Vienna, Austria’s grand capital, is a city that effortlessly blends imperial history with modern-day charm. On our recent European trip, we spent three whirlwind days in Vienna, and though the time was short, we managed to squeeze in a lot of the city’s top attractions. From royal palaces to panoramic views, and even some fun amusement park rides, Vienna offered something for everyone. Here’s how we spent our 3 days in this beautiful city.
Day 1: A Day of Fun, History, and Views
We arrived in Vienna by train from Salzburg, which took around 2.5 hours and offered scenic views of the Austrian countryside. Our hotel, Novotel Wien HBF, was super convenient since it was right next to the train station—perfect for easy access to the rest of the city. Bonus: We used our Accor points for 90% of the booking, making it an affordable option for a centrally located hotel.
We purchased the 48-hour Vienna Pass, which gave us access to a ton of attractions and even included hop-on-hop-off bus rides. This pass is a great way to explore the city without the hassle of public transport tickets.
Madame Tussaud’s Vienna
We kicked off our sightseeing at Madame Tussaud’s Vienna located in the Prater amusement park. It was fun to walk through the museum and snap pictures with life-like wax figures of everyone from Hollywood stars to Austrian royals. If you love quirky, interactive museums, this is a great start to your visit!
The Giant Ferris Wheel
Right next door to Madame Tussaud’s is the famous Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad). Built in 1897, it’s one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks and offers incredible views of the city. We hopped on and got a bird’s eye view of Vienna—an absolute must-do for anyone visiting the city for the first time.
Prater Amusement Park
After the Ferris wheel, we strolled around Prater Amusement Park, where we took a ride on the Lilliputbahn, a tiny, charming train that chugs through the park. It’s a fun way to explore the area, especially if you’re looking to take a break and enjoy the greenery.
Then, we hopped on the Prater Train, which gave us another cool perspective of the park. It’s one of those activities that’s a bit kitschy but incredibly fun, and the locals seem to love it!
Danube Tower
To wrap up the day, we headed over to the Danube Tower (Donauturm). At 252 meters tall, the tower offers stunning 360-degree views of the city and the Danube River. The panoramic views at sunset were particularly magical, and the observation deck is definitely worth a visit if you want to see Vienna from above.
Aanya had an unforgettable adventure at the Danube Tower, where she experienced Europe’s highest slide. Starting from a height of 165 metres, she zoomed down the 40-metre-long track at speeds of up to 18 km/h, reaching the viewing level at 150 metres in just a few seconds.
She absolutely loved the adrenaline rush as she slid down, feeling like she was flying! The short but exhilarating ride left her wanting to do it all over again. For thrill-seekers visiting the Danube tower, this slide is a must-try experience! 🎢✨
Day 2: Palaces, Museums, and Cruises
Day 2 was all about Vienna’s royal history and cultural treasures. We started early and spent most of the day exploring some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Schönbrunn Palace
First up was the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. We toured the State Apartments, which were beautifully preserved and gave us a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the royal family. The palace itself is stunning, with golden chandeliers, intricate furnishings, and rich history around every corner.
Schönbrunn Zoo & Children’s Museum
Next, we visited Schönbrunn Zoo, which is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It’s part of the Schönbrunn Palace complex, and the animals are housed in a natural, beautiful environment. We also checked out the Children’s Museum—a fun and educational spot that offers interactive exhibits on Austrian history. It’s great for families, but we still had fun exploring!
Maze at Schönbrunn
The Maze at Schönbrunn was another highlight. This large labyrinth is located in the palace gardens, and we had a blast trying to find our way to the middle. It’s a bit tricky, but it’s a lot of fun, and it adds a bit of adventure to your palace visit.
Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum
Later, we made our way to Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence in the heart of the city. The Sisi Museum inside was fascinating. It’s dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, and offers a glimpse into her personal life, her struggles, and her legacy. It’s a must-see if you’re interested in Austria’s royal history.
City Cruise Vienna
After all that history, we decided to relax a bit with a City Cruise on the Danube. We boarded at Schwedenplatz Pier and enjoyed a leisurely boat ride along the river. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective while taking a break from sightseeing.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
To wrap up our day, we visited the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) near the Hofburg Palace. This museum is a treasure trove of masterpieces, with works by famous artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Raphael. The museum itself is grand and the exhibits are carefully curated, making it a perfect spot for art lovers.
On our last day in Vienna, we made sure to enjoy some local delicacies for breakfast. We then made our way to Vienna International Airport for a quick flight to Amsterdam, the final stop on our European journey.
In summary, three days in Vienna was the perfect amount of time to get a taste of everything this beautiful city has to offer—whether it was the historic palaces, the fun attractions, or the stunning views. The Vienna Pass made it easy to see the top sights without worrying about tickets, and we had plenty of time to explore, eat, and relax. If you’re planning a short trip to Vienna, I highly recommend doing a mix of cultural experiences and fun attractions—you won’t regret it!
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