HOW TO CREATE YOUR VIENNA 2-DAY ITINERARY
Are you planning your 2-day Vienna itinerary and wondering about the best things to do? This post is for you. I am sharing my tips on the best places to visit in Vienna in 2 days, along with many travel tips.
You could spend weeks in this city without getting bored, but most of us have limited time, so I am sharing this itinerary for Vienna in 2 days.
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TRAVEL TIPS FOR 2 DAYS IN VIENNA ITINERARY
Before jumping to the best places to visit in 2 days, here are some travel tips.
Get from the Vienna airport to the city center
The airport is just around 15 km (10 miles) outside of the city center, so getting to and from Vienna airport is super easy.
ℹ️ Buses and trains get to and from the airport – of course. Buses are a bit slower, take about 40 minutes, and cost less than $3 one way. The train takes just around 15 minutes, and prices are a bit more than $20 for return tickets.
ℹ️ You can book your private transport or hop on a taxi. However, unless you are exhausted, or money really does not play a role, I suggest using buses or trains.
How to get around
👟 Vienna is a very walkable city. Many of the main attractions and historic sites are located in the city center, and I mostly walk whenever I am in Vienna – it is the perfect place for nice strolls and endless walks. This way, I do not miss out on one of the many gorgeous buildings on the side streets.
🚌 Only a few attractions are further away, so I use public transport. Vienna has a well-developed public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and a metro system (U-Bahn).
The public transport is not only excellent but also quite affordable (8€ for a 24-hour ticket or 14,10€ for a 48-hour ticket).
There are also hop-on and hop-off buses in Vienna, which is super convenient.
Is Vienna safe?
Vienna is quite safe, though pickpocketing is very common. Be aware of your belongings and be attentive. Avoid side and dark streets at night and exercise common sense.
Where to stay
- 🛏️ HOTEL SACHER: Find luxury at its best at Hotel Sacher near Hofburg. The hotel is rated the best in the city – its central location makes it a perfect hotel for your Vienna trip. Find out more about the rates for staying in this hotel here.
- 🛏️ MERCURE VIENNA FIRST: One good medium-priced accommodation to stay in Vienna is Mercure Vienna First – it was the place I stayed in when I visited Vienna on my last trip. Find out more about that particular hotel by clicking here.
2 Days Vienna Pass vs. Vienna Card
- ℹ️ The Vienna Pass gives free access to more than 60 attractions around Vienna. In addition, you can skip the line entry to popular Vienna attractions, including the Vienna Hop On Hop Off sightseeing tours.
- ℹ️ Tickets are a bit more expensive than the Vienna City Card but give you unlimited free public transport in downtown Vienna (public transportation is in general quite affordable in Vienna) and good discounts on Vienna’s major attractions.
PLACES TO VISIT IN VIENNA IN 2 DAYS
Vienna is geographically not very big and many sights are close to each other. So, it might look like a very busy itinerary – and it is – but it is doable! Feel free to skip any activities that are not appealing to you.
DAY 1 IN VIENNA
So, without further ado, let´s start with your Day 1 in Vienna.
Stephan´s Cathedral
Start your trip with a stop at Stephan´s Cathedral – the dazzling symbol of Vienna, standing right in the heart of the city!
Cathedral & Towers
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is 107 meters high – that south tower stands tall at 136 meters – making it Austria’s highest church!
Climb up 343 steps at the tower room to gaze upon Vienna’s breathtaking splendor!
Behold the rooftop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where vibrant tiles flock together to form the majestic double-headed eagle – the symbol of royal and imperial power! They also assemble proudly to showcase the dashing coat of arms of Vienna.
FUN FACT: Did you know that St. Stephen’s Cathedral is not only a symbol of Vienna’s rich history but also the guardian angel of delectable treats? Yup, it majestically graces the Manner Schnitten’s pink-red packaging!
As a non-Christian who appreciates fine architecture, I can’t help but swoon over the church’s beauty – both inside and out! Though I swing more Baroque than Gothic, it’s absolutely worth pulling over and feasting your eyes on this gem!
Stephan´s Cathedral Catacombs
At Vienna’s Stephan´s Cathedral, you’ll find more than just your typical ancient goodies like altars, organs, and relics – you’ll also come face-to-skull with the remains of 11,000 dearly departed in super spooky catacombs!
- Just remember to dress appropriately (cover shoulders and knees) and learn about its myth – and many more European myths.
- You can climb the towers (south and north towers) and admire the view of the city (each tower charges you a fee of around $5,50 and $6.50).
- Visit the catacombs and do a guided tour for around $6.50 (kids under 6 are free). The tours take place several times a day and last about 30 minutes.
