Vienna

x5 nights, x6 days* (this page is travel ready and printable below)

Fly in and out: Vienna International Airport (VIE)

*we travelled over December so this itinerary highlights the local Christmas markets.

Airport transfer: The City Airport Train commonly known as CAT is renowned for its direct link to Wien Mitte station. It’s about a 16-minute journey time and offers a daily service between 5.00am to 11.00pm. Single tickets are around €14.90; return: €24.90, with discounts for some riders.

Local transport: The alternative cheaper option is to travel on the ÖBB Railjet, which reaches the city centre in less than 30 minutes. You will need to purchase tickets online or at the ticket machines in the airport or train stations. The Railjet operates between 5.30am and 11.30pm, with a one-way ticket costing €4.60.

Airbnb address: Blütengasse 14 Top 25, Vienna, Wien 1030, Austria

Check in from 2:00pm

Day 1:

Vienna has a massive coffee culture with many iconic coffee houses across the city making it popular to enjoy a coffee and cake in Vienna. Joseph Brot has several branches across Vienna with a coffee shop near to Wien Mitte.

  • Joseph Brot – no need for reservations This branch has a bakery and café.

The Neubau district hosts independent shops, galleries, and cafes. It’s fast becoming a go-to-foodie district becoming both a daytime & nighttime hangout.

  • Santos Bar is a Mexican bar and grill with a wide selection of meat and veggie/vegan burritos, tacos and burgers. Plus an extensive cocktail menu .

Day 2:

Breakfast at Bäckerei Öfferl Landstrasse

Xmas market: Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz 

Explore Stadtpark

Cafe Bel Etage, Hotel Sacher – for the original Sacher-torte (reservations are needed)

Xmas market: Christmas market at University Campus Vienna (pre-book curling)

Drinks at Neundreiviertel, ­­Karlsplatz 2, Wien, Österreich (Harry Potter inspired bar)

Dinner at Viva La Mamma – Italian restaurant serving up pizza & pasta dishes.

Day 3:

Schönbrunn Palace for the Vienna: Strudel Show with Tasting (pre-book in advance)

Xmas market: Schönbrunn Palace for live music and great food & drink stalls. 

The grounds and gardens are open from 6.30am and require no ticket. It boasts amazing viewpoints from the palace exterior and landscaped gardens. If you follow the slope behind the main fountain you get an excellent photo opportunity.

Xmas markets: Stephansplatz, Rauthasplatz 

Rauthasplatz is the most famous xmas market hosting Christkindlmarkt with around typically 100 booths and includes the Tree of hearts.

Dinner at Vytopna Railway Restaurant (a unique concept of a themed restaurant with a model railway service to deliver food and drinks)

Day 4:

Breakfast at Café Landtmann

Xmas market: Maria Theresien Sq 

St Stephen’s cathedral (great rooftop views)

Haas & Haas Winter in the city (behind the cathedral, outdoor bar with heating)

Winterwonderland Vienna (a light spectacle at Schönbrunn Palace)

Day 4:

Coffee/breakfast at Kaffein Zeitgeist

Visit Burggarten to see the famous Mozart marble statue

Explore the Schmetterlinghaus (the world-famous butterfly house in Hofburg Palace)

Xmas market: Belvedere palace 

Dinner at Figlmüller Bäckerstraße (famous for schnitzel)

Day 5:

Breakfast at Café Demel for kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancakes with stewed plums)