3-Day Family Christmas Excursion in Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria

3 days

Family

Christmas holidays

Tourist

Vienna Christmas World and Vienna City Hall on Rathausplatz

Wooden kiosk with handmade Christmas decorations in Vienna

About Vienna, Austria

Experience the grandeur of Vienna, Austria's capital, renowned for its cultural and historical richness. Marvel at the imperial palaces of Schönbrunn and Hofburg, or immerse yourself in the world of classical music at the Vienna State Opera. Explore the city's artistic side at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Belvedere Palace, housing works by Klimt and Schiele. Stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy traditional Viennese coffee houses and wine taverns. Don't miss the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the vibrant Naschmarkt. Vienna seamlessly blends its regal past with a dynamic, modern lifestyle, making it a must-visit European destination.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Imperial Vienna and Christmas Markets

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence with a stunning Baroque architecture. Explore the palace's rooms and its beautiful gardens, and don't forget to visit the world's oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, located on the palace grounds.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Austrian lunch at a local restaurant in the Hietzing district, near Schönbrunn Palace.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Vienna State Opera for a guided tour. This opera house is one of the busiest in the world, offering a variety of performances throughout the year.

Dinner

Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the Innere Stadt district, which is known for its culinary scene.

Evening

End your day at the Rathausplatz Christmas Market, one of the most famous Christmas markets in Vienna. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, try some mulled wine and buy some unique Christmas gifts.

Day 2

Museum Day and More Christmas Markets

Morning

Begin your second day at the Vienna Natural History Museum, which houses numerous collections of minerals, meteorites, fossils, and anthropological findings.

Lunch

Have lunch at a cozy restaurant in the MuseumsQuartier district, home to a range of art museums and cultural institutions.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon at the Hofburg Palace, the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. Explore the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection.

Dinner

Enjoy a hearty Austrian dinner at a restaurant in the Innere Stadt district.

Evening

Visit the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market in the evening. This market is known for its romantic and festive atmosphere, and offers a variety of food, drinks, and crafts.

Day 3

Cathedral, Art, and Winter Market at Prater

Morning

Start your final day in Vienna at the St. Stephen's Cathedral, a landmark of Vienna and one of the most important Gothic structures in Austria.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant in the Innere Stadt district.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon at the Albertina Museum, which houses one of the largest and most important print rooms in the world, with approximately 65,000 drawings and approximately 1 million old master prints.

Dinner

Enjoy your last dinner in Vienna at a restaurant in the Innere Stadt district.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Prater, a large public park in Vienna's 2nd district. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Winter Market, where you can try some traditional Austrian winter treats and enjoy various attractions.

Attractions in Itinerary (10)

1
Schönbrunn Palace

A former imperial summer residence with an impressive garden. The 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments in the country.

Attractions

Monuments

Landmarks

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

Gardens

2
Tiergarten Schönbrunn

The Tiergarten Schönbrunn is a zoo located on the grounds of the famous Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. It is the oldest zoo in the world and is considered one of the best and most modern zoos in the world.

Attractions

Parks

Gardens

3
Vienna State Opera

One of the leading opera houses in the world, offering a variety of performances including opera, ballet, and concerts.

Attractions

Entertainment

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

4
Rathausplatz Christmas Market

The Rathausplatz Christmas Market is a must-visit during the holiday season in Vienna. It offers a wide variety of stalls selling everything from traditional Austrian food and drink to handmade crafts and gifts. The market is also known for its festive entertainment, including live music and performances.

Attractions

Cultural Experiences

Shopping

5
Vienna Natural History Museum

The Vienna Natural History Museum is a large museum that showcases the history of the earth, from the earliest organisms to present-day life forms. It features a variety of exhibits, including a dinosaur hall, a hall of meteorites, and a prehistoric section.

Museums

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

6
Hofburg Palace

The former imperial palace in the center of Vienna. It was the principal imperial winter residence, as Schönbrunn Palace was their summer residence.

Attractions

Monuments

Landmarks

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

7
Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

The Belvedere Palace Christmas Market is a festive event held at the historic Belvedere Palace. It offers a variety of food and drink options, as well as shopping opportunities. Visitors can enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine, mulled wine, and browse through stalls selling handmade crafts and Christmas decorations.

Attractions

Tours

Food and Drink

Shopping

8
St. Stephen's Cathedral

One of Vienna's most iconic landmarks, St. Stephen's Cathedral boasts stunning Gothic architecture and a rich history.

