2-Day Vienna Itinerary: How to Spend a Weekend in Austria’s Capital + Map

Only have a weekend in Vienna and wondering how to experience this imperial city’s highlights?

Searching for a realistic, well-paced itinerary that maximizes your limited time while staying within budget, one that covers Vienna’s famous palaces, world-class museums, and cultural experiences?

Worried about whether 2 days in Vienna is even worth it?

Having explored Vienna extensively with my mother, I’ve created a proven 2-day Vienna travel itinerary that maximizes both experiences and budget efficiency.

From learning that the Vienna Pass can save over 60 euros when used strategically to discovering which attractions are worth your time, I’ve figured out how to make a weekend in Vienna feel awesome rather than rushed.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor trying to see the highlights, a budget traveler looking to experience this city on a shoestring, or someone using Vienna as a gateway to other European destinations, this itinerary will help you have an epic Viennese adventure!

Should You Get the Vienna Pass?

Yes! The Vienna Pass is worth investing in as it gives you access to the main attractions in Vienna, skip-the-line at some of them, a hop-on hop-off bus, and a city cruise.

However, if you plan to go very slowly through Vienna, then the pass may not be a good fit for you.

Best Time to Visit Vienna

The best time to visit Vienna is during the shoulder season.

The shoulder seasons in Vienna are April–May and September–October.

During these times, you can explore the sights without massive crowds, allowing you to NOT spend the day waiting in line at attractions or get swarmed by people while trying to view art, antiquities, etc.

Traveling during these times can help you save both money and time, as you won’t have to contend with crowds, and you’ll very likely be able to snag a better hotel deal as well.

How to Get Around Vienna

During my mother and I’d trip, we used the hop-on hop-off bus from the Vienna Pass as our main transportation since it goes to all of the main attractions anyhow.

Only a couple of times did we use the public transportation which was very simple to use.

I highly recommend downloading the Maps.me app ahead of time and using the offline maps, as they’ll give you public transport info even if you don’t have data abroad.

It’s how we got around the city on the metro.

Public Transportation (Wiener Linien)

Vienna’s public transport network includes the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (regional trains), trams, and buses, all integrated under one ticketing system.

Meaning, if you get a day pass, you can use it on all of these transport options.

Single tickets cost around €2.40, which you can buy from machines, online, or via the WienMobil app.

But if you plan on using transport extensively, day passes or longer-term passes offer better value.

The Vienna Card includes public transportation plus discounts at museums.

If the Vienna Pass is too costly for you, the Vienna Card is a good alternative.

U-Bahn (Subway): U1-U6 connect major areas and attractions. The system is clean, reliable, and runs until about midnight on weekdays (longer on weekends).

Trams: The extensive tram network is scenic and connects areas not covered by the U-Bahn. The famous Ringstraße tram routes (1 and 2) circle the historic city center, passing by major landmarks.

Buses: Buses fill in gaps and serve suburban areas.

Cycling: Vienna has a bike-sharing system called WienMobil Rad and extensive cycling paths.

Taxis and Ride-sharing: Taxis are available, but they are more expensive than public transportation. Uber operates in Vienna, along with local services like mytaxi.

Transport Tips:

• Validate paper tickets before boarding
• Night buses (N-lines) operate when regular service stops
• The airport is connected by the City Airport Train (CAT) or regular S-Bahn

If you’re planning a larger Austrian itinerary that includes a trip to Salzburg, I’d recommend taking the train. It’s affordable and quick!

Here’s my complete review of how to get from Vienna to Salzburg.

2 Days in Vienna Itinerary Overview

What to Do in Vienna in 2 Days

Please note that this Vienna travel itinerary is speedy!

I was with my mom on this trip, who doesn’t move as fast as I do, so we did not do Vienna at this speed.

However, when I’m solo or with someone who can move at my pace, I could certainly accomplish this schedule.

💡 Travel Tip: If you or someone you are traveling with is under 19 years old, some of these attractions will be free, so be sure to check before paying for a ticket or purchasing a pass.

