galerie Belvedere) shines like a star.

Book your visit to theUpper Belvedere here!

But it’s not just the art that makes the Belvedere a special place: its gardens are a feast for the eyes and the soul, and entry is completely free.

The Belvedere is not only a treasure trove of artistic gems, but also a stage for special events, temporary exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances. If you wish to explore this fascinating complex in depth, you can participate in individual or guided tours that will take you through the palaces’ interiors, revealing their history and the artwork on display in detail.

Capuchins’ Crypt

Capuchins’ Crypt (Kapuzinergruft) is a fascinating church dating back to the 17th century, commissioned by Emperor Matthias of Austria.

The architecture of the Capuchins’ Crypt is a refined example of Baroque style, featuring an elegant façade and interiors adorned with frescoes and religious artworks.
What truly makes this place special, however, is the Imperial Crypt, located beneath the church itself. This crypt serves as the final resting place for many members of the imperial family, including Empress Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph, and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), who still receives messages and flowers to this day.

Nashmarket

Naschmarkt is renowned for its exceptional gastronomic offerings, featuring a wide selection of local product stalls. Here, you’ll also find a large variety of small restaurants serving international cuisine, from Middle Eastern delicacies to Asian dishes and much more.

The atmosphere at Naschmarkt is lively and often bustling, providing an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in Viennese culture, interact with locals, and discover new flavors. With historical roots dating back centuries, the market derives its name from the German word “naschen,” meaning “to nibble” or “to taste,” reflecting its role as a place to purchase and enjoy fresh food.

In addition to food products, on Saturday mornings, Naschmarkt also hosts a flea market, where you can find vintage items and second-hand goods.

I hope this itinerary has inspired you to visit the Austrian capital and all the attractions it has to offer. Personally, I loved it, and I found it to be very well-maintained, clean, and efficient!

It’s a city I would recommend even to food lovers, not only for the delicious Sacher Torte, but also for the traditional schnitzels and potatoes at lunch or dinner!

If you’d like to add any stops to my itinerary, leave a comment or message me if you’re excited to visit it!

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