Vienna, Austria: a weekend itinerary
This is your ultimate guide to explore Vienna, the stunning capital of Austria, on one weekend. We’ll give you some inspiration on activities, restaurants, cafes, breakfast spots and sights you definitely shouldn’t miss on your Vienna 3-day-itinerary.
Vienna weekend tips in a nutshell
Best time to visit – spring & late summer but also during christmas time – check our Vienna christmas guide
Best neighborhoods – 1st, 6th, 7th or 8th district
Things to do – sightseeing, museums, festivals, parks, traditional cafés, vintage Shopping, heuriger
Where to stay – Hotel Motto, Andaz Vienna, Grand Ferdinand, Hotel Bristol, The Hoxton, The Amauris, SO/ Vienna
Breakfast spots – Friedlich, Blütezeit, Clementine im Glashaus, Propeller, &flora, Klyo, Émile, Bouvier
Where to go for Dinner – Limón, C.O.P., NENI am Prater, Aurora, Das Loft, Meissl&Schadn, Doubek, Neue Hoheit
How to get around – Vienna is a city which can be explored perfectly by foot and it has also a great public transport system
Vienna’s best neighbourhoods
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city where imperial history and modern innovation blend seamlessly. The districts, each with its own charm, offer a glimpse into the city's rich cultural diversity. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie or just someone who wants to soak up the local atmosphere, Vienna's neighborhoods have something for everyone.
The Innere Stadt (1st district) is the historic center of Vienna and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is a must-see for everyone, especially if you are interested in the city's imperial past. The district is home to some of Vienna's most famous sights, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, the famous opera house, the Albertina Museum and two of Vienna's most famous shopping streets, Kärntner Straße and Graben, which are perfect for luxury shopping and people-watching. As you stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets, you'll find hidden courtyards, historic cafés such as Café Central and a number of museums and galleries showcasing Vienna's cultural heritage.
Mariahilf (6th district), a dynamic neighborhood known for its shopping opportunities and lively atmosphere. It is home to Vienna's most famous market, the Naschmarkt, which appeals to all the senses with its wide range of fresh produce, exotic spices and ready-to-eat delicacies. On Saturdays, the flea market is a treasure trove for antique lovers. A few steps further and you'll reach Gumpendorfer Straße, a street of pretty vintage stores, art galleries and cozy cafés, perfect for a leisurely afternoon of exploration. Mariahilf offers a mix of traditional Viennese charm and modern urban flair, making it a great district for shopping and cultural experiences.
Neubau (7th district) is the hippest part of Vienna, known for its creative energy, vintage boutiques and vibrant street art. This district is the perfect place for great cafés, boutiques, bars, restaurants and more. In Neubau you will find one of the largest cultural complexes in the world, the Museumsquartier. It is home to a variety of museums, including the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. From here you can easily reach Vienna's longest shopping street, Mariahilfer Straße, which is lined with international brands and unique local stores. This district is also a paradise for vintage shopping. Burggasse and Siebensterngasse are full of vintage stores, record stores, unique cafés and restaurants. Neubau is also known for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars and live music venues that come to life after dark.
Josefstadt (8th district), Vienna's smallest district, is a charming neighborhood that exudes a quiet, intellectual atmosphere. Cozy cafés, great restaurants, boutiques and bookshops make Josefstadt a paradise for readers and thinkers. The peaceful streets of Josefstadt, lined with Biedermeier houses, offer a perfect retreat from the busier parts of Vienna while still being close to the city center.
Things to do & see
Sightseeing
Vienna is a city with a rich history. Most of the important buildings are located in the 1st district, so you can just walk and mumble through the beautiful streets. Our must-see sights in Vienna:
Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral): This Gothic cathedral is one of Vienna's most famous landmarks. Climb the south tower for a great view.
Schönbrunn Palace: The former summer residence of the Habsburgs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful baroque castles in europe. Discover the opulent rooms, the beautiful gardens and the oldest zoo in the world, Schönbrunn Zoo.
Belvedere Palace: This baroque palace complex is home to an impressive art collection, including Gustav Klimt's famous painting “The Kiss”.
Prater: Famous for its Ferris wheel, the Wiener Riesenrad, it is a huge park with everything from tranquil meadows to thrilling rides. You can hire a bike and explore the extensive paths or simply relax on the grass of the park besides.
The Vienna State Opera: One of the most renowned opera houses in the world, known for its exceptional acoustics and impressive architecture.
National Library: The largest library in Austria, famous for its beautiful interior, historic architecture and extensive collection of books, manuscripts and cultural artifacts.
