Jun
Europe, Travel Destinations, Travel Itineraries, Travel Tips
4 Days in Vienna: The Ultimate Itinerary for Austria’s Capital
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As a teenage, I had always envisioned Vienna as the center of European sophistication. Even though I studied French in high school, I always wanted to study abroad in Vienna, because, according to my young mind, living in Vienna meant that I could go to the opera every evening and sip gourmet coffee every afternoon.
But, even though my life didn’t turn out that way (obviously), I still think spending 4 days in Vienna is an excellent idea for a traveler, especially if you’re doing a larger Central Europe trip.
Furthermore, Vienna is a great city for solo travel due to its fantastic tourism infrastructure and safety record, but it’s always a beautiful place to experience with friends and family too!
I mean, Vienna is usually ranked high in the annual quality of life index for many consecutive years. That means something, right?
Vienna Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Vienna
Personally, I think you would have a great visit spending 4 days in Vienna any time of the year.
As for me, I visited Vienna in summer and loved it. Summer is Europe’s “high season,” which brings higher prices and larger crowds, but I didn’t feel bombarded by tourists in Vienna.
For example, I was able to go to all the museums and cafes that I wanted without waiting an insanely long amount of time.
Not to mention, the weather was glorious for the duration of my visit. Lots of brilliant sunshine!
I also think Vienna would be a great city to visit in the winter with its cafe culture. Furthermore, the opera is in full swing in the colder months!
Ultimately, the time of year is up to you. You’ll enjoy your 4 days in Vienna no matter what.
Getting Around Vienna
Arrival in Vienna
You will likely arrive in Austria’s capital at Vienna International Airport.
Vienna’s train system is directly connected to the airport. Two trains head to the city center station called Wien Mitte.
You can either take Schnellbahn S7, which is the 25 minute public train, or City Airport Train (CAT), which is more direct and faster, but the convenience costs a bit more money.
A 24 hour bus is also available at the airport for travelers coming to Vienna.
Transportation in Vienna
As you’ve already guessed, Vienna has a wonderful public transportation system. You don’t need the expense and frustration of renting a car. Not worth it.
Vienna’s vast transportation network includes U-Bahn (subway), streetcar, or bus. Make sure to validate all tickets ahead of time.
Feel free to also rent a bike in Vienna to explore the city! Designated bike lanes make getting around this city on two wheels a breeze.
Where to Stay in Vienna
Vienna can be expensive, but plenty of accommodation is available! In this post, I’ve included three different suggestions for your 4 days in Vienna: a hostel, a boutique hotel, and a mid-range hotel.
Select whatever your budget allows! Vienna doesn’t have to shatter your bank account into tiny pieces if you plan ahead of time.
Accommodation Suggestions
- Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol: This beautiful boutique hotel is especially unique because of the handmade porcelain leaves in white and gold hanging from the lobby ceiling. The attention to detail (and splash of luxury) is perfect for travelers who wanna splurge a bit. See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com.
- Hotel Austria – Wien: This highly ranked 3-star hotel is great for mid-range travelers who want to be located in the heart of it all. The hotel is very close to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, for example. See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com.
- Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt: Want to make a lot of great friends for a low prices? This hostel is part of the Wombats chain – one of the best hostel chains in all of Europe! See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com.
What to Pack for 4 Days in Vienna
Don’t forget these essentials for your 4 days in Vienna. Of course, packing depends on the time of year, but you’ll always want to have these items in Vienna.
- Comfortable (But Stylish) Walking Shoes: In Vienna, you want your feet to look cute, but keep in mind that you’ll walk a lot through palaces, parks, and museums. A comfortable pair of walking shoes are an absolute must.
- EU Power Adapter: Don’t want your electronics to die? Have an EU power adapter so you’re able to charge up at your hotel.
- German Phrasebook: German is the official language of Austria. Most people in Vienna also speak English, but learn a few German phrases to make your trip even better!
- Highly Quality Camera: Want a more advanced camera than your iPhone? My favorite is the Sony Alpha 6400 Mirrorless Camera. It’s compact and takes gorgeous shots.
- Lonely Planet Vienna Guidebook: Lonely Planet writes my favorite guidebooks. And you’re in luck because Lonely Planet has a guide strictly focused on Vienna, which will help you research the best restaurants, hotels, activities, and more!
- Packable Dresses: Vienna is so … classy. Which is why I recommend some cute packable dresses that you can wear to the parks and out to dinner!
- Sunglasses and Sunblock for Summer: Vienna is surprisingly warm if you’re visiting in the summer. Protect your skin and eyes with sunblock and sunglasses!
- Travel Insurance: Vienna is a remarkably safe city. However, you still want to invest in travel insurance in case of an unexpected emergency. You don’t want to end up in the hospital with a broken ankle and then be out of pocket for all medical costs. I always buy a World Nomads Travel Insurance policy for all my trips. Better safe than sorry!
Quick Glance: 4 Days in Vienna
4 Days in Vienna: All the Details You Need
Time for me to break down your 4 days in Vienna with specific activities.
You’re more than welcome to add your own ideas for restaurants and nightlife, because in this post, I’m primarily going to discuss Vienna’s attractions and how to link them together!
Day 1: Welcome to Vienna
Welcome to Austria’s capital city! As always, the first thing I recommend you do is to take a free walking tour of Vienna to learn about your new temporary home.
