Vienna, Austria’s sophisticated capital, consistently ranks as one of the best cities to travel in, not only in Europe, but across the world.
The city is renowned for its high quality of life, great accommodation options, efficient public transportation and is topped by a vibrant cultural scene – all in all, it’s a real travel win!
So whether you are about to visit the city for the first time (like I was), or heading back as a repeat visitor, Vienna will always delight you with its unique charm and its stunning architecture.
A city of nearly two million people, this is a destination where you could easily spend a few weeks and not get bored.
But worry not, savvy travellers know that 2 days is enough time to make the most of any city!
And the even better news? Vienna is extremely walkable and the best way to get around the city will be on your own two feet – perfect for budget travellers!
From its iconic tourist attractions to little gems only known by locals, this guide will help you craft the perfect two-day Viennese itinerary for an amazing trip to the Austrian capital…
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Welcome to Vienna!
As you stroll through Vienna, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be immediately struck by its grandeur.
The city’s imperial past is visible at every turn, with beautiful buildings, magnificent palaces and ornate churches, that tell the story of its royal heritage.
The beautiful city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and sure to take your breath away thanks to its historic cobblestone streets and stunning attractions.
So get ready, pack some comfortable shoes and a sense of curiosity when you visit Vienna, because you are about to have some of the best 2 days in this city possible!
Day 1: Coffeehouse, Museums and Schnitzels!
Hit Up the Coffeehouse Scene
A great place to start your Vienna itinerary is at one of its legendary cafes.
Vienna has one of the highest numbers of coffeehouses per capita in the world, making it a coffee lover’s paradise.
So much so that the Viennese coffeehouse culture was listed on UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage list.
In the beginning of the 20th century, Viennese cafes were meeting spots for intellectuals, artist and politicians, playing a crucial role in the exchange of knowledge and information.
And the best part? For the price of just one coffee, customers could stay as long as they wanted, turning these coffeehouses into their second homes.
Today, you can still find both the traditional newspaper racks and the patrons engrossed in their printed press inside almost every Viennese coffeehouse.
So once you wake up, waste no time, and make your way to the café of choice.
The most famous ones are Café Central, Café Landtmann or Kaffee Alt Wien, but with a little research, you will surely find a great coffeehouse close to where you’re staying.
If you want to feel like a local, you can order the ‘Verlängerter’, which is a long black coffee, but maybe also too much of a mouthful if you don’t speak any German.
An easier option is the Melange, which is very similar to a cappuccino.
The difference between the two? Still under debate, even for locals!
Enjoy an Introductory Walking Tour
Now that you are properly energised, you are ready to start your first day in Vienna!
Begin your walking tour in the imperial centre.
The Hofburg Palace, once the winter residence of the Habsburg dynasty, is a stunning testament to the city’s royal past, now serving as the official residence of the Austrian President
The whole complex houses several museums, including the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Silver Collection, which offer curious visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Austria’s former rulers.
The palace grounds also feature the Austrian National Library and the Spanish Riding School, where the world-famous Lipizzaners and their riders perform some jaw-dropping riding tricks.
The imperial palace is open daily, but if you want to catch a horse show, it’s good to know that the Spanish Riding School has public training sessions only during weekday mornings and special performances on weekends.
Be sure to arrive early for the best experience and book your tickets in advance.
Continue your walking tour and head towards one of the best places in Vienna, only a short walk away from the Hofburg Palace – the Vienna State Opera.
This iconic venue is renowned not only for its exceptional acoustics and stunning architecture, but also for hosting some of the world’s finest performances.
Known as the “City of Music,” Vienna has been home to many famous composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss and it still attracts top-tier talent and enthusiastic audiences from around the globe.
You don’t have to be a connoisseur to enjoy an excellent show at the Opera, as you will find a wide variety of performances, from classic music to contemporary productions.
And if you don’t feel like spending over 15€ on a single ticket, know that you can find standing tickets available for under 20€ on the day of the performance, or alternatively you can simply take a guided tour of this cultural landmark – you’re welcome!