Timetable for guided tours of the catacombs:
- Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 11.30 am and then from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
- Sundays and public holidays from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
The Hofburg
From the Cathedral, you can walk towards the Hofburg – one of the world’s largest and fanciest palace complexes!
Once upon a time, the Habsburgs ruled the roost for seven centuries! It’s now THE place to be for museum lovers, political enthusiasts, and event connoisseurs!
Visit the chambers and halls where the imperial family used to spend their evenings while you discover museums and eclectic collections hidden within the Imperial Palace.
The Habsburgs decided to expand their palace into a 300,000 m2 party pad. Vienna’s Imperial Palace became one of the world’s largest monarchical mazes.
The Hofburg dates back to the 13th century and was extended by each emperor! It now consists of 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and 2,600 rooms in which nearly 5,000 people still work and live today.
Austria’s federal president can now call this palace his official residence and workplace-
SISI MUSEUM
Are you ready to unravel the secret life of the famous Empress Elisabeth – commonly known as Sisi? Well, buckle up, dear friends, because the Sisi Museum is here to spill the tea! Toss aside those “Sissi” film series tales (which I actually have never watched), you’re about to dive deep into the unfiltered world of the real Sisi!
Discover the many layers of Sisi through an array of personal knick-knacks that give you a sneak peek into her double life as a royal and regular girl!
Grand Hall of the Austrian National Library
Did you know that Vienna’s Imperial Palace is home to the fabulous Austrian National Library?
Jump into a time machine because this colossal Baroque treasure trove is home to an insane 200,000 ancient books! The jaw-dropping Grand Hall will show you why it’s been coined as one of the most gorgeous library rooms around the globe!
Do not miss the grandly impressive Grand Hall – an almost 80-meter-long and 30-meter-high space crowned with a majestic dome.
Museum District
From the Hofburg, walk towards the Museums District. It is a 15-minute walk, but I suggest taking your time and even making some small detours and visiting places like the Burggarten, which is on the way. The area is so beautiful in the city that you will not think it is a wasted time to stroll.
Covering 90,000m2 with 60 cultural playgrounds to explore, the Museum District is like Disneyland for culture vultures.
A vibrant playground filled with artistic fiestas, fabulous fashion, melodious symphonies, theatrical wonders, enthralling dance moves, bibliophile-pleasing literature, kiddie coolness, gamer heaven, street art extravaganzas, and snapshot-worthy designs!
I am not into museums, but I remember pretty well that I enjoyed strolling through the museum district, and it is worth walking around there, even if you are not a museum kind of person.
- You can enjoy some of the finest art museums in Vienna in this area, including the Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna (MUMOK) or the Leopold Museum.
- So choose the museums you are interested in, and with 2 days in Vienna, you have time to visit a museum or two.
Hundertwasser Village
You can either take public transportation to get to the Hundertwasser Village and Hundertwasserhaus or walk for about 50-45 minutes to get there (it is about 3,5 km).
The Hundertwasser House is ready to dazzle you with its artsy flamboyance! This unique Austrian gem, dreamed up by creative mastermind Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is a bucket-list must-see in Vienna.
Here is where art and architecture collide! Crafted by the fabulous Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 1990 and 1991, this vibrant village is brimming with Character.
From eclectic shops to cafes, the Village has it all. Just sneak a peek at the rooftop, where you’ll find a mini-forest of 30 towering trees reaching heights up to 15 meters. Why not come explore this delightful, quirky paradise?
- Though it is an unusual attraction – or maybe because IT is an unusual attraction – about 1,2 million people visit Hundertwassers every year.
- Opposite the Hundertwasser Village, you will find the Hundertwasserhaus – you can admire this colorful building only from the outside.
- Free admission to the Hundertwasser Village.
Viennese Prater (2. District)
For the late afternoon/evening, I suggest heading to the Prater (either walking there from Hundertwasser or taking public transportation).
This land of nostalgic fantasies and amusement is nestled amidst Vienna’s green oasis. It’s also the home of the Giant Ferris Wheel – a shining star (or should I say wheel?) in Vienna’s crown!
In 1897, the mother of all Ferris Wheels was born! Standing tall at an almost whopping 65 meters, she spun her way into the hearts and the skies, becoming the queen of all things round and high. And the queen is still operating – you can hop on it even these days.
And guess what? You’ll find even more mesmerizing carousels to hop on and a whole smorgasbord of delicious snack stalls to satisfy your munchies!
- There is no entry fee. You have to pay for each roller coaster/snack, etc.
- If you spend more time in the Museum district or travel a bit more slowly, you can skip this and head to the next area.
- While the Ferris wheel is open all year, most stalls are only open from March to October.
Karlskirche / St. Charles Church
EXTRA TIP: If you have more time, I recommend doing a little detour and visiting the Karlskirche.
