Vienna in 3 days is the perfect mix of history, culture and nature. The city is not only rich in impressive sights, but also full of free experiences – be it strolling through magnificent parks, strolling through old town alleys or discovering alternative places such as the Danube Canal. This guide shows you how to explore Vienna in 3 days without breaking your budget.

Day 1: Historic center & classics

Stephansdom & Wiener Altstadt

Start your trip in the heart of Vienna. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the city’s landmark and can be entered free of charge. If you like, you can pay an entrance fee to climb the south tower and enjoy the panoramic view.

Graben, Kohlmarkt & Hofburg

Then stroll through the elegant Graben and Kohlmarktstraße towards the Hofburg. You can freely explore the grounds, the Burggarten and Volksgarten as well as Heldenplatz. The magnificent architecture gives a first impression of the splendor of the Habsburg era.

Time Travel Vienna (optional)

For an interactive experience, we recommend a visit to Time Travel Vienna. The multimedia journey through Vienna’s history with 5D, virtual reality and special effects is particularly popular with families and history buffs. The tours start every 20 minutes, so you can flexibly incorporate them into your city tour. (Online ticket booking recommended.)

A group of people look terrified as they walk past eerie, decomposing corpses in a dark, underground tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, a shadowy figure wearing a hat stands under a beam of light, adding to the ominous atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in Vienna’s secrets – the Time Travel Tour takes you through 2,000 years of Viennese history

Gratis-Tipp: Burggarten & Mozart-Denkmal

The Burggarten is located right next to the Hofburg – a peaceful, beautiful park with the famous Mozart monument. Ideal for a short break between sightseeing and a must if you are exploring Vienna in 3 days.

A white marble statue stands on a pedestal in a park. In the foreground is a red flowerbed in the shape of a treble clef, near which several people are walking.
Mozart monument in the castle garden


Tag 2: Kunst, Parks & der Wiener Charme

MuseumsQuartier & Maria-Theresien-Platz

Visit the expansive Maria-Theresien-Platz with the impressive Museum of Art and Natural History. Those who love art will find exciting exhibitions in the MuseumsQuartier – or can simply enjoy the courtyards and architecture for free.

Gratis-Tipp: Volksgarten mit Rosenblüte

Right next door is the Volksgarten – a veritable sea of flowers with over 3,000 rose bushes, especially in spring and summer. Admission is free and the park offers plenty of places to sit and relax.

Behind trees and red flowers in a garden rises a historic white building with a domed roof, and a yellow construction crane can be seen under the overcast sky.
The Volksgarten offers outdoor recreation, next to rose bushes

Donaukanal & Street Art entdecken

In the afternoon, take a walk along the Danube Canal. Here you will find an urban atmosphere, trendy bars and lots of street art. A great place to get to know Vienna from a different perspective.

A glass sphere rests on a rock and reflects a wall covered in colorful graffiti, a staircase and the blue sky of a nearby urban area. The graffiti art and the building appear inverted in the crystal ball.
Discover street art on the Danube Canal and enjoy a drink by the water

Abend: Karlsplatz & Musikverein

End the day on Karlsplatz with a view of the baroque Karlskirche. Music fans can find out whether there are cheap or free concerts at the Musikverein or in nearby churches.


Tag 3: Schlossanlagen & Natur pur

Schloss Schönbrunn & Schlosspark (kostenloser Zutritt)

The last day begins at the majestic Schönbrunn Palace. Admission to the extensive palace park, the Neptune Fountain and the ascent to the Gloriette are free and definitely worthwhile.

In an open, sun-drenched garden stands a large, yellow baroque-style pavilion with arched columns and statues against a partly cloudy blue sky.
The walk to the Gloriette is rewarded with a breathtaking view over Vienna

Optional: Tiergarten Schönbrunn

Schönbrunn Palace Park is also home to the oldest zoo in the world. At Schönbrunn Zoo (Opens in a new tab or window), numerous animal species can be observed in the extensive zoo – a tip both in good weather and in the rain.

Gratis-Tipp: Botanischer Garten der Universität Wien 🌿

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Belvedere is the Botanical Garden (Opens in a new tab or window) – a real insider tip. Over 11,000 plant species, well-tended paths and a peaceful atmosphere make it one of the most beautiful free nature experiences in the city, ideal during a Vienna in 3 days stay.

Abend: Kahlenberg oder Donauturm

If you still have energy left: The Kahlenberg offers a fantastic view over the whole city – accessible free of charge by public transport. Or visit the Donaupark near the Danube Tower, a green, quiet area away from the city center.

Cityscape at night with illuminated buildings, bridges and streetlights reflected in a river. The skyline consists of a mixture of high-rise and low-rise buildings under a dark sky.
Whether from the Kahlenberg or the Danube Tower: the view over Vienna is unique

Nützliche Tipps für 3 Tage in Wien

  • Public parks and squares: There are over 1,000 parks in Vienna – many of which are centrally located and freely accessible.
  • Free city tours: Some providers offer daily free walking tours (on a tip basis) through the city center.
  • Use public transport: With a 72-hour ticket from Wiener Linien, you can get around the city cheaply and flexibly.
  • Drinking water fountains: You’ll find free drinking water points all over Vienna – perfect for hot days.

Text: Time Travel Vienna

Are you planning a shorter visit to Vienna? These guides will provide you with input for an optimal program:

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