Traditional Vienna Lunch
Ready for lunch?
Vienna has a great variety of restaurants, but with limited time, why not experience an Austrian meal like a local?
Find one of the city’s most beloved institutions – the renowned sausage stand!
Just behind the Vienna State Opera, you’ll find the famous Bitzinger Würstelstand, where people often queue up to grab their favourite sausage combos, while the staff behind the counter are simultaneously grilling meats and cracking jokes.
Bitzinger Würstelstand (or any other sausage stand for that matter) is the perfect place for a quick lunch break on your first day.
It’s a simple meal, but you get to try typical Austrian delicacies such as the Frankfurter (regular hot-dog style sausage), Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage), or Currywurst (curry sausage).
If you’re not into meat, look for another street food delight like the Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancake).
While Bitzinger is maybe a bit pricey for a sausage stand, it knows how to serve a great sausage and is very conveniently located for your 2 day Vienna itinerary.
With your würstel safely in hand, take the nearby escalators to the top of the Albertina terrace and enjoy the view of the surroundings.
Explore the Museums
Now that you have already seen some of the city’s highlights and got a taste of both its imperial glory and its simpler pleasures, it’s time to indulge in one of its many art institutions.
There are many museums you can explore, depending on your interests.
Housed in a magnificent palace right next to the Opera, the Albertina Museum is a top destination for art lovers.
The museum is open daily and is famous as the home of one of the largest and most important drawing rooms in the world, featuring over a million prints and 60,000 drawings!
The museum’s collection spans from the Renaissance to the present day, with masterpieces by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso and more.
Alongside its impressive permanent collection, the museum hosts fantastic temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
Even if you don’t have much time, it’s worth spending a few hours here to fully appreciate its offerings.
If you are rather looking for something else, then just a short walk away from the Opera, you will find one of Vienna’s main attractions – the Maria-Theresien-Platz.
This grand square is named after Empress Maria Theresa, one of the most influential rulers in Austrian history, whose monument dominates the centre of the square.
As you stand in front of her statue and offer your warm greetings, turn your head in each direction and you’ll notice that you are flanked by two massive buildings.
These are the Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches Museum) and the Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum), both worthwhile attractions in the Austrian capital.
Fun fact: due to their strikingly similar appearance, even locals will often mistake which museum occupies which building when asked out of the blue.
The Natural History Museum houses extensive collections of natural history specimens, including minerals, meteorites, fossils and taxidermized animals.
The centrepiece of the museum is the Venus of Willendorf, a prehistoric fertility figurine dating back to around 28,000–25,000 BCE, making it one of the oldest known representations of a human figure.
The Museum of Art History is renowned for its extensive collection of fine art, spanning from antiquity to the 18th century.
It boasts masterpieces by European masters such as Titian, Vermeer, Rembrandt and Velázquez.
The building itself is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, housing a stunning array of sculptures, decorative arts and ancient artefacts.
If this is too much imperial grandeur and not enough vibezzz, then you’re in luck!
Just behind the Maria-Theresien-Platz, you will find a dynamic hub for contemporary art and culture, known among locals as the MQ.
The MuseumsQuartier (MQ) is one of the world’s largest cultural complexes.
Once royal stables, these historic buildings now house a multitude of museums, galleries and cultural institutions.
Despite occupying over 60,000 square metres, the feeling inside this complex is one of familiarity and relaxation.
You will find many locals spending their afternoon with a beer or a bottle of wine on one of the many super-sized lounge chairs, or just walking from gallery to bar and back to gallery.
Within this expansive space, you’ll find the Leopold Museum, home to the largest collection of Egon Schiele’s works and the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK), showcasing a diverse array of 20th and 21st-century art, both worth some time during your 2 days in Vienna.
The MuseumsQuartier consistently hits the mark with its progressive approach to the arts and simultaneous ode to Vienna’s rich cultural heritage, making it a perfect place for any cultural enthusiast.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
By now, it’s probably late afternoon or evening, so if you haven’t stumbled upon the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral up until this point, now is the time to head towards it.