Day 1: Empress Elizabeth, An Epic Library, and a City Cruise

The Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum

For more than 600 years, until 1918, the Hofburg Imperial Palace served as the political hub of the monarchy and was the residence of Austrian royalty.

A tour of this incredible Palace includes viewing the Silver Collection, the Imperial Apartments, and the Sisi Museum, which provides insight into the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (aka Sisi).

Before visiting Vienna, I didn’t know much about her.

While there, I learned SO much and found the tour to be super informative about this remarkable woman, which is why it was my favorite thing I did in Vienna!

Tours Available:

• Day Ticket (Hofburg & Sisi Museum) with Audioguide
  • ⏳ Duration: 1.5 hours
• Day Ticket with Guided Tour
  • ⏳ Duration: 1.5 hours
• Sisi Ticket (Schönbrunn Palace, Sisi Museum + Hofburg, & the Vienna Furniture Museum) with Audioguide
  • ⏳ Duration: 3 hours

🎟️ Tickets: These attractions are covered under the Vienna Pass. If you don’t plan on getting the pass, book online in advance, as this is one of Vienna’s top attractions.

The Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library is the largest library in Austria and is absolutely spectacular.

It is part of the Hofburg Imperial Palace, so it’s convenient to visit after touring the Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum.

The library is as vast as it is breathtaking, with over 12 million items in its collection, stretching high above you—straight up Beauty and the Beast library vibes.

But if you’re bookish, allot more time here than I did when laying out your 2 days in Vienna.

⏳ Duration: .5 hours

🎧 Audio guide: Available for an additional fee

🧑‍💼 Guided tours: Available in German only every Thursday at 6 p.m. and every Sunday at 3 p.m.

🎟️ Tickets: If you have the Vienna Pass, the State Hall is covered. Otherwise, book online. Tickets are also available for the Literature Museum, Papyrus Museum, and the Globe and Esperanto Museum.

Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral)

Stephansplatz is a busy square in the heart of Vienna, Austria.

The square is named after its most notable building, the Stephansdom (aka St. Stephen’s Cathedral), a cathedral and one of the tallest churches in the world.

The area includes multiple shopping streets, showcasing a mix of modern and historic architecture, making it an excellent place to stroll around even if you don’t enter the cathedral.

Tours Available:

• All-Inclusive-Ticket (South and North towers, Catacomb tour, Cathedral museum, and  Treasury of the Teutonic Order) with Audioguide
• Self-Guided Tour of Cathedral
• Guided Tour of Cathedral
• Guided Catacomb Tour
• North Tower Tour
• South Tower Tour

⏳ Duration: 1 hour

🖼️ Stephansdom isn’t included on the Vienna Pass; however, the Dom Museum Wien is, which houses the most valuable historic treasures of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and can be booked online in advance.

🎟️ Tickets: Free entry, €6-25 for tours and tower access—CASH ONLY

Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)

The Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church) is a Roman Catholic parish church built in the Baroque style.

The oldest church building on this site (of which nothing remains today) dates back to the Early Middle Ages, and it is believed that it may be the oldest church in Vienna, as it was built on the site of a Roman encampment.

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes

🎟️ Tickets: The church is free to visit and open daily. However, it is an active church, so please be respectful.

Take a City Cruise

Depending on how fast you move during your 2 days in Vienna, you may be able to squeeze in a City Cruise, which is included with the Vienna Pass.

Since my Mom needs breaks from walking, we found it to be a great way to sit down, relax, and enjoy a bit of Vienna for around an hour and 15 minutes.

On the recently refurbished MS Blue Danube, the cruise guides you along the Danube Canal.

Along the shore, you can see the Urania observatory, Jean Nouvel’s hotel, Hans Hollein’s Media Tower, Otto Wagner’s Schützenhaus, and the Spittelau waste incineration plant designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

We also enjoyed some drinks during the cruise, which made it even more fun!

However, there weren’t any major sights to see on the cruise, so if you’re looking to skip something on your 2-day Vienna itinerary, this may be it.