Attractions

Monuments

Religious Sites

9
Albertina Museum

The Albertina Museum is a museum in Vienna that houses one of the largest and most important print rooms in the world. It features a collection of over a million old master prints and modern graphic works, as well as more contemporary works of art.

Museums

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

10
Prater

A large public park that houses the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel and a theme park.

Attractions

Parks

Entertainment

Sports

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Wiener Schnitzel

A traditional Austrian dish, Wiener Schnitzel is a breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet. It's a must-try food when visiting Vienna.

Sachertorte

This is a famous Viennese chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, coated in dark chocolate icing. It's a classic dessert in Vienna.

Apfelstrudel

A traditional Viennese dessert, Apfelstrudel is a pastry filled with apples, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. It's often served with whipped cream.

Tafelspitz

Tafelspitz is a popular Viennese dish, consisting of boiled beef in broth, served with a mix of minced apples and horseradish.

Kaiserschmarrn

This is a sweet pancake-like dish, named after Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. It's often served with powdered sugar and apple or plum compote.

Vienna Sausages

These are traditional Austrian sausages, typically served with mustard and fresh bread. They're a popular street food in Vienna.

Marillenknödel

Marillenknödel are sweet dumplings filled with apricots, a specialty of Vienna. They're often served dusted with powdered sugar.

Goulash

Originating from Hungary, Goulash has become a staple in Viennese cuisine. It's a hearty stew made with beef, vegetables, and a generous amount of paprika.

Rindsuppe

Rindsuppe is a traditional Austrian beef soup, often served as a starter in Viennese meals.

Powidl

This is a thick, sweet spread made from plums. It's a traditional Viennese condiment often used in baking or spread on bread.

Sturm

Sturm is a seasonal Austrian wine, typically available in autumn. It's a must-try for wine lovers visiting Vienna.

Melange

Melange is a traditional Viennese coffee, similar to a cappuccino. It's a blend of frothed milk and coffee, often served with a glass of water.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Vienna, Austria is typically during the spring and fall, specifically April through June, and September through October. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant and the city is less crowded compared to the peak summer months. However, if you enjoy festive atmospheres, December is also a great time to visit as Vienna is famous for its enchanting Christmas markets.

How to get around

Vienna U-Bahn

Vienna's underground railway system, the U-Bahn, is a fast and efficient way to get around the city. It consists of five lines (U1, U2, U3, U4, and U6) that cover most of the city's major attractions.

Vienna S-Bahn

The S-Bahn is a suburban train system that connects Vienna with its surrounding areas. It's a great option if you're planning to visit destinations outside the city center.

Tram

Vienna has an extensive tram network, which is a great way to see the city at a slower pace. The Ringstrasse Tram, in particular, offers a scenic route around the city's historic center.

Bus

Buses in Vienna are primarily used to cover areas not reached by the U-Bahn or tram. The city's night bus service, Nightline, operates after the U-Bahn and trams have stopped running.

Citybike Vienna

Citybike Vienna is a bike-sharing program that allows you to rent bikes for short trips around the city. There are numerous bike stations located throughout Vienna.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Vienna and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or picked up from designated taxi stands.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in Vienna. This can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Walk

Vienna's city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking an enjoyable and practical way to get around. Many of the city's major attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

Boat

Vienna is located on the Danube River, and there are several boat services that offer river cruises. This can be a scenic and relaxing way to see the city.

Car Rental

While driving in Vienna is not recommended due to the excellent public transportation and heavy traffic, car rental services are available for those who prefer to drive.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112, 122

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Vienna, Austria as a first time visitor

1

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria.

2

The official language is German, but many locals also speak English.

3

The currency used in Vienna is the Euro (€).

4

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or street vendors.

5

Vienna has a temperate continental climate. Summers (June to August) can be warm to hot with temperatures from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C). Winters (December to February) can be cold with temperatures from 23°F to 37°F (-5°C to 3°C).

6

Tipping is customary in Vienna. It's common to round up the bill in restaurants or to tip taxi drivers around 10%.

7

Public transportation in Vienna is excellent. The city has a comprehensive network of trains, trams, and buses.

8

Vienna is known for its coffee culture. Be sure to try a traditional Viennese coffee in one of the city's many coffee houses.

9

Vienna is a very safe city, but like any major city, it's always important to stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

10

If you're planning to visit museums, consider getting a Vienna Card which offers unlimited travel on public transport and discounts at many attractions.

11

Vienna is a very walkable city with many pedestrian zones in the city center.

12

The city is also very bike-friendly with numerous bike paths and bike rental services.

13

Vienna is known for its music scene, particularly classical music. Consider attending a concert or opera performance.

14

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including bars and restaurants.

