Vienna, Austria-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Imperial Vienna

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), a must-see landmark in the heart of Vienna.
    • Address: Stephansplatz 1, 1010 Wien
    • Opening hours: April to October 6am-10pm, November to March 6am-8pm
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Café Central, a historic café famous for its grand interior and delicious pastries.
    • Address: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien
    • Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am-10pm, Saturday 8am-10pm
  • Afternoon: Visit the Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence with stunning gardens and fountains.
    • Address: Himmelpfortgasse 79, 1130 Wien
    • Opening hours: April to October 9am-5pm, November to March 9am-4pm
  • Dinner: Enjoy traditional Viennese cuisine at Griechenbeisl, a cozy restaurant in the heart of the city.
    • Address: Fleischmarkt 11, 1010 Wien
    • Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-10pm
  • Night: End your day with a stroll through the lively streets of Neubau, known for its bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Day 2: Art and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Belvedere Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an impressive collection of Austrian art.
    • Address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien
    • Opening hours: April to October 9am-6pm, November to March 9am-5pm
  • Lunch: Take a break at the Café Sperl, a charming coffeehouse in the heart of Vienna’s artistic quarter.
    • Address: Gumpendorfer Straße 11, 1040 Wien
    • Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-10pm
  • Afternoon: Explore the Museum Quarter, a vibrant area featuring several museums, including the Leopold Museum and the MuseumsQuartier.
    • Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien
    • Opening hours: Varying by museum, but generally 10am-6pm
  • Dinner: Savor some of Vienna’s famous street food at Wiener Würstel, a popular sausage stand in the heart of the city.
    • Address: Various locations throughout the city
    • Hours: Typically open from 11am to 7pm, but may vary depending on location and weather
  • Night: Catch a performance at the famous Vienna State Opera or take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Innere Stadt, known for its charming architecture and lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Parks and Palaces

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Schönbrunn Gardens, a stunning example of Baroque garden design.
    • Address: Himmelpfortgasse 79, 1130 Wien
    • Opening hours: April to October 9am-5pm, November to March 9am-4pm
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic in the gardens or grab a bite at the Schönbrunn Palace Café, offering stunning views of the palace and gardens.
    • Address: Himmelpfortgasse 79, 1130 Wien
    • Opening hours: April to October 9am-5pm, November to March 9am-4pm
  • Afternoon: Explore the Hofburg Palace, a former imperial residence featuring an impressive collection of art and artifacts.
    • Address: Heldenplatz 1, 1010 Wien
    • Opening hours: April to October 9am-5pm, November to March 9am-4pm
  • Dinner: Dine at the Bauernhof, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Austrian cuisine in a rustic setting.
    • Address: Bauernhofgasse 13, 1080 Wien
    • Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-10pm
  • Night: End your day with a visit to the Prater Park, a large public park featuring a famous Ferris wheel and plenty of green space.
    • Address: Lothar-Woodring-Straße 1, 1020 Wien
    • Opening hours: Daily from 6am to midnight

Day 4: Shopping and Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest market featuring a wide variety of food stalls, shops, and restaurants.
    • Address: Linke Wienzeile 109, 1160 Wien
    • Opening hours: Daily from 6am to 7pm
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at the Naschmarkt Café, offering stunning views of the market and delicious food.
    • Address: Linke Wienzeile 109, 1160 Wien
    • Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 10pm
  • Afternoon: Explore the Pavillon shopping center, a large indoor mall featuring a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
    • Address: Mariahilfer Straße 50-52, 1060 Wien
    • Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm
  • Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Griechenbeisl, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Viennese cuisine.
    • Address: Fleischmarkt 11, 1010 Wien
    • Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-10pm

Where to Stay

  • Luxury: The Hotel Sacher Vienna, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city.
    • Address: Philharmonikgasse 4, 1010 Wien
    • Phone: +43 (0)1 50180
  • Mid-range: The Park Hyatt Vienna, a comfortable hotel located in the heart of the city.
    • Address: Am Parkring 12, 1035 Wien
    • Phone: +43 (0)1 50550
  • Budget: The Hostel Ruthensteiner, a budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of the city.
    • Address: Linke Wienzeile 18, 1160 Wien
    • Phone: +43 (0)1 58666

Transportation

  • Metro: Vienna has an efficient metro system with three lines (U1, U2, and U4). You can buy a single ticket or purchase a 24-hour pass.
  • Bus: Vienna also has an extensive bus network. You can use the same ticket as the metro.
  • Tram: Vienna’s tram network is also convenient for getting around the city.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but can be more expensive than public transportation.

Tips and Other Things to Know

  • Language: German and English are widely spoken in Vienna. However, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic German phrases.
  • Weather: Vienna has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.
  • Safety: Vienna is generally a safe city, but be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency in Austria.

Other Things to Do

  • Visit the Austrian National Library, which features an impressive collection of books and artifacts.
  • Take a stroll along the Danube Canal, a picturesque waterway that runs through the heart of the city.
  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Neubau, known for its bars, clubs, and live music venues.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Vienna!