7 days in Vienna, Austria: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Vienna, the beautiful capital of Austria, is a city that effortlessly combines history, culture, and modernity. This picturesque destination boasts stunning imperial architecture and an incredible coffee house culture. From the enchanting Schönbrunn Palace to the bustling Naschmarkt, Vienna offers a delightful mix of attractions that cater to every traveler’s taste. As you wander through the city’s charming streets, you’ll be spellbound by its rich and regal ambiance, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
Things to Consider Before Arriving to Vienna
Rich in culture and history
Incredible coffee house scene
Can be expensive
✨Perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts, foodies, and art lovers
What to Bring with You
• Comfortable walking shoes for strolling the cobbled streets
• An umbrella or light rain jacket, as Vienna can sometimes have unpredictable weather
• A multi-adaptor plug for your electronic devices, as Austria uses Type F plugs (two round pins)
Best Time of the Year to Visit
Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit Vienna, thanks to pleasant weather and fewer tourist crowds. These seasons also offer numerous events, such as the Vienna Film Festival in October and the Easter markets in spring.
How to Get into the City
1. By Plane: Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the main gateway to the city. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center via train, bus or taxi. The City Airport Train (CAT) takes just 16 minutes to the Wien Mitte station.
2. By Train: Vienna’s main train station, Hauptbahnhof, is well-connected to other major European cities. From here, public transportation, such as trams and the U-Bahn (subway), can swiftly take you to your desired location within the city.
3. By Bus: International buses arrive at Vienna’s main bus station, VIB Erdberg. From there, you can take the U-Bahn or trams to reach your destination in Vienna.
7 day city guide trip to Vienna
Day 1: Arriving in Vienna
Start your day early with a coffee and a delicious slice of Sachertorte at Café Sacher. Afterwards, head to the Hofburg Palace to admire the impressive architecture and learn about the history of the Habsburg Dynasty. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the charming streets of the city center and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. End the day with a dinner at Plachutta, where you can savor a classic Viennese dish – Tafelspitz.
Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace and Naschmarkt
Take the morning to visit the stunning Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, have lunch at Naschmarkt, Vienna’s oldest and most famous market. Try some Austrian specialties like Wiener Schnitzel or Kaiserschmarrn. After lunch, visit the Secession Building and the colorful Hundertwasserhaus.
Day 3: Museumsquartier and Prater
Spend the morning at the Museumsquartier, where you can visit the Leopold Museum or the Museum of Modern Art. In the afternoon, take a ride on the iconic Riesenrad ferris wheel in Prater amusement park. Finish the day with a dinner at Sofitel Stephansdom’s Das Loft, enjoying a stunning view of the city while tasting some Austrian wine and modern Viennese cuisine.
Day 4: Belvedere Palace and Danube Island
Start the day admiring the impressive art collection at the Belvedere Palace, where you can also find the famous painting “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt. In the afternoon, head to the Danube Island (Donauinsel) to take a relaxing walk or to rent a bike and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Day 5: Day trip to Bratislava
Take a day trip to the charming city of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Only an hour away from Vienna by boat, bus or train, you can explore the historic city center, visit the impressive Bratislava Castle or simply enjoy a Slovak beer and a traditional dish at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Day trip to Salzburg
Another day trip worth taking is the one to the picturesque city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of the movie “The Sound of Music”. Explore the old town, visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Vienna Woods and Heurige
Spend your last day in Vienna taking a walk in the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) and enjoy a visit to a Heurige, a traditional wine tavern. Taste some of the best wines of Austria and have a snack with some homemade bread and cured meats.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Vienna
If you’re looking for more Austrian charm, head to Salzburg or Innsbruck, which are both easily accessible from Vienna by train. Salzburg boasts impressive baroque architecture and stunning mountain scenery, while Innsbruck has a rich history and is surrounded by the beautiful Austrian Alps. For a change of pace, consider taking a trip to Prague, a magical city just a few hours from Vienna by train. Explore the charming cobbled streets, try some Czech beer and admire the stunning architecture.
