Vienna in 2 Days: A Weekend I’ll Never Forget
Vienna in 2 days? It might sound impossible to experience all the grandeur, history, and elegance of Austria’s capital in such a short time, but trust me—it’s absolutely worth it!
As a travel consultant and blogger at Journeyintheclouds, I’m always on the lookout for the best weekend getaways, and Vienna turned out to be one of those places that stays with you forever. From imperial palaces to world-famous coffeehouses, stunning museums, and indulgent food, my weekend in Vienna was nothing short of unforgettable.
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Driving there: The Journey from Budapest to Vienna
My weekend in Vienna started on a Friday afternoon in Budapest. The excitement built up as I packed my bags and hit the road. Driving from Budapest to Vienna is a breeze, covering about 243 kilometers in just over two and a half hours. The highway toll for Hungary and Austria combined cost me around €20.
If you prefer not to drive, alternative options include a direct train (around €20 and 2.5 hours) or a short 50-minute flight. The train is a comfortable and scenic option, while flying is the fastest—but when factoring in airport security and travel time to the city center, it doesn’t save much time compared to the train or car ride.
So let’s discover Vienna in 2 Days!
Friday Night: A Grand Arrival & A Taste of Vienna
By 7 PM, I arrived in Vienna, ready to embrace the city’s imperial charm. After checking into my hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Vienna Schonbrunn (a lovely hotel, with rooms starting at €100 per night), I freshened up and went straight to Figlmüller, famous for serving the best schnitzel in Vienna. Their signature schnitzel, which is larger than the plate, is a must-try. The meal, including a glass of Austrian wine, cost me around €35. Something to consider if you plan to go here is that you will need a reservation.
With my stomach full and energy still high, I took a nighttime stroll around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, beautifully lit against the night sky. The Gothic architecture is breathtaking, and stepping inside, I was in awe of the grand interior and towering stained-glass windows. Before heading back, I grabbed a warm drink at Café Hawelka, a traditional Viennese café with a cozy, old-world atmosphere.
Saturday: Exploring Vienna Like Royalty
Morning: A Palace, a Market & the Best Coffee
Let’s start this Vienna in 2 days trip! I started my Saturday at Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. The Grand Tour ticket cost me €32, but it was worth every penny to walk through opulent rooms that once hosted Empress Sisi. The palace gardens were free to explore, offering a breathtaking view from the Gloriette, where I took a moment to enjoy the stunning cityscape. I could almost picture the royals strolling through the perfectly manicured gardens centuries ago. Be prepared to book your ticket ahead of time if you are interested in skipping the lines.
From there, I headed to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s famous open-air market, where I grabbed a quick brunch of fresh pastries and a coffee (around €10). The market is a feast for the senses, offering everything from local cheeses and cured meats to Middle Eastern delicacies. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the flea market section, where you can find unique vintage treasures.
Afternoon: Museums & A Classic Vienna Treat
Next stop: The Belvedere Palace, home to Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece, The Kiss. The entrance fee was €17, and I spent about an hour admiring the art and baroque architecture. The palace grounds are beautiful, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the elegant surroundings.
Since no visit to Vienna is complete without trying the legendary Sachertorte, I made my way to Café Sacher. A slice of the famous chocolate cake with a coffee set me back about €12, but it was absolutely worth it. The dense yet moist chocolate cake, paired with apricot jam and a dollop of whipped cream, was pure indulgence.
Evening: Classical Music & A Night to Remember
By 6 PM, I was ready for a magical evening at the Vienna State Opera. I booked my ticket in advance for €60 and got to experience an unforgettable performance in one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Even if you’re not an opera fan, the stunning architecture and atmosphere make it a must-visit.
For dinner, I opted for Plachutta Wollzeile, an elegant restaurant known for its traditional Austrian cuisine and upscale ambiance. Their famous Tafelspitz (boiled beef) is a must-try, and the refined setting was the perfect way to end an evening at the opera. My meal, including a starter and a glass of wine, cost around €60.
Visiting Vienna only for One day? Then you must read this guide!
Sunday: A Leisurely End to an Unforgettable Trip
Morning: A Royal Breakfast & A Walk Through History
The last day of your Vienna weekend trip should start with breakfast at Demel, an iconic pastry shop that has been around since 1786. A Viennese breakfast with coffee, bread, and jam cost about €15. Watching the pastry chefs through the glass window was mesmerizing—their precision in making delicate confections was impressive.
I then visited the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. I explored the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and the Silver Collection for €16. The museum gave fascinating insights into the life of Empress Sisi, a woman both admired and misunderstood in her time.
Afternoon: Farewell to Vienna with a River View
Before heading out, I took a peaceful walk along the Danube Canal and stopped for one last coffee at Café Central (€8 for coffee and cake). The grand interiors and high ceilings made it feel like I had stepped into a different era. I left Vienna around 3 PM, reaching Budapest by 6 PM, still dreaming of my incredible weekend.
Extra Attractions If You Have More Time
If you have a couple of extra hours in Vienna here are some of the attractions that you might want to consider adding to your itinerary.
- Prater Amusement Park – Home to the iconic Ferris wheel (€12 per ride)
- Albertina Museum – Famous for Monet & Picasso collections (€19.90 entrance)
- Hundertwasser House – Unique colorful architecture
- Vienna Woods & Heuriger Wineries – Perfect for a countryside escape
Where to Stay in Vienna
- Luxury: Anantara Palais Hansen(€500+/night)
- Mid-range: Hotel Doubletree Schonbrunn Vienna (€150/night)
- Budget: Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna (€40/night)
Viennese specialties that will make your taste buds dance while you’re in Vienna:
- Wiener Schnitzel – A breaded and deep-fried veal (or pork) cutlet, typically served with potato salad and lingonberry jam.
- Sachertorte – Vienna’s famous chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam, topped with dark chocolate icing. It’s a must-try at Café Sacher or Hotel Sacher.
- Apfelstrudel – A warm, flaky pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon, often served with whipped cream or vanilla sauce.
- Tafelspitz – Boiled beef served with horseradish, apple sauce, and a side of broth, usually accompanied by potatoes or vegetables.
- Kaiserschmarrn – A fluffy, shredded pancake typically served with a fruit compote (often plum or apple).
- Frittatensuppe – A flavorful beef broth served with thinly sliced pancakes (similar to crepes) that are rolled up and cut into strips.
Must-Try Restaurants & Cafés
- Figlmüller – Best schnitzel in Vienna
- Café Sacher – Home of the original Sachertorte
- Steirereck – Fine-dining with Austrian flavors
- Demel – Historic bakery & café
- Café Central – Stunning interiors & classic Viennese coffeehouse
Vienna swept me off my feet with its imperial grandeur, rich history, and incredible food scene. Two days were enough to fall in love, but I know I’ll be back for more. If you’re planning a weekend in Vienna, trust me—it’s a trip you won’t forget!
Have you been to Vienna? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments! ✨
