Vienna in 3 Days: Summer Edition

Are you looking to have a romantic trip to Vienna in the summertime but still unsure what to see?

Here’s a little plan based on how I spent my holiday in Vienna to avoid annoying lines and unnecessary walking from one photo spot to the next.

Must-See:

• Belvedere Palace

• Walk through the old town and see: Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Votivkirche, Spanish Riding School, Vienna State Opera, and Volksgarten.

Must Eat and Drink:

• Kaiserschmarrn

• Wiener Schnitzel

• Sachertorte

General Tips:

• Explore Evenings: In the summer, it’s often more pleasant to explore Vienna in the evening. Download apps like Lime for e-scooters and bikes. Vienna’s bike paths make it easy and safe to get around.

• Public Transport: Vienna’s subway and trams are excellent. For a four-day stay, consider buying a weekly ticket for about 20 euros.

• Museum Planning: Museums in Vienna can be pricey, so decide in advance which ones you really want to see. I recommend the Belvedere for its impressive collection, including famous works like Klimt’s The Kiss, Monet, and the well-known portrait of Napoleon. I personally don’t recommend Schönbrunn Palace’s interior—it’s quite expensive and not as impressive inside, but the park and exterior are lovely on a nice day.

• Use Google Maps: Save your destinations in Google Maps with different categories to keep an organized overview of the city.

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Day 1: Explore Vienna

Wander through the old town and admire the stunning architecture of Vienna. Stop by cafés and take in the city’s vibe.

My suggestion for the day:

Morning:

Start with breakfast at Palmenhaus Café, whether inside or outside (usually no reservation needed). Enjoy a direct view of the Burggarten and Hofburg Palace. The Butterfly House is right next door and is highly recommended.

Midday:Optional visits: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Naturhistorisches Museum, or the Austrian National Library.

For a light lunch, I recommend Zushi Market Plus, which offers small, fresh Asian dishes and is conveniently located near your next destination.

Votiv Kirche

Evening:Stroll around and admire the beautiful buildings; in the evening, the city is less crowded, cooler, and beautifully illuminated. Head towards Volksgarten and take in the Votivkirche from the outside. Sit by the fountain in Volksgarten, where you might be lucky enough to enjoy live street music (a tip is always appreciated).

Wiener schnitzel

Dinner: Enjoy a Wiener Schnitzel at Meissl & Schadn.(Tip: If you haven’t reserved and can’t get a table, try the neighboring restaurant Gulasch & Söhne. They share the kitchen, and you’ll get the same delicious schnitzel in a quieter setting).

https://gastronaut.ai/reservations/meisslundschadn?subdomain=reservation

Nightcap: Finish the evening at Café Central with live music (reservation is a must!)

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Day 2: Museum Belvedere

Visit the Upper Belvedere Museum (be sure to book online at least a day in advance; plan about two hours for your visit). Since the museum is slightly outside the city center, it’s best to have breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café, as there aren’t many food options right by the museum.

Midday: Take a break. Grab a Kaiserschmarrn to-go at Café Demel for a quick snack.

Evening: Dinner at Zum Schwarzen Kamel, followed by a visit to Café Hawelka. Sit outside, order a Viennese coffee, and soak in the atmosphere (the best coffee I’ve ever had, and I live in Italy!).

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Day 3: Schönbrunn

Breakfast at CRO, where you can enjoy delicious croissants.

Midday: Head to Klyo Wien and enjoy the view of the Donau Canal and the city. On particularly hot days, you might prefer the beach bar Hermann, located just across the street.

After Lunch: make your way to Schönbrunn Palace with a picnic blanket (or a towel) and some snacks for a light dinner (you can grab snacks and drinks from a Spar supermarket). The Schönbrunn Palace park is free to enter, and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset view from the Gloriette.

Additional Tips for the Area:

Salzburg Stop: If you’re driving and passing by Salzburg, it’s a great opportunity to explore this music-lover’s city, home to Mozart and the famous Salzburg Festival. Early reservations are a must, and there are often discounts for young people.

Wachau Valley: If the city heat becomes too much, consider visiting the wine regions around Vienna, especially if you have a car. The cooler air and serene atmosphere are a refreshing break from the city.