2-Day Vienna Itinerary: Visiting the Highlights & Viewpoints
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For me, I always make sure to include viewpoints in my travel plans. I consider myself a wanderer; a romantic. Panoramic views simply satisfy my desires for beauty and for that sense of awe.
In Vienna, no view is quite as picturesque as Salzburg’s or as breathtaking as Innsbruck’s. However, the city boasts viewpoints offering scenery that tells countless tales—history etched into the domes, spires, and landmarks that forms the city’s skyline.
On this 2-day Vienna itinerary, we aim to visit those viewpoints along with the most iconic places in the city. And the best part? I’ve crafted this itinerary to guide you through some of Vienna’s architectural marvels, which are home to breathtaking artworks. If you’re a wanderer too, I bet you’ll like this trip for sure!
Not a wanderer? Don’t worry! The special experiences in Vienna — that once-in-a-lifetime classical concert and the famous coffee house culture — are, of course, included, too! We can’t just overlook them. They’re a must, especially if you’re staying in the city for more than a day.
Good to know
Where to stay
You’re visiting Vienna for a couple of days, and thus, will need somewhere to stay. Booking a hotel outside the Old Town area or the Ringstrasse perimeter can save you money. Don’t worry about the transportation—the hotels there are still easy to get to because of Vienna’s convenient public transport.
I don’t know what kind of hotels you like, so I won’t suggest any. But check out this hotel finder I love—it’s got awesome deals and a map to help you pick a spot that’s both budget-friendly and easily accessible.
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Vienna Pass — a money saver — worth it?
If you’ve been looking into your Vienna trip plans for a while now, you’ve probably found out about the Vienna Pass.
It’s a special card that lets you get into about 90 places in and around the city for free, some are included in this itinerary. It’s a common choice for travelers who want to save money while they visit Vienna.
But it doesn’t always mean you’ll save money. How much you save really depends on what you plan to do. The pass is really worth it if you try to visit as many places as you can, including museums, palaces, and special attractions.
Now, the question is, is the Vienna Pass a good idea for this 2-day trip?
If you want to save a little money and skip the lines at places, then yes. But I won’t say you must get it. The amount you save isn’t that big. The price of a Vienna Pass for 2 days is about the same as what you would pay if you bought tickets for each place one by one.
The last time I checked, the pass was about 130 to 135 EUR. The total price for tickets to all the places we’re talking about is 141.8 EUR. If you’re planning to go to all the places listed in this itinerary (see the picture below), you’ll save at least 6 EUR.
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To find the latest price for the Vienna Pass, just click this link. Once you’ve picked your date, make sure to choose the option for 2 days.
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Note: Keep in mind that Vienna’s museums are typically closed on Mondays. Should you choose to visit on this day, be aware that certain parts of this itinerary may not be accessible. However, there’s no need to worry—if you’re looking for more ways to fill your two days in Vienna, I’ve got plenty of extra recommendations right after the itinerary. You’ll find all the necessary links for further planning at the conclusion of this article.
Day 1 — Ringstrasse & the Attractions Outside the Old Town
For your first day in Vienna, you’ll be introduced to the city’s rich history, incredible artworks, beautiful architecture, and important personalities. Here’s a quick summary:
- First, you’ll be in for a beautiful first impression of Vienna, starting with the majestic Belvedere Palace.
- Then, dive into the Habsburgs’ rich legacy at the Imperial Palace, a beautiful cultural hub.
- Next, discover Vienna’s historical treasures and its most celebrated art pieces at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
- Cap off the day with a breathtaking sunset at MQ Libelle or the Danube Tower.
- And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, no problem! We’ll wrap up with an extraordinary musical performance at Karlskirche!
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll explore and experience on the first day of your two-day journey in Vienna.
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Details
Day 2 — Within the Old Town & Schonbrunn Palace
For your second day in Vienna, you will uncover the imperial glory of the city by exploring the Old Town and visiting Schönbrunn Palace, the grandest of all palaces in the city.
- You’ll be sightseeing along the picturesque Graben, visiting the magnificent Peterskirche, and the spectacular Stephansdom in the morning.
- After watching the Ankeruhr at noon, you’ll proceed to Schönbrunn Palace and then wander in its vast gardens.
- Of course, we’ll conclude the day with another panoramic view of the city from the largest of all the Gloriettes!
But before you start, you’re going to first experience Vienna’s coffee house culture for which the city is known for.
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll explore and experience on the second day of your two-day journey in Vienna.
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Details
Alternatives & Other Attractions
That concludes this two-day journey through Vienna! Before setting off, remember that some of the attractions on this itinerary are outdoors. If the weather isn’t on your side, it’s crucial to have a backup plan.
My top pick would be the Museum of Military History. Much like the Kunsthistorisches Museum, this one boasts stunning architecture and captivating exhibits. Take a peek at my guide to the Museum of Military History to get a sense of what awaits you. My personal highlight of the museum is the Hall of Fame, adorned with awe-inspiring frescoes that depict historic battles from Austrian history. The museum’s most renowned exhibit is the Sarajevo Car, the very vehicle in which Archduke Franz Ferdinand met his tragic end.
While my personal interests lean more towards architecture, artworks from the old world, and historical objects, it would be remiss of me not to recommend other remarkable museums in Vienna.
- For instance, the Leopold Museum, which showcases modern artworks such as Art Nouveau and expressionism, among others.
- The Albertina Museum, located in the Hofburg complex, is also noteworthy for its exhibition of modern artwork, including masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Chagall, and more.
If you’re considering replacing the outdoor activities or attractions in this itinerary with these museums, I would now recommend obtaining the Vienna Pass, which we’ve discussed earlier. This will enhance your museum experience in Vienna.
For budget-friendly alternatives, check out my list of beautiful places in Vienna that are free to visit. This list includes awe-inspiring small churches in the city, lesser-known palaces, and lovely gardens adorned with iconic monuments dedicated to musicians, poets, heroes, and more.
If you’re interested in sightseeing, admiring beautiful landmarks and picturesque streets, and saving money, consider my walking tour in the Old Town. Alternatively, you might want to explore my free walking tour of the Ringstrasse, which highlights the most important and imposing landmarks in the city.
Resources
For a smoother travel experience in Vienna, take a look at the resources I’ve included below.
- Vienna Travel App — ivei
- Kunsthistorisches Museum Cafe-Restaurant
- Gloriette Café
- Traditional Coffee Houses in Vienna (wien.info)
- MQ Libelle
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One way to savor the beauty of Austria in a short span of two days is by basing yourself in Vienna. Dedicate one day to immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and history. On the other day, venture out on a day trip to some of the country’s most remarkable sites.
If this plan resonates with you, I have five great recommendations. For those who have a penchant for UNESCO Heritage Sites, consider a visit to Salzburg or the Melk Abbey. Salzburg offers a unique experience of Austria, distinct from the Habsburg legacy, while the Melk Abbey promises awe-inspiring moments within its magnificent library and church.
If a leisurely day trip is more your style, explore the captivating castles of Lower Austria.
- For a blend of natural beauty and romantic ambiance, Laxenburg Castle Park is a must-visit.
- If the story of a noble family’s castle in Vienna piques your interest, make your way to Liechtenstein Castle.
- Finally, for a touch of adventure and a journey into a fairy-tale, Kreuzenstein Castle is my top pick. Its blend of Gothic and timber-frame German architecture is sure to provide a visual feast.
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