Three Days Vienna Itinerary: History, Art, and Architecture
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After thoroughly exploring Vienna, I can say it’s a city that offers every visitor a fantastic overall experience.
It’s an incredible city, especially for us, avid explorers and wanderers. Vienna possesses the three things we primarily seek: fascinating history, remarkable art, and stunning architecture. If only Vienna had breathtaking natural scenery, it would be absolutely perfect!
My observation: While Vienna was once the easternmost bastion of the Western world, visiting this city today might give you the impression that it’s situated much further west. Western culture heavily flourishes in the city — more than in other cities in western Europe — and it’s not hard to see with all the architectural marvels that dot the city. Come inside them to behold their beautiful artistic interiors and notable masterpieces, which make it even more obvious that Vienna is a pillar of Western civilization.
In this three-day itinerary, I’ll guide you through these facets of Vienna being a true city of western society, immersing you in its beauty and satisfying your curiosity.
Don’t worry if you don’t consider yourself much of a wanderer. This plan includes most of Vienna’s must-see attractions, along with suggestions for exploring the city’s rich musical heritage and vibrant coffee house culture.
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In summary, this 3-day Vienna guide captures the city’s three beautiful aspects:
- Day 1 introduces us to the city’s impressive architecture.
- Day 2 focuses on Vienna’s rich history.
- Day 3 takes us through the city’s most famous art museums.
Note: Each day stands alone, and their sequence is interchangeable according to your preference. One instance where you might want to rearrange them is when a day of your visit coincides with Monday or Thursday. Museums often close on Mondays for maintenance, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which is scheduled for Day 3 of this itinerary. If your visit is from Saturday to Monday, you might consider swapping the activities of Day 3 with those of Day 1 or 2.
For more ideas on where to go in case there are any closed attractions, check out my list of beautiful places you can visit for free in Vienna or the list of little gems I discovered in Old Town Vienna.
Day 1 — Architecture
Slide show: visual summary of your first day in Vienna
Among the beautiful aspects of Vienna, architecture is the easiest to find and appreciate. It is everywhere in Vienna. Of course, the best part is that it is free.
I have scheduled the architectural activities for Day 1 because the architectural marvels in the city leave a lasting impression; they are a great way to introduce you to Vienna’s character. A simple stroll through its historic center will show you how it has lived up to its role as the capital of the Austrian or Habsburg Empire.
Wanderers would love exploring the city, for all major Western architectural styles are visible. Beautiful buildings boasting Baroque, Gothic, Classical, and Renaissance styles can be spotted everywhere. You can enter some of them and behold the elegant interiors. For example, the coffee houses for which Vienna is famous!
This is why there is no better way to kick off your first day in Vienna than by visiting an elegant coffee house, immersing you in a Viennese tradition that dates back to the late 17th century
Day 2 — History
Slide show: visual summary of your second day in Vienna
For your second day in Vienna, we uncover the things that make Vienna a great city beyond its beautiful appearance.
During your visit to the attractions, you’ll uncover 2000 years of history, starting from the Roman era when Vienna was known as Vindobona, through the Habsburg dynasty, and into modern times when Vienna became renowned as a center of arts, music, and intellectual thought.
You’ll hear the names of the city’s greatest personalities, from Habsburgs like Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Maria Theresa to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Johann Strauss II. Not only will you hear their stories, but you’ll also see the magnificent places where they lived and the objects they used.
Your second day in Vienna will be a beautiful journey through time.
Day 3 — Art
Slide show: visual summary of your third day in Vienna
Your last day in Vienna will be dedicated to a different kind of beauty, one that reveals the character, creativity, and ideals of the city’s residents. It’s time to discover the art in Vienna.
Well, where do we begin? Art is everywhere in the city. You can visit the Albertina Museum, located in the Hofburg, the Museum of Applied Arts along the Ringstrasse, and the Leopold Museum in the MuseumsQuartier.
Fun fact: the Leopold Collection is one of the most significant collections of Austrian art in the world.
However, I can’t emphasize enough how unmissable Belvedere Palace and the Kunsthistorisches Museum are. They house some of the most historical masterpieces and famous artworks by renowned artists.
What’s even more fascinating is that the Habsburg emperors and Prince Eugene of Savoy themselves collected the artworks you’ll see in these palace-museums.
And here’s why you should be excited to visit: the buildings housing the art exhibits are masterpieces themselves. The frescoes adorning some of the rooms in these palaces and museums are incredibly stunning in both detail and size!
If you’re like me, I’d prefer visiting Kunsthistorisches Museum first. Let me give you more ideas about what to expect at Belvedere Palace and the Kunsthistorisches Museum below.
If you need guidance for visiting each attraction, check out my guide to the Kunsthistorisches Museum and my guide to Belvedere Palace.
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Resources
That wraps up this three day Vienna itinerary! With the artworks that you’ll discover, history you hear, and architectural marvels you’ll find along the way, isn’t Vienna really a wonderful place to visit? Now, should you need more information about this trip, you can check the official websites linked below.
- History of Viennese Coffee house culture
- Ivie — Vienna Guide Smart Phone App
- Time Travel Vienna
- Café-Restaurant at the Kunsthistorisches Museum
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