3 Days in Vienna – Best Things to Do

The Austrian capital has something to offer for everyone! In Vienna, you will find incredible authentic landmarks and architecture, excellent museums, and amazing coffees. The city center is really big so making a selection of only a few activities can be difficult.

Our visit to Vienna was in November 2019, and we were lucky to see all those incredible Christmas Markets! Honestly, the most beautiful Christmas Markets we’ve ever seen and that’s what we focused on. You can save this blog post for the next year as the markets are always in the same locations. However, we also explored the city and visit the “must” attractions.

WHERE TO STAY FOR 3 NIGHTS IN VIENNA

Hotel Kugel – It is an authentic Viennese – complete with the typical Viennese charm and the traditional sense of humor hotel run by the same family for generations. We had a beautiful room on the last floor with a street view. What we enjoyed the most were the comfortable bed and the design. Especially the colorful tiles in the bathroom. The hotel staff was very helpful and gave us many hints. The location is a big plus! It is just 10 minutes walking to the Quartier Museum. Book your stay here!

To help you plan your Vienna trip here are the best things to do in Vienna.

1. HUNDERTWASSERHAUS

Friedensreich Hundertwasser is an Austrian artist and architect that designed the unique Hundertwasserhaus. This colorful work of art is an ordinary residential building. The architect also designed the Hundertwasser Village, which is a small shopping center right in front of the Hundertwasserhaus. You will find there a cafe, an art gallery, and several souvenir stores.

Hundertwasserhaus
Address: Kegelgasse 37-39, 1030 Wien
Entrance Fee: The building has no visitors access

2. ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL

Located in the heart of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is an impressive Gothic structure from the 12th century. You can get to the tower room and see Vienna from above.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien
Entrance Fee: € 3.50

3. EXPLORE THE CITY CENTER

The area around St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a maze of plazas and alleys. Filled with stores, restaurants, museums and many beautiful buildings. It is pretty crowded, but make sure you spare some time to explore this vibrant part of Vienna.

4. HOFBURG

No visit to Vienna is complete without a visit to the Hofburg Palace. The Habsburg Empire was one of the most influential nations for centuries. The complex has over 18 building groups and 2,600 rooms, some of which have been turned into museums. The highlights include the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Hofburg treasury. All of these attractions can be visited with a single ticket.

Hofburg Palace
Address: Hofburg, Michaelerkuppel 1010 Vienna
Entrance Fee: € 13.90

5. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

The Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art) is the largest museum in the country. It has some of the best fine art collections as well as portraits and armor collections from the Habsburgs.

During our visit, the square in front of the museum – Maria-Theresien-Platz was covered with beautiful decorations and a large Christmas Market. Don’t miss it if you travel during the holiday season!

Kunsthistorisches Museum
Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
Entrance Fee: € 15

6. Vienna State Opera

While the Vienna State Opera building is beautiful outside, its history lies inside. Built-in 1869, the original building had the Renaissance Revival style of architecture. During the II World War, the building was heavily bombed and damaged. Vienna State Opera House was rebuilt post-war. Today the Opera House is one of the busiest in the world.

Vienna State Opera
Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Wien
Entrance Fee: € 9

7. BELVEDERE PALACE and the Museum

Beautifully built in the Baroque style, the Belvedere served as a summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. The Palace Gardens are both stunning and it features beautiful sculptures, fountains, and cascades.

Upper Belvedere Gallery
Address: Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna
Entrance Fee: €15

8. RATHAUS

One of Vienna’s top attractions is the striking Rathaus or City Hall.
During the holiday season, it becomes one of the most incredible Christmas markets in Europe. There are hundreds of colorful stalls selling from Christmas decorations, hand made art to traditional food and of course hot wine! There is also an ice rink.

Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz
Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien

9.Votivkirche

Located just a few minutes walking from the Rathaus is Votivkirche. It is a Neo-Gothic architecture with mesmerizing stained glass windows. The church is free to enter, but donations are welcome.

Votivkirche
Address: Rooseveltplatz, 1090 Wien

10. Karlskirche

Karlskirche or the St Charles Church is a beautiful baroque church in Vienna. The church is dedicated to Roman archbishop from Milan.

During the winter season, the Church square transforms into one of the prettiest Christmas markets you can find in Vienna.

Karlskirche
Address: Kreuzherrengasse 1, 1040 Wien
Entrance Fee: € 8.00

11. SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE AND GARDENS

Schonbrunn Palace is the most popular visitor spot in Vienna. The Baroque palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it has a vast garden and a zoo. Built-in the early 18th century, this yellow colored palace reflects the changing styles and interests of the Hapsburg dynasty.

Schönbrunn Palace
Address: Schloß Schönbrunn, 1130 Vienna
Entrance Fee: € 14.20

12. NASCHMARKT

Naschmarkt means literally “Snack Market”. There is literally something for everyone! Besides the individual stands, there are also several restaurants.

Naschmarkt
Address: 1060 Vienna

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