2 Days in Vienna Itinerary: Experience Vienna in 48 hours

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Vienna is the beautiful capital city of Austria. On a weekend in Vienna, we were able to enjoy the city’s top highlights as well as experience some of the most memorable evenings. Continue on to read about our experience in Vienna in 48 hours. This post includes travel tips, sightseeing, and a hotel guide for a perfect 2 days in Vienna Itinerary.

2 Days In Vienna Itinerary – How to spend 48 hours in Vienna Austria

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Vienna is the largest city in Austria and one of the prettiest places to visit in Europe! It is also one of the historic cities through which the Danube River has passed through since time immemorial. 

Stunning imperial architecture, horse riding carriages, beautiful outdoor cafes, and delicious coffee – Vienna has all of this and more. The city also has a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are worth visiting.

We tend to study the city’s past on our travels and then connect it to the living culture; and it amazes us how rich Austrian History is. We learned about Maria Theresia, the stories of Sisi (linking her from Austria to Hungary), the World War period (Austro-Hungarian Empire), its musical heritage, and last but not least its Medieval and Baroque past.

Vienna 2-day itinerary – Snapshot 

Here is how you can spend 2 days in Vienna,

• Day 1 of 2 days in Vienna Itinerary – Liechtenstein City Palace, Maria Theresian Platz, Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Time Travel Vienna, Stephenplatz and St Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben, Wien Opera House 
• Day 2 of 2 days in Vienna Itinerary  – Schönbrunn Palace, Apple Strudel Show, Belvedere Palace, Giant Ferris Wheel Park

Planning Tips for Vienna 2 day Itinerary

Vienna Airport Transfer to City Centre

Vienna International Airport or Wien-Flughafen is located in Central Vienna and is the largest and major airport in Austria. It connects Austria to the world and is also the major airbase for Austrian Airlines.

If Vienna is the first point of entry in Europe from North America, you can touch at Wien-Flughafen, and then head to the centre. There are many ways to get to Old Town including trains, and private airport transfers.  

CAT trains are a great option to consider – they are safe, economical, and convenient. You can book your airport transfer here

If you are arriving in one of the nearby European nations, you can either use the trains, or coach, or even drive to reach Vienna. 

• Budapest Hungary to Vienna is 2.50 hours by road
• Prague Czech Republic to Vienna is 3 hours by road
• Munich Germany to Vienna is 4 hours by road

Commuting – Vienna Travel Pass

Vienna Central Train Station is the major hub connecting national and international places to Vienna.

The best way to commute and travel within Vienna is by public transportation. Vienna’s transit passes are the cheapest and most efficient way to connect throughout the city. 

There are five underground lines, 29 tram, and 127 bus lines, of which 24 are night lines. Ticket prices are as follows: 

• 1 Single ticket costs 2.40 Euros
• 1 Day trip ticket (valid for 24 hours): 8 Euros
• Weekly Pass costs 17.10 Euros. They are valid from Monday to the following Monday till 09:00 am
• Airport or CAT Tickets costs 24 Euros (for a return trip, you can choose the arrival and departure date)

✅ For discounted fares – Get the Vienna City Card with discounts, also for public transport

Another mode of transportation, of course, is taxis. You can book via an app or call them. Check out their website to learn more about taxi fares and services offered.

💡 Note: The Vienna City Card is different from the Vienna Pass which allows you free entry into popular attractions that we will explore in 2 days in Vienna. Purchasing a Vienna Pass will also get you FREE hop-on/hop-off tours and a city river cruise. 

The Hop on and Hop off tour covers all the main attractions in Vienna. Here is the VIENNA PASS

Visa Requirements For Vienna Austria – Where is Vienna located?

Austria falls within the Schengen visa region. So if you do not possess an EU, Canadian, Australian, or US passport, then you will have to apply for a Schengen Visa. This allows you to enter all the 28 countries within the EU/Schengen zone.

Schengen visa has to be applied before you arrive (it’s not a visa on arrival) and can be applied 3 months prior to your departure. Read more about the Schengen Visa Guide

Also, ensure you add travel insurance for your trip to Vienna for 2 days. Get insurance quotes here

Currency and Credit Cards

Euros are used in Austria. All major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, tour agencies, etc.

Official Language Austria

Austria’s official language is German. They also speak the Austro-Bavarian dialect. English is the most spoken foreign language.

English is also widely used in Vienna and other tourist places in Austria like Salzburg.

