Vienna, Austria City Guide
We loved Vienna. Now, here is everything you need to do and see in three days. We created the perfect itinerary for those wanting to immerse themselves in Viennese history while visiting trendy spots seen all over social media.
On our first day, we arrived in Vienna at midday and immediately kick-started our afternoon. We started off with a walk through Stadtpark on our way to St. Stephens Cathedral, one of the biggest attractions in Vienna. We saw the Hofburg (imperial) palace and a tour of the Spanish riding school. For dinner, we went to Onyx, a trendy sushi place recommended by many.
📍Stroll through StadtPark
Stadtpark is a lovely green space where you can relax and enjoy nature right in the city. Opened in 1862, it's famous for its beautiful gardens, peaceful ponds, and the shiny golden statue of Johann Strauss II, which is a must-see for visitors. With its winding paths, cute bridges, and colorful flowers, it's a great spot for a stroll or just to chill out and take in the scenery.
📍Admire St. Stephens cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna is a stunning landmark and a must-see when you're in the city. Known as Stephansdom, this impressive Gothic cathedral stands tall with its striking roof and intricate details. The inside is just as beautiful, with grand altars and a cool mix of art and history. You can even climb the tower to enjoy an amazing view of Vienna. It's a great spot to soak in some history and take in the beauty of the city.
📍Hofburg Palace and Spanish Riding School
The Hofburg Palace in Vienna is a massive and grand complex that used to be the home of the Habsburgs. It's filled with beautiful rooms, museums, and even the Spanish Riding School. The Spanish Riding School is famous for its elegant Lipizzaner horses and impressive performances, where you can watch these horses and their riders show off some amazing skills. It's a cool mix of history, culture, and equestrian art all in one place. We walked around the property for about an hour and did a 45-minute tour of the Spanish riding school. It is important to note that there are no performances during the months of July and August. If you wake up early enough, you can watch the performers practice in the mornings. We were able to see the horses and stables as part of our tour as well.
📍Onyx restaurant
We were recommended this restaurant many times and are pleased to say it lived up to the hype. The fish was extremely fresh, we had an amazing view of the St. Stephens cathedral, and we were served with great service and friendly staff. I would recommend requesting a table near the windows and going to the balcony to get photos after dinner. Our favorite dish was the sashimi on the rocks.
On our second day, we visited the Schronbunn palace for the morning. It is a must-do to visit one of Vienna’s famous coffee houses, so we went to Cafe Sacher for lunch. We filled our afternoon with luxury shopping in VIenna’s main square and enjoyed dinner and ice cream at one of the many restaurants that lined the area.
📍Schronbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is a gorgeous place to explore! Once the summer home of the Habsburgs, it’s full of amazing art and history. The gardens are just as beautiful, with lush greenery, cool fountains, and the Gloriette. There are about 30 exhibit rooms that are very similar to the Palace of Versailles in France. We were able to spend the entire morning there, and I would definitely recommend doing a guided tour of the property.
📍Cafe Sacher
Café Sacher in Vienna is a famous spot, especially known for its famous Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake. The café is part of the iconic Hotel Sacher and has a charming, old-world atmosphere. Whether you're a tourist or a local, enjoying a slice of this iconic cake at Café Sacher is a must-do experience in Vienna. It's the perfect place to relax, sip on some coffee, and indulge in a bit of culinary history.
📍Shopping
Luxury shopping in Vienna's Golden U is a must-do for anyone who loves high-end fashion and exclusive brands. Located in the city's historic center, this chic area is lined with elegant boutiques and flagship stores from some of the world's most prestigious designers. The beautiful architecture and upscale vibe make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and some serious retail therapy.
On our third day, we visited Belvedere Palace in the morning and then went to Joseph Brot for lunch. In the afternoon, we visited the St. Charles Church
📍Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace in Vienna is a stunning baroque treasure, featuring two main buildings—the Upper and Lower Belvedere—surrounded by beautiful gardens. Built in the 18th century for Prince Eugene of Savoy, it's now home to an amazing art collection, including famous works by Gustav Klimt. The view from the Upper Belvedere is incredible, offering a fantastic look at the city. It's a must-see for anyone who loves history, art, or just enjoying lovely gardens.
📍Joseph Brot
Joseph Brot Cafe in Vienna is a cozy and trendy spot that's perfect for anyone who loves good bread and pastries. Known for its high-quality, organic ingredients, the cafe offers a delicious selection of freshly baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee.
📍St. Charles Church
