Many readers will not have time to see Vienna as it deserves to be seen. Some visitors will have only a day or two; with those people in mind, we've compiled a list of the major attractions a first-time visitor will not want to miss, as well as additional sights for those with more time. We've outlined some suggested itineraries below based on the length of your stay. Regardless of time, no one should miss the Inner City, Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum, and St. Stephan's Cathedral. You also might consider one of our three city walking tours.
If You Have 1 Day
Begin at St. Stephan's Cathedral, where you can climb the south tower of the cathedral (or take an elevator) for a panoramic view of the city. From here, branch out for a tour of the Inner City, also called Old Town. Stroll down Kärntnerstrasse, the main shopping artery, and enjoy the 11am ritual of coffee in a grand cafe, such as the Café Imperial. In the afternoon, visit Schönbrunn Palace, the magnificent summer seat of the Habsburg dynasty. Have dinner in a Viennese wine tavern.
If You Have 2 Days
On Day 2, explore other major attractions, including the Hofburg, the Imperial Crypts, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. In the evening, attend a performance of the opera or perhaps a concert in the famous Konzerthaus.
If You Have 3 Days
On Day 3, try to work two important performances into your schedule: the Spanish Riding School (Tues-Sat) and the Vienna Boys' Choir (at Masses on Sun). Be sure to visit the Belvedere Palace and its fine-art galleries. Take a stroll through the Naschmarkt, the major open-air market, and finish with our walking tour of Imperial Vienna.
If You Have 4 Days or More
On Day 4, take a tour of the Vienna Woods and then visit Klosterneuburg Abbey, Austria's most impressive abbey. Return to Vienna for an evening of fun at the Prater amusement park.
On Day 5, "mop up" all the attractions you missed on your first 4 days. That might include a visit to the Sigmund Freud Museum or a walk through the Stadtpark. If these less important attractions don't interest you, take a Danube boat cruise (May-Sept only). End your travels at a Heurige, a typically Viennese wine cellar in Grinzing or Heiligenstadt.
