Exploring the Best of Vienna - A 5-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: St. Stephen's Cathedral
    Located in Innere Stadt
    20 minutes (7.1 km) from Vienna International Airport

    Begin your journey at the heart of the city, the St. Stephen's Cathedral. This Gothic-style cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture and has been standing since the 12th century. Take the elevator to the top of the South Tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

  • Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace
    Located in Hietzing
    25 minutes (7.7 km) from Innere Stadt

    A visit to Vienna is incomplete without exploring the Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburgs. This Baroque-style palace has over 1,400 rooms, and the Palace Park is a magnificent sight featuring sculptures, fountains, and perfectly manicured gardens.

  • Day 3: Belvedere Palace
    Located in Landstraße
    15 minutes (5.5 km) from Hietzing

    Belvedere Palace comprises two Baroque-style buildings - the Upper and Lower Belvedere, known for their striking architecture and historical significance. The art collections in Belvedere features works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka.

  • Day 4: Viennese Coffeehouses
    Located throughout the city
    10 minutes (3.7 km) from Landstraße

    One of the iconic cultural experiences of Vienna includes its Coffeehouse culture. Visit Cafe Central, Cafe Sacher, Cafe Hawelka, and many more to grab a cup of coffee, Kaiserschmarrn or Sachertorte, and soak up the cozy ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era.

  • Day 5: Vienna State Opera House
    Located in Innere Stadt
    5 minutes (1.3 km) from the Viennese Coffeehouses

    End your trip on a high note by experiencing the grandeur of the Vienna State Opera House, the largest of its kind in the world, with a seating capacity of over 1700. Enjoy a world-class performance of opera, ballet, or musical with impeccable acoustics that transport you to another time.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • St. Stephen's Cathedral (1-2 hours, free)
  • Schönbrunn Palace (2-3 hours, €16.50 for the Grand Tour ticket)
  • Belvedere Palace (2-3 hours, €22 for the Upper Belvedere ticket)
  • Viennese Coffeehouses (1-2 hours, €10-15 for coffee and a snack)
  • Vienna State Opera House (3-4 hours, tickets range from €10-300)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €48.50-358

Transportation

The best way to get around Vienna is by public transport, including the metro, bus, tram, or S-Bahn. The single trip ticket costs €2.40, and a day pass costs €8.00. Consider renting a bike or using ride-sharing apps for short distances. Taxis cost around €1.5/km.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, explore the Museumsquartier, the Kunsthaus Wien, and the Hundertwasser House. For a unique local experience, visit one of the Heurige (wine taverns), the Naschmarkt for food, or the Donauinsel for outdoor activities. If you have less time, skip the Belvedere Palace or coffeehouses, but do not miss out on the St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Vienna State Opera House.

Airports

Venna International Airport (VIE) is located 18 km southeast of Vienna city center. It is the main airport for Vienna and the largest airport in Austria, serving over 31 million passengers a year. The airport offers several transportation options, including buses, trains, taxis, car rentals, and ride-sharing apps.

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