Where to stay in Vienna for 2 nights?

Hotels in Vienna start at USD 120+ for the most economical and B&B styles.

For a short visit to Vienna, it is recommended that you stay in a central location like the Old Town. Depending on the type of luxury you are looking for, from your accommodation and area, you can find a wide range of hotels in the city center.

• Austria Trend Hotel  Rathauspark Wien – This is where we stayed for two days in Vienna. It is a good value hotel (mid-range). The hotel is a refurbished city palace, which makes it all the more special. Free buffet breakfast was included, which had a lot of variety of food. The rooms were clean and beautiful. We loved the location, close to the city center and Rathaus Underground Station.
  • Book your stay here
• Hotel Sacher  – Luxury
  • Great location – City Center Area and the Opera 
  • 5-star hotel – royalty-like interiors and million-dollar views of the city of Wien
  • Famous for the Sachertorte – Vienna chocolate cake
  • Book your stay here
• Hotel Hilton Vienna – Mid to Budget option
  • Great location – in the City Center Area and close to the City Airport Train (reach the airport in 16 minutes) 
  • Quick access to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Kärntner Straße shopping street
  • Buffet Breakfast every day
  • Book your stay here

Read: Where to stay in Vienna for first time visitors

Day 1 of Vienna Itinerary 2 days – Liechtenstein City Palace, Maria Theresian Platz, Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Time Travel Vienna, Stephenplatz and St Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben, Wien Opera House 

On our very first visit, we arrived in Vienna from Prague by road and reached in the morning at around 09:00 am.

We had booked the Austria Trend Hotel for our 2-night stay. As we arrived in Vienna we decided to head to the city center and take a stroll. The weather was perfect in March – cool breeze with the sun shining bright.

In order to explore Vienna in 24 – 48 hours, you can purchase the Vienna Pass (Vienna City Card) which includes a 1-2 day hop on and hop off bus service. This will save you time and money in arranging for taxis or in figuring out the city’s transit system.

The City pass also allows you to visit some of Vienna’s top tourist attractions for free. By taking this pass, you can also customize your 2 day Vienna Itinerary.

💡 Note: You can also book a hop on and hop off tour here without the Vienna Pass

Having said that, you can also plan ahead and look at the transit routes – purchase a day pass and explore the city. We also found that depending on which sightseeing places you wish to visit, some may or may not have direct bus routes, so you should be open to exploring those areas on foot.

Vienna does have a large pedestrian area as well. On the first day of your itinerary, you can explore the Innere Stadt on foot (second half of the day). The first district of Vienna is a gem in the heart of Europe’s cultural capital. 

Rich in history, architecture, and charm, it’s enveloped by the grand Ringstraße, a circular road that traces the former city walls. As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter magnificent structures like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, an iconic Gothic masterpiece, and the Hofburg Palace, the historic power center of the Habsburg dynasty. 

The district is also home to world-class museums, elegant Viennese coffee houses, and high-end boutiques, offering an unmatched blend of the historic and the contemporary – so it is perfect to kickstart your day one in Vienna!

Alright, now getting to our itinerary – stop by stop…

Liechtenstein Garden Palace

Begin sightseeing at the City Palace of Vienna also called the Liechtenstein Garden Palace. The city palace is named after the ruling power who started building the palace in the mid 17th century.

The rooms have the best Baroque and Rococo style interiors, in all of Austria.

To gain access to the inside of the city palace, you will have to book a guided tour. This is a living palace and is currently utilized by the princely family of Liechtenstein.

The city palace also has museums and gardens in the same complex. The gardens can be leased for events as well.

The city palace is still privately owned and maintained by the Liechtenstein family. You can enjoy the beautiful palace complex on a horse-drawn carriage as well, as seen below.

Read: 7 days in Austria itinerary

Maria Theresian Platz

After the City Palace, proceed to Maria Theresian Platz. Maria-Theresien-Platz is a large public square in Vienna built in honor of Habsburg Empress – Maria Theresa.

There is a huge statue of the Empress, which is flanked by two museums on each side. These buildings are identical – one is the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum) and the other is the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum).

The buildings are nearly identical, except for the statuary on their façades. It is classified as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Museumsquartier or Museum District Quarter

If you are into museums, you can definitely visit the Museumsquartier aka Museum Quarter – one of the largest districts in Vienna, boasting an area of 60,000 sq miles lined with museums.