Day 2: Outstanding Palaces, Art, and Architecture

Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture and is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Under the reign of Maria Theresia in the 18th century, Schönbrunn Palace became the center of court life and remained so for many years.

At Schönbrunn Palace, I took the State Apartments Tour, as that is what is included with the Vienna Pass.

The most comprehensive option is the Palace ticket, which takes you through not only the State Apartments, but the private apartments of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, the south-facing reception rooms, and the rooms occupied by Maria Theresa.

If you’re interested in exploring the outside attractions, such as the Privy Garden, Orangery Garden, Maze, and Gloriette, get the Classic Pass.

Alternatively, you can also do the Maria Theresa Guided Tour.

On the State Apartments tour, you visit the Great and Small Galleries.

From Maria Theresa’s era until the 20th century, the two halls were used for ceremonies, balls, and private family celebrations.

You can’t take photos inside, which is why I haven’t posted any here.

Aside from these galleries, you can also visit the maze, privy garden, zoo, orangery garden, Desert House, Gloriette, Children’s Museum, and Apple Strudel Show with the Vienna Pass.

Tours Available:

• Classic Pass with Audioguide
  • ⏳ Duration: 3-4 hour
• Palace Ticket with Audioguide
  • ⏳ Duration: 1 hour
• State Apartments Tour with Audioguide
  • ⏳ Duration: 40 minutes
• Maria Theresa Guided Tour
  • ⏳ Duration: 75 minutes
• Sisi Pass (Schönbrunn Palace, Sisi Museum + Hofburg, & the Vienna Furniture Museum) with Audioguide
  • ⏳ Duration: 3-4 hours

🇦🇹 If you’re wavering between visiting Hofburg and Schönbrunn, check out my comparison guide with details on both to help you decide!

Apple Strudel Show

The Apple Strudel Show (aka the Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker Show) was a must-visit for me, as my mom remembers her grandmother, who lived in Vienna, making the flaky pastry.

We had visited Ljubljana to reconnect with our roots, so this was an excellent way to end the trip.

The oldest known strudel recipe dates from 1696.

Today, it is one of Vienna’s most iconic dishes and a must-try for visitors to Austria.

At the show, you’ll discover how this delicious dessert is prepared.

Guided by experienced bakers, we learned the secrets of making Viennese apple strudel through stories, techniques, and get a recipe to recreate at home.

During a live demonstration, we watched the entire process of making Viennese apple strudel, from preparing the dough to the final baked pastry.

The show concludes with a tasting of the hot, freshly baked apple strudel.

🎟️ Tickets: The Vienna Pass covers a lot of Schönbrunn. However, do check which tour resonates with you. Either way, book online in advance as this is one of Vienna’s top attractions.

Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace originated as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663–1736) and now features many renowned artworks, including several Gustav Klimt paintings.

Showcasing works that span centuries and provide historical context for the evolution of art in Vienna, the Palace comprises the Upper and Lower Belvedere buildings, situated on either side of beautiful gardens.

You can rent an audio guide with commentary on the artwork to learn even more, which I recommend, as my mother and I enjoyed hearing the context behind the pieces.

If you’re not a big art museum fan, skip this on your 2 days in Vienna itinerary.

Tours Available:

• Upper Belvedere Ticket
• Lower Belvedere Ticket
• Combo Upper & Lower Belvedere Ticket

⏳ Duration: 2.5-3 hours

🎟️Tickets: If you have the Vienna Pass, the Belvedere Palace is covered and gets you Fast Track Entry. Otherwise, book online in advance.

Karlskirche (St Charles Church)

Unfortunately, I only saw Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) from the outside on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.

But even that was enough for me to make sure to add it to this itinerary!

The Karlskirche is a Baroque church widely regarded as the most outstanding in Vienna and one of the city’s most remarkable structures.

It is devoted to Saint Charles Borromeo, a prominent counter-reformer of the sixteenth century.

⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours

🎟️ Tickets: Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) isn’t included on the Vienna Pass, instead book online in advance.

Naschmarkt

My mom loves to shop, but I don’t.

