Cradle of Art Nouveau in the early XXᵉ century, Vienna invites artistic contemplation. Known in turn as the "City of Music", the "City of Dreams", the "Imperial" or, more unusually, the "City of Cucumbers", Austria's capital is a destination to discover with friends or as a couple. Like many capitals, it's not a city to be visited in a hurry. Plan 2-3 days to fully discover the heritage of this romantic city. So, what can you do in Vienna in 3 days?
Day 1: Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace
Vienna is all about culture, and this first day immerses you in it. Let yourself be carried away by the authentic charm of the historic center and one of the most beautiful castles in the world, that of Sissi the Empress.
Morning: Schönbrunn Palace
Set back a little from the city center, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see in Vienna in 3 days. We recommend booking your guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens here . Schönbrunn Palace, nicknamed"Austria's Versailles", requires a good half-day's visit. Built in the XVIIᵉ century, it was the summer residence of the Austrian imperial family. Inside, the richly decorated rooms flow into a fascinating atmosphere, making this castle one of Vienna's most popular attractions.
During your visit to this majestic Baroque palace, you can stroll through the sumptuous formal gardens. A bucolic stroll in sight! Among the outdoor treasures, the Orangery is well worth a visit. Opera concerts are occasionally held here. Finally, it's impossible to miss the Gloriette, a majestic columned edifice where you can stop for a drink.
Good to know: with its zoo and puppet theater, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see when traveling to Vienna with children.
Afternoon: Belvedere Palace
Allow at least 2 hours to visit the Belvedere Palace, or even half a day to enjoy it to the full. This is one of Vienna's must-sees in 3 days, so take your time! Don't forget to book your guided tour of the Upper Belvedere here , to avoid waiting at the entrance.
A must-see artistic pearl in Austria, the Belvedere Palace was erected in the XVIIIᵉ century for Prince Eugene. On this enchanting site, you'll discover two Baroque palaces listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, nestled in the heart of a splendid park. Now you know why you need to allow a little time! At the top, the first palace houses the world's largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt, as well as treasures by Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. The second palace, meanwhile, hosts some very interesting temporary exhibitions.
The Belvedere gardens are also open to visitors. Open daily and free of charge, they invite strollers to contemplate. The large pool, in which the Palace is reflected, is a pure marvel!
Day 2: Spanish Riding School, Hofburg Palace, Art History Museum
From history to art to horseback riding, the program promises to be varied on this second day!
Morning: Spanish Riding School and Imperial Palace Hofburg
Treat yourself to an excellent Viennese breakfast before heading off to theSpanish Riding School, where performances start at 10am. Viennese cafés offering good breakfasts include :
- Meierei,
- Motto Am Fluss,
- café Drechsler.
At 10 a.m., you can watch the magnificent Lipizzaner horse training, which takes place for 2 hours from Tuesday to Friday. If you're looking for ideas for sightseeing during a 3-day weekend in Vienna, we advise you to book this visit on the first day - Friday - otherwise it'll be too late, and to reserve your ticket for the Spanish Riding School here .
On the other hand, you can visit the stables and riding school any afternoon, including weekends. If you're lucky, you'll also be able to attend a gala, depending on when you visit Vienna.
Your morning here is an opportunity to discover the Imperial Palace of the Hofburg, one of the most beautiful palaces of kings and presidents in the world, and the residence of famous Austrian dynasties for several centuries. Even today, it houses :
- the residence of the President of the Republic,
- several museums,
- the Spanish Riding School,
- heldenplatz square.
We particularly recommend a visit to the Empress Sissi Museum and the 20 rooms of the Imperial Apartments. Click here to book your all-inclusive ticket for the Sisi Museum, the Hofburg and the gardens, and avoid the wait at the entrance.
Afternoon: Vienna's museums in the spotlight
Art and culture continue to follow you during your few days in Vienna. Let yourself be carried away by the beauty of art in all its forms. One of the must-sees in Vienna in 3 days is the Museum of Art History, one of the largest... in the world! Get your ticket for the Vienna Museum of Art History here .
From Rembrandt to Vermeer, Velázquez to Raphael, the collection is as sublime as it is impressive. Under the dome, a coffee break! The circular café offers a pleasant place to relax for a few minutes amidst all these dazzling works.
Your afternoon continues in the nearby MuseumsQuartier. No less than 60,000 m² are home to some of Vienna's most prestigious museums, including :
- mUMOK (Museum of Modern Art),
- leopold Museum,
- kunsthalle Wien.