The Leopold Museum located at the Museumsquartier is very popular. It houses one of the largest collections of modern Austrian art including those of Gustav Klimt. 

Hofburg Palace – Vienna in 2 days

From the Maria Theresian Platz, head to the beautiful Hofburg Palace. The Hofburg Palace was the former imperial palace of the Hapsburg Dynasty in Austria. This palace was built in the 13th century, and it has seen a lot of history in bygone days and still has not lost its glory or sheen. 

The Hofburg Palace is currently in service as Austria’s Presidential offices are housed in one of the palace wings.

The complex is spread over 59 acres and comprises 18 groups of buildings, close to 20 courtyards, and around 2600 rooms. The entire complex showcases the legacy of rich and different architectural history – nearly every Austrian ruler since 1275 had either ordered additions or alterations.

We found the interiors of the palace very intriguing. The guided tour of this beautiful building was interesting and the architecture definitely left us spellbound. If you have some additional time on your hands it’s worth checking out the museums as well as exhibitions inside the palace.

If you choose to do the guided tour, you will be given three choices  – the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection – each of which can be toured individually or as part of an extended visit.

There are other attractions included as well along with the Hofburg such as the Imperial Chapel (Burgkapelle), the Imperial Treasury, the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.

The Hofburg Palace is iconic to the city of Vienna. It is an architectural marvel that showcases many different architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque to Rococo, and a little bit of Classicism.

The entire palace complex has an aura of royalty and we were definitely impressed by the work of the Habsburg rulers. Having survived the World Wars, the upkeep of the palace grounds is also very incredible.

Spanish Riding School of Vienna 

Riding schools and horses or horse-drawn carriages are a common sight in Vienna. The Hofburg Palace also has a stable where riding or show-stopper horses are bred and groomed.

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is their traditional riding school. They groom and bred Lipizzan horses, which are exclusively used for performing at the Hofburg Palace. Book a Lipizzaner show in a breathtaking location

Time Travel Vienna 

If you love interactive history and want to learn more about Vienna’s imperial past, Time Travel Vienna is a great place to explore. It is located only 3 minutes away from the Hofburg Palace (3-minute walk).

There are also shows centered on Vienna’s past including their ever-popular Magic of Vienna History Tour. You can easily spend 50 minutes to an hour at the Time Travel Vienna attraction. And entry is free with the VIENNA PASS.

Heldenplatz

Just outside the Hofburg Palace, you will find Heldenplatz which is a public square. This square was set up as a Heroes Square. 

There is a statue of Archduke Charles of Austria, which was meant to glorify the Habsburg dynasty. There are other statues too, including the one of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Many important actions and events took place in Heroes Square.

Adolf Hitler’s ceremonial announcement of the Austrian Anschluss to Nazi Germany occurred here. The present-day Heldenplatz on the former outer plaza of the Hofburg was built under the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph.

Stephenplatz and St Stephen’s Cathedral

The next stop is a grand tour of Stephenplatz where St Stephen’s Cathedral is located.

This cathedral has stood the test of time and has watched over the city for more than 300 years. It is also the burial place of the bishops, the tombs of Duke Rudolph the Founder, and other members of the Habsburg family.

Austria’s largest bell, known as the Boomer Bell is also located at the cathedral in its north tower. The South Tower’s observation deck is the highest point in the city of Vienna.

You can enjoy some of the finest views in all of Vienna from here. A climb of 343 steps of the tight spiral staircase leads up to the watchman’s lookout 246 feet above the street level.

The entire church complex area is also called the Stephansplatz (named after the St Stephen’s Cathedral or Stephensdom).

Read: Most beautiful churches in Vienna

The market square of Graben

Very close to the Cathedral is the market square of Graben. This area has been a market and shopping block since time immemorial.

The uniqueness of this street is that the area is lined with statues referring to a deadly plague that occurred in the 17th century.

The origin of this street dates back to the old Romans. There are 5 divisions/shopping areas with the Graben. And they include Stephansplatz, Kohlmarkt, Naglergasse, Tuchlauben, and Petersplatz.

Wien Opera House for the evening and dinner 

For the evening, head to the Vienna State Opera House.

Wiener Staatsoper or the Vienna State Opera is the prime Opera house in Austria. This opera house is one of the busiest in the world with over 350 performances conducted in the 2017/18 season.

