Vienna is an imperial capital, and it still carries itself like one. Wide boulevards, grand palaces and opera houses sit alongside quiet courtyards and a coffee-house culture that treats lingering as a skill.
It is clean, easy to get around and very well run. The pace is unhurried, and the best days are often the ones with a museum in the morning, a long coffee in the afternoon and music in the evening.
How many days: 3
Three days is comfortable for the imperial sights, a museum or two and plenty of coffee. It is a good city for a slow trip.
A day trip along the Danube to the Wachau valley is a popular addition, with its vineyards and small towns. Check the train or boat timetable before you plan.
What to do in Vienna
- Tour Schönbrunn Palace
- The former summer residence of the Habsburgs, with a large formal garden. Book a timed ticket on the official site, and leave time for the grounds.
- Walk the old centre
- The area around St Stephen's Cathedral is a maze of lanes and squares. The Hofburg, the former imperial palace, sits nearby.
- See the Belvedere
- A baroque palace holding a major collection of Austrian art, including Klimt's The Kiss. The garden is a pleasant walk.
- Spend an afternoon in a coffee house
- Vienna's coffee houses are part of its identity. Take a table, order a coffee and a cake, and stay as long as you like.
- Hear some music
- Vienna is a music city, with concerts of every kind. The State Opera and many smaller venues offer performances. Book ahead for the popular ones.
- Visit the Naschmarkt
- A long market with food stalls and cafes, good for lunch and browsing.
- Ride the Prater giant wheel
- The Riesenrad, built in the late nineteenth century, is a slow and gentle ride with views across the city. The Prater park around it is good for a walk.
- Explore the MuseumsQuartier
- A large complex of museums, courtyards and cafes in former imperial stables. A good place to relax, even if you do not go into the galleries.
What to eat and drink
- Wiener schnitzel
- A thin, breaded veal cutlet, fried and served with a lemon wedge and potato salad. The city's best-known dish.
- Sachertorte
- A dense chocolate cake with apricot jam, served with whipped cream. A classic with coffee.
- Apfelstrudel
- Apple strudel in thin pastry, eaten warm. A staple of cafes.
- Tafelspitz
- Boiled beef served with horseradish and apple sauce. A traditional Viennese main.
- Kaiserschmarrn
- A fluffy shredded pancake with fruit compote and icing sugar. A popular dessert or even a main.
- Heuriger wine taverns
- Wine taverns on the edge of the city serving local wine and simple food. A good evening out in the warmer months.
- Wiener Melange
- Vienna's classic coffee, an espresso with steamed milk and a little foam. Often served with a glass of water on a small tray.
- Sausage stands
- Sausage stands, called Würstelstände, sell hot sausages with mustard and bread late into the evening. A very Viennese quick bite.
Getting around
Public transport is excellent. The U-Bahn, trams and buses cover the city, and the centre is also very walkable. Check the transport operator's site for the current ticket and pass options.
From the airport, a fast train and the suburban rail both run to the centre. Check which option suits where you are staying.
Trams along the Ringstrasse are a cheap way to see the main buildings without walking all of it.
Good to know
- Most shops are closed on Sundays. Plan your shopping for other days, and rely on restaurants and cafes on Sundays.
- In coffee houses you ask for the bill when you are ready. Nobody will bring it early.
- Tipping is normally done by rounding up.
- Austria uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted, though small places may prefer cash.
- Christmas markets run through late autumn and winter, and are among the city's best-known events. Expect crowds and book accommodation early.