The Best Vienna Itinerary 2 days | Discover the Enchanting City and Hidden Gems

Writing down a list of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, you have to include Vienna. The charming capital of Austria is a unique melting pot of luxurious alleys and gorgeous architecture. Planning the best Vienna itinerary 2 days will give you time to relax, enjoy a slice of traditional Sacher Torte, visit incredible fairytales Royal Palace and slow down through the nice Viennese Lifestyle.

This guide will walk you through an itinerary of Vienna in 2 days, a unique path with many cultural spots, iconic photography places and some hidden gems. Be aware that two days in Vienna are not enough to enjoy the city’s vibes; however, it will let you feel it a lot. Vienna is a very charming city, a romantic place in Europe for Couples. Walking through the little alleys of the Innerstad in the evening is worth the whole trip.

Vienna has always been my dream. It was a surprise birthday, and we went to visit Vienna. I was so happy. Here is a detailed guide of the best Vienna itinerary 2 days!

Best time to visit Vienna

It’s always a good time to visit Vienna; however, if you don’t like cold days, you should avoid winter. We love exploring the city’s off-seasons; therefore, the best time to visit Vienna is in Spring and Autumn. The temperature is still mild, and the days are mostly sunny, plus Cherry blossom and foliage are a must-see while in Vienna! The most magical time to visit Vienna is at Christmas. It’s one of the most amazing times to visit the city, thanks to its decorations, Christmas Markets and the possibility of snow!

Weather temperature in Vienna

Is Vienna worth visiting?

Yes, yes and absolutely yes! Vienna is worth visiting, even just for one day. Thanks to its history, architectural wonders and culture, Vienna is one of the most incredible destinations in Europe. Alessia has been dreaming of visiting Vienna since she was little, and once she stepped foot in the city, she absolutely loved it. Vienna is unique, and there are so many incredible reasons why you should visit it; with the picturesque Schonrunn Palace, the delicious Sacher torte, the unique buildings and its green gardens, Vienna offer delightful experiences to all travellers.

How to get around Vienna

In the city centre of Vienna, Inner Stadt is almost totally walkable. However, where it is not, the walk paths are wide. The city centre is a traffic-free area, which makes Vienna one of the most enjoyable old towns in Europe. The distance between the landmarks that are on our 2 days Vienna Itinerary is not far from each other. Even if you have to reach the farthest places like Schönbrunn Palace, the Metro System is efficient, and there are also buses and trams available.

As you might understand we have just good words about the Vienna public transport. With a mix of subway, metro, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn, which are the local train, tram and buses, you can explore Vienna hassle-free.

There are no ticket barriers at the stations, but the tickets can be bought at the ticket machines at the entrance or the tram/bus stop.

Despite that, you might find it useful to get your hop-on-hop-off ticket for peace of mind and save some bucks. We found the single 2.30 euros ticket quite expensive compared to the beneficial unique ticket for the tourist bus.

From Vienna Airport to the city centre

Once our flight landed, we were wondering how to get to the city centre. Thanks to a really good video on Youtube, we discovered that there was the cheapest way to go to the core of the city. 

It was an amazing idea for a budget traveller like us. Also, but not least, it is totally legal. Following these simple instructions, we were able to catch the train at a lower price without compromise.

Start with the right foot; not overspending money is the best way to travel more and longer. Spending less in our 2 days in Vienna helped us to make our epic trip around East Europe, visiting Budapest and Bratislava as well.

It will take just 25 minutes to arrive in the heart of Vienna, and it costs only 2,20 euros. Alternatively, you can take a private transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Vienna itinerary 2 days MAP

MORNING | Schönbrunn Palace

If you are in Vienna, you can’t miss Sisi Castle. Here it is the most beautiful place for photography in Vienna. Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most iconic Royal buildings in Vienna, not that far away from the city centre, and is reachable just by metro. The entrance to the rooms is subject to a fee; however, the gardens are public, and access is free.

The Palace is dated back to 1779, and its courtyard has since hosted glamorous events in the city. Is possible to find galleries, ceremonies and events in the public space. The whole complex is about 1.2 Km, a huge space that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The scenario of the most popular movie, Sisi and its fairytale.

There are two tours which you can book: the Imperial tour, which costs 14.20 euros and it includes 22 rooms, and the duration is approximately 30-40 minutes, and then there is the Grand tour. Inside the palace are not allowed to take any pictures.

