Vienna in 4 Days: everything you need to know

Vienna is a city steeped in history, art and culture. If you have four full days to spend there, you’ll be able not only to explore its main attractions, but also to venture beyond its historic centre. Here’s an itinerary designed to help you make the most of your time and ensure you don’t miss the essentials.

Start your first day by exploring Vienna’s Old Town. This area is home to many of the city’s most iconic attractions, and everything is within walking distance.

• Hop on the Vienna sightseeing bus for an overview and to get your bearings quickly.
• Visit the Hofburg Palace, the seat of the Habsburgs for six centuries and home to the Sissi Museum.
• Step inside the Austrian National Library, one of the most impressive Baroque interiors in Europe.
• Take a break for lunch at restaurants such as Josef Bitzinger or La Taverna del Duca Vienna.
• Explore the Capuchin Crypt, the final resting place of the Austrian royal family.
• Round off the day with a visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral and climb its tower to enjoy the sunset.

Your second day takes you out of the city centre to discover palaces, gardens and traditional markets.

• Stroll through the Naschmarkt, a Viennese classic brimming with local flavours and culture.
• Visit Karlsplatz and step inside the imposing Church of St Charles Borromeo.
• Admire the Belvedere Palace, one of the city’s most beautiful palace complexes.
• Have lunch at places such as Art Corner Restaurant or Gorilla Kitchen.
• In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Carriage Museum and then Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence.
• In the evening, enjoy dinner and a concert at Schönbrunn Palace – a truly magical experience.

On your third day, venture out of Vienna on a day trip to Salzburg, one of Austria’s most beautiful cities.

• Discover its medieval historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Get to know Mozart’s birthplace and explore its charming streets.
• This day trip requires an early start, between 7.00 am and 8.00 am, and usually lasts around 12 hours.

Round off your trip by exploring the Ringstrasse, the boulevard that circles the city centre and is home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings.

• Visit the Vienna Parliament, with guided tours of its museum and dome.
• Explore the impressive Museum of Art History, one of the most important in the world.
• Admire the exterior of the Vienna State Opera, a fine example of Neo-Renaissance architecture.
• Relax in the Stadtpark, a beautiful city park ideal for lunch and a stroll.
• Visit the Prater, the world’s oldest amusement park.
• Round off your tour with a stroll past the Hundertwasserhaus, a burst of colour and architectural creativity.