Austria is one of my favorite countries in Europe, and I am lucky enough to have traveled all over the country. While three days is not nearly enough time there, it’s a good intro to the country, and to help you make the most of it, I’ve put together the ultimate 3 day Austria itinerary.
You’ll find the itinerary below which includes, a couple of days in Vienna, ideas for day trips, and what foods you can’t miss.
Keep reading for the ultimate three day Austria itinerary, which maximizes your time in the city to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food.
Published: March 27, 2025
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The Best 3 Day Austria Itinerary
Ready to spend the weekend in Austria? Here is the ultimate 3 day Austria itinerary. If you have another day or two, add another day trip from Vienna, or spend more time in Salzburg, and be sure to check out my 5 day Austria itinerary.
Day 1: Exploring Vienna, Austria
Vienna has some of the most interesting and grand imperial history, which you will be experiencing today.
Start your first day in Austria at Schönbrunn Palace – a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site that was the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Spend a few hours exploring the palace and its beautiful gardens. I went in the winter, and even in the cold it was fun to walk around the gardens and see the outside of the palace.
For lunch, head to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous food market. Grab a bite at one of the many stalls offering local and international dishes. Try Wiener Schnitzel, a traditional Austrian dish of breaded veal served with potato salad.
In the afternoon, visit the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace and current home of the Austrian President. You can explore the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum, which is dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, and is one of my personal favorites.
Afterward, take a short walk to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s iconic Gothic masterpiece. If you’re up for it, climb the Steffl Tower for impressive views of the city. It’s a lot of steps, but well worth it for the views, especially of the Cathedral’s unique roof!
For dinner, grab a sit down, Austrian meal after a long day. No matter where you end up, make sure to grab a piece of Sachertorte for dessert – a chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate glaze!
Day 2: Art, Prater, And The Ferris Wheel In Vienna
Ready for your second day in Austria? Start your day in Vienna by enjoying art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History), one of the world’s most important art museums. It houses an extensive collection of works by artists including Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Raphael.
Afterward, visit Belvedere Palace to see works by Gustav Klimt, including his iconic painting The Kiss, and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Then, take a relaxing stroll through Prater Park and ride the Riesenrad, the giant Ferris wheel that offers fantastic views over the city.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at Gasthaus Pöschl, a cozy spot offering classic Austrian fare. Afterward, walk along the Donaukanal (Danube Canal) to see vibrant street art and murals.
Day 3: Take A Day Trip from Vienna
For your third day in Austria, head out of the city and explore more of the country.
Here’s a list of fantastic day trips you can take from Vienna.
- Salzburg: Salzburg is my favorite city in Austria, and it’s known for its stunning Baroque architecture, and as the birthplace of Mozart. Explore the historic Old Town, visit Hohensalzburg Fortress for amazing views, and stroll through Mirabell Gardens. Don’t miss the Mozart Geburtshaus, where the composer was born and you can learn about his life and career.
- Wachau Valley: This UNESCO World Heritage region along the Danube River is famous for its vineyards, medieval castles, and charming villages. Start your day in Dürnstein, where you can see the ruins of the Dürnstein Castle. Then head to Krems, known for its wine, and visit Stift Göttweig monastery. Take a boat ride along the river for scenic views.
- Day Trip to Innsbruck: Hidden in the Alps, Innsbruck offers beautiful mountain views and a chance for outdoor activities. Visit the Golden Roof and explore the Old Town. If you’re into hiking or skiing, you can also take a cable car up to the mountains and enjoy the snow and scenic views.
- Day Trip to Hallstatt: Often considered one of the most beautiful villages in the world, and even prettier in person – trust me, Hallstatt is a lakeside fairytale city. Take a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt or head up to the Hallstatt Skywalk for stunning views. Visit the Hallstatt Bone House and explore the charming streets.
- Bratislava, Slovakia: Just an hour away by train, Bratislava offers a charming Old Town, Bratislava Castle, and stunning views of the Danube River. Walk through the St. Michael’s Gate and explore the narrow streets filled with cafes and shops. Visit the Buddha Bar for a drink, and enjoy local dishes like Bryndzové Halušky and other Slovakian favorites.
No matter which day trip you choose, you will enjoy the day outside of Vienna, seeing more of Austria, or even Slovakia!
Tours to Book in Austria
Booking a tour in Austria is a great way to maximize your time there and see the top sites. Plus, booking a day trip on day 3 of your itinerary will save you a lot of hassle, so you can enjoy your time in Austria!
Here are the top tours in Austria:
Tips for Your Austria Trip
Ready for your trip to Austria? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your three days in the country, with a focus on Vienna.
- Use Vienna’s Public Transport: Vienna’s metro (U-Bahn), trams, and buses are reliable and easy to navigate. A 24, 48, or 72-hour Vienna City Card can save you money and includes discounts at many attractions.
- Carry Some Cash: While most places in Vienna accept cards, smaller cafés, markets, and day trip spots may prefer cash. Euros (€) are the local currency.
- Book Tickets in Advance: For popular attractions like Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere, or the Vienna State Opera, booking online can help you skip the lines and secure your spot.
- Plan Your Day Trip Wisely: If you’re taking a day trip from Vienna, be sure to plan the day and your transportation in advance. Trains are efficient, but booking tickets or a tour in advance can save time and money.
- Try Local Specialties: Don’t miss out on traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, or Apfelstrudel. Many classic Viennese coffeehouses offer these in an authentic setting.
Where to Stay in Austria
To make the most of your time in Austria, you want to stay somewhere with good reviews in a good location in Vienna. Check out these great hotels and home rentals at the best prices: