Want to organize your next vacation to see the best of Vienna in 2 days? You’re in the right place—let’s get started!
In this section, we’ve gathered the top points of interest that Austria’s famous capital has to offer.
Vienna is packed with attractions for visitors and locals alike. So, if you’re planning to explore the city in such a short time, it’s essential to have an itinerary that helps you see the best of what Vienna has to offer.
Discover below the highlights of Vienna, and take note of our recommendations to make the most of your time in the city.
To begin, we’d like to offer a list of activities that we tried ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed, perfect for enhancing your Vienna experience. Here are our top recommendations:
- Classical Music Concert at Mozart’s House
- Classic Ensemble Vienna at St. Peter’s
- Art History Museum Entry Ticket
- Upper Belvedere and Permanent Collection Ticket
What to See in Vienna in 2 Days? Day 1
Vienna is a city located in the eastern part of Austria and is one of the country’s major tourist hotspots.
It boasts an incredible number of cultural attractions as well as stunning architectural masterpieces that stand tall against the Austrian capital’s skyline.
In fact, Vienna is home to around 27 castles and over 150 palaces—a spectacle you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
So, if you’re still wondering what to see in Vienna in 2 days, here’s a list of the most interesting places the imperial city has to offer.
Breakfast at the Grand Café Central
To start off your first day in Vienna, we recommend having breakfast at the Grand Café Central.
This well-known café in Vienna first opened its doors in 1860.
Located in the 1st district of Vienna, at 14 Herrengasse Street, the café is housed in a building that stands out for its neo-Renaissance architecture.
Today, it is known as the Palais Ferstel, named after its creator, Heinrich Von Ferstel.
Besides being a mansion inspired by 14th-century Venetian architecture, Palais Ferstel is fully equipped for hosting various events, making it a truly unforgettable landmark.
The café itself is steeped in history, holding countless stories of artists, musicians, poets, and philosophers from the past.
In fact, it was common to see a revolutionary (Trotsky), a psychoanalyst (Freud), several writers and poets (including Polgar, Zweig, and Altenberg), and an architect (Loos) savoring a coffee and a cigarette in what is Vienna’s most captivating café.
To start your tour of the Austrian capital, there’s nothing better than having breakfast at Vienna’s Grand Café Central, a spot that has served some of the finest coffee to the 20th century’s intellectual elite.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a fascinating structure and one of the greatest religious symbols of Austria’s capital.
It’s located in Stephansplatz (St. Stephen’s Square), right in the heart of Vienna.
This architectural masterpiece, built in the early 12th century, boasts a Gothic-style façade.
The cathedral’s tower soars skyward, reaching about 137 meters and visible from various points across the city.
Besides its beauty, the main tower features a spiral staircase allowing visitors to reach the top of the cathedral.
This privileged spot offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Vienna.
Another captivating feature of the cathedral’s exterior is its tiled roof, which consists of over 250,000 tiles.
The Pagan Towers, which guard the cathedral’s main entrance—also known as the Giant’s Door—are another impressive detail.
This Christian symbol of Vienna also serves as the burial site for many members of the Habsburg dynasty.
Additionally, it has hosted some of Austria’s most grandiose ceremonies, including the funeral of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
An unforgettable experience is attending a classical music concert inside the cathedral, a unique way to explore its interior. However, it’s essential to book your ticket in advance here to secure your place.
Hofburg Palace
This palace is considered one of Vienna’s most significant landmarks. Since its construction, it has served as the residence of much of Austria’s royalty. This monumental work by architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach was completed in 1279.
Hofburg covers a large area of Vienna and is a complex where you can find almost anything, from museums and churches to even equestrian schools. Today, it also houses the office of Austria’s President.
If you’re visiting between May and December, you’ll have the chance to attend the classical concerts by the Wiener Hofburg Orchester, held in the palace’s grand halls.
Hofburg remains a vital cultural hub and offers guided tours. Like the cathedral and the city’s Grand Café, the Hofburg Palace is another must-see if you’re planning to explore Vienna in 2 days.
