We arrived in Vienna with just 48 hours and an appetite for history, coffee, and classical charm. Austria’s capital, with its blend of imperial grandeur, artistic heritage, amazing architecture, and café culture, quickly swept me into its timeless rhythm. If you’re wondering whether two days in Vienna are enough, I’ll say this: it’s enough to... The post 48 Hours in Vienna: A Two Day Itinerary Through Austria’s Imperial Capital appeared first on Two Guys Abroad.
We arrived in Vienna with just 48 hours and an appetite for history, coffee, and classical charm. Austria’s capital, with its blend of imperial grandeur, artistic heritage, amazing architecture, and café culture, quickly swept me into its timeless rhythm. If you're wondering whether two days in Vienna are enough, I’ll say this: it’s enough to fall in love — and to start planning your return.
Best Places to See in Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace
My journey began with Vienna’s crown jewel: Schönbrunn Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, and stepping through its gates felt like traveling back in time. We took the Grand Tour, which led me through the Rococo state rooms, Empress Sisi’s private quarters, and the Hall of Mirrors (rivaling Versailles in opulence). Afterwards, we wandered the perfectly trimmed gardens up to the Gloriette, which offered a panoramic view over Vienna’s rooftops.
The Hofburg Imperial Palace
Located in the heart of the city, the Hofburg Palace is the former seat of Habsburg power. We explored the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments, where Franz Joseph and Elisabeth once lived. The Spanish Riding School, housed within the Hofburg complex, gave me a peek into Austria’s equestrian tradition.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Dominating the city center, St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) was my next stop. The Gothic spire can be seen from nearly every angle of Vienna. We climbed 343 steps up the South Tower for breathtaking views and admired the colorful tiled roof that shines brilliantly under the sun.
Where to Eat: My Culinary Highlights
Breakfast: Café Central
To start our day, we visited Café Central, arguably Vienna’s most iconic café. Once frequented by Trotsky and Freud, this opulent coffeehouse feels more like a salon than a café. I ordered a Viennese melange (a local take on cappuccino) with Kaiserschmarrn, fluffy shredded pancakes dusted with sugar and served with plum compote.
Lunch: Figlmüller for Schnitzel
No trip to Vienna is complete without tasting a Wiener Schnitzel, and Figlmüller delivered the best I’ve ever had. Their veal schnitzel — thin, crisp, and hanging over the plate’s edge — came with potato salad and a wedge of lemon. I paired it with a glass of dry Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s beloved white wine.
Afternoon Treat: Café Sacher
For a post-lunch treat, we made our way to Café Sacher for the original Sachertorte. This dense chocolate cake layered with apricot jam and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze was served with unsweetened whipped cream, just as it should be.
Dinner: Plachutta Wollzeile
For a taste of traditional Viennese dining, Plachutta is a must. I had the Tafelspitz, a dish once favored by Emperor Franz Joseph. It’s boiled beef served in a copper pot with vegetables, horseradish, and chive sauce — rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful.
Must-See Attractions in Vienna
Belvedere Palace
Art and architecture lovers should not miss the Belvedere Palace. I spent hours here, not just admiring the baroque buildings and formal gardens but also the art collection inside, including Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.”
Naschmarkt
For a different flavor of Vienna, we wandered through the Naschmarkt, the city’s most famous open-air market. Here, I sampled fresh olives, local cheeses, Turkish pastries, and street food — it’s a great place to grab a casual lunch or picnic items.
Vienna State Opera
Even if you don’t have time for a full performance, book the Mozart Concert. It comes highly recommended and is a regular performance.
My 48-Hour Itinerary in Vienna
Day 1: Imperial Vienna
8:00 AM – Breakfast at Café Central
Indulge in coffee and pastries while admiring the ornate ceilings and chandeliers.
9:30 AM – Schönbrunn Palace Tour
Beat the crowds with an early tour and definitly prepurchase your tickets (use the link above). Don’t miss the gardens and Gloriette for city views.