However, being a good daughter, I included Naschmarkt on our list.

If you’re not into shopping, you may want to nix this.

However, it is also a place for some local bites, and you can find great culinary tours here, so consider that when deciding how many days to spend in Vienna.

Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most famous market.

It has about 120 stalls and restaurants, offering cuisines like Viennese, Indian, Vietnamese, and Italian.

The market is open every day except Sundays.

Food stalls open every morning at 6 a.m. and remain open until around 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, they close earlier on Saturdays at about 5 p.m.

Restaurants and cafes are open later, until nearly midnight, Monday through Saturday.

They also have a Flea Market on Saturday.

Alt Vienna Attractions for Your Travel Itinerary

If you are short on time, there are plenty of things you can see in just 12 hours in Vienna!

The Hofburg Treasury: When I was there, it was closed, else I totally would have gone! The Hofburg Treasury houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of imperial regalia, including the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Empire.

Grinzing: Grinzing is an old wine village on the edge of the city that my mother’s friend told us about. Here, you can try local wine and food in a traditional Heuriger (Wine Tavern) while listening to live music.

Time Travel Vienna: Great for children as it features 5D cinema, VR glasses, animatronic wax figures, various rides, multimedia shows, sound, and light effects to bring Vienna’s eventful history to life in a unique way. My mother and I visited, as it was on the Vienna Pass at the time, but it is no longer included.

Take a Walking Tour: Another benefit no longer included in the Vienna Pass, but still worth doing in my opinion, is a walking tour.

Prater Vienna: My mom and I visited to grab a bite to eat at Schweizerhaus, but the Wurstelprater is also a traditional amusement park often called “Prater,” and boasts a giant Ferris wheel dating from 1897.

For a more comprehensive list, here’s my list of the best things to do in Vienna!

Where to Stay in Vienna

When we visited, we flew in from the States and then returned to Vienna after touring Salzburg, Munich, Ljubljana, and Zagreb, so we stayed at two different hotels in Vienna.

For a comprehensive guide on where to stay in Vienna, including the best areas, check out my dedicated post.

Garner Hotel Vienna

The first one we stayed at was the Garner Hotel Vienna.

As it is essentially across the street from the Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof), it made it super convenient to hop on the train over to Salzburg.

While it wasn’t super close to any attractions, there is a U-Bahn (Subway) stop nearby and catching the hop-on hop-off bus from there wasn’t difficult either.

For the two of us, the room was clean, comfortable, and affordable.

We opted to include the breakfast as it made it easy in the mornings to eat there and venture out and explore rather than searching for something to eat.

Hotel George Vienna

On our return, we stayed at the Hotel George Vienna, which was close enough to walk to Schönbrunn Palace.

I liked Hotel George a bit more than the Garner Hotel, but that was mostly because it was more modernized.

You can also opt to add the breakfast in at this hotel as well.

Vienna Attractions Ranked by Priority

Must See

• Schönbrunn Palace
• Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum
• Austrian National Library
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Belvedere Palace

Nice to See

• Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)
• Karlskirche
• Naschmarkt
• City Cruise
• Apple Strudel Show

If You Have Extra Time

• Imperial Treasury
• Prater
• Grinzing
• Time Travel Vienna
• Walking tour of Vienna

FAQs

Related Vienna Travel Guides

• Guide to the Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum in Vienna
• Austrian National Library: Live a Bookworm’s Dream in Vienna
• How Many Days in Vienna? A Simple Guide for First-timers
• How to Spend 2 Days in Vienna: Budget Itinerary + Map
• Is Vienna Worth Visiting? 13 Things to Consider Before Traveling
• Helpful Guide to “Is the Vienna Pass Worth It?”
• Hofburg Palace vs Schonbrunn Palace: Which Imperial Experience is Better?
• 37 Things to Do in Vienna: Exploring Austria’s Capital Affordably
• Where to Stay in Vienna: My Favorite Areas + Best Budget Hotels
• How to Spend 3 Days in Vienna: My Budget-Savvy Itinerary

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