I love Vienna, and while the city can keep you entertained for weeks on end, four days here is the perfect amount of time to see the best parts of the city, explore the museums, and enjoy some classic Austrian food. I’ve put together a 4 day Vienna itinerary that ensures you have the best possible time in the city, and make the most of your time here.
Keep reading for the ultimate 4 day Vienna itinerary, which maximizes your time in the city to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food.
Published: April 16, 2025
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The Best 4 Day Vienna Itinerary
Ready to have an amazing time in Vienna? This city is so grand, and there are endless things to do. In this 4 day itinerary, you’ll find all the Vienna essentials you can’t miss, as well as some hidden gems.
Day 1: City Center Walking Tour & St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Ready to start your Vienna adventure? On day one, the best way to get an introduction to the city’s history and architecture with a guided walking tour. This will help you see some of the highlights of the city, cover the main landmarks, and give you some information on the city’s past. Here are some great Vienna walking tours:
Lunch: After your walking tour, enjoy a coffee and pastry at one of Vienna’s historic cafés, such as Café Central or Demel. Both have traditional Viennese coffee culture and delicious pastries like Sachertorte (chocolate cake) or Apfelstrudel (apple strudel).
After lunch, head to two of Vienna’s most popular sites. These might have been included in your walking tour, but make sure you spend some time exploring the inside of both and visit the museums at the palace.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom): Vienna’s most iconic landmark is a perfect place to start. You can admire the Gothic architecture or opt for the tower climb to get panoramic views of the city. The climb takes about 10–15 minutes, but the view from the top is definitely worth it.
- The Hofburg Palace Complex: After the cathedral head to the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence. The Sisi Museum inside is dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth, and you can also visit the Imperial Apartments or the Hofburg Treasury, where the Crown Jewels are displayed.
Just before sunset, head to Prater Park for some outdoor fun. If you visit the Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), you’ll get a great view of the city as the sun goes down. It’s a fantastic way to end your first day.
Dinner: For dinner, try a traditional Austrian meal like Wiener schnitzel (breaded veal) or goulash at a local restaurant. Gasthaus Pöschl is a great place to try authentic Viennese food.
Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens
Dedicate day two of your Vienna itinerary to exploring Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most significant landmarks in Vienna and a former summer residence for Austrian royalty.
Start with a tour of the palace’s lavish rooms, including the Great Gallery, Hall of Mirrors, and Marie Antoinette’s Bedroom. Tours typically last about 45 minutes to an hour.
Afterward, take time to explore the Schönbrunn Gardens. These are incredibly beautiful and expansive, with manicured lawns, fountains, and hidden corners to discover. Don’t miss the Gloriette at the top of the hill, which offers breathtaking views of Vienna.
I went to Vienna in the winter, and even with nothing blooming the gardens were well worth walking around for views of the palace and some good exercise.
If you have more time, visit the Schönbrunn Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world, and home to pandas, elephants, and various other animals.
Lunch: For lunch, there are several casual dining options around the Schönbrunn area. Enjoy a traditional Viennese lunch at Gasthaus Pöschl or a light meal at the Schönbrunn Café.
In the afternoon, make your way to the MuseumsQuartier (Museum Quarter), a cultural district with a variety of art institutions. Two highlights are:
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- Leopold Museum: Featuring an extensive collection of Austrian art, including works by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt.
- Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK): A museum dedicated to contemporary art with thought-provoking exhibitions.
Dinner Option: For dinner, head to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s famous food market. It has stalls offering a variety of food, from traditional Austrian dishes to international cuisines. You can sample street food or dine at one of the surrounding restaurants offering everything from sushi to falafel.
Day 3: Kunsthistorisches Museum & Belvedere Palace
Begin your third day at the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History), one of the biggest and best museums in Vienna. The collection spans the Renaissance to the Baroque period, with famous works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Titian. Give yourself at least two hours to explore the galleries at the msueum.
Lunch: For lunch, you can either grab a quick bite at the Naschmarkt, which is nearby, or enjoy a cozy café meal in the Innere Stadt (city center). Consider trying a local café like Café Sacher to sample the famous Sacher Torte, if you haven’t already… or just want more!
After lunch, head to the Belvedere Palace, a beautiful Baroque-style palace that houses a massive collection of art. The highlight is Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, one of the most iconic works in Vienna. The gardens surrounding the palace are a great place for a walk as well.
Dinner: For dinner, head to a traditional Viennese restaurant like Plachutta, famous for its Tafelspitz (boiled beef), or enjoy a more modern experience aboard a Danube River dinner cruise. This is a great way to see Vienna’s stunning skyline at night.
Day 4: Stadtpark & Shopping in Kärntnertor Theater Area
For your last day in Vienna, enjoy some fresh air and green spaces with a morning walk through Stadtpark. The park is centrally located and home to the famous Johann Strauss monument, which is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. It’s also a great spot for photos and a relaxing stroll among the trees.
There is some free time on the itinerary today so you can do anything listed on the first three days of the itinerary that you haven’t had time for yet.
Afterward, stop for a coffee at one of the charming cafés in or near the park, such as Café Landtmann or Café Schwarzenberg, both of which have a classic Viennese ambiance.
In the afternoon, head to the Kärntnertor Theater area, which is filled with high-end shops, local boutiques, and cozy cafés. It’s perfect for a quiet last day in Vienna, especially if you’re looking to pick up souvenirs. Nearby is the Albertina Museum, which boasts one of the largest collections of prints and drawings in the world.
Dinner: For your final meal in Vienna, have a farewell dinner at one of Vienna’s renowned restaurants. Try Figlmüller, known for its delicious Wiener schnitzel, or go for a more upscale experience at Steirereck, which has Austrian cuisine.
Tours to Book in Vienna
Booking a tour in Vienna is a great way to maximize your time there and see the top sites, especially with a longer 4 day itinerary. Plus, there are a huge variety of tours, so everyone can find something that interests them!
Here are the top tours in Vienna:
Tips for Vienna
Here are some tips you can use to make the most of your time in Vienna:
- Plan your visit to Schönbrunn Palace: You’ll need several hours to fully explore Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens. Take your time and enjoy both the palace tour and the outdoor spaces.
- Get a 72-hour pass: The Vienna Card or the 72-hour travel pass will make your public transport travel easy and cost-effective.
- Explore MuseumsQuartier: Spend some time in the MuseumsQuartier, a cultural district with museums, art galleries, and cafés. It’s a great spot to relax in between sightseeing.
- Check out the Belvedere Palace: The Belvedere Palace is a must-see for art lovers, especially with its incredible Klimt collection. The gardens are also stunning and offer fantastic photo opportunities.
- Try street food at Naschmarkt: While the market offers gourmet food, you can also enjoy simple and delicious street food. Try a currywurst or a falafel sandwich.
- Relax at Stadtpark: After a busy day of sightseeing, take a break at Stadtpark. It’s a peaceful escape in the heart of the city and a perfect place to enjoy a coffee or picnic.
- Take a day for art and history: Spend a few hours at the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) or the Albertina for a deep dive into Vienna’s rich art and history scene.
- Book your tickets ahead of time: If you plan to see popular sites like the Kunsthistorisches Museum or the Albertina, pre-booking tickets will save you time and ensure availability.
- Don’t forget to try Viennese cuisine: Try traditional dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and Apfelstrudel. Vienna is known for its hearty and delicious food!
Want even more? Check out my full guide of Vienna travel tips.
Where to Stay in Vienna
To make the most of your time in Vienna, you want to stay somewhere with good reviews in a good location. Check out these great hotels and home rentals at the best prices: