Start your trip in Vienna with two of the most iconic attractions of the city: Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace. Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the imperial family, boasts of 1,441 rooms and a stunning garden. Hofburg Palace, on the other hand, served as the official residence of the Habsburg dynasty and is now home to various museums. Don't miss the Imperial Treasury, where the crown jewels and the Holy Roman Emperor's regalia are on display.
Start the day by visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral, the city's most iconic landmark. Explore the catacombs and climb 343 stairs to the South Tower for a stunning view of Vienna. Afterward, head to the Vienna State Opera, one of the world's leading opera houses. Take a guided tour to learn about its history, architecture, and behind-the-scenes operations. You can even catch a performance if you book in advance.
Spend the morning in Belvedere Palace, a Baroque building consisting of two palaces and a beautiful garden. Admire the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt's paintings in the Upper Belvedere. In the afternoon, head to the Prater Amusement Park, one of the oldest parks in the world. Ride the giant Ferris wheel for a panoramic view of the city and enjoy classic park attractions such as bumper cars and carousels.
Start your final day in Vienna with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world's finest art museums. Admire works by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Raphael. In the afternoon, wander around the Naschmarkt, Vienna's most popular market. Try local specialties such as Wiener schnitzel, sausages, and apple strudel. Don't forget to haggle with the vendors to get the best deals.
If you have more time, consider visiting other popular attractions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Natural History Museum, and the Austrian National Library. You can also take day trips to nearby cities such as Salzburg and Bratislava.
If you have less time, consider skipping some of the attractions or combining them into half-day trips. For example, you can visit Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace on the same day or combine Belvedere Palace with a visit to the nearby Botanic Garden.
Wear comfortable shoes and expect to do a lot of walking. Consider using public transportation such as the U-Bahn and the tram to save time and money. Don't forget to try local food and drinks, such as Wiener schnitzel, Sachertorte, and Viennese coffee.