LOCATION | Schönbrunn
TICKETS |  Garden Entrance Free – Guided tour and Museum Tickets
BEST TIME TO VISIT |  All-day

AFTERNOON | Belvedere Palace

This beautiful palace has to be included in our guide to Vienna in 2 days because it is often overshadowed by the Schonbrunn Palace, which we will talk about later on.

Belvedere in some ways, is even more beautiful than the Sisi Palace, and surely is one of the best photography locations in Vienna.

This castle was used as a residence by the Habsburg Emperors back in the 16th century. The fountains and the gardens are gorgeous, just like the inside. You can visit the Belvedere Palace all year round. Thanks to the free entrance to the park and gardens, this should be on your list. If visiting Vienna in Summer or Spring, this is the ideal spot to spend a few hours lying on the green meadows or the benches of the huge park.

LOCATION | Prinz Eugen-Straße
ENTRANCE | Free entrance to the gardens, Admission Fee for the intern (Check the tickets)

Ferstel Passage

From a secret spot in Vienna to another. Ferstel Passage is a Vienna off-the-beaten-path place to write down. If you are the kind of traveller like us, looking for an incredible spot without crowds of tourists around, this is the right one for you.

This shopping arcade is going from Freyungasse to Herrengasse, perpendicular to Strauchgasse. Built by the Austrian Architect Heinrich von Ferstel in 1860, today hosts fine coffee houses, expensive boutiques and fine restaurants. The passage is well hidden in the heart of Vienna, and also has a small internal courtyard.

Following the passage, admiring the vaulted ceilings and the marble-covered arcade, you will arrive at the internal courtyard. The beautiful hexagonal glass dome will welcome you to the hidden gem, with at the centre a six meters high active water fountain. We might have said already enough, you have now to check this out.

LOCATION | Ferstel Passage
COST |  Free
BEST TIME TO VISIT |  All-day

EVENING | St. Peter’s Catholic Church

Head towards the heart of Vienna, where history comes alive in its charming streets. Begin at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, an iconic symbol of the city’s Gothic architecture. Climb the tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of Vienna.

Quick Tip: Grab a slice of Sachertorte, a delectable Viennese chocolate cake, from a traditional café nearby.

Vienna State Opera | Wiener Staatsoper

End your Vienna itinerary 2 days with a visit to the incredible Opera House. The Staatsoper is an institution in Vienna and the whole of Austria. However, opera music is a national business, with only Vienna boosting over 50 theatres and opera houses. The Vienna Opera House has a worldwide reputation for its first-class opera performances and is also known because of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Vienna State Opera is impressive and attracts many artists to play here, but also photographers called to the amazing lights at night.

It’s then that the magic happens. At night, like other buildings in the Inner Stadt, the Staatsoper shows its glamorous side.

LOCATION | Opernring
ENTRANCE | Free to roam around the building | Private Visits to be booked

MORNING | Hofburg – The Imperial Palace

This is the most central palace in the city, directly in Innenstadt. The true Entrance of Hofburg Palace is by Michael’s Gate, built-in pure Neo-Rococo style.

This is today the official residence of the President of Austria and once the Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Dynasty, which mainly used it in winter because of central, switching in summer for Schonbrunn.

Hofburg Palace is today a central point on the tourist’s map; however, many don’t give the right importance to this glorious building.

The Palace is one of the most beautiful in Europe and maybe in the world, expanded many times until the forms it has today. The entire area hosts the Imperial Chapel, the Library and Treasury, and the Spanish Riding School, just passing by the Gate toward Michaelerplatz.

The Hofburg lies at the centre of Vienna and can be reached by underground or other public transport. The use of many architectural styles is impressive, spacing from Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque to Rococo, and a smattering of Classicism.

LOCATION | The Hofburg

Austrian National Library

Just at the back of Hofburg Palace of Vienna, there is the Austrian National Library. This is an incredible Instagram spot in Vienna. Like many buildings within the city, at night, the Austrian National Gallery gives its best, with glamorous lights and nice reflections. 

This stunning building in the heart of Vienna was once called the Imperial Court Library. The complex is in the Hofburg Palace and hosts four different museums, private collections and special archives. If you are surprised by the outside, you will never imagine how beautiful the National Library looks inside.

LOCATION | Austrian National Library
OPENING TIME |  Every day excluded National Holidays

Spanish Riding School

We are still in the Hofburg Palace area. The Spanish Riding School is unmissable in your itinerary of Vienna in 2 days. This Institute was founded in 1572, and Its name derives from the fact that the horses were of Spanish origin.

