Ultimate Vienna, Austria Travel Guide

4 days in Vienna, Austria.

Vienna is the capital of Austria and is rich in history, art, coffee houses and so much more! I have dreamt of visiting Austria for years and I finally did it. Vienna reminded me of Paris but it was much more glamorous and less crowded.

In this guide, I will share my travel recommendations in hopes it inspires you to visit Vienna no matter the time of year!

How to reach Vienna:

Depending where you are in the world all routes will vary. From San Francisco, I flew from SFO – SEA – CDG – VIE. Another route that would have been possible was SFO – LAX – VIE via Air Austria but I didn’t want to sit on the plane for 10+ hours. Flying on Air Austra from CDG -VIE was a great experience. The staff were friendly and incredibly helpful.

Pro tip: Use Skyscanner to find the best airfare rates and always give yourself enough time for connections, especially if you plan on checking bags.

Transportation in Vienna:

Getting around Vienna is easy! From the airport Uber, Taxis, trains and buses are all available. The Uber ride from the airport to my hotel was around 30 euros. In Vienna, there are three types of city transportation: Subway, Trams and buses. All three were easy to navigate and all use the honor system when it comes to payment.

Pro tip: Google Maps is a great app to save and download maps with all saved locations. Because I prefer to pay for Uber to and from the airport and use public transportation to get around during any trip, Google Maps helps me navigate train and bus systems easily and confidently.

Restaurants & Cafes

Vienna is also home to some of the best coffeehouses in the world, making it easy to find a good cup of coffee and a place to sit back and relax. Here are some of my favorite places in Vienna.

Restaurants:

• Brasserie Palmenhaus Wien
• Griechenbeisl
• Zattl Wirtshaus
• Demel
• Café Diglas im Schottenstift
• Salm Bräu

Cafes:

• Café Central
• Kleines Café
• Café Schwarzenberg
• Café Sperl
• Bio Cafe Blütezeit
• Fenster Café

Pro Tip: The sausage and frite stands are local gems. There were moments when I was hungry and couldn’t decide where to go nor wanted to sit in a restaurant. So I stopped at ____ stand and took my food to go.

Where to Stay

Vienna has tons of options for all kinds of travelers, but I wanted to stay close to the city center without being stuck in a super touristy area. I ended up at the Imperial Riding School Marriott Autograph Collection. It’s a historic building that used to be a 19th-century military equestrian school, and now it’s been transformed into a grand hotel with a mix of regal charm and the unique vibe of the Landstraße district.

Over the years, the place has constantly reinvented itself. At one point, it was Vienna’s biggest cinema, and later it even served as a WWII post office bus stop. Today, with a modern wing added to the old facade, it’s the perfect spot for both locals and visitors to relax, recharge, and connect with the rich history and vibrant energy of Vienna.

What to do in Vienna

There is so much to see and do in Vienna. From shopping to museums there is something for all interests. I was blown away by the historic architecture all over the city. Here are a few places that are worth checking out!

Pro Tip: Save money on all major attractions, the Hop On and Off bus, and museums with a Vienna City Pass

Vienna State Opera:

The Vienna State Opera is the crown jewel of Vienna’s musical heritage. This iconic venue is where the world’s finest voices and musicians come together to create unforgettable performances. Even if opera isn’t usually your thing, catching a show here is a bucket-list experience – the sheer grandeur of the building and the emotion of the performances will leave you spellbound. Not ready for a full opera? You can still take a guided tour of the opera house to admire its magnificent architecture and learn about its storied history. And don’t forget to check out the famous Opera Ball if you’re visiting in February – it’s the most glamorous night of the year in Vienna!

Classical Concert:

I highly recommend spending an evening experiencing a classical concert. I used GetYourGuide to buy a ticket to the Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert in Karlskirche. It was magical- sitting in the center of a cathedral surrounded by musical notes made me tear up!

Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens:

Picture yourself living like royalty! Schönbrunn Palace isn’t just any old castle; it’s where the Habsburgs lived it up in serious style. With 1,441 rooms (yes, you read that right!), you could spend all day marveling at the luxurious decor. And the gardens? They’re so Instagrammable, with fountains, sculptures, and even the world’s oldest zoo. Don’t miss the Gloriette – climb up for the best view of Vienna. Pro tip: Visit early to beat the crowds!

Hofburg Palace:

The Hofburg Palace is like a history lesson wrapped in architectural eye candy. Once the epicenter of the Habsburg Empire, it’s now a treasure trove of museums, including the Sisi Museum, where you can learn all about Austria’s most glamorous empress. Want more? Whether you’re into history, art, or just love a good palace, the Hofburg has something for everyone.

Austrian National Library:

Book lovers, this one’s for you! The Austrian National Library is what library dreams are made of. Step into the Prunksaal, and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a scene from “Beauty and the Beast” – it’s that magical. With ceiling frescoes, marble statues, and over 200,000 books, this place is pure literary heaven. Even if reading isn’t your thing, the sheer beauty of this place will leave you speechless. And don’t forget to check out the Globe Museum – who knew globes could be so cool?

Palace of Justice:

the Palace of Justice is seriously impressive. It’s got one of the grandest staircases you’ll ever see – perfect for that epic photo op. This is where the big legal stuff happens in Austria, and the building itself is a stunner, combining history with some serious architectural flair. Plus, it’s not every day you get to wander around a place where history is literally made.

Rathausplatz:

Rathausplatz is where the magic happens in Vienna! The City Hall looks like something out of a fairy tale with its neo-Gothic vibes, but the real fun is in the square itself. Depending on when you visit, you might find a Christmas market, an open-air movie night, or a summer concert. This place is buzzing with life, and it’s the perfect spot to soak up some local culture, grab a bite from a food stall, and just enjoy the Viennese vibe.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral:

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the superstar of Vienna’s skyline, and for good reason. This gothic masterpiece is as iconic as it gets. Climb the 343 steps of the south tower (hello, leg workout!) for unbeatable views of the city. Inside, the cathedral is just as impressive, with stunning stained glass and centuries of history packed into its walls. Plus, it’s right in the heart of Vienna, so you can easily pop in while exploring the city.

Column of Pest & Graben Square:

Just off Stephensplatz is Graben Square, one of Vienna’s main shopping streets. Here, you’ll also find the gilded gold Column of Pest. Also called ‘The Plague Column’, the Baroque monument dates back to 1679, erected after the Great Plague epidemic, and is now one of the best-known pieces of art in the city.

Visit Mozart’s House:

Step into the world of one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time! Mozart’s House, where the composer lived and worked between 1784 and 1787, offers an intimate look at his life and creative process. The museum is filled with original manuscripts, personal items, and fascinating exhibits that bring Mozart’s story to life. You’ll get a real sense of his genius and the world he lived in. For music lovers and history buffs, a visit to Mozarthaus is a must – it’s like walking through a living piece of musical history.

Belvedere Palace and Gardens:

If you love art and stunning views, Belvedere Palace is your dream come true! This baroque beauty is actually two palaces – Upper and Lower Belvedere – surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens. Inside, you’ll find an incredible art collection, including the famous “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt. The gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering beautiful fountains, sculptures, and perfectly manicured lawns. And the view from Upper Belvedere is simply breathtaking.

Day Trips from Vienna

I highly reccomend taking a day trip to a nighboring town. I took a trip to Hallstatt and it was perfect! I do reccomend booking a tour bus trip vs the train because the train can take 3 hours. Check out all the details here.

Curious about other destinations, check out this day trip list

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No matter the time of year, Vienna is a city that should be experiened all year round. I fell in love with Austria and plan to revisit during the Christmas season. Have you travelled to Vienna and around Austria? What are some of your reccomendations?