Dive into the antique charm of Vienna with these three-day itineraries specifically curated for solo travelers, families, and history enthusiasts. These guides are designed to suit your preferred travel style. So buckle up and prepare to explore historic landmarks, feast on local delicacies, and create fun-filled memories to take home with you.
Breakfast: Start your day at Café Central, a historic coffeehouse with a cozy vibe. Savor their famous apple strudel while enjoying the elegant surroundings.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
As Vienna’s Gothic heart and a symbol of the city's enduring spirit, St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its zigzag roof tiles and towering spires, is a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s history.
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Pro tip: Look for the tiny stone lizard carving near the cathedral’s main portal. According to legend, rubbing it will bring you good luck!
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Belvedere Palace is a 20-minute bus ride away.
Lunch: Head to Naschmarkt for a vibrant lunch experience. Try the falafel wraps or indulge in some fresh seafood, all while enjoying the lively marketplace atmosphere.
Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace is a perfect blend of history, art, and gorgeous garden strolls, ideal for slow and flexible exploration.
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Pro tip: Don't miss the Orangery, a hidden gem which showcases contemporary art exhibitions.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: The Hundertwasser House is a 25-minute bus ride away.
Hundertwasser House
Hundertwasser House is a unique apartment building designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and it feels like walking into a whimsical dream where straight lines are banned and imagination reigns supreme.
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Pro tip: Explore the Hundertwasser Village, a funky indoor space with shops, mosaics, and more wild architecture.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Dinner is only a 15-minute walk away.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Head to Gasthaus Wild, a cozy Viennese tavern that serves traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz. Pair them with a glass of local Grüner Veltliner wine or a refreshing Almdudler.
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Vollpension, a charming café with a homey atmosphere. Try their homemade cakes and pastries for a delightful start to your day.
Schönbrunn Palace
Explore the imperial summer residence of the Habsburgs, a stunning baroque palace with expansive gardens and opulent interiors.
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Pro tip: Get a glimpse of Austria’s imperial legacy by visiting the Imperial Carriage Museum, housing opulent carriages and sleighs.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: Kunsthistorisches Museum is a 30-minute train ride away.
Lunch: Break for lunch at Plachutta, renowned for its traditional Austrian Tafelspitz. The elegant setting and hearty meals make it a must-visit spot in Vienna.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Home to an extensive collection of European art, roaming around the Kunsthistorisches Museum and getting lost in the history of its hallways can make you feel inspired.
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Pro tip: Don’t pay for your tours. You can save costs by downloading the museum’s free audio guide app, which offers fascinating insights into the collection.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: The Museum of Applied Arts is a 10-minute bus ride away.
Museum of Applied Arts
Discover the fusion of art, design & function at the Museum of Applied Arts, perfect for solo travelers who love eclectic ideas, funky furniture, and walking through centuries of creativity with zero rush.
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Pro tip: There are plenty of spaces for you to sit, reflect, and let your creativity flow. So carry a sketchbook or journal with you.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: A five-minute walk away from wherever you may be within the museum grounds.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Salonplafond offers a creative twist on traditional Austrian dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty Wiener Schnitzel or a fresh, vibrant salad, there's something to satisfy every palate. Pair your meal with a glass of Austrian wine or a refreshing Almdudler, a beloved local herbal soda, and unwind and reflect on your day's explorations.
Breakfast: Grab a hearty breakfast at Café Sperl, a traditional Viennese coffeehouse with a rich history. Try their egg dishes and freshly baked bread before kicking off your day’s adventure.
Albertina Museum
The Albertina Museum is every art lover’s dream. Its many masterpieces make it peaceful and inspiring, and it is the perfect spot for anyone looking to lose track of time and wander through centuries of creativity at a flexible pace.
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Pro tip: Download the Albertina app for a free audio guide. Not only would you save money, but it feels like there’s a personal curator tucked into your pocket.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Prater is a 15-minute bus ride away.
Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Figlmüller, known for its giant schnitzels, rustic atmosphere, and generous portions.
Prater
This large public park is Vienna’s fun zone, perfect for solo adventurers looking to relax, mix with nature, and ride a giant Ferris wheel.
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Pro tip: If you’d like a whole Ferris Wheel cabin to yourself, visit in the early hours of the morning.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: The Danube Canal is a 25-minute bus ride away
Danube Canal
Explore this vibrant waterfront lined with murals and riverside bars, ideal for people-watching, snapping pictures of street art, or just soaking up the laid-back vibe.