Prime Tours has a great free Vienna walking tour that starts daily at 11:00!
As you know, I adore free walking tours, because I’m able to chat with other tourists and learn about the history and culture of the city. Walking tours also help acclimate me to a new environment, which is especially important if you’re a solo traveler.
Afterwards, I recommend walking to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This Gothic cathedral is a symbol of Vienna that draws many visitors each year.
Although beautiful, take a moment to pause and remember that St. Stephen’s was almost completely destroyed in World War II. It’s amazing how much attention was paid to detail in the reconstruction.
Not to mention, you’ll see commanding views if you’re brave enough to climb 343 spiral steps to the Watch Room.
Next take a walk to The Hofburg. This palace is the current residence and workplace of the Austrian president, but it used to be the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty.
Admission prices to the Hofburg includes a comprehensive audioguide, which is great, because you can move at your own pace as you learn all about Austria’s famous royal family.
Need a break at this point? I don’t blame you! If it’s a beautiful day, relax in nearby Volksgarten, which is a lovely public park with temples and flowers, and reflect on the excitement of your first day in Vienna.
Day 2: Cakes, Coffee, and Art
Your 4 days in Vienna are off to a great start! Let’s add some calories, shall we?
Vienna is very well known for coffee and cakes! No better combination in the world if you ask my opinion.
Café Central is one of the most famous places to enjoy some caffeine and sugar. Several prominent historical figures, such as psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud and the revolutionary Trotsky, spent time inside this cafe’s walls.
At the cafe, you’ll experience Vienna’s delightful coffee culture. Don’t forget a slice of Sachertorte either!
Furthermore, Vienna is a fantastic city if you like museums, which is exactly where we’re going to go next. Stroll through Maria-Theresien-Platz – named after Austria’s formidable empress and Marie Antonette’s mother – and go to Museums Quartier.
Museum Quartier Suggestions
I don’t recommend seeing all the museums here, because hello burnout!
However, you should have ample time to see at least two of them.
- Architekturzentrum Wien: Do you like architecture? Urban design? Building too many homes in The Sims? Then this museum on Vienna’s architecture is just right for you!
- Leopold Museum: This art museum has some of Austria’s most important pieces of modern art. Features famous artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.
- Mumok: A contemporary art museum that is home to more than 10,000 pieces.
Still okay for one more art museum? The must-see?
Good, because you definitely want to go to Kunsthistorisches Museum. While technically not part of Museum Quartier, I consider this one the ultimate museum if you love art. Do not skip it!
Day 3: Day Trip to Nearby Bratislava
If you want to see two countries during your 4 days in Vienna, then you should take a day trip to Bratislava, which is the capital city of neighboring Slovakia.
Train services between Vienna and Bratislava are fast and frequent. Train is probably the best way to reach Bratislava.
Boat services are also available between the two cities, but everything that I’ve read indicates that this is a more infrequent and challenging option than the train (which I took!).
In Bratislava, I recommend seeing the gorgeously restored Bratislava Castle and then wander deeper into Bratislava’s Old Town to see Michael’s Gate, Primatial Palace, and The Blue Church.
You may also want to pick up a couple souvenirs here, too, since Bratislava is quite cheaper than Vienna, haha! Indulge in some shopping.
After you return to Vienna and freshen up, spend your evening in Prater, particularly to take a ride on the 19th century Riesenrad or Giant Ferris Wheel.
This gigantic ferris wheel has been in operation since … wait for it, 1897!!
After boarding Riesenrad, have your camera ready to go, because you’ll see some breathtaking views of Vienna’s skyline!
Day 4: Bikes and Palaces Galore
Last but not least, you will want to rent a bike during your stay in Vienna. Even if you’re a nervous bike rider, I promise you that Vienna is a very easy city to explore on two wheels.
If you prefer to spend the entire day biking, then I recommend taking a trip out to Wachau Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its charming rolling hills and stunning vineyards. Just take it easy with the wine on the bike, okay?
However, if an hour or two of biking is enough for you, then you want to stay within the city center to check out more palaces and museums.
Another one of my favorite palaces (and the most famous one) in all of Vienna is Schönbrunn Palace.
Believe it or not, this 1,441 room Rococo palace was the summer residence of the ruling Habsburg family. Yes, you read that correctly. They didn’t even live here the entire 12 months in the year. Say what?
If you visit in the summer on a gorgeous day, then I highly recommend spending most of your time wandering the extensive gardens. Take advantage of the audioguide too. The narrator isn’t too dry, nor is the tour too long, which I think would be appealing to most tourists, especially those of you on a time crunch!
After spending a beautiful morning at Schönbrunn, eat a lovely Viennese lunch and take the metro Belvedere Palace.
Belvedere Palace is one of my all time favorite art museums in Vienna. Even if you’re not a fan of art museums, I suggest giving this one a chance.
The Belvedere is most well-known for its collection of Klimt pieces particularly The Kiss and Judith and the Head of Holofernes.
Spend some time exploring the palace grounds too. You’ll fall in love with the gardens!
If you’re not too burnt out from learning about the Habsburg Family, take a trip to the Imperial Crypt. The sheer majesty of their final resting places will blow you away. The crypt feels like its own art museum.