Located in the heart of the ‘Innere Stadt’ (inner city), St. Stephen’s Cathedral is truly breathtaking.
In the evening, the sun illuminates its roof tiles so beautifully, you will simply have to stop and admire its grandeur.
If you still have some energy left in your legs, you can also make your way up to the tower (Steffl) for breathtaking views of Vienna’s skyline.
Entry to the main nave of the cathedral is free, but there is a fee for visiting the South Tower, the museum and the catacombs.
Grab your tickets in advance here.
Schnitzel Dinner
After all this effort, it’s time to take a break and enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner.
Close to the St. Stephens Cathedral you will find one of Vienna’s most famous restaurants, Figlmüller.
If you made it here, you definitely deserve an oversized schnitzel and, rather fortuitously, this place is famous for making one of the best “Wiener Schnitzel.” in Vienna!
This iconic dish of a breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet is traditionally served with a slice of lemon and a potato salad..
Figlmüller is known for serving one of the largest Instagram-worthy schnitzels in the Austrian capital, thanks to its crispy golden crust and very tender meat inside.
Be sure to make a reservation, as both locals and tourists flock to Figlmüller to savour their favourite Austrian dish.
And, in case you left some room for dessert, you must try the apple strudel.
After all, where better to enjoy it than in Vienna?!
Evening Sightseeing
If your feet are still up for it, continue your stroll along Ring Street to the City Hall.
A striking Gothic Revival building with a towering central spire, this is a popular spot for various events, including open-air cinema or world-famous Christmas markets.
A few steps further you will have to double check if you landed somewhere in Greece, as you pass by the Parliament!
Designed in Greek Revival style and recently fully restored, the Parliament building impresses with its grand colonnades and central portico adorned with statues representing law and philosophy.
Looking left and right in constant awe, is the perfect way to end your first day in Vienna.
Then it’s time to hit the hay, so you can be ready for another full day of Viennese delights!
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Day 2: Market, Parks, Palaces & Cocktails!
Breakfast at the Outdoor Market
Once again in Vienna, you should start your day with a coffee… especially now you already know how to order one and mingle with the locals!
If you want to properly enjoy your breakfast too, try Café Prückel, a lovely café situated on the Ring Street, close to Stadt Park.
However, if you’d rather be walking, talking and grabbing a bite while doing do, you can check out Naschmarkt, Vienna’s famous outdoor market.
Naschmarkt is a vibrant market that has been a staple of the city since the 16th century.
With over 120 stalls and vendors, the market offers a diverse array of fresh produce, spices, meats, cheeses and international delicacies, reflecting Vienna’s multicultural flair.
If you get there early enough, some vendors might even invite you for a free tasting of their daily offers – yes please!
Additionally, you will find many small restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal or snack.
Whether you’re looking for unique ingredients, a quick bite to eat, or just people watching in a lively atmosphere, Naschmarkt is the perfect place to start your second day in Vienna.
Belvedere Palace
If you haven’t gotten enough of the splendid art on display in Vienna, you could then make your way to Belvedere Palace.
The main reason to come here is to discover the genius of Gustav Klimt – a leading Austrian symbolist painter and a key figure in the Vienna Secession movement.
Known for his intricate patterns and use of gold leaf, his works commonly explore themes of love and beauty.
In the Upper Belvedere Palace, you can find “The Kiss” and many other outstanding female portraits testament to his innovative approach to capturing emotion and sensuality.
If you want to save the walking for later, you can take the tram line D, 18, or O from the city centre to the Belvedere.
Hundertwasserhaus
Another one of Austria’s remarkable artists, maybe lesser known but nonetheless with a creativity spun out of control, is Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
He was a visionary Austrian artist and architect known for his whimsical designs and eco-friendly philosophy.
In Vienna, his most famous work is the Hundertwasserhaus, a residential building adorned with irregular shapes and vibrant colours.
Standing in front of this brightly coloured jewel, you will feel like you have landed on another planet, where there are no straight lines, and everything is made of candy.
It is a riot of colour and unconventional design.