For a more in-depth visit, consider purchasing the Imperial Treasury ticket beforehand. This area is full of charm and displays impressive artworks. We bought our ticket through this link on Civitatis and loved it.
Austrian National Library
If you’re still wondering what to see in Vienna in 2 days, the Austrian National Library is a must-stop on your city tour.
Not only is it the most beautiful library in Europe, but it’s also the largest in Austria.
The library’s Baroque architectural style captivates visitors, and it’s also a place of immense knowledge, with a collection of over 200,000 books.
It’s worth dedicating a few hours to explore this magnificent house of knowledge, art, architecture, and history.
Enjoy a Performance at the Vienna State Opera
To wrap up your first day touring Austria’s capital, we recommend attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera. The Vienna Opera is one of the most exceptional and storied institutions in all of Europe.
Not only does it play a key role in Vienna’s vibrant musical scene, but its remarkable neo-Renaissance architecture has charmed visitors from all over the world.
In addition to opera, the Vienna State Opera also hosts ballet performances and musical concerts, which we highly recommend seeing.
Want to learn more about its history? In that case, consider taking this guided tour, which is truly outstanding. You’ll learn so much more about Vienna and the Opera House itself.
Second Day
If you loved the first day’s itinerary, what we have planned for your second day in Vienna is sure to captivate you.
Start your day early to make the most of everything we’ve included in this guide and maybe even more!
Schönbrunn Palace
Another grand palace open to the public is the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace. This masterpiece, constructed in the 17th century, also served as a residence for Vienna’s royal family, similar to Hofburg Palace.
While the entire palace is a marvel, one of the most stunning rooms is the Great Gallery, where lavish events and celebrations were held.
The Round Chinese Salon is also a captivating space, a room that was particularly useful to the queen as it was where she received many guests.
Finally, don’t miss the Breakfast and Blue Chinese Rooms—two essential areas that transport you back in time with an audio guide narrating the history and details of each room.
For a memorable experience, consider reserving a spot for one of the many guided tours available:
- Guided Tour of Schönbrunn Palace
- Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace Tour
- Schönbrunn Palace and Imperial Crypt Tour
- Concert at Schönbrunn Palace
- Schönbrunn Palace with Dinner and Concert
While you can visit the palace, it’s highly recommended to purchase skip-the-line tickets for Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens. Book online here for discounted tickets.
Naschmarkt Market
Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most popular market, offering a wide variety of foods and local specialties.
It’s not only a top spot for tourists but also a lively area filled with cafés and restaurants where you can sample Austrian cuisine as well as international dishes.
The market also offers a range of activities to make your visit even more enjoyable:
- Chocolate Workshop at the Chocolate Museum with Tasting
- Mozart Kugel Workshop
- Kaiserschmarrn Traditional Cooking Class with Tasting
Hundertwasserhaus
On your second day of exploring Vienna, don’t miss the chance to visit the famous Hundertwasserhaus.
This unique residential complex is a celebrated part of Austria’s cultural heritage.
Built between 1983 and 1986, the building takes its name from the artist and visionary Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who sought to break from conventional, linear designs by creating undulating floors and colorful facades.
Inside the apartments, beautiful trees grow, with branches extending through the windows, giving the building an enchanting and distinctive look that fascinates every visitor.
Visit the Prater
To wrap up your whirlwind two-day tour of Vienna, we recommend a visit to the Prater Amusement Park.
This historic park, inaugurated in 1897, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world and a cherished leisure spot for locals and tourists alike.
The park is home to one of Vienna’s iconic symbols, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel. You can skip the ticket line and reserve your ride online here for an unforgettable experience in one of Vienna’s most storied locations.
Standing about 60 meters tall, the Ferris wheel remarkably survived World War II. While part of it was destroyed in the conflict, it was restored and resumed operation with 15 of its original 30 cabins, continuing to offer spectacular views of Vienna to this day.