How to Spend 4 Amazing Days in Vienna

I can honestly say that Vienna surprised me. This romantic, picturesque city is full of history, music, culture, style and imperial family drama. Vienna has been voted most livable city in the world and I’m so excited that I had the opportunity to spend four incredible days in this majestic city.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Spiess & Spiess

This beautiful hotel is located on a quiet street right outside the city center. The local metro station (Rochusgasse) is just a few steps away and the next street over is full of restaurants, bars and boutique shops. The rooms are quite modern and spacious with a balcony, perfect for a morning cup of coffee. The staff were polite and provided wonderful advice on where to go and which services to use. They even booked our tickets to Prague for us. There is a complimentary breakfast served with freshly baked bread and a variety of locally sourced food; they cater to almost all allergies and dietary restrictions (especially vegetarians and vegans).

What to Eat:

Aida Café

While many visitors rave about the Sacher Torte, I say you can skip that and head on over to Aida. I love the old-fashioned neon signs, store-front ice cream shop, and the pink umbrellas. They make beautiful café creations every day and have something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a lovely choice for sweet deserts, great coffee, or a light meal.

Veggiezz

This small vegan restaurant caught me by surprise. Their food is absolutely delightful, the service was efficient and friendly and their outside seating is perfect on a warm day. If there is one thing that will have me coming again and again are their fries. They are well balanced with the right amount of crispiness, well-seasoned and fresh. This a must for all.

What to See:

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is the former summer residence for the imperial Habsburg rulers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fun fact it was the former headquarters of Napoleon between 1805 and 1809. There are two main tours: the Imperial Tour and the Grand tour. I took the Grand tour with an English-speaking guide which consisted of 40 state rooms and private apartments as well as the 18^th century interiors of Maria Theresa. Many of the rooms were quite luxurious however some were surprisingly modest. This impressive Baroque palace complex consists of the palace, the gardens (including the privy garden, the maze and labyrinth, and the Gloriette) and the zoo.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

This is the most iconic and beloved landmark in all of Austria. Climb 343 steps for one of the most breathtaking views of the old city, or go below to the catacombs to see the tombs of the Habsburg family. The detailed, Gothic architecture remains timeless and captivating; it continues to stand at the heart of the city. In addition, it is a great starting point for your very own walking tour.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

Kunsthistorisches Museum, opened in 1891, is the largest art museum in the country and located in the Ringstrasse. It is opposite of the Natural History Museum and the two museums have similar exteriors. The museum was commissioned to house the Habsburg’s extensive art collection from all over the world. Some of the exhibitions the largest and most important coin collection of Maria Theresa, beautiful Gustav Klimt murals, an Egyptian wing and a look at the Bruegel collection. The building is classic and elegant but the works are historic and divine. You need about three to four hours to get through most of the museum.

Hofsburg Palace

The Hofsburg Imperial Palace was the primary residence for the Habsburg royal family for over 600 years. This extensive complex sits at the heart of Vienna consists of the Spanish Riding School, the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Austrian National Library. It is worth a visit at any time of the year. The exterior captures the timeless beauty and elegance of the imperial monarchy. If time permits, take a tour of the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum. The Austrian National Library is free to enter and the State Hall is one of the most gorgeous library halls in the world.

Globe Museum

The Globe Museum was one of the most unexpected and marvelous museums I have ever seen. You will dive into the world of geography and astronomy by learning how globes and maps were made, the history of globes, and their cultural history.

Naschmarket

The Naschmarket is the heart of Vienna’s food scene. It is Vienna’s largest open-air food market with a variety of local and international cuisine, grocery stalls and shopping. If you are looking for good food, a relaxing atmosphere and urban culture, this is the place for you.

Additional Information:

Vienna Pass

To get the most out of your trip, I wholeheartedly recommend the Vienna Pass. It includes a hop-on-hop-off bus through Vienna Sightseeing, entrances to museums and access to public transportation. With Vienna Sightseeing’s red line, you will be able to see most of the major tourist attractions. The yellow line is the best way to get to Schönbrunn Palace but otherwise there isn’t too much to see on this line. The blue line takes you the new areas of Vienna and the green line takes you outside the city. The audio guide has wonderful commentary in various languages.

Hauptbanhof

This fully renovated train station is modern, well-organized and clean. It is primarily focused on international train routes with plenty of shops and dining options. The friendly OEBB staff helped us find the best option for our trip to Prague. There is a small window from when the train stops and when you have to get on ( ~15 min) so get there a little early. We reserved our seats so we were guaranteed to sit together however it is not always necessary.

If you ask my parents, they would say that this was one of the best family vacations we have ever had. We spent 10 days in two beautiful countries: Vienna, Austria and Prague, Czech Republic. Be on the lookout for my next post on Prague.