You can only admire it from the outside, so even though it’s a bit off the usual tourist path, the entire experience won’t take much of your limited 2 days in Vienna.
Park Time!
Now it’s time to visit a park!
Did you know that 50% of Vienna’s area is covered by green spaces, making it one of the greenest cities in the world?
With over 990 parks and the expansive Vienna Woods, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, it’s no wonder Vienna is consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world.
One of its most famous parks is the Prater.
Known for its iconic giant Ferris Wheel, the Prater is a fantastic spot to relive childhood memories, experience the thrill of speedy roller coasters, or enjoy some cheesy fair food.
By now, you must be quite hungry, so it’s the perfect place to stop for lunch.
The traditional beer gardens in the park offer a great atmosphere and delicious food.
Schönbrunn Palace
Your belly might be full, but the day isn’t over!
Make your way to the metro (U-Bahn) and find your next stop – the Schönbrunn Palace.
Take the U1 red metro line to Karlsplatz and then transfer to the U4 green line direction Hütteldorf.
In 20 minutes, you will step back in time, as you enter the picturesque grounds of the palace, taking in its beautifully manicured lawns and intricately ornate fountains.
Schönbrunn Palace, once the Habsburgs’ summer residence, showcases the pinnacle of Baroque architecture and design through its lavish rooms and beautiful gardens.
While you might not have time to visit the world’s oldest zoo, you can still catch glimpses of some of its animals during your Schönbrunn stroll.
The best way to take in the city and enjoy the sights is to climb to the Gloriette for the most stunning panoramic views of the city.
At the top, you can relax at the café and indulge in a traditional Viennese delight – the Sacher torte – it’s a must try!
This delicious treat features three layers of chocolate sponge cake with apricot jam in between, all covered in chocolate icing – hello!
Trendy Vienna
Now that you’ve seen Vienna’s most important landmarks, it’s time to head back to the city centre and explore some of the less touristy, more local and artsy areas.
Vienna’s contemporary art scene thrives not only in its numerous galleries, but also through its street art.
A popular spot to mingle with locals is along one of the Danube’s canals.
The Donaukanal area serves as a living canvas, where graffiti artists from around the world have transformed the canal walls into a vibrant urban gallery.
During the summer months, this area feels like one long sunny day at the beach, even with no sea in sight – my kinda place!
Dinner & Drinks
For dinner, I then recommend you head to Neubau in the 7th district.
This neighbourhood, buzzing with activity all year round, offers a variety of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy both Austrian dishes and cuisines from around the world.
It’s also a great place to people-watch and get a better sense of how Viennese really live in one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Tired? Don’t stop now, it’s your last night!
Vienna’s nightlife offers something for everyone – from elegant cocktail bars to lively clubs.
Find your favourite bar in Neubau, or head back to the city centre’s party area, known as the Bermuda Triangle.
And if the city seems too quiet, the Gürtel area is particularly known for its eclectic mix of venues, where you can enjoy live music, DJ sets and a vibrant atmosphere that lasts well into the night.
So, forget about your flight or train ride the next day, it’s time to let your hair down… after all, you are here to make the most of the city!
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Mini Travel Guide to Vienna
Best Time to Go?
I think it’s best to visit Vienna during the shoulder months of May / June or September to avoid the crowds and still enjoy some good weather.
How to Get to Austria?
You can fly to Vienna International Airport.
As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
You can also train to Vienna from many destinations across Austria and Europe.
Find routes and book journeys through Trainline.
Where to Stay?
In Vienna, check out the 7th Heaven Vienna Apartments or the Hotel Sacher Wien.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Travel Money
Austria uses the Euro for its currency.
I always travel in Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees.
Wise cards works just like a debit card and link easily with Google and Apple pay.
Grab yours here.
Best eSIM
I recommend Holafly.
Get a 5% discount using the code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS
Top Austria Tours
Check out these top Austria tours if you’re looking to see the best of this country with an expert guide.
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After all this info about how to enjoy the best 2 days in Vienna, the only question now is, when are you visiting?!
Let me know in the comments box below…
