Vienna for a Weekend: The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary

Vienna is a city of imperial elegance, historic cafés, and world-class culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this 48-hour itinerary will take you through iconic sights, hidden gems, and top dining spots, ensuring you experience the best of Austria’s stunning capital without wasting any time.

Day 1: Imperial Landmarks & Classic Vienna Experiences

☕ Morning: Coffee & A Royal Start at Schönbrunn Palace

Begin your Vienna weekend the traditional way—with a cup of coffee & cake at one of the city’s legendary cafés:

• Café Central – One of Vienna’s most famous coffee houses, dating back to 1876.

• Café Landtmann – A historic café with stunning interiors & famous clientele.

• Balthasar Coffee Bar – A modern take on Vienna’s coffee culture with specialty brews.

Next, head to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs.

✅ Tour the lavish palace interiors.

✅ Stroll through the stunning gardens & Gloriette viewpoint.

🏛️ Midday: St. Stephen’s Cathedral & A Traditional Viennese Lunch

Take the metro back to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the symbol of Vienna, before grabbing lunch.

🍽️ Lunch Recommendations:

• Figlmüller Bäckerstraße – Famous for serving Vienna’s biggest schnitzel.

• Zum Leupold – A historic Austrian restaurant with a cozy ambiance.

• Salm Bräu – A brewery-restaurant known for its house-brewed beer & roasted pork.

🎭 Afternoon: Museums & Strolling Through Vienna’s Historic Center

Spend the afternoon immersed in Vienna’s culture:

• The Hofburg – Austria’s imperial palace, home to the Sisi Museum.

• Albertina – One of Vienna’s best art museums, with works by Monet & Picasso.

• Kunsthistorisches Museum – A magnificent art collection in a palatial setting.

For something more relaxing, take a stroll through Rathausplatz and enjoy the beautiful Vienna City Hall architecture.

🍷 Evening: Elegant Dining & Rooftop Cocktails

For dinner, choose from classic Viennese cuisine or something modern:

✨ Der Bettelstudent – A local favorite for Austrian comfort food.

✨ Restaurant Wienerin – A trendy contemporary Austrian dining experience.

✨ Apron – A Michelin-starred restaurant with refined European dishes.

🍸 Bars & Nightlife:

After dinner, check out Vienna’s best bars:

🍸 Das LOFT – A rooftop bar with incredible city views.

🍸 The Bank Bar – Elegant cocktails in a former bank vault.

🍸 Tür 7 – A hidden speakeasy with a cozy, intimate vibe.

For late-night fun, head to Flex or Volksgarten for music & dancing.

Day 2: Hidden Gems & Local Discoveries

🌿 Morning: Coffee & Exploring Vienna’s Lesser-Known Side

Start the day at one of Vienna’s cozy coffee spots:

• Café Jelinek – A vintage café with bohemian charm.

• Vollpension – A social café run by grandmothers baking traditional cakes.

• KAFFEIN home base – A specialty coffee shop with excellent brews & breakfast options.

Then, venture off the beaten path:

• Donauinsel – A peaceful island on the Danube River, perfect for a morning walk.

• Imperial Carriage Museum – A fascinating collection of royal carriages.

• Haus der Musik – An interactive museum dedicated to Vienna’s musical heritage.

🍛 Afternoon: Lunch & Exploring Vienna’s Alternative Scene

For lunch, try something different:

🍽️ Restaurant Marks – A stylish spot for seasonal Austrian dishes.

🍽️ Velani – A fantastic vegetarian/vegan bistro.

🍽️ Market Restaurant – A fusion spot inspired by international street food.

After lunch, explore:

• Seegrotte – An underground lake, just outside the city.

• Neue Burg – A lesser-visited part of the Hofburg with incredible historical exhibits.

🍽️ Final Evening: Sunset, Dinner & Farewell Drinks

Wrap up your Vienna weekend with one last breathtaking view:

• Dachboden at 25hours Hotel – A chill rooftop bar with stunning city views.

• Lamee Rooftop Bar – The perfect sunset spot in central Vienna.

For your farewell dinner, enjoy:

✨ ef16 Restaurant – A hidden gem serving high-end Austrian cuisine.

✨ Veranda Brasserie & Bar – A modern twist on Viennese classics.

✨ Wiener Wiaz Haus – A cozy spot for authentic, homemade Viennese dishes.

🍸 Final Drinks in Vienna

End the night with a drink at:

🍸 The Sign Lounge – A creative cocktail bar with a mixologist’s touch.

🍸 Flanagan’s Irish Pub – A lively spot for casual drinks & music.

🍸 Schikaneder Bar – A laid-back bar with a local, indie feel.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Vienna Weekend!

This 48-hour itinerary ensures you experience Vienna’s best landmarks, hidden gems, and dining spots, all while keeping your travel time minimal. Want even more curated recommendations? 👇