Best Things to Do in Austria’s Imperial Capital
Vienna, Austria’s capital city, is full of history and charm. With just 2 days in Vienna, you can experience its imperial heritage and famous sights without rush. This friendly guide gives first-time visitors a simple itinerary for Vienna sightseeing with practical tips.
Day 1 covers the historic Vienna city center, including iconic places to visit in Vienna like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Imperial Hofburg Palace.
Day 2 takes you to a grand Vienna palace (Schönbrunn Palace) and a fun evening at the Prater amusement park.
✨ 2 Days in Vienna – Sightseeing Plan for First-Time Visitors
🏛️ Day 1 – City Center Highlights & Classic Vienna- 🍰 8:00 – Breakfast at Café Central, Demel, Sacher or Gerstner
- 🏰 9:00 – Ferstel Palace
- 👑 9:05 – Kinski Palace (interior)
- 🏛️ 9:15 – Am Hof square walk
- 🛍️ 9:30 – Graben street
- ⛪ 9:45 – Stephansplatz & St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- ⚰️ 10:15 – Capuchin Crypt (Kapuzinergruft)
- 🏠 11:00 – Mozart’s House (exterior)
- 🍴 11:20 – Griechenbeisl tavern (exterior, oldest restaurant in Vienna)
- 🕰️ 11:30 – Ankeruhr (historic clock)
- 🏛️ 11:35 – Hoher Markt square
- ⛪ 11:45 – St. Rupert’s Church
- 🌊 12:00 – Relax moment by Danube Canal
- ⛪ 12:30 – St. Peter’s Church
- 🛍️ 13:00 – Kohlmarkt stroll
- 🏰 13:30 – Michaelerplatz & Hofburg (exterior)
- 🏛️ 14:00 – Heldenplatz
- 🌷 14:15 – Volksgarten
- 🏛️ 14:30 – Rathausplatz & Austrian Parliament
- 🖼️ 15:00 – Maria-Theresien-Platz + MuseumsQuartier
- 🌳 16:00 – Burggarten
- 🖼️ 16:30 – Albertina (optional short visit or photo spot)
- 🎭 17:00 – Vienna State Opera (exterior or short guided tour)
- 🎨 17:45 – Secession Building (photo stop)
- 🌸 18:00 – Karlsplatz & Church of St. Charles
- 🎵 18:30 – Stadtpark (statue of Johann Strauss)
- 🎡 20:00 – Evening in Prater: ride the Giant Ferris Wheel
- 🍰 8:00 – Breakfast at Café Central, Demel, Sacher or Gerstner
- 🌈 9:00 – Hundertwasserhaus (colorful architecture)
- 🌿 10:00 – Belvedere Gardens
- 👑 11:30 – Schönbrunn Palace
- 🌄 16:00 – Kahlenberg hill (panoramic view of Vienna)
- 🌇 18:30 – Danube Pier 22 (evening walk with skyline view)
Getting around is easy because Vienna has an excellent public transport network – the city is walkable, and Vienna trams and the U-Bahn (subway) quickly connect all major sights. (Consider a 24- or 48-hour Public Ticket Card for unlimited rides on buses, trams and subways.)
Start each day early, wear comfy shoes, and get ready to enjoy weekend in Vienna full of things to do in Vienna and must-see attractions.
Day 1: Historic City Center & Imperial Vienna
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) is a must-see Gothic landmark in the heart of Vienna.
Begin your weekend in Vienna in the Vienna city center (Innere Stadt), which is the historic core of the capital of Austria. Start at St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Stephansplatz – this 12th-century Gothic cathedral with its colorful tile roof is a symbol of Vienna. You can climb the tower’s stairs for a great view of Vienna’s rooftops if you feel energetic.
Next, walk around the pedestrian-friendly old town streets towards the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace of the Habsburg emperors. The Hofburg is an Imperial Vienna highlight: you can tour the ornate Imperial Apartments and learn about Empress “Sisi,” or simply admire the grand architecture from outside. Take a stroll through Heldenplatz and the Burggarten nearby for a taste of Vienna’s royal history and lovely green spaces.
In the afternoon, continue Vienna sightseeing along the elegant Ringstrasse boulevard that circles the city center. You’ll pass historic buildings like the Vienna State Opera, Parliament, and City Hall.
8:00 – Breakfast at Café Central, Demel, Sacher or Gerstner
Start your day like a local. These cafés are famous for Viennese coffee and sweet pastries. The buildings are also full of history.
I live in Vienna and this is my personal advice 👉 If you want to enjoy breakfast at Café Central, Café Sacher, or Gerstner, it’s best to book a table online. These are very popular places and lines can be long, especially in the morning.
💡 Make your reservation early – even several days ahead – to skip the queue and start your day stress-free.
9:00 – Ferstel Palace (Palais Ferstel)
Walk through a quiet, elegant arcade. It looks like a small Italian courtyard with shops and a hidden fountain.
9:05 – Kinsky Palace
Go inside this beautiful baroque palace. The golden staircase and painted ceilings are worth a quick visit.
You can enter Palais Kinsky for free. The grand staircase and interior are open to the public during the day.
🇵🇱 This place is also important for the Polish community. Prince Józef Poniatowski – one of the most famous Polish national heroes – was born here. If you care about history, this stop is worth your time.
9:15 – Am Hof Square
This calm square was once a Roman camp. Today it is peaceful, with baroque buildings.
The square Am Hof was once the center of early medieval Vienna. It was the main place for trade, defense, and politics before the city expanded.
👨🚒 There is also a fire station on the square – and it’s one of the oldest still-active fire stations in the world!
9:30 – Graben Street
A main street in Vienna’s old town. Here you see the Plague Column and enjoy elegant city views.
9:45 – Stephansplatz & St. Stephen’s Cathedral
This is the most famous church in Vienna. Take a walk around the outside or visit the tower if you have time.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart got married in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. On August 4, 1782, he married Constanze Weber in this historic church. Many people visit the cathedral for its beauty, but it’s also a place of deep personal stories from Vienna’s past.
10:15 – Capuchin Crypt (Kapuzinergruft)
Enter the resting place of Austria’s emperors. The metal tombs are impressive and a bit mysterious.
The Capuchin Crypt (Kapuzinergruft) is one of the most powerful places to visit in Vienna. More than 140 Habsburg royals were buried here, including Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph.
You will walk among decorated metal tombs and feel the real spirit of Imperial Vienna. It’s quiet, moving, and unforgettable. If you want to understand Vienna’s history, this is the right place.
11:00 – Mozart’s House (exterior)
See the building where Mozart lived and worked. Even from outside, it’s interesting for music lovers.
11:20 – Griechenbeisl (exterior)
This is Vienna’s oldest restaurant. Many kings and artists visited it. The building looks beautiful from the street.
11:30 – Ankeruhr (Historic Clock)
Every hour, small figures move across this Art Nouveau clock. A fun and quick stop.
The Ankeruhr was originally designed as a stylish advertisement. Built in 1914 by the Anker Insurance Company, it connected two buildings and showed Vienna’s respect for both tradition and modern design. Every hour, historical figures move across the clock – it’s a mix of art, time, and marketing!
11:35 – Hoher Markt Square
An old Roman market place. Today it’s quiet but full of hidden history.
11:45 – St. Rupert’s Church (Ruprechtskirche)
The oldest church in Vienna. It’s very small but peaceful, and it has old stones from Roman times.
12:00 – Danube Canal Break
Take a short walk by the canal. This area is modern and artistic, different from the city center.
The Danube Canal (Donaukanal) looks like a small river, but it’s actually man-made. It was created centuries ago as part of Vienna’s flood protection system and still flows through the city center. Today, it’s a popular place to walk, relax, or enjoy street art and open-air bars – especially in summer.
12:30 – St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)
A beautiful baroque church with a big dome and gold decoration. Sometimes you can hear live music inside.
13:00 – Kohlmarkt Street
This elegant shopping street is perfect for walking. It connects the center with the Hofburg Palace.
13:30 – Michaelerplatz & Hofburg (exterior)
This is where your journey into Imperial Vienna truly begins. Once you step onto Michaelerplatz, you stand in front of the grand Hofburg Palace, the former residence of emperors. You’ll see the Michaeler Gate, which was once the official entrance to the palace. It leads you directly into the world of the Habsburgs.
On one side, you will notice the Looshaus, a modern building that shocked Vienna in 1911. On the other side, there are beautiful baroque facades and remains of the Roman settlement Vindobona, visible under glass in the center of the square.
Even if you don’t enter the palace, this place is full of charm and history. You can take great photos here, especially because the horse-drawn carriages (Fiaker) often pass by. And just around the corner, you’ll find elegant shops and cafés that keep the royal feeling alive.
💡 Did You Know?
Many people say that Hofburg is the biggest palace in the world. It’s not just one building – it’s a huge complex with over 2,600 rooms! Because it grew over many centuries, it feels like a small city inside Vienna.
14:00 – Heldenplatz
This large square is in front of the Hofburg Palace. Important events in Austria’s history happened here.
In March 1938, Adolf Hitler stood on the balcony of the Neue Burg at Heldenplatz and announced the Anschluss – the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany. Thousands of people gathered in the square to watch the speech. Today, this place reminds visitors of one of the darkest chapters in Austria’s history.
14:15 – Volksgarten
Take a short break in this lovely garden. The roses are beautiful, and you get a great view of the Parliament.
14:30 – Rathausplatz & Austrian Parliament
Two key buildings of the Austrian capital. You’ll see gothic towers and Greek columns side by side.
I live in Vienna and here’s something many tourists don’t know 👉 You can visit the Austrian Parliament, the City Hall (Rathaus), and the Supreme Court building for free.
🏛️ For the Parliament, you need to register online in advance. 🏰 For the Rathaus, you can pick up a free entry ticket at the info desk inside at 8.00 in given days. ⚖️ And for the Supreme Court building, you can walk in freely and visit the rooftop café – no ticket or reservation needed. It’s a quiet spot with a great view!
