Vienna-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

Morning

  • Arrive at Vienna International Airport (VIE) and take the CAT (City Airport Train) to Wien Mitte station (16 minutes, €11)
  • Check-in to your hotel in the city center, such as Hotel Sacher Vienna or Hotel Am Stephansplatz
  • Start your day at Stephansplatz, the heart of Vienna’s city center
  • Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (free admission, but guided tours available for €5)

Afternoon

  • Walk to Graben, a pedestrian shopping street lined with cafes and shops
  • Stop by Hofburg Palace, the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty (guided tours available for €12)
  • Visit the Spanish Riding School to see the famous Lipizzaner horses (guided tours available for €25)

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Viennese cuisine at Griechenbeisl, one of the city’s oldest restaurants
  • Relax with a stroll along the Danube Canal or take a Vienna River Cruise (€15-20)

Tips and Things to Know

  • Buy a Vienna City Card (24, 48, or 72 hours) for free admission to many attractions, public transportation, and discounts at restaurants and shops
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Learn some basic German phrases to help you navigate the city

Day 2: MuseumsQuartier and Neubau

Morning

  • Start your day at MuseumsQuartier, a cultural complex with various museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK) and the Leopold Museum (free admission to outdoor areas, individual museum tickets or combination tickets available)
  • Visit the nearby Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum), home to over 30 million specimens and artifacts (€10)

Afternoon

  • Explore the trendy Neubau neighborhood, known for its boutiques, art galleries, and street food
  • Stop by Spittelberg, a charming area with narrow streets, historic buildings, and cozy cafes

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Tichaa, serving modern Austrian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Visit the Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper) for a performance or take a guided tour (€7-12)

Day 3: Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

Morning

  • Take the U4 subway line to Schönbrunn Station and visit Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence (guided tours available for €14.90)
  • Stroll through the beautiful Schönbrunn Gardens, featuring fountains, statues, and walking paths (free admission)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the oldest zoo in Europe (€20)
  • Take a break at Landtmann’s Jausenstation, a cozy cafe with traditional Austrian dishes

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Gasthof zum Roten Ochsen, serving classic Viennese cuisine
  • Return to your hotel and relax, or explore the city center for some evening entertainment

Day 4: Belvedere Palace and Prater Park

Morning

  • Take tram line 71 to Belvedere Palace, a stunning Baroque palace with beautiful gardens (€20)
  • Visit the Upper Belvedere, featuring an impressive art collection, including works by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele (€15)

Afternoon

  • Head to Prater Park, home to the famous Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) from the movie “The Third Man” (€10)
  • Visit the nearby Messe Wien Exhibition Center, hosting various trade fairs and events throughout the year

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Steirereck, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Austrian cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the Donaukanal or enjoy some live music at a local bar or club

Day 5: Day Trip to Bratislava, Slovakia

Morning

  • Take an early train from Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof station to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia (approximately 1 hour, €30-50 return)
  • Explore the charming Old Town, including the Main Square and Bratislava Castle

Afternoon

  • Visit the UFO Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city (€7.50)
  • Take a stroll along the Danube River and enjoy some traditional Slovak cuisine for lunch

Evening

  • Return to Vienna by train and enjoy dinner at Motto am Fluss, serving modern Austrian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients
  • Relax with a scenic evening cruise on the Danube Canal (€15-20)

Day 6: Last Day in Vienna

Morning

  • Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), featuring an impressive art collection from around the world (€15)
  • Stop by the nearby Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest market, offering a variety of food stalls and souvenirs

Afternoon

  • Take some time to shop for souvenirs or explore any last-minute attractions
  • Visit the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) for a scenic hike or bike ride (free admission)

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Zum Finsteren Stern, serving traditional Viennese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere
  • Depart from Vienna International Airport (VIE) or continue your journey to other European destinations

Transportation

  • Use the Vienna Public Transportation System (Wiener Linien), including buses, trams, and subways, with a single ticket (€2.20) or a day pass (€7.60)
  • Consider purchasing a Vienna City Card for free admission to many attractions, public transportation, and discounts at restaurants and shops

Tips and Things to Know

  • Learn some basic German phrases to help you navigate the city
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Try traditional Viennese coffee culture at a local cafe
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting churches or palaces