Vienna is a grand city in Austria, and everything there just seem BIG. I love the city, and the food in Austria is some of my favorite. If you have a couple days to spend in Vienna, you’ll want to make the most of it, which is where my two day Vienna itinerary will help you out!
There is a lot to do in Vienna, and in just two days you can see a lot of the highlights. Keep reading for the ultimate two day Vienna itinerary, which maximizes your time in the city to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food.
Published: March 28, 2025
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The Ultimate 2 Day Vienna Itinerary
Ready to have two amazing days in Vienna? You’ll see some great sights, visit world-class museums, and of course, eat some of Austria’s most famous dishes.
Here is the ultimate two day Vienna itinerary.
Day 1: Explore Central Vienna
Start your first day in Vienna with a walking tour to get a feel for the city’s layout and history. A good tour will take you through the city center, pointing out the most iconic spots and giving you some context about Vienna’s rich past. After the tour, head to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom). It’s a must-see with its impressive Gothic architecture. You can even climb the tower for a great view of the city and the tile roof.
For lunch, stop by one of Vienna’s classic cafés like Café Central or Demel. These spots serve traditional Viennese pastries and strong coffee, a real part of the city’s culture. After lunch, take a stroll through the Hofburg Palace complex, where you can visit the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum (one of my favorites), or just admire the stunning architecture.
End your day by heading to the Prater Park. Take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel, the Wiener Riesenrad, for an iconic view of Vienna at sunset. Dinner can be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants nearby that offer Austrian specialties like Wiener schnitzel or a hearty goulash.
Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace & Museums
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Start your second day in Vienna at Schönbrunn Palace, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, and one that gives you the best look into the city’s imperial history. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take the time to explore both the inside of the palace and the beautifully landscaped gardens. You could also visit the zoo here, which is one of the oldest in the world if you’re interested.
For lunch, head to a local restaurant near Schönbrunn or back toward the city center for a more casual lunch. Afterward, spend your afternoon at one of Vienna’s world-class museums. You can choose between the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) or the Belvedere Palace, which houses the famous painting The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.
In the evening, make your way to the Naschmarkt, a vibrant outdoor food market where you can enjoy dinner. It’s a great spot for enjoying local and international foods, from traditional Austrian sausages to fresh sushi.
Tours to Book in Vienna
Booking a tour in Vienna is a great way to maximize your time there and see the top sites. 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
With just two days in the city, you want to make the most of your time in Vienna. Here are some tips to help you have the best trip!
- Use public transport: The Vienna public transport system (U-Bahn, trams, buses) is efficient and easy to use. Grab a 48-hour travel pass for unlimited access.
- Book tickets in advance: For popular sites like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, book tickets online to avoid long lines and save time.
- Try Viennese coffee culture: Don’t miss stopping by one of Vienna’s famous coffeehouses, like Café Central or Café Sacher. Enjoy a coffee and a slice of Sachertorte (chocolate cake) for a true Viennese experience.
- Take a walking tour: A guided walking tour is a great way to see Vienna’s highlights, especially if you’re short on time.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Vienna is a walkable city, and you’ll be doing a lot of exploring on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must!
- Explore local markets: Don’t miss the Naschmarkt, where you can try fresh local food and shop for unique items.
- Visit the Hofburg Palace: Make time to explore the Hofburg Palace complex, especially the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments.
- Stay centrally: Choose accommodation near the city center, like the Innere Stadt area, for easy access to major attractions.
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: