2 Days in Vienna Itinerary (2025): Perfect 48-Hour Guide
2 Days in Vienna Itinerary (2025): Perfect 48-Hour Guide
Planning a weekend getaway and wondering how to spend 2 days in Vienna? You’re in the right place.
Vienna is a city of contrasts: Gothic spires at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, imperial grandeur at the Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace, world-class art at Belvedere Palace, and the sweet aroma of coffee and pastries at Café Central. With 48 hours, you’ll experience the best Vienna itinerary—a mix of culture, history, music, and food.
This Vienna 48-hour guide is perfect for first-time visitors, families with kids, or budget travelers. Follow along and discover the top things to do in Vienna in 2 days, plus insider tips for transport, dining, and sightseeing.
Day 1 – Palaces, Art & Evening Music
Morning – Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens
Kick off your trip with Vienna’s grandest attraction: Schönbrunn Palace. Tour the lavish Imperial Apartments, then wander the palace gardens. Don’t miss the climb to the Gloriette for sweeping city views.
Midday – Belvedere Palace & Klimt’s The Kiss
Continue to the Belvedere Palace, home to Austrian art treasures. The highlight is Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece The Kiss, one of the world’s most famous paintings. After exploring the galleries, stroll the palace gardens.
Afternoon – Lunch at Naschmarkt + Karlskirche
Refuel at Naschmarkt, Vienna’s bustling food market, where you can try local specialties or international flavors. Just a short walk away is Karlskirche, a Baroque gem with a magnificent dome.
Evening – Vienna State Opera or House of Music
End your first day with music:
- Option 1: Experience an unforgettable evening at the Vienna State Opera.
- Option 2: Visit the House of Music for an interactive journey into Austria’s musical heritage.
Day 2 – Old Town, Hofburg & Coffee Culture
Morning – St. Stephen’s Cathedral & Historic Core
Start in the heart of Vienna at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Admire its Gothic beauty, then climb the South Tower for city views. Stroll through Graben and Kohlmarkt, two elegant historic shopping streets.
Midday – Hofburg Palace & Spanish Riding School
Next, explore the Hofburg Palace, once the seat of the Habsburg dynasty. Visit the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and—if schedules align—the Spanish Riding School.
Afternoon – Coffee & Cake at Café Central + MuseumsQuartier
Take a break at Café Central, Vienna’s legendary coffeehouse. Try a slice of Sachertorte or apple strudel with a melange coffee. Afterwards, choose between:
- MuseumsQuartier for modern art
- Kunsthistorisches Museum for imperial masterpieces
Evening – Dinner & Heuriger Wine Tavern
Wrap up your 48 hours in Vienna with a traditional Austrian dinner. For a local experience, visit a Heuriger wine tavern just outside the city, where you’ll enjoy Viennese wine and rustic dishes in a cozy setting.
Map – Vienna 2 Day Itinerary
Travel Tips for Spending 2 Days in Vienna
- 🚇 Buy a 48-hour public transport pass for unlimited metro, tram, and bus rides.
- 🎟️ Consider the Vienna Pass if you plan to visit multiple paid attractions.
- ⏰ Start early at Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral to avoid crowds.
- 🍰 Don’t skip café culture—Café Central and Demel are must-visits.
FAQs – How to Spend 2 Days in Vienna
What are the best things to do in Vienna in 2 days?
The highlights include Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera. Add a coffee stop at Café Central and lunch at the Naschmarkt.
Is 2 days in Vienna enough for a first-time visitor?
Yes! This Vienna 48-hour guide is perfect for first-timers. It balances palaces, museums, markets, and café stops for a well-rounded experience.
What about 2 days in Vienna with kids?
Add family-friendly attractions like the Schönbrunn Zoo, Prater amusement park, or the House of Music.
Can I do Vienna in 2 days on a budget?
Absolutely. Free highlights include Schönbrunn Gardens, Stadtpark, and entry to the ground floor of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Buy a 48-hour metro pass for affordable travel.
Is the Vienna Pass worth it for 2 days?
If you’re visiting 3–4 attractions like Schönbrunn, Belvedere, Hofburg, and museums, the Vienna Pass offers great value with skip-the-line benefits
Final Thoughts – Your Best Vienna Itinerary in 2 Days
With just 48 hours in Vienna, you’ve explored palaces, markets, cathedrals, and cafés—the true essence of the Austrian capital. This 2-day Vienna itinerary gives you the perfect balance of history, art, food, and music.