Located in the heart of the former imperial stables, this temple to art is Vienna's vibrant lung, the place where art in all its forms proves its immortality. Finally, end your day at the Prater Park, a huge vintage amusement park, best known for its huge Ferris Wheel.
Day 3: Opera House, Secession Pavilion and St. Stephen's Cathedral
From the Vienna Opera House to the Secession Pavilion, your Viennese adventure isn't over yet!
Morning: Opera House, Viennese café and St. Stephen's Cathedral
Apopular destination for music lovers, Vienna invites you to discover its famous opera house, the Staatsoper, whose origins date back to the XIXᵉ century. Its impressive architecture invites you to push open its doors for a guided tour. Capable of accommodating over 2,000 spectators, this impressive neo-Renaissance building is one of the city's historic gems.
Behind theVienna State Opera, don't hesitate to walk through the doors of a Viennese café as seen in the movies. Here's your chance to sample a Sacher cake!
Your morning continues in the direction of Stephansdom, St. Stephen's Cathedral. To reach it, you'll have to take Vienna's main pedestrian thoroughfare: Karntner Street, one of Europe's shopping paradises. Lined with shops and period buildings, it offers a pleasant stroll through the city center. Finally, you arrive at the cathedral, with its impressiveGothic proportions andarchitecture. Its multi-colored roof makes it an unusual and precious artistic treasure of the city. Your visit takes you to the top of the south tower, offering a magnificent panorama of Vienna.
Then it's time to take a seat on the terrace of an authentic Viennese restaurant, where you can enjoy Käsekrainer, Schnitzel or Tafelspitz.
Afternoon: Secession Pavilion and St. Charles Borromeo Church
Your program of things to do in Vienna in 3 days will soon come to an end... Let's end on a high note with two must-sees!
The Secession Pavilion is another museum, dating back to the end of the XIXᵉ century. Art Nouveau in all its Viennese splendor can be found here! Dressed all in white and gold, this astonishing building intrigues as much as it beckons visitors. A temple to contemporary art, it houses, among other marvels, Gustav Klimt's Beethoven frieze.
After this astonishing visit, head for the nearbyChurch of Saint-Charles-Borromée, whose astonishing architecture is reflected in a water mirror. The highlight of your visit is the panoramic interior elevator, allowing you to admire the dome's frescoes up close.
Don't forget this church often hosts evening concerts.
What's the budget for 3 days in Vienna?
Knowing what to do in Vienna in 3 days is great. Knowing how much this long weekend will cost you is even better! Let me warn you right away: the budget for your weekend can quickly escalate, as most visits are not free. On average, you should expect to pay (per person):
- Round-trip airfare: approx. 150€.
- Hotel : between €200 and €450 per room for 3 nights, depending on the standard chosen.
- Local transport: approx. 40€.
- Meals : between €20 and €60 per day.
- Sightseeing : 100€.
On average, expect to pay between €500 and €800 per person. For a couple on a romantic getaway, however, don't double this amount, as the price of the hotel room is included for two people.
Good to know: you can travel without a plane, by train or car instead.
Where to stay in Vienna? Our selection of the best hotels
Innere Stadt, Vienna's 1ᵉʳ district, is an interesting area to set down your suitcases for 3 days in Vienna. Close to Hofburg and the Opera House, among others, it offers privileged access to certain points of interest. Looking for a place with excellent public transport links? Landstrasse is where you'll find the best-positioned hotels.
- The most refined
The Hotel Beethoven, nestled in a neo-classical building, is a chic place to stay, and can be booked in just a few clicks here. The refined decor gives you the impression of sleeping in the heart of one of the period buildings you'll be contemplating over the course of your weekend. Good taste is the order of the day, to your great delight!
- The most unusual
Awaken your artistic side at the 25Hours Hotel Wien, with its unusual decor. Artists and bohemian souls love it! Artistic frescoes on a circus theme ingeniously decorate the rooms, creating an unusual, atypical atmosphere. Click here to book your stay!
- Retro-chic at its best
For the right price, you can put your bags down at the Hotel Austria, with its delightful retro decor, which you can book quickly and easily right here. But there's nothing old-fashioned about it! The decor is chic, but not ostentatious. Some rooms, with shared showers, also offer the possibility of cheaper accommodation.
Vienna's 19 must-sees prove it: this artistically and culturally rich city has much to offer visitors. An ideal destination in December, it takes on the airs of a romantic getaway and fairytale Christmas magic. If you're brave enough to brave the cold, you'll have the chance to see one of the most beautiful Christmas markets you'll ever see.
