3 Day Historical Architecture Lover's Itinerary to Vienna, Austria

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Advisor - Mary Nelson
Curated By

Mary Nelson

  • Vienna

  • Austria

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Architectural

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

A statue of a mounted figure with a flock of birds flying above, set against grand buildings in warm sunlight.
Curator’s statement

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities, rich in culture and fascinating history. With its beginnings as a Celtic settlement, the city later grew into a Roman stronghold. Centuries later, it would become the de facto capital of the Holy Roman Empire and then the seat of the Austrian Empire, Vienna holds a storied past. Known as the City of Music after its famous 18th and 19th century composers with the likes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig Beethoven. Vienna's Baroque and Gothic architecture delight in this charming city full of cultural treasures.

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Day 1: St. Stephen's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace

A grand, ornate building with a dome and sculptures, a horse-drawn carriage in the foreground, and people milling about.

Start the morning by visiting the city's most iconic cathedral, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and climb to the top for amazing views.

Spend the rest of the day on the grounds of the Hofburg Palace. Take a tour of the Imperial Apartments and visit the must-see collection at the Hofburg Treasury, including the 1,000-year-old Imperial crown, and many more priceless artifacts from the Habsburg dynasty. If you have time, make sure you glimpse the inside of the Austrian National Library, a Baroque treasure.

For dinner, try Vienna's classic dish, the Schnitzel Wein.

Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace

A large, elaborate statue with multiple figures is set in a lush green environment.

Explore the Baroque splendor of the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens. If you're in town for Easter, don't miss the festive Easter Market at the palace.

Explore the Rathaus (City Hall) area and take in the beauty of the Neo-Gothic City Hall and Votivkirche lit up at night.

Day 3: Karlskirche and Vienna State Opera

A coffee cup with the text “VIENNESE TRADITION HITS THE WORLD” against a backdrop of blurred buildings.

Start your morning with a famous Viennese Coffee and then check out the opulent Baroque Church, the Karlskirche. You'll find beautiful frescoes painted on the interior of the dome.

Lastly, a trip to Vienna wouldn't be complete without catching a show at the prominent Vienna State Opera. Tickets sell out fast, so prepare to book month(s) in advance.

Advisor - Mary Nelson

Travel Advisor

Mary Nelson

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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Vienna. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Arden Scura's guide, Things to do in Vienna.