It was opened for the first time in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”. So when you step foot into the opera house or book tickets for the opera, you are enjoying a slice of rich Austrian history.

Wiener Staatsoper is a great place to experience grand classical music. Ensure you book tickets well in advance to enjoy these concerts. You can also opt for a guided tour of the Opera House as well. Learn about their guided tours here

For the evening, check out some shows at the Wien Opera House.

Day 2 of Vienna Itinerary 2 days – Schönbrunn Palace, Apple Strudel Show, Belvedere Palace, Giant Ferris Wheel Park

On the second day, venture outside the Innere Stadt to the grand Schönbrunn Palace. Take your time to fully appreciate the palace’s beautiful interiors and its expansive gardens.

Post-lunch, visit the Belvedere Palace, home to an impressive collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”.

End your day at the Prater, a large public park that also houses an amusement park. Take a thrilling ride on the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening walk. 

We will go over the following spots below

Schönbrunn Palace Tour

Start your day 2 of the Vienna itinerary with a guided tour of the UNESCO listed site of Schonbrunn Palace (like we did)! Book your tour to Schonbrunn Palace here

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the major attractions in Vienna. This gorgeous yellow colored palace reflects the changing styles and interests of the Habsburg dynasty. 

The color was “supposedly” the favorite of Hapsburg beloved empress Maria Theresa. She popularized the yellow color as a color of royalty. But the reality was that the color yellow was economical and easily available.

You can easily spend 3-5 hours at the Schonbrunn Palace complex. With a tour guide in tow, we were able to explore the interior of the beautiful palace. The palace has a whopping 1441 rooms!

The sculpted garden behind the palace is beautiful and is adorned by 32 sculptures of deities. There are picturesque Roman ruins as well located in the palace complex.

One of my favorite sights is the Neptune Fountain, with Gloriette in the background. The Gloriette was erected to glorify the Habsburg rule. It definitely adds a romantic feel to the entire place and you can get amazing views of the city of Vienna from the Gloriette.

I recommend visiting the palace grounds at around 08:30 in the morning to beat the tourist wave. By 10:00 you can see lots of tourists coming in. There are restaurants located inside the palace grounds, where you can grab a coffee or a bit to eat.

Apple Strudel Show at Schönbrunn Palace

Another attractive thing to do at the Schönbrunn Palace is to watch professional chefs at play. Yes! the Apple Strudel Show at Schönbrunn Palace allows you to taste Viennese apple strudel from the imperial bakery.

The cost of the show is around 15 Euros (it is free with the Vienna Pass) – it includes a piece of apple strudel with a hot beverage of choice and an apple strudel demonstration and original recipe to take home.

✅ Book your apple strudel show here (without the Vienna Pass)

Military History Museum

A short walk from the Schonbrunn Palace is the Military History Museum of Vienna. The museum has the largest and oldest collection of military arsenal in the country, with many displayed items dating to the 17^th century.

The museum building is also one of the oldest in Austria and their interiors and exhibitions are a tribute to the Imperial Army and their sacrifices. If you love army or military history, this is the place to visit in Vienna.

Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic palace was the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy.

The Belvedere Palace comprising of the Lower and Upper Belvedere, with the gardens and palace stables were built during the prime of Hapsburg rule in Austria.

Both palaces were built in Baroque style. And they were inspired by the Versailles Palace in France.

Today the Upper Belvedere Palace is home to some of the finest artworks in the country. The palace houses the Belvedere museum with stunning works of Austrian Art from the Middle Ages to the present.

Belvedere Palace is an iconic symbol of Vienna. The palace was nationalized in the early years of the 20^th century. It had also suffered damages during the Second World War. Today, it is one of the most visited landmarks in Vienna.

A visit to their gardens is completely free. Entry to the staterooms and museum at the Belvedere Palace is additional. Check out prices here. The entry is free with the Vienna Pass. 

Giant Ferris Wheel Park in the evening 

Giant Ferris Wheel Park is the oldest ferris wheel in the world. It is a great place to visit in the evening with all the lights. Part of the cabins of the Ferris wheel was destroyed in the First World War and then 15 of them were later restored.

