Introduction
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city that feels like it stepped out of a fairy tale. With its imperial palaces, world-class museums and a vibrant café culture, it’s the perfect destination for a 3-day getaway. We’ve put together an itinerary to help you explore the city in a relaxed way, without the feeling that you’re running from one spot to the next. Shall we?
Day 1: The Imperial Heart of Vienna
Start your first day in the heart of Vienna, exploring the historic centre. Most of the main attractions are within a short walk of one another.
Begin at the Hofburg Palace Complex, the former winter residence of the Habsburg dynasty. It’s a huge complex housing several museums, including the Sissi Museum, the Imperial Apartments and the Imperial Silver Collection. We recommend focusing on one or two so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Then head to St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), one of the city’s symbols. Its Gothic tower offers panoramic views of Vienna. Entry to the cathedral is free, but access to the towers and catacombs is paid.
In the afternoon, stroll along the Graben and Kärntner Strasse, Vienna’s most famous shopping streets. Even if you don’t feel like shopping, it’s worth wandering and admiring the architecture. End the day with a visit to the Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper), one of the most important opera houses in the world. If you don’t want to attend a performance, you can take a guided tour to see its interior.
Day 2: Summer Palaces and Art
On day two, hop on the metro and head to Schönbrunn Palace, the magnificent summer residence of the emperors. The palace is huge and its gardens are a must-see. You can spend a whole morning exploring the palace, the gardens, the Gloriette and the maze. We recommend buying tickets online to skip the queues.
In the afternoon, head back to the centre and visit the Belvedere Palace. There are actually two Baroque palaces (the Upper and Lower Belvedere) surrounded by a beautiful garden. The Upper Belvedere houses an impressive collection of Austrian art, including the famous painting “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt.
Day 3: Markets, Museums and a Touch of Modernity
Start your last day at the Naschmarkt, the most famous market in Vienna. Here you’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, cheeses and restaurants with food from all over the world. It’s a great spot for lunch.
After lunch, cross the street and visit the Secession, an art exhibition building that is an icon of Viennese Art Nouveau. Its golden dome is unmistakable.
For the afternoon, we suggest visiting the MuseumsQuartier, a huge cultural area housing several museums, like the Leopold Museum (with the largest collection of works by Egon Schiele) and the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art). Pick the one that interests you most and take the chance to relax in one of the many cafés and terraces in the area.
What you should know before you go
- Transport: Vienna has an excellent public transport system. Buy a 24-, 48- or 72-hour pass to get around the city easily.
- Vienna City Card: If you’re planning to visit lots of museums and attractions, the Vienna City Card can be a good option, as it offers discounts on many entries and unlimited travel on public transport.
- Cafés: Don’t miss visiting one of Vienna’s many historic cafés. Order a Melange coffee and a slice of Sachertorte and soak up the atmosphere.
Where Multipark fits in
Planning a trip can be tricky, especially when it comes to parking. If you’re arriving in Vienna by car, Multipark can help you find a safe and convenient spot for your vehicle, so you can explore the city without a worry. plan your parking with Multipark
Conclusion
Vienna is a city that perfectly blends old-world charm with a modern, vibrant energy. This 3-day itinerary is just a starting point. There’s much more to see and do, so don’t hesitate to adapt the plan to your own interests. Safe travels!
