How to Spend 3 Days in Vienna

From classical concerts to food-focused city strolls, the capital city of Austria is full of fun things to do. Plan ahead to experience Vienna’s river cruises and bike tours. Options for day trips include nearby wine country or other cities such as Salzburg. Here are a few ways to spend three days in Vienna. 

Day 1: All About History and Architecture

Discover classic Vienna, including its top historic and architectural landmarks, on an introductory tour. Cover ground quickly with a hop-on hop-off bus tour that allows you to design your own itinerary, or take a city walking tour, passing by Gothic architecture and the Hofburg Palace. To get your heart pumping, explore the city by bike on a guided afternoon cycling tour that includes pedaling past the Vienna State Opera and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. After dark, catch a glimpse of the city illuminated at night with an evening boat tour along the Danube. Some evening river cruise include foods typical to Austria and live music. 

Day 2: Culture Now and Then

Get to know Vienna’s cultural side through its food and music. By day, set out on a small-group walking tour focused on the city’s culinary scene. Eat and drink your way through Vienna, sipping coffee and nibbling cheese and chocolate as you stroll among bakeries, markets, and coffeehouses. By night, there are many options for classical music concerts throughout Vienna. Book tickets for a concert only or a concert with dinner, such as at the Schonbrunn Palace. Other options include a classical concert of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert at St. Anne’s Church and a classical concert of Johann Strauss and Mozart at Kursalon Vienna. 

Day 3: Explore Beyond Vienna

Vienna is in a prime location for day trips to destinations in Austria and beyond. Planned tours make it easy to spend a day exploring nearby cities such as Salzburg, Budapest, and Bratislava. In addition to city day trips, themed tours are popular. On a wine-focused tour of the Wachau Valley, visitors head into the Austrian countryside and see charming villages and perhaps take a river cruise. Other tour options into the Austrian countryside visit Melk Abbey in Wachau Valley. Typical day tours might include an Austrian meal, views of castles and vineyards, and/or a cruise.