Head to the Wiener Riesenrad or the Giant Ferris Wheel Park and spend the evening there. Skip the lines to the Giant Ferris Wheel

Suggested Options for the Evening: Vienna 48 hours

For the evening of day 2 of Vienna Itinerary, here are some alternate options

• Enjoy a dinner cruise on the River Danube in Vienna. The cruise leaves at 07:00 pm and is for 3 hours. You will see the city of Vienna sparkling with night lights. Reserve your spot here
• The Donauturm or the Danube Tower is the tallest tower in Austria. It is located about 20 minutes away from the Hofburg Palace and is perfect for fine dining with 360 panoramic views of the city. 
• Stephenplatz, Hofburg Palace, and/or Graben look amazing in the evening. If you love to stroll, then this is the place for you. At the Graben, there are restaurants and live entertainment by the Plague columns.
• Vienna is big in the cafe culture. Spend some time at one of the open coffee bars/cafes and enjoy a good conversation or a romantic dinner after
• Or enjoy a traditional dinner at the Vienna City Center –  Book your dinner here 
• How about a horse-driven carriage ride? This is very popular among tourists. Book a horse carriage ride and learn about Fiaker here

Attractions Map – How to spend 2 days in Vienna

Here is a map of the best places to visit in Vienna in 2 days. 

 

Travel Tips for 2 days Vienna Itinerary: Food, budget tips & packing

Food and Restaurants Guide for Vienna 2 day itinerary

Vienna has some coolest restaurants and cafes that do deserve a spot on your 2 day itinerary. You know coffee houses are a big deal in Vienna. 

You will find one in every little corner and they serve delicious coffee and baked goods. People really live the coffee and conversation culture here.

In the evenings, you can choose one of the patio cafes and enjoy some cappuccinos and sachertorte.

Speaking of sachertorte, this chocolate cake is one of the most popular in Vienna. This culinary dish was created for Prince Wenzel Metternich in the early 19th century. It is so popular in Viennese culture that they have a National Sachertorte Day, which is 5 December of every year. 

Briochekipfer (Brioche Croissant) is a croissant that is typically consumed with coffee.

Apfelstrudel is another sweet item which is a puff pastry, with sweet and sugary apple slices in sauce, and topped with some whipped cream or warm vanilla sauce. Kaiserschmarrn is a sweet dish made of pancakes and stewed plums or raisins.

I know I started on the dessert side, but Vienna also has some great meal options to present as well. Goulash soup is a popular soup, made of beef stew or can be soup based. It originated in Hungary, but the Czech Republic and Austria have their version of the goulash soup as well. They are very filling.

Wiener Schnitzel is “fried” meat, usually thinned by pounding with a meat tenderizer. This is the most common dish in Vienna. You can order it as chicken, pork, or beef varieties. 

Tafelspitz is a slow-boiled, lean, and tender cut of beef enjoyed with an array of condiments.

Leberkäse – from the looks of it, is like a burger, you can choose any fillings like cheese, any type of meat, or even chili. It is a popular cheap food, served in food stalls as well.

Geröstete Knödel or roasted dumplings are a popular staple food item in Vienna. They are made out of potatoes mainly and can be served as an all-vegetarian dish. There are many other dumplings and soup options too (liver dumpling soup or beef dumpling soup).

Don’t forget the drinks. Austria is big on beer, just like Germany and the Czech Republic. Most common beer brands are either lagers from Germany or Holland.

Edelweiss is very popular. A classic Dutch beer brewed to a traditional Austrian recipe. Wheat beer is what you will find in most restaurants serving alcohol. Schnapps are common in all restaurants and they come in different flavors.

As coffee houses are a THING in Vienna, I will start with some of the popular places for coffee and other baked items.

The most well-known cafe is Cafe Sacher. When we were strolling around the Opera House area, we were hoping to find some souvenir stores and instead, we arrived at this cafe that was jam-packed with people. They make delicious sachertorte.

A coffee with sachertorte will cost you around 12.50 euros, but you are dining in style – in the midst of history. The cafe’s interior is very beautiful.

If you just wish to try the sachertorte and some Viennese coffee, there are other cool options as well. Cafe Sacher Eck, Aida – Café-Konditorei, Cafe Central, Sazenti, but remember you will find lots of options in every nook and corner of the city. And they should offer all the popular desserts and dishes.

Cafe Central is an amazing place that serves the most popular Viennese food and is very affordable. This place used to be frequented by Sigmund Freud (you will know about him if you studied or read Psychology in school) and many other writers, influential people at that time.

Their menu has soups, schnitzel, hearty goulash soup, sachertorte, beer, and more. Items are priced from 2 Euros to 22 Euros+ depending on what you order.