The School was the set of the famous movie about Princess Sisi, so very famous among tourists.

AFTERNOON | Palace of Justice

This is a true hidden gem of Vienna in our whole itinerary. Not many think about the Palace of Justice while planning a guide to 2 days in Vienna; however, we can assure you this is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

The Palace of Justice is a gorgeous Vienna Instagram Spot. Don’t worry; you are not getting in trouble for entering this space. The Palace of Justice welcomes guests every day to enjoy the beautiful architecture. Also, head to the top, to enjoy the view from the Justizcafè. The rooftop space with a fine cafè is so beautiful. A great overview of Vienna from above. The cafè is often closed for private events; however, it is open every weekday.

LOCATION | Schmerlingpl 
ENTRANCE | No entrance fee
OPENING TIME |  Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm

The Museumsquartier

Your itinerary of Vienna in two days will take you to the 7th District. This lively borough is entirely dedicated to the culture and covers an area of 90.000 square metres in art, sculptures, schools, theatres, and museums. 

The Museumsquartier is a melting pot of experiences and styles that will leave you speechless. The huge area is completely walkable, with many events taking place outdoors and indoors all year round.

Locals usually meet here, feel the vibes and experience one of the coolest areas of Vienna. However, you can also just go to Museumsquartier for the best museums in Vienna, discovering the Leopold Museum or the MUMOK.

LOCATION | Museumsplatz
BEST TIME TO VISIT |  Night

Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)

Rathaus is the city hall, a huge complex that will take your breath. We were so impressed by this building, one of the most beautiful for architecture and general panoramic view.

You might get this huge square quite busy because of the many events hosted here usually. Visiting Vienna in Winter, you can’t miss passing by the Vienna City Hall, which hosts one of the most impressive Christmas Markets in Europe, worth visiting.

If you are into photography, it’s worth visiting this place at night to get some long exposure. 

LOCATION | Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz
COST |  Free
BEST TIME TO VISIT |  Early morning or Night

EVENING | Stephen’s Cathedral | Stephansdom

Vienna is so beautiful that 2 days could not be enough to visit all the sightseeing. However, take St. Stephen’s Cathedral as your starting point to get direction and don’t get lost. This is one of the most popular spots in InnerStadt, the centre of the city. The Gothic centre is an important monument in Austria and definitely the symbol of the city.

You will be amazed by the inside details; visit the catacombs or take a guided tour of Stephansdom ADV. If you have spare time on your schedule of two days in Vienna, we highly suggest you visit the Catacomb, or at least consider it.

You can also climb up the St. Stephen’s towers, enjoying the beautiful skyline. This is one of the tallest buildings in Vienna, and you might understand the clear view you will have there. Book your ticket in advance to avoid queuing. There are two options, climbing the 343 steps or taking advantage of the lift to go up the 67m high tower.

LOCATION | Stephansplatz
BEST TIME TO VISIT |  Sunset

LOCATION | Prater Amusement Park
ENTRANCE | Free admission, you pay for just every attraction
OPENING TIME |  All Day 24h
BEST TIME TO VISIT |  Evening / Avoid Weekend

Best cafes in Vienna you must try

Café Sacher Wien

Vienna is well known for its culinary tradition, especially talking about sweet stuff like chocolate and cakes. The popular Sacher torte is something to include, and don’t miss visiting during your Vienna itinerary 2 days. Although you are now able to try the delicious Sacher Torte everywhere in the world, there is a special place that made it first. The Café Sacher Wien is still in its original shape, carrying the tradition nowadays.

As you might think this is a popular tourist spot, often crowded; however, you can still feel the vibes of an old café, with its gorgeous details and curated spots, which make it the perfect instagrammable cafe in Vienna to visit in Winter.

LOCATION | Untere Weißgerberstraße
ENTRANCE | Book the ticket in advance
BEST TIME TO VISIT |  During the day

Café Central

Not so far from Rathaus and St. Peter’s Church, there is Café Central, one of the most beautiful and picturesque coffeehouses in Vienna. The beautiful architecture will take your breath away. The glorious pillars, made of marble and gold paint, reach the high ceiling, making it impressive.

Cafe’ central has been an institution in Vienna since 1876. Many famous people were meeting here, like Trotsky and Sigmund Freud, among many others.