12:30 PM – Lunch at Figlmüller
Dig into Austria’s most famous schnitzel at the original location on Wollzeile.
2:00 PM – Belvedere Palace & Klimt’s “The Kiss”
A short tram ride takes you to one of Vienna’s best art collections.
4:30 PM – Coffee & Cake at Café Sacher
Try the original Sachertorte with a melange or black coffee.
6:00 PM – Evening Walk & Dinner at Plachutta
Enjoy a scenic walk through Stadtpark, then dine like royalty.
8:00 PM – Classical Concert or Opera
Catch a live performance at the Musikverein or the Vienna State Opera.
Day 2: City Core & Culture
8:00 AM – Quick Breakfast at a Local Bäckerei
Grab a croissant and coffee before heading into the city center.
9:00 AM – St. Stephen’s Cathedral Tower Climb
The view is well worth the climb. Explore the catacombs if you’re feeling brave.
10:30 AM – Hofburg Palace Tour
Explore the imperial heart of Vienna, including the Sisi Museum.
12:30 PM – Naschmarkt Lunch
Sample local and international bites at this vibrant open-air market.
2:00 PM – Albertina Museum or Leopold Museum
If you love art, choose one of these stellar museums. The Albertina houses works by Monet, Picasso, and Degas, while the Leopold focuses on Austrian modernism.
4:30 PM – Kaffeehaus Break at Café Demel
A traditional spot for people-watching and grabbing one last sweet treat.
6:00 PM – Farewell Dinner at Steirereck (optional upscale)
If you want to end with a culinary bang, Steirereck (2 Michelin stars) inside Stadtpark is a stunning way to say goodbye to Vienna.
Getting to Vienna and Around the City
From Vienna International Airport (VIE) to City Center
Vienna’s airport is just 16 km (10 miles) from the city. You have three solid options to reach downtown:
- City Airport Train (CAT): 16 minutes non-stop to Wien Mitte. Costs €14 one-way. Quick but pricier.
- S-Bahn (Line S7): Around 25 minutes to the center for just €4.40 — best value if you’re not in a rush.
- Airport Bus: Connects major city hubs like Schwedenplatz and Westbahnhof. Good for travelers with bulky luggage.
I chose the S-Bahn, and the train was clean, on time, and dropped me near my hotel in under 30 minutes.
Public Transportation in Vienna
Vienna’s public transport system (Wiener Linien) is one of the best I’ve experienced in Europe. It includes:
- U-Bahn (Subway)
- Trams (Strassenbahn)
- Buses
All use the same ticketing system, so you can hop from subway to tram without hassle.
Which Ticket to Buy
I bought a Vienna Tourist Pass, which gave me access to some of the major sites and museums mentioned in this article, in conjunction with the Vienna City Card (€17–€35), for either a 24, 48, 72-Hour or 7-Day Public Transport + Discounts.
Tips for Visiting Vienna in 48 Hours
Walk as much as possible – The city center is compact, flat, and full of beautiful details.
Always validate your transport ticket – Fines for unvalidated tickets can be steep.
Avoid Mondays – Many museums and attractions are closed.
Buy tickets in advance – Especially for Schönbrunn Palace, concerts, or popular restaurants like Figlmüller.
Public restrooms aren’t always free – Carry coins for pay toilets (€0.50–€1).
Final Thoughts: Vienna in Two Days
Vienna is more than its imperial palaces and famous coffeehouses — though those are fantastic. It’s the rhythm of life here that stuck with me. Locals linger in cafés for hours, take pride in their traditions, and move through the city with a graceful calm. Even with only two days, I felt immersed in a city that has mastered the balance of old-world elegance and modern energy.
If you’re planning a short trip and wondering if Vienna is worth your 48 hours — my answer is absolutely, without hesitation. Just remember to bring an appetite and an extra memory card.
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