Other restaurants for lunch and dinner include Plachutta Wollzeile (popular for Tafelspitz –cooked beef meat), Sparky’s unlimited (located very close to the Stephansdom church, it serves most of the popular Viennese dishes and is affordable), Gasthaus Zur Oper (well-known restaurant, they serve Schnitzel which is of good quality).

Even if you are tight on budget, I do recommend trying the sachertorte or schnitzel to get a taste of Vienna, quite literally.

Budget for Food – Vienna Travel Guide – 2 days in Vienna on a budget

We found Vienna to be a tad expensive than its nearby cities like Munich and Budapest (and of course way expensive than Prague). Coffee can cost around 5-8 Euros in the city center area.

A meal can cost anywhere from 15 – 23 euros in a decent restaurant or a food stall in the city center.

Upscale restaurants with fine dining options will cost around 55 Euros+ per person. There are fast-food chains in the city like McDonald’s and Starbucks. You can save money by eating at fast food joints or getting groceries.

If you are eating fast food and occasionally spending on a specialty cafe – you will be spending around 50-100 euros a day on food alone.

Best time to visit Vienna: Itinerary 2 days

The off-season is always a good time to visit cities. And Vienna is no different. Late March to May and September to October are shoulder months in Vienna, expect fewer crowds on the streets and overall mild temperatures. 

Get the activities guide to Vienna in the month of March

Summers are nice in Vienna, with tons of events and concerts. But hotel prices will be super expensive around this time. So plan and book flights and hotels in advance. Summer months are from June to August.

Winters in Vienna are wonderful with festive decorations and Christmas markets. It is too super crowded like summer months, but it is still bustling with activities. 

Winter months are from November to early February. Vienna does get snow in the winters, especially in December and January. Read about Christmas in Vienna

Packing for 48 hours in Vienna Austria

Carry these travel essentials on your 2 days Vienna Itinerary

• Anti-theft day pack or handbag  –  They are super essential to safeguard your belongings from pickpockets. These bags are equipped with anti-cut and RFID technology. Here is what we recommend – click for the backpack AND here for the handbag
• Multiport charging cables – This superstar multi-port cable can charge different types of electronic devices, without being bulky. Get yours here
• Adaptor and convertor – If you are traveling from North America or Asia to Vienna, you will require an adaptor to be able to plug in your electronics. Click here to buy a travel adaptor perfect for Europe travel. Carry this adaptor-convertor duo if you plan on using shavers, hairdryers, or any appliance with a different voltage than 220v.
• Waterproof and packable jacket  – Carry a waterproof jacket or a trench coat to protect yourself from rain. Here is my favorite trench coat. Click here to shop our favorites – FOR HIM & FOR HER
• Comfortable walking shoes – Carry comfortable walking shoes as you explore Vienna. Get my favorite picks for Europe

Day Trips from Vienna – After Vienna two day itinerary

The Austrian capital makes for a perfect place to base your sightseeing in the country.

And if you are visiting Vienna for three days or more, then consider doing some day trips to explore more of Austria. 

Day trip in Vienna and to nearby areas will be for 1 to 3 hour commute time (one way)

• Wachau Valley – Located only an hour away, Wachau Valley makes a great day trip from Vienna. We explored the beautiful Wachau Valley and the countryside as well. As you drive or take a tour you will see how the river Danube flows and into lush hills, surrounded by vineyards, historic villages, and the Krem and Melk Abbey with their medieval castles. You can extend your stay to 3 – 4 days in Vienna by taking a day trip or two. Read about our day tour to Wachau Valley
• Salzburg Austria – You can visit the historic city of Salzburg – the land of Mozart and the Sound of Music. Great options during winters to explore the Christmas markets. We extended our stay in Austria and explored Salzburg for 2 days. Find out what we explored in Salzburg

• Budapest Hungary – Budapest is only 2.50 hours away from Vienna. The river Danube flows into Hungary and both Austria and Hungary share a long legacy. But their current culture and city vibes are very different. Read our 2-day itinerary for Budapest
• Bratislava Slovakia – Visit another European country and return in a day to Vienna Vienna is located only an hour away from Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Book your day tour here
• Prague Czech Republic – Prague is only 3 hours away from Vienna. We actually arrived in Vienna after staying in Prague for 2 days. The landscape of Moravia is completely different and not to forget the economic (Communist) and cultural differences between the 2 countries. Vienna is quite royal as compared to the classic romantic city of Praga. Read our Prague travel itinerary
• Munich Germany – Munich is located 4 hours away from Vienna. Maybe a little stretch for a day trip, but if you start early morning and reach the old town by noon, you can still explore some of the historical highlights like Mary’s Square, Town Halls, Munich Residenz, etc. And also grab schnitzels and beer. We stayed in Munich for close to a week – Read our suggested Itinerary for Munich
• Vienna Itinerary 2 days and other nearby cities – If you are planning multiple cities in Central Europe with Vienna sightseeing as one of the stops, read our 14 day Central Europe Itinerary, with stops in Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich!