LOCATION | Ecke Herrengasse
OPENING TIME |  Monday to Friday from 09.00 am – 05.30 pm (We suggest you make a reservation)
BEST TIME TO VISIT |  All-day

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It’s true what they say: ” When you travel you live three times: when you dream, when you live and when you remember. “

Francis of Assisi Church in Vienna

Not often included in the Vienna itinerary 2 days guides, St. Francis of Assisi Church is a spectacular Neo-Romanesque Style building in Vienna.

The style of this Church is quintessential for every photographer, and the light reflecting the white stone silhouette makes it an incredible subject to photograph.

The Church has a controversial history and was built from 1898 to 1913. It took almost 15 years to create this beautiful Roman Catholic church located in the Second District. Not only that, you can see the strange but fascinating Elizabeth Chapel, made completely in Art Nouveau Style, totally different from the outside.

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Where to eat in Vienna

The culinary tradition of Vienna is well known. It is very close to the German side but influenced by Italian spices and the way of cooking food; in fact, you will be surprised to see how the food in Vienna is amazing.

While in Vienna, we wanted to try some local dishes, and with meats, you will never go wrong. Sorry Vegans! Centimeter was our choice, and it’s the kind of local place we like at most. A traditional on a budget spot that we approve!

You can try local beers, sausages, steaks and others, including the typical sauerkraut. With Centimeter you will never get wrong.

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There are several trips that you can make from Vienna. Thanks to the advantaged position, this city is the perfect landing point for an epic adventure around eastern Europe.

From Vienna, you can reach Budapest within 2 hours by bus. Bratislava is another European Capital reachable from Vienna in about 1 hour. We also suggest you check Prague as a day trip from Vienna. However, this has to be seen as a proper trip due to the distance. There is also another incredible way to travel around Vienna, through the Danube. The legendary river passes by all these cities, making it a perfect trip by boat starting in Vienna.

Talking about short day trips from Vienna, beautiful cities are waiting for you. Check out Hallstatt, Salzburg, Wachau Valleys, Tyrol or the Italian Dolomites.

While in Vienna, you can organise a day trip to the incredible region of South Moravia. We planned our escape from Vienna within 24 hours. You can easily take a train from Vienna’s central train station and reach Brno in less than 2 hours. Pre-book your ticket here and have a fantastic journey exploring South Moravia.

You can spend one day in Brno and explore all the incredible sights this city offers. Additionally, suppose you’re planning an off-the-beaten-path itinerary. In that case, you can roam around the Jewish town of Boskovice or witness the incredible nature and go for a boat tour of the Mococha abyss. One of the best activities that we’ve done was experiencing the stunning Slav exhibition and admiring Alfons Mucha’s paintings.

Q&A Vienna itinerary 2 days

Are 2 days enough in Vienna?

Yes. Spending 2 days in Vienna will give you enough time to explore the most important sights. From its gorgeous palace to the incredible city centre, your Vienna itinerary 2 days will be a blast!

How many days should I spend in Vienna?

3 Days! Spening three days in Vienna is the perfect time to explore the city without jumping from one place to another. It will give you enough time to visit all the best sits and important tourist attractions.

What should you not miss in Vienna?

There are several experiences you can’t miss in Vienna. These are our suggestions for you:
Have fun at Prater Amusement Park
Like a Princess at Schönbrunn Palace
A hot chocolate at the Hotel Imperial Vienna
A tasty traditional Sacher Torte
The view from the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Enjoy the beautiful Belvedere Palace
A unique performance at the Opera House

Is Vienna dangerous?

No. Vienna is one of the safest cities in Europe. There are not that many cities where you feel safe like in Vienna. Walking through the city centre, even if crowded, will be without danger or fear. You can feel safe in Vienna even at night.

Is Vienna expensive?

Yes. While exploring the east European side, Vienna was the most expensive on our trip. Austria is well known for the high living standards and it’s one of the richest nations in the World. However, coming from London we found it fine and with many chances for backpackers or on a budget travellers like us.

Where can I watch the sunset in Vienna?

In this guide, we have covered a few spots to enjoy the sunset in Vienna. We are always looking for the best locations for sunset and Vianna has a very good one. You can visit the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace which has a collinette perfect for sunset. Also, you can check the highest point on top of St. Stephen’s Church for the perfect Vienna Skyline.

Is English spoken in Vienna?

Yes. It is a major European Tourist city and welcomes people from everywhere. Austria is a German-speaking country, however, there is a good scholarship education, which gives the people a good level of English since they were kids.

What is the best time to visit Vienna?

The best time to visit is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and you can experience the city’s outdoor attractions comfortably.