Museums
Vienna is a city with lots of museums, so there's something for everyone, whether your taste in art is classical, modern or historical.
Art History Museum: One of the most renowned art museums in the world, with an extensive collection of European paintings, antique artifacts and the famous Kunstkammer. The museum is also home to one of Vienna's most famous cafés.
Albertina Museum: It is known for its large collection of graphic art, but also features exhibitions of modern art, photography and works by artists such as Monet, Picasso and Warhol. An absolute must for a visit to Vienna!
Natural History Museum: A place for lovers of flora and fauna. Here you will find a huge collection of meteroites, dinosaur skeletons, fossils and much more.
Museum of Applied Art (MAK): The museum focuses on changing exhibitions from the fields of design, architecture, applied arts and contemporary art.
Parks
Vienna has lots of parks and gardens, which offer a pleasant green oasis to compensate for the heat in the city, especially in summer. Our favorite parks are definitely:
Stadtpark
Burggarten
Volksgarten
Schönbrunn
Prater
Traditional cafés
Vienna's coffee houses are more than just places to enjoy a cup of coffee – they are impressive buildings with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Of course, most of the traditional Viennese coffee houses are tourist hotspots, but you simply have to visit at least one of these Viennese coffee houses:
Café Central: One of Vienna's most famous coffee houses with a beautiful interior and great pastries in the 1st district. Be sure to try the apple strudel.
Café Hawelka: A favorite among artists and writers. It has retained its old-world charm and is definitely the place to go for a coffee in the city center. And don't miss the homemade Buchteln, which are only available in the evening.
Café Demel: The café is known for its famous Kaiserschmarrn takeaway, but also for its delicious cakes and tarts. You can watch the pastry chefs preparing the delicious Kaiserschmarrn from outside in the open kitchen.
Café Sacher: This café is located right next to the Hotel Sacher, where the original Sachertorte was born. It's a rich chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam that is a must-try when in Vienna.
Gerstner: This is definitely one of the less touristy places for a Viennese breakfast, coffee or traditional Austrian pastries. Gerstner is located opposite the opera house. Be sure to take a seat on the 2nd floor for a sunny view of the opera in a unique atmosphere.
Vintage shopping
If you are a vintage lover, you should definitely go to the 7th district. On Mariahilfer Straße, but especially in Neubaugasse and Burggasse, you will find a number of vintage stores. Our favorite addresses:
Burggasse24
Das neue Schwarz
Vintage Fabrik
Freudich Vintage Store
Heuriger
Vienna is one of the few major cities in the world with its own vineyards. The city's wine taverns offer a unique opportunity to enjoy local wine in a unique setting. There are also several Heurige near the city center, but the best experience is at the addresses located directly in the vineyards on the outskirts of the city, such as:
Wieninger am Nussberg
Mayer am Nussberg
Buschenschank Obermann
Where to stay
Vienna is not an extremely large city, so it is not absolutely necessary to book a hotel directly in the first district. Here you will find a selection of our favorite addresses for a short trip to Vienna.
Hotel Motto is a Parisian-inspired boutique hotel in Vienna's 6th district, very close to the vibrant districts of both, the 6th and 7th district. It has a great rooftop restaurant called Chez Bernard, which is open for breakfast and dinner. In the summer months, dinner is also served on the outdoor terrace.
Andaz Vienna is located near the main train station and is designed in a modern and luxurious style. From some rooms you have a fantastic view of the city center and the Belvedere. The Eugen21 restaurant serves breakfast and dinner daily and there is also a great rooftop bar, Aurora, with a beautiful view over the Belvedere garden and the Stephandom.
Grand Ferdinand is the perfect hotel if you want to stay in the 1st district. The charming rooms are definitely a good size for a city trip and breakfast is served at the rooftop restaurant with a beautiful terrace and breathtaking views. The rooftop restaurant is also open for dinner and offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine in an atmosphere that spreads Amalfitan flair. The first floor is also home to one of Vienna's most famous schnitzel restaurants, Meissl & Schadn.
The Hoxton has just opened in spring 2024 and is the perfect choice if you are looking for a central stay in a unique retro look with great food and drink options right in the hotel. The Hoxton style is definitely something special and rooms are offered in different sizes, perfect for a city break. On the rooftop terrace you can enjoy delicious drinks in the Cayo Coco Bar with a breathtaking view over Vienna's 1st district and the famous Stadtpark. The main restaurant Bouvier is located on the first floor and offers daily a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner. One floor below is an underground speakeasy-style bar with live acts and great drinks.