Fun Facts about Vienna – The Capital of Austria

Vienna is not just a city brimming with historic charm and cultural treasures, it also boasts a number of fascinating facts that add to its allure.

1. Vienna is often dubbed as the City of Music. It has been home to many legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. In fact, more famous composers have lived here than in any other city in the world! Must visit – House of Music or Haus der Musik (the first ever museum of sound and music in Austria)
2. The historic city center of Vienna, rich in architectural ensembles, including Baroque castles and gardens, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Did you know that Vienna’s Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof) has about 3 million tombs, which is more than the city’s living residents? It is one of the biggest cemeteries in the world.
4. Vienna’s public park, Prater, houses the oldest amusement park in the world, dating back to 1897.
5. The tallest building in Vienna is the DC Tower 1 (Donau-City Tower)
6. The city boasts the oldest zoo in the world, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, located on the grounds of the famous Schönbrunn Palace. It has been continually operating since 1752.
7. Vienna is also known for its coffee culture, and is often called the ‘coffee capital of the world’. The traditional Viennese coffee house culture is also listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

FAQ – 2 days in Vienna Itinerary – Visit Vienna in 48 hours

What can I do in one day in Vienna?

Oo, one day will be tight to squeeze everything in. But the good news is that it is doable. 

The easiest way to do this is to start with what you like and what is on your bucket list to narrow down the activities. 

Not into music or riding? Skip the riding school and don’t go in for the concert. Don’t love museums? No worries – spend time in the gardens, wander the old town, go shopping – visit a flea market, etc. 

We all love to eat – spend the time trying our local cuisines in the evening, whilst enjoying time (or ride) at the Giant Ferris Wheel. There are 3 palaces in Vienna that are must – you can easily do Hofburg as it is in the city center, take a pick between the other two – Schronburrn or Belvedere.

💡See our Top Things to See in Vienna in one day

Is the Vienna card worth it?

We have highlighted the use of Vienna Card in this itinerary and we definitely stand by it (and we were not paid to say this). It is worth for free attractions entry and the hop on and hop off bus tour that comes with it. Even for a short trip of 2 days in Vienna, it is worth it.

✅ Grab your Vienna Card here

Is Vienna expensive? 

I would say this is a relative and subjective topic. Vienna is expensive as compared to Prague and Budapest, but it is relatively cheaper as compared to Iceland and Switzerland. Expenses are similar to what we have spent in Paris, Amsterdam, or Barcelona. So pretty close to any developed EU nation.

Is Vienna safe?

Yes, we found Vienna to be safe. You can travel solo, as a couple, or with young children – it is safe. Instances of petty tourist crimes are rare, but like in all cities be mindful of your surroundings and don’t flash expensive items.

Is 2 days in Vienna enough?

Two days in Vienna is certainly enough time to get a taste of the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, but there’s lot more to explore in the Austrian capital. 

For an in-depth experience of Vienna’s art scene, musical heritage, gastronomy, and numerous festivals, a longer stay would be more fulfilling. However, a well-planned two-day itinerary, like the one mentioned above, ensures that you can visit key landmarks and enjoy quintessential Viennese experiences. 

Having the Vienna Card with hop on and hop off bus tours helps to navigate the city a lot faster than driving or trying to figure things out on your own in a short time.

We hope you have an amazing stay in an amazing city of Imperial glory and found this guide on what to do in Vienna in 2 days useful.

Additional Reading for 2 day itinerary Vienna

• If this is your first trip to Europe – read our Europe Planning Guide 101
• Get 27 Europe Itinerary samples – One week in Europe Trip Ideas
• Read the Packing guide for Europe
• Guide to Germany and cities
• Guide to Hungary and cities

Pin – Best of Vienna in 2 days: What to see in Vienna in 2 days

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