15

Vienna has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and late-night eateries.

16

The city is known for its pastries. Don't miss trying a traditional Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

17

Vienna has a large number of parks and green spaces. The Prater and the Vienna Woods are particularly popular.

18

The city has a strong tradition of wine production. Be sure to try a glass of Viennese wine.

19

Vienna has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels.

20

Most shops in Vienna are closed on Sundays, with the exception of some tourist shops and shops at train stations and airports.

Basic German to know as a first time visitor

English phrase	Native phrase	Pronunciation	When to use it
Hello	Hallo	ha-lo	Greeting someone
Goodbye	Auf Wiedersehen	owf vee-der-zayn	Leaving or saying goodbye
Please	Bitte	bit-te	Making a request
Thank you	Danke	dahn-ke	Showing appreciation
Yes	Ja	ya	Agreeing or confirming
No	Nein	nine	Disagreeing or denying
Excuse me	Entschuldigung	ent-shool-dee-goong	Getting attention or apologizing
I don't understand	Ich verstehe nicht	ish ver-stay-he nickt	When you don't understand something
Do you speak English?	Sprechen Sie Englisch?	shprek-en zee eng-lish	Asking if someone speaks English
I'm lost	Ich habe mich verlaufen	ish ha-be mish ver-low-fen	When you are lost
Where is the bathroom?	Wo ist die Toilette?	vo ist dee toy-let-te	Asking for the bathroom
Help	Hilfe	hil-fe	When you need assistance
Call the police	Rufen Sie die Polizei	roof-en zee dee po-lee-tzai	In case of an emergency
I need a doctor	Ich brauche einen Arzt	ish brow-he i-nen artst	When you need medical assistance
Can I use my credit card?	Kann ich meine Kreditkarte verwenden?	kan ish mine kredit-karte ver-ven-den	When you want to pay with credit card
How much does it cost?	Wie viel kostet das?	vee feel kos-tet das	Asking for the price
Open	Offen	of-fen	When you want to know if a place is open
Closed	Geschlossen	ge-shlos-sen	When you want to know if a place is closed
I would like to order	Ich möchte bestellen	ish moch-te bestel-len	When you want to order something
Cheers	Prost	prost	When you are toasting with drinks

Packing List

Clothing
Underwear
Socks
T-shirts
Pants/Jeans
Comfortable walking shoes
Sweater or jacket
Pajamas
Swimwear (if your hotel has a pool)
Scarf, gloves and hat (if you're traveling in winter)

Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Hairbrush or comb
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Sunscreen

Travel documents and essentials
Passport or ID
Flight tickets
Hotel reservation confirmation
Travel insurance documents
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
City map or guidebook
Emergency contacts and addresses

Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for your phone
Headphones
Camera
Charger for your camera
Universal power adapter
Portable power bank

Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Earplugs and eye mask
Snacks for the journey
Reusable water bottle
Books or e-reader for the journey
Travel-size laundry detergent
Umbrella or raincoat

Weather Conditions

Vienna, Austria, is a city that experiences a full range of seasons, so it's essential to pack accordingly based on the time of your visit. During the winter months (December to February), Vienna can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping to around 32°F (0°C). Snowfall is common, so pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, scarves, gloves, and boots. Despite the cold, winter can be a magical time to visit Vienna, especially during the Christmas markets. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). These seasons are perfect for sightseeing, as the weather is comfortable. Pack layers, as mornings and evenings can be cooler. Summer (June to August) in Vienna can be quite warm, with temperatures often reaching up to 80°F (27°C). It's a great time to explore the city's parks and outdoor attractions. Pack light clothing, but also include a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Regardless of the season, it's always a good idea to pack an umbrella or raincoat, as Vienna can experience rain throughout the year. Also, don't forget to check the weather forecast before your trip to make any necessary adjustments to your packing list. Remember, weather can be unpredictable, so it's always best to be prepared for a variety of conditions. Enjoy your trip to Vienna!

Month	Hi / Lo (°C)	Weather Overview
January	4° / -3°	January is the coldest month in Vienna, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is common, so pack warm clothing and enjoy the winter wonderland.
February	6° / -2°	February is still cold with occasional snowfall. The city's architecture looks beautiful under a dusting of snow, making it a picturesque time to visit.
March	11° / 1°	March sees the start of spring with temperatures gradually rising. It's a good time to visit if you prefer less crowded tourist spots.
April	16° / 5°	April is a pleasant month with mild temperatures. The city's parks and gardens start to bloom, offering beautiful landscapes.
May	21° / 9°	May brings warm temperatures and the city comes alive with