Luxury Vienna: itinerary for a long weekend – part 1
Vienna is one of those European cities that’s small enough to see and do most things in a short space of time. That said, experiencing luxury Vienna is doable in a long weekend and is also a flashpacker traveller must.
Luxury Vienna: What to see, eat and do
Eat here: Sluka Cafe
A Viennese staple that’s been around for 125 years, Sluka Cafe offers a tantalising array of Austrian cakes and sweets. The cafe also serves savoury Viennese dishes like wurstel and goulash. In addition to the Sluka branch on Kärntner Street, there’s a second cafe on Rathausplatz.
See this: Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera is, you guessed it, an opera house that dates back to the mid-19th century. If you’re a fan of literature, singing, and 3-hour plus performances, this will probably be a treat for you. Personally, I was more excited by the exterior and opulent interior of the building. Most noteworthy are the Renaissance style arches and also the striking circular ceiling.
The theatrical feel continues on the arches above the veranda. If you look closely enough, you’ll spot the 5 bronze statues representing heroism, tragedy, fantasy, comedy, and love.
Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna
See this: Secession Building, Vienna
The Secession Building is an exhibition hall that was built in 1897. Inside are several different exhibitions exploring various themes and also artistic expression.
There’s not much more I can say about the Secession Building than this: if you like experimental art and installations, you’ll be in your element. If not, it’s best to move on to the next place.
Friedrichstraße 12, 1010 Wien, Austria
Do this: Burggarten
There’s nothing like visiting a beautiful park in spring, and luckily for me, Vienna is full of them. Burggarten was designed to be the private royal garden for the Habsburg family, but today is enjoyed by all.
Look out for the Mozart memorial as well as the stunning steel and glass construction that is the Palm House. Inside is a coffee house, serving everything from pastries during the day and cocktails at night.
Burggarten 1, 1010 Wien
“Most noteworthy are the Renaissance style arches and also the striking circular ceiling.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
See this: Hofburg
There’s absolutely no escaping the former imperial palace Hofburg in the centre of Vienna, and why would you want to?
Built in the13th century, the palace has been the seat of power of the Habsburg dynasty rulers.
Today, it’s the official residence and office of the President of Austria.
Ticket prices to the palace includes admission to the Imperial Silver Collection, the Sisi Museum and also the Imperial Apartments. I particularly enjoyed exploring the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments.
The former offers an insight into the life of Empress Elisabeth through her personal objects and poetry, while the latter is a real step back in time.
The tour of the Imperial Apartments takes you through the 19 rooms where Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth stayed. Check the website for up-to-date times and prices.
Hofburg, Michaelerkuppel, A-1010 Wien
Do this: Heldenplatz
Walking from Hofburg, it’s more than likely you’ll pass by Heldenplatz. It’s a public square garden that sits in front of the Palace.
Many important events took place at Heldenplatz, most famously Adolf Hitler’s announcement of the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany.
History aside, today it’s a nice space to explore and wander, plus there are also many photogenic angles to shoot.
See this: Natural History Museum and Kunsthistorisches Museum
From Hofburg, it’s a short walk to the next 2 places. It’s easy to spot the Natural History Museum and Kunsthistorisches Museum. They’re 2 identical grand buildings that directly face each other.
Their purpose was to provide a home for the Habsburgs’ grand art collection that was also accessible to the public. Both buildings boast a 60-metre dome and also an interior consisting of marble, stucco ornaments and gold-leaf.
The Natural History Museum is home to many unique objects, most notably, the relatively old (!) 29,500-year-old Venus of Willendorf. It’s also the place to go if you want to see the world’s largest and oldest collection of meteorites.
Kunsthistorisches Museum, also known as the Museum of Art History, is home to the Habsburgs’ primary collections. Notable portraits in the museum include Rembrandt’s self-portrait and Raphael’s Madonna of the Meadow.
Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Burgring 7
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien
“Both buildings boast a 60-metre dome and an interior consisting of marble, stucco ornaments and gold-leaf.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
Kunsthistorisches Museum, also known as the Museum of Art History, is home to the Habsburgs’ primary collections. Notable portraits in the museum include Rembrandt’s self-portrait and also Raphael’s Madonna of the Meadow.
Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Burgring 7
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien
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This is a great article. I like how you pointed out places to see and eat and things we need to try. We will bookmark this for helping to plan our trip there. Thanks!
Thanks Natasha! I hope you do visit one day, it’s a short flight from the UK, and a perfect short city break 🙂
That’s an incredible picture of Belvedere Palace, when I visited the lake was frozen over and covered in snow so I couldn’t get the reflection shot. I did try some of the Sachertorte but I didn’t go into the Sluka Cafe, I would have loved to have seen the desserts on display. I also missed Heldenplatz, as Hitler was from Austria I knew there’d be some Hitler history in Vienna.
Thanks James, Belvedere is breathtaking, I actually prefer it to Schonbrunn Palace. Yes, the remnants of the history and ties with Hitler are inevitably all around. Still, it’s a beautiful city to visit.
I haven’t been to Vienna yet but wanted to ever since seeing a show on the Travel Channel about it. Have you tried Sachertorte? That’s the first thing I’d do if I went there!
Hi Maggie, oh yessss! I wrote a separate post about staying at the home of the original Sachertorte, Hotel Sacher. If you have time, check it out 😀
Very detailed description and lovely photographs. Natural History Museum and Kunsthistorisches Museum looks interesting as I can see lot of Austrian history and culture here. Sluka Cafe looks wonderful for Austrian cakes and sweets.
Thanks Yukti, they’re both stunning buildings, well they should be, because they’re exactly the same! Sluka Cafe is wonderful, and very sinful!
55 and a half…pretty darn specific. As a map nerd, I recommend the Globe Museum, it’s kind of hidden in the center. The view from the top of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral is epic, too.
Hehe, thanks Peter, well, that’s exactly how long we spent there so decided to jazz up the title of the post. Thank you, that’s a great recommendation, will check it out on my next return.
We were in Vienna last fall and loved it. There is so much to do in a relatively small area. One of my biggest regrets was not taking a tour of the opera house. We had a toddler with us, so we skipped it, but it truly is so beautiful!
Hi Melissa, the opera house is stunning and I did the tour. It was good, but not life-changing (!) so I can say you didn’t miss so much! Thanks for stopping by 😀
What an extensive list of things to do , see and eat in Vienna. I haven’t been to this place but your post is quite inviting. Would love to visit someday. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! Vienna is a pretty city with a rich history, so I definitely recommend visiting one day!
Is there any other way to see Vienna? Luxury, opera and some fine dining. Sounds like the perfect mini euro/escape to me!
Yes Jean, it is! Vienna’s one of those places where you can, and should, indulge in a little luxury!
I love Vienna so much! I took a history on the city while I was in college and recently visited this year for three days. A few people I had spoken to before the trip told me that there wasn’t much to do there, but I completely disagree after seeing it for myself. Would love to go back in the summer!
Aww I’m glad you enjoyed it! And yes, I really agree, there’s plenty to see and do there 🙂
I want to go there now! My goodness this place and all the things to see and do truly sounds amazing. My reality is that with 3 kids under the age of six, I probably won’t be taking any vacations like this anytime soon, but this would surely make for an amazing second honeymoon!
Aww Vienna is pretty romantic and would be a perfect second honeymoon destination! That said, you could always bring the kids there too!
The Vienna State Opera is absolutely stunning – I saw a performance there that I’ll never forget! Great tips – makes me nostalgic 🙂
I totally agree! It’s so impressive inside and out!
Wow luxury ! You weren’t kidding . What amazing places you went and saw. The garden at the museum looks beautiful
It’s very luxurious there, and a real must see! Go and find out for yourself 🙂
Sounds like a brilliant 55 and a half hours!! You certainly packed a lot in; I’m not a fan of opera but the buildings are always breathtaking- your photos of the ceilings are stunning. The royal park sounds lovely too, glad that everyone gets to enjoy it nowadays!
I’m no opera fan either lol, but the building is stunning! The park is pretty, and Vienna too in general 🙂
Oh my goodness…I just totally love the architecture and detail, not to mention the artistry and sheer hard work to produce such beautiful buildings. Your photos are just so good and had me in awe. Vienna is a city I have wanted to visit for such a long time for a variety of reasons and this post has certainly given me some more. Fabulous.
Thank you! I feel so good reading this, especially as I know there’s so many great articles on Vienna on the net 😀 I hope you get to visit one day, it’s so pretty and historical too.
I have been to Vienna many times and have visited almost all the places you have recommended in your article. The Hofburg is indeed a really beautiful building with a stunning architecture. Same as the opera! Burggarten is such a nice place to relax your feet at after walking around the entire day, while having a small bite to eat as well.
Ah that’s great you agree with the places I listed! You’re so right about just walking around; it’s such a vibrant place.
Great tips! I only want to Vienna on a day trip from Bratislava but I’d love to go back and see more of these things. It’s such a stunning place, the architecture is so beautiful. Great tips on places to eat, that’s one thing I really wasn’t sure of when I was there!
Ah, so I hope you return one day and see more of what Vienna has to offer. It’s pretty unique!
I really liked the layout and flow of this piece. Everything was even, paced, and easy to consume. It was also very thorough. I have been reading a lot of reviews about Vienna and I haven’t heard of half of these places and this is only Part I. Beautiful writing and great article. I am intrigued to learn more about the Venus de Willendorf.
Thank you Jenn and Ed, I’m so happy to read this! I try to show the best of places through my photos, because sometimes they do what words can’t! Glad you stopped by.
That’s a lot of stuff you managed to squeeze in, in such little time. Awaiting part 2 of the post. I would love to visit the Museum of Art History some day. Cheers!!
It’s a great place and Part 2 is already out; the link’s in the post 😉
55.5 hours–I love the specificity, lol. Vienna looks absolutely beautiful! We’ve been putting off visiting because of the expense, but maybe a short and sweet trip like this is the way to do it!
Haha thank you! I like to be as precise as possible. I know you guys travel on a budget, and I’m certain it’s possible!
Wow, Vienna has some amazing architecture! I can’t believe those buildings are home to an opera house and museums, they look like castles fit for royalty. Would love to visit and explore Vienna one day, looking forward to part 2!
Part 2 is already out! It’s a beautiful city with plenty of history too.
Vienna is such a photogenic city! Everything looks so sophisticated and pristine. I spent a week there back in 2014 and loved exploring some of the less touristy things there too. There are tons of great restaurants and cute cafes to check out. Next time I go back I’ll have to check out some of the museums you recommend.
Ah you must! It’s such a pretty city, and the next time I return, I will plan to see beyond the city too.
We visited Vienna a few days back and are still in awe of the architecture of the magnificent buildings. Hofburg no doubt is one of the amazing experience and the history intriguing. We did miss a few things there and are looking forward to visiting again.
It’s a great city, and with plenty of culture, heritage and good food!
I absolutely love how your Vienna experience turned out! Your pictures are so impressive and you are totally right about the fact that Vienna is one of the smaller cities but yet one of the most beautiful ones. Thanks for sharing with us! Love from Hamburg, Karo
Thank you! It’s very beautiful, and I’m lucky we got to see it in luxury too!
The city of museums and palaces – Vienna is so magical! I love your picture of Hofburg Palace. It’s the only palace that I chose to take pictures of from the outside and did not go inside but I was so disappointed later that I did not do it. The Natural History Museum looked so different when I went because of the entire space in front of being occupied by yet another Christmas market! I did see the Opera building but i’m not much of an opera fan so did not attend one. However, I always tell people, when in Vienna, watching the opera must be on the top of your list! I often compare Prague and Vienna, they;’re two of the most magical, old, charming and vibrant cities in Europe, in m opinion. Don’t you agree?
I couldn’t agree more! I’m not an opera fan either, but the opera house is a must see! x
Good article, with valuable information, what you can see in Vienna. I have heard a lot about Vienna, and I know that this is a fairy-tale city. Vienna is one of my travel points which I will definitely go to.
Thank you! It’s a great city, with so much history to see too. Visit soon!
I was living in Vienna for 2 years. I remember places above. Looking forward to see you part 2.
Part 2 is already published! It’s a lovely city to live in I’m sure.
Vienna is one of those places that I regret not being able to get to while I was studying in Germany. There’s not a place more grand, in my opinion. Hofburg would truly be a grand palace to check out, if only the President didn’t live there and I could move in! Haha
Haha, that would be an interesting and not to mention grand place to live in! So you have an excuse to visit Austria on your next visit.
Hi! Great photos and info! I wish I read this before I went! I loved it there! Worth every penny and time spent!
It’s a pretty amazing place! I’m glad you enjoyed the piece 🙂
Vienna looks so royal!! I would love to go there one day. Thanks a lot for showing us this beauty
You’re welcome! It’s a lovely city to visit.
detailed post with such beautiful captures.Natural history museum looks incredible
would love to visit here soon.
You must, it’s a lovely museum in Vienna too.
You must! It’s a lovely museum in London.
What a lovely 2 and a bit days in Vienna, I’m going to need to book a trip there soon. For me the cafe culture such as Sluka Cafe is a key attraction of the city, I know I want to visit all the famous and best places! I would also appreciate the historic architecture and attraction such as Hofburg and the Natural History and Kunsthistorisches Museums.
The cafe culture is amazing and really delicious too! I loved my time in Vienna, and know you will too.
I visited Vienna so long ago and I still remember the magnificence of the Hofburg Palace. The other museums and history make me regret our decision to skip Vienna (even though we drove through parts of Austria) a few years ago when we went around the world. This will be a great guide for when we do get back.
It’s a wonderful place, and a city that everyone should see once in their lives! You must come back and see it for yourself 😉
This architecture is stunning! And I really love that first picture with the reflection. So beautiful!
Thank you! It’s a beautiful palace.
Excellent article and it ties back to pretty much everything I did when I visited Vienna! The palaces were also really lovely too. I’ll have to visit again!
Thank you! It’s a lovely city and one I’d like to see again too.