15:00 – Maria-Theresien-Platz & MuseumsQuartier
Two great museums face each other across the square. The area is perfect for photos and quick sightseeing.
🌟 Local Tip
When you visit MuseumsQuartier, make sure to go up to the free terrace called MQ Libelle. It gives a lovely view over the rooftops, and you can sit there with a coffee. It’s free, but you must reach it by elevator or stairs. Many locals and tourists love it, so go early, and then relax with a drink or snack.
16:00 – Burggarten
A park behind the Hofburg Palace. You’ll find the Mozart statue and quiet spots for resting.
💡 Fun Fact
In the Burggarten, Emperor Franz I was actually a trained gardener and he helped plant and choose flowers. He felt every ruler needed a trade, so he learned gardening and then worked himself in the castle garden. This shows how even emperors in Vienna took part in simple, real work.
16:30 – Albertina
From the top of the steps, you get a nice view. You can go inside if you like art, or just take photos.
17:00 – Vienna State Opera
One of the top Vienna attractions. Take a quick guided tour or enjoy the architecture from outside.
17:45 – Secession Building
This white building with a golden dome is a symbol of modern Vienna. A short photo stop is enough.
18:00 – Karlsplatz & Church of St. Charles (Karlskirche)
A beautiful baroque church with a large square. Often, local events or concerts happen here.
18:30 – Stadtpark
Walk through this park and find the golden statue of Johann Strauss. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Vienna.
20:00 – Prater: Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel
End your day in Vienna’s famous fun park. The view from the Ferris wheel is magical, especially at night.
Day 2: Palaces, Parks & Local Sights
Start Day 2 with breakfast at one of Vienna’s most famous cafés. Whether you choose Café Central, Demel, Sacher, or Gerstner, you will enjoy fresh coffee and sweet pastries in a beautiful, historical place. After that, your day continues with color and creativity.
Your first stop is the Hundertwasserhaus, a building full of bright colors, trees, and curved lines. It looks like a fairy tale, and it’s one of the most unique Vienna attractions. You can take photos and enjoy the playful architecture before heading to something more royal.
Palaces
Next, walk through the Belvedere Gardens, one of the most elegant green areas in the Austrian capital. Between the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces, you will see fountains, flowers, and views of Vienna. Even if you don’t go inside the museum, the garden itself is worth the visit.
Then take the U4 metro line to Schönbrunn Palace. This is one of the top places to visit in Vienna and shows the glory of Imperial Vienna. You can walk through the gardens, climb the hill to the Gloriette, or just enjoy the peaceful park atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to experience royal history without stress.
In the afternoon, leave the busy city and take a trip up to Kahlenberg Hill. From here, you will see the whole city, the Danube River, and even far into the countryside. This is a great place to relax and enjoy fresh air after a day of sightseeing.
End your 2 days in Vienna by the water. Go to Danube Pier 22, a quiet riverside area with a beautiful view of the modern skyline. It’s a peaceful place where locals go to walk, sit, or watch the sunset. This is a calm and modern end to your trip.
With this plan, you visited famous sites, quiet parks, royal palaces, and modern Vienna views. This 2-day Vienna itinerary gives you a perfect mix of culture, beauty, and local life in the capital of Austria. You’ll want to come back again soon.
8:00 – Breakfast at Café Central, Demel, Sacher or Gerstner
Start your second day in Vienna with a true Viennese breakfast. These cafés are famous for their history, beautiful interiors, and delicious pastries. They are the perfect beginning for another full day of sightseeing.
9:00 – Hundertwasserhaus
Visit one of the most unusual buildings in Vienna. The colorful facade, uneven floors, and plants growing on the roof make this place very special. It’s fun, artistic, and completely different from the classical style of imperial Vienna.
10:00 – Belvedere Gardens
Take a peaceful walk through the baroque gardens between the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces. This place is perfect for photos, and the view over the city is one of the best. You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the garden area.
11:30 – Schönbrunn Palace
This is one of the top Vienna attractions. You can walk through the gardens, climb the Gloriette hill, or tour the imperial rooms inside. Schönbrunn shows the full glory of the Habsburg family and is a must-see in Vienna.
16:00 – Kahlenberg
After the palace, take a break with fresh air and a view. From Kahlenberg hill, you can see the whole city of Vienna, the Danube, and even far away into the countryside. It’s a quiet and beautiful spot, especially in the afternoon.
18:30 – Danube Pier 22
End your 2 days in Vienna by the water. At Danube Pier 22, you can relax, watch the river flow, and look at the modern skyline. It’s the perfect way to finish your visit – peaceful, modern, and different from the busy city center.
If you liked my article about what to do in Vienna, feel free to share it with your friends! 😊 And while you’re here, don’t miss my tasty guide about what to eat in Vienna – a full list of the best Würstelstand spots 🍴. These are not just any street food places – they are now part of UNESCO heritage! Check it out and try the real taste of Vienna life. – The best Wurst in Vienna