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Pro tip: The section near Urania has fewer tourists and more locals in the evening. You'll have a better chance of catching a spontaneous riverside DJ set or an open-air movie night.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 15 minutes away by bus
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Head to Motto am Fluss, a riverside restaurant on the canal’s edge that blends Austrian classic dishes with international flavors. So feast on Wiener Schnitzel along with Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Pair your meal with a crisp local white wine and reflect on your three-day adventure.
Breakfast: Kick off your family adventure at Joseph Brot, where kids can enjoy freshly baked pastries and parents can savor aromatic coffee in a lively setting.
Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace has wide lawns, sparkling fountains, and colorful art to spark a young mind's curiosity, making it the ideal spot for a relaxed and scenic family adventure.
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Pro tip: Enter from the Lower Belvedere side. It’s less crowded and leads uphill, giving you a spectacular view of the manicured gardens.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: The zoo is a 40-minute bus ride away.
Lunch: Break for a family-friendly lunch at Landtmann's Jausen Station, offering delicious Austrian cuisine in a relaxed garden setting.
Tiergarten Schönbrunn
Tiergarten Schönbrunn is the world’s oldest zoo, housing over 700 animal species. With plenty of space to roam, it makes for a wild and fun-filled adventure spot for your family.
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Pro tip: For shorter lines and quick access to the quieter parts of the zoo, enter through the Neues Tor entrance near the Palm House.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Prater is a 40-minute bus ride away.
Prater
Prater is the ultimate playground for people of all ages! Packed with rides, snacks, games, and endless space to run free, it’s the best spot to take your kids after a long day of exploring.
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Pro tip: Check out Liliputbahn, the miniature train that tours the park. Your kids are sure to love its choo-choo sounds!
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Dinner is only a 2 to 10-minute walk away, depending on where you are in the park.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Head to Luftburg - Kolarik im Prater, the ideal family-friendly spot to wind down after a day of fun. You can relax in the spacious beer garden with a refreshing organic beer or a glass of Austrian wine, while your kids munch on crispy schnitzels, fluffy pretzels, and grilled sausages.
Breakfast: Start your day with a family breakfast at Café Landtmann, where kids can enjoy fluffy pancakes and parents can savor some traditional Viennese coffee.
Schönbrunn Palace
Begin your second day at the grand Schönbrunn Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its opulent rooms and vast gardens. There are also plenty of engaging activities to keep your kids on their feet.
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Pro tip: If you or your kids are tired from all the walking around, hop on a mini-train ride around the gardens.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: Haus der Musik is a 30-minute bus ride away.
Lunch: Break for lunch at Plachutta, renowned for its traditional Austrian Tafelspitz. The elegant setting and hearty meals make it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Vienna with their kids.
Haus der Musik
This interactive museum turns music into play. Prepare for a musical afternoon as your kids’ imaginations run wild and free.
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Pro tip: Let your kids run up and down the musical staircase, where every step they take plays a note.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: The Danube Canal is a 30-minute ride away by bus.
Danube Canal
Stroll down this bustling waterfront with your kids and stop at roadside cafes, ice cream parlors, and souvenir shops.
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Pro tip: Head to the section near Urania if your kids would enjoy an open-air movie night.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Dinner is 15 minutes away by bus.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Motto am Fluss is a riverside restaurant on the canal’s edge offering traditional Wiener Schnitzel with a Mediterranean twist. Feast on a hearty meal as you recount your day’s adventures.
Breakfast: Begin your day at Café Central, where history meets elegance. Load up on their famous Viennese breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee before you head out to see the sights.
Naschmarkt
Brimming with life, colorful stalls, and friendly vendors, Naschmarkt is the perfect spot to wander, snack, and discover hidden gems with your family.
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Pro tip: Shopping for fresh produce? Head to the market around 3pm on weekdays and score yourself some tasty bargains as vendors often drop prices right before closing shop.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: The Natural History Museum is a 15-minute bus ride away.
Lunch: Head to the Palmenhaus, a stunning greenhouse-turned-restaurant, for a family-friendly lunch amidst lush greenery.
Natural History Museum
Dinosaurs, bugs, space, and glittering gems! All under one grand roof! The Natural History Museum is a wonderland for curious kids and secretly excited adults who love learning new things about the natural world.
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Pro tip: Spend some time at the interactive stations, where your children can push buttons, watch videos, and learn from immersive exhibits.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: The Museum of Applied Arts is a 13-minute bus ride away.
Museum of Applied Arts
Let your kids experience wild ideas and practical art at this museum, where art, design, and function come together in funky and creative ways.
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Pro tip: Make sure your children bring their sketchbooks. You can find a quiet spot and let your kids be inspired by the art surrounding them.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Dinner is a 5-minute walk away.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: After your three days of adventuring, head to Salonplafond with your family and feast on Wiener Schnitzel and a glass of Austrian wine or an Almdudler, a beloved local herbal soda.