This divine gem is a beacon of spirituality in Central Europe as well as a proud symbol of Vienna.
This church is dedicated to none other than St. Karl Borromäus, the Habsburg emperor’s BFF, namesake, and holy superstar! Gaze in awe at the two humongous, whopping 47-meter tall columns by the entrance, showing off Karl’s life and divine accomplishments!
Who knows, Mozart’s Requiem might just be playing. Even if the stars don’t align for a church concert, there’s beauty in the architecture alone, so visiting this sight is always worth it!
DAY 2 IN VIENNA
For your second day in Vienna, I suggest exploring two of the most impressive castles in Europe.
Schönbrunn Palace
Okay, this is probably one of the prettiest palaces in the country: Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. It is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Vienna with more than two million tourists visiting – each year!
Okay, but what is Schönbrunn Palace?
The royal Habsburgs have been holding onto this gem since 1569 because, let’s be honest, who’d ever part with such gorgeous digs voluntarily?
In 1642, Eleonore von Gonzaga, wife of Emperor Ferdinand II, fancied a little pleasure palace for herself. She chose the perfect spot and named it “Schönbrunn.”
After Vienna’s epic siege back in 1696, Maria Theresa went all out pimping up that palace and garden ensemble starting in 1743.
Schönbrunn Palace dazzles with fancy rooms and glorious gardens. Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph, and Empress Elisabeth (we already spoke about Sisi) once called this place home!
In the summertime, the Habsburgs frolicked in their extravagant playground, filled with grandiose chambers for fancy shindigs and dazzling gardens where they sipped tea.
Out of the 1,441 (!!!) rooms of Schönbrunn Palace, you can see 45 of them during a tour.
Schönnbrun Maze – Once upon a time, royal folks frolicked among these twisty bushes. Now, the Schönbrunn Maze welcomes all to a good time! Spot the cosmic clan of zodiac signs hiding within, and then, with a devilish grin, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of befuddled wanderers losing their way from your exclusive perch. Cheeky, we know!
- The palace is open daily, even on bank holidays.
- The very best thing is that Schönbrunn Palace Park is free of charge. However, you have to pay an entrance fee if you visit the Palace.
- You can do different kinds of tours.
- However, as fascinating as it is, I suggest spending max. half a day here as there is another fantastic castle that awaits your visit!
- Ticket prices: Free with the Vienna Pass and a discount with the Vienna City Card.
Schloss Belvedere
Oh, Vienna! Land of infinite palaces and architectural wonders! Prepare to be wowed by even more majestic delights.
Schloss Belvedere (Belvedere Castle), another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous sights in Vienna.
Let me tell you the tale of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a legendary military mastermind and artsy fellow. This dashing prince had the grand Belvedere garden palace, his swanky summer residence, built on a whim to indulge in his love for art ‘n’ relaxation while escaping the heat.
Behold the majestic duo of Baroque Palaces – Upper and Lower Belvedere! These fantastic houses are a time travel ticket to explore the best Austrian art from the Middle Ages to today!
They’re not just fancy architectural marvels but treasure troves of magnificent art! Even if you’re an art novice (like yours truly), this place is a blast. And oh, did I mention the absolutely gorgeous gardens?
Once upon a time, the Palace was just beyond the city gates. Now, it is in the southeastern part of the city and definitely worth being checked out.
- Ticket prices: Free with the Vienna Pass and a discount with the Vienna City Card.
Sofitel St. Stephansdom (Best View of Vienna)
Now it’s time to treat yourself to a heavenly drink as the city skyline twinkles before you or indulge in a divine dinner as the breathtaking views gently serenade your senses.
Cheers to a well-deserved break, intrepid explorer!
So there I was, strolling around when BAM! I stumbled upon the legendary Sofitel St. Stephansdom. The views of Vienna from there are mind-blowing.
The restaurant is the perfect place to end your 2 days in Vienna. If you are lucky, you have better weather than I did, and the view should be even better.
If you visit during the high season and want to be sure to get an extra good view, call and book a table with a view in advance so you get the best views in town!
FINAL THOUGHTS FOR A 2-DAY ITINERARY FOR VIENNA
After two unforgettable 2 days in Vienna, I know that the city will stay with you for years to come. Okay, I won’t sugarcoat it – this 2-day Vienna itinerary is a wild ride! You might need to ditch an activity (or two) for the sake of sanity, but trust me, it’s totally conquerable.
- Vienna is a must-see on any Austria itinerary.
- Visiting Vienna in winter? Then check out my Vienna winter guide here.
- If you need more reasons to visit Vienna, read Rachel´s blog post on why she fell in love with Vienna.
- And read this if you are looking for the top things to do in Vienna