Where to eat
Vienna definitely has more to offer on the culinary side than schnitzel, even though it is famous for this traditional dish. If you're wondering where to get the best Wiener Schnitzel, you'll have a hard time deciding, as opinions really do vary. We would definitely recommend Salon Plafond or Gasthaus Pfudl for a more hidden atmosphere and Meissl & Schadn or Figlmüller for the traditional, unique and some kind of touristic Wiener Schnitzel experience.
But back to Vienna being way more than just Schnitzel! It’s definitely a city with many different Cafés & Restaurants and so much choice that we could never decide which would be our favourite restaurant in the city.
Breakfast & Brunch
Café Friedlich is a must-visit brunch spot in the heart of the 3rd district. It is located in the Museum Hundertwasser (Kunst Haus Wien) and was originally designed by the famous artist himself. What makes it so unique? Definitely the colorful interior with lots of plants, a bright ambiance, a lovely terrace and delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. Our favorite: the waffle tower, which is available in a sweet and a savory version.
Café Blütezeit is simply a unique café with delicious breakfast dishes, bowls, homemade cakes, coffee specialties and much more – all 100% organic with a focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes. From avocado toast and traditional Viennese breakfast to matcha porridge and cheesecake – breakfast dreams definitely come true here.
Bouvier is a New York-inspired restaurant in the Hoxton Hotel in Vienna and offers a daily à la carte breakfast for hotel guests and walk-in customers. Be sure to try the delicious avocado toast!
Clementine im Glashaus is the perfect place for a summer breakfast, as it has a lovely outdoor terrace with a fantastic backdrop right next to the beautiful Palais Coburg. It is located in the city center of Vienna, right next to the Stadtpark.
Propeller is a lovely café in Vienna’s 4th district designed in an industrial design which serves one of the best avocado toasts in town!
Klyo serves some of the best pancakes in Vienna – you absolutely have to order the chocolate pancakes! And the best thing about it: breakfast is served all day long.
Émile offers brunch every Sunday where you can enjoy cold cuts from an étagère in combination with various à la carte dishes. For those who like their brunch boozy, a cocktail package can also be booked.
Dinner
Restaurant Doubek is the right choice if you want a unique evening of delicious food, a fantastic atmosphere and definitely an experience you won't find anywhere else in Vienna. A 19-course menu of your choice is served, which can be paired with exceptional wines, and you can watch the entire preparation through the open kitchen.
Das Loft offers one of the most beautiful views of the sunset and skyline that you can find in Vienna. It is located on the 18th floor of the SO/Vienna and offers breakfast and dinner as well as brunch on weekends. The menu is international and you should definitely book in advance to secure a table in the front row with the iconic view.
C.O.P. is the perfect place for a shared dinner with an internationally influenced, frequently changing menu. The focus is on high-quality ingredients and honest preparation.
EDVARD offers an exquisite Michelin dining experience by chef Paul Gamauf with seasonal and fresh ingredients inspired by the flavors of the sea and the mountains.
Cucina Limón provides a unique culinary experience with a Mediterranean atmosphere and Amalfi flair near the center of Vienna and the famous St. Stephen's Cathedral on the roof terrace of the Grand Ferdinand Hotel.
Chez Bernard is located on the 7th floor of the Hotel Motto in one of Viennas most vibrant districts and serves daily a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is designed in a French-inspired style and has an indoor area and a roof terrace in summer.
NENI is nowadays quite an international group of restaurants which was founded in Vienna. Throughout the city you will find three different NENI locations, all unique in their own way. The NENI am Prater has a stunning roof terrace from where you have a breathtaking view over the entire Prater area. NENI am Wasser has more of a beach club vibe with Mediterranean influences, making it the perfect place for a summer dinner. Last but not least, there is the NENI am Naschmarkt, which definitely spreads the vibrant market atmosphere throughout the restaurant.
How to get around
Getting around Vienna is easy and efficient, and there are several options to suit your personal needs.
Public transportation is perfect for exploring the city, with an extensive network of streetcars, buses and the metro connecting all the major sights. Tickets can be purchased at the stops or via the Wiener Linien app, which gives you access to the entire system and timetables from your phone.
For shorter trips or leisurely sightseeing, walking is a great way to enjoy Vienna's beautiful architecture, especially in the historic city center where most of the sights are close together.
Cycling is another popular option, as there are numerous bike paths and rental points throughout the city.
If you prefer a more direct ride, taxis are widely available and ride-sharing services such as Uber make it easy to get around.