Breakfast: Begin your historical journey at Café Central, a favorite of Vienna's intellectuals, where you can enjoy a classic Viennese breakfast.
Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace is a treasure trove of Habsburg history, imperial intrigue, and grand architecture. Emperors once ruled from this seat of power, which you can visit if you’re in the mood to step back in time to an imperial era.
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Pro tip: Stop by the Spanish Riding School and watch white Lipizzaner horses perform fancy footwork.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: St. Stephen's Cathedral is only a 10-minute walk away.
Lunch: Break for lunch at Griechenbeisl, one of Vienna's oldest inns, offering traditional Austrian dishes in a historic setting.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
With its towering spires and zigzag roof tiles, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of the city's enduring spirit and is a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s Gothic history.
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Pro tip: Rub the tiny stone lizard carving near the cathedral’s main portal if you happen to spot it. It will bring you good luck!
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: The Austrian National Library is only a 10-minute walk away.
Austrian National Library
The Austrian National Library is the ideal place to visit for anyone interested in old books and intricate history. This stunning Baroque building is home to millions of books, ancient manuscripts, countless globes, and more!
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Pro tip: Keep an eye out for any rotating displays diving deep into Austria’s literary and historical gems!
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Dinner is a 15-minute bus ride away.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Head to RIBELLI, a lively Italian eatery which offers Neapolitan-style pizzas, oven-baked dishes, and a variety of antipasti. Whether you're dining solo or with friends, RIBELLI provides a welcoming environment to reflect on your day's cultural explorations.
Breakfast: Enjoy a classic Viennese breakfast at Café Landtmann, a historic café that has hosted famous personalities like Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler & Peter Altenberg over the years.
Belvedere Palace
Anyone interested in Austrian history must visit this baroque masterpiece of a palace, which houses one of the most popular paintings of all time: Klimt's golden masterpiece, The Kiss.
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Pro tip: Look out for rotating exhibitions. They often showcase big names as well as up-and-coming local artists.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: The Military History Museum is a 15-minute bus ride away.
Lunch: Savor a traditional Austrian meal at Plachutta, known for its Tafelspitz, in an elegant setting.
Military History Museum
Explore Austria's military past at the Military History Museum, where epic battles and medieval weaponry come to life. This is the ideal spot to explore if you love cannons, uniforms, and the alluring drama of European history!
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Pro tip: Don’t miss the Artillery Hall, showcasing historic cannons and massive siege weapons.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: Schönbrunn Palace is a 40-minute bus ride away.
Schönbrunn Palace
Once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, this stunning baroque palace, its expansive gardens, and over-the-top interiors are a must-visit for anyone interested in Austria’s royal history.
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Pro tip: Take a peek into Austria’s imperial legacy by visiting the Imperial Carriage Museum, housing grand carriages and sleighs.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Dinner is just a 15-minute walk away.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Head to Plachutta Hietzing, renowned for its traditional Viennese cuisine. Feast on Tafelspitz, a classic dish of boiled beef served with flavorful accompaniments like apple-horseradish and chive sauce. Pair your meal with a glass of Austrian white wine or a refreshing Almdudler and unwind from your busy day.
Breakfast: Start your day at Café Sperl, a traditional Viennese coffeehouse with a rich history. Try their egg dishes and freshly baked bread before heading out for the day.
Albertina Museum
The Albertina is a history-lover’s dream come true. It’s the ideal place to visit if you’re looking to lose track of time and wander through centuries of creativity at a flexible pace.
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Pro tip: Download the Albertina app for a free audio guide. You will save on costs and get to carry around a personal curator in your pocket.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: The Natural History Museum is a 12-minute bus ride away.
Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Figlmüller, known for their giant schnitzels, a quaint atmosphere, and generous portions.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a wonderland for people interested in the history of the botanical world. It is also the ideal place to visit if you’re interested in dinosaurs, space, and glittering gems.
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Pro tip: The interactive stations are truly a marvel. You can push buttons, watch videos, and learn from the immersive exhibits.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: The Kunsthistorisches Museum is a 3-minute walk away.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is home to an extensive collection of European art. Roam around at your own pace and get lost in the history of these hallways.
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Pro tip: Save on costs by downloading the museum’s free audio guide app that offers fascinating stories and insights into collections.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Dinner is only a 20-minute bus ride away.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Head to Leto Restaurant Bar, a modern Mediterranean eatery offering grilled octopus, lamb souvlaki, and a variety of vegetarian options, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. Pair your meal with a glass of crisp white wine and reflect on your three days of exploration.