Vienna, Austria 6 Day Itinerary

Vienna, Austria 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

  • Morning: Arrive at Vienna International Airport (VIE) and take a taxi or public transportation (S-Bahn) to your hotel.
  • Hotel Suggestion: Hotel am Stephansplatz or similar, located in the heart of the city center.
  • Breakfast: Grab a coffee and pastry at Café Central, a stunning coffeehouse with impressive architecture.
  • Must-see Attractions:
    • Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) and climb to the top for panoramic views.
    • Explore the nearby Hofburg Palace, which houses several museums, including the Sisi Museum.
  • Lunch: Try a traditional Viennese dish at Griechenbeisl, one of the oldest inns in Vienna.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the pedestrian shopping street, Kärntner Strasse, and visit the nearby State Opera House (Staatsoper).
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Zum Schwarzen Kameel, a cozy restaurant serving Austrian cuisine.

Day 2: MuseumsQuartier and Neubau

  • Morning: Visit the MuseumsQuartier, a complex of museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK) and the Leopold Museum.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stalls or restaurants in the MQ area.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy Neubau neighborhood, known for its street art, independent shops, and cafes.
  • Coffee Break: Stop by Café Eskeles, a charming coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere.
  • Dinner: Head to Restaurant Steirereck, offering modern Austrian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Day 3: Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

  • Morning: Take the U4 subway line to Schönbrunn station and visit Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens.
  • Must-see Attractions:
    • Explore the stunning gardens, including the Grand Parterre and the Gloriette.
    • Visit the palace, which houses several museums, including the Sisi Museum.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic in the gardens or grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site restaurants.
  • Afternoon: Return to the city center and visit the nearby Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest market.

Day 4: Imperial Vienna

  • Morning: Visit the Hofburg Palace and explore the Spanish Riding School, home to the famous Lipizzaner horses.
  • Must-see Attractions:
    • Watch a morning training session at the Spanish Riding School (tickets required).
    • Explore the Imperial Apartments, including the Emperor’s private quarters.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Café Hofburg, located within the palace complex.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Burgtheater, one of the most important German-language theaters in the world.

Day 5: Day Trip to Grinzing and the Wachau Valley

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the picturesque wine village of Grinzing (30 minutes by train) and explore the charming streets.
  • Must-see Attractions:
    • Visit a local winery, such as Weingut Wieninger, for a wine tasting.
    • Enjoy lunch at one of the many Heurigen (wine taverns) in the area.
  • Afternoon: Return to Vienna and visit the nearby Wachau Valley, a scenic region along the Danube River.

Day 6: Last Day in Vienna

  • Morning: Visit the Belvedere Palace, a stunning Baroque complex with beautiful gardens.
  • Must-see Attractions:
    • Explore the Upper Belvedere, featuring an impressive art collection.
    • Admire the stunning views of the city from the palace gardens.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the on-site restaurants or cafes.
  • Afternoon: Spend your last hours in Vienna shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.

Tips and Essentials

  • Transportation: Purchase a Vienna City Card (24, 48, or 72 hours) for unlimited public transportation and discounts at many attractions.
  • Language: German is the official language, but many Viennese speak English. Consider learning basic German phrases to enhance your experience.
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Safety: Vienna is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Weather: Vienna can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, even during summer months. Pack layers and comfortable shoes.

Additional Recommendations

  • Concerts and Performances: Vienna is famous for its music scene. Consider attending a performance at the State Opera House or Musikverein concert hall.
  • Markets: Visit one of Vienna’s many markets, such as Naschmarkt or Brunnenmarkt, for a taste of local cuisine and souvenirs.
  • Day Trips: Consider taking a day trip to nearby Bratislava, Slovakia (1 hour by train) or the scenic Lake Neusiedl region.

Enjoy your time in Vienna!