How to enjoy a luxury weekend in Vienna part 1
Last updated on July 17th, 2026.
Vienna is one of those European cities that’s small enough to see and do most things in a few days.
And during a luxury Vienna weekend break, we discovered some of the best things to do in Vienna.
Split into two parts, we covered a lot in Vienna in 2 days. Part 2 of the luxury Vienna weekend series wraps up the attractions and places we visited.
Things to do on a Luxury Vienna weekend
1. Start at Sluka Cafe
A Viennese staple that’s been around for 125 years, Sluka Cafe offers a tantalizing array of Austrian cakes and sweets.
The cafe also serves savory Viennese dishes like wurstel and goulash. In addition to the Sluka branch on Kärntner Street, there's a second cafe on Rathausplatz.
Sluka Cafe, Kärntner Street 13-15 / Rathausplatz 8
2. Move onto the Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera building dates to the mid-19th century.
If you love literature and 3-hour classical music performances, it's one Vienna attraction you can't miss.
The Vienna State Opera also happened to be opposite our base in Vienna, the exquisite Hotel Sacher.
Personally, I was more excited by the architectural exterior and opulent interior of the building. Most noteworthy are the Renaissance style arches and the striking circular ceiling.
An architectural delight
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.
Vienna State Opera House, Opernring 2, 1010
3. Explore the Secession Building
After our tour of the Vienna State Opera House, we made the walk to the Secession Building.
Built in 1897, inside are several different exhibitions exploring various themes as well as artistic expression.
In truth, the type of experimental art didn't do anything for me. My artistic tastes lie in classical art so I was probably biased from the moment we stepped inside.
But, 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.
Secession Building, Friedrichstraße 12, 1010
4. Swing by Burggarten
There’s nothing like visiting a beautiful park in spring, and in Vienna, there's one in particular that you shouldn't miss.
Burggarten was initially designed to be the private royal garden for the Habsburg family. But today it's one that's open to the public and that everyone can enjoy.
Look out for the Mozart memorial as well as the stunning steel and glass construction known as the Palm House. Inside is a coffee bar, serving everything from pastries during the day and cocktails at night.
Burggarten 1, 1010
Map: best things to do in Vienna in 2 days
5. Visit Hofburg
There’s no escaping the former imperial palace, Hofburg situated in the center of Vienna.
Built in the 13th century, the palace was the seat of power of the Habsburg ruling dynasty. One of the top Vienna attractions, it's 100% worth getting a ticket to visit Hofburg.
Today, Hofburg is the official residence and office of the President of Austria. The palace also occasionally hosts concerts, for which they sell tickets to the public.
More for your money
Ticket prices to the palace includes admission to the Imperial Silver Collection, the Sisi Museum and to the Imperial Apartments. My highlights were the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments.
The former offers an insight into the life of Empress Elisabeth through her personal objects and poetry.
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
6. Pass by Heldenplatz
As you leave from Hofburg, it’s more than likely you’ll pass by Heldenplatz. The public square garden sits in front of the palace.
Many historic events took place at Heldenplatz, most notably Adolf Hitler’s announcement of the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany.
History aside, today Heldenplatz is a pretty space to explore and visit. From a photography angle, it's also a perfect spot to capture the historic buildings that surround the square.
7. Natural History Museum and Kunsthistorisches Museum
From Hofburg, it’s a short walk to the next two places.
It’s easy to spot the Natural History Museum and Kunsthistorisches Museum. Two grand identical buildings that directly face each other, they're one of the most unique attractions in Vienna.
The buildings' purpose was to provide a home for the Habsburg's grand art collection that was also accessible to the public. Both buildings boast a 60m dome as well as an interior consisting of marble, stucco ornaments and gold-leaf.
Plenty inside
The Natural History Museum is home to many unique objects, most notably, the 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, which translates to the Museum of Art History, is home to the Habsburg's primary collections. Notable portraits in the museum include Rembrandt’s self-portrait and Raphael’s Madonna of the Meadow.
Naturhistorisches Museum, Burgring 7
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010
What do you think of this post on how to enjoy a luxury Vienna weekend? Which of these sights would you most like to see? Let me know in the comments.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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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.
This architecture is stunning! And I really love that first picture with the reflection. So beautiful!
Thank you! It's a beautiful palace.
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 😉
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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 😉
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.
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 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.
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.
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 🙂
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 🙂
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!
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!
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 🙂
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!
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!
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 😀
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.
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!
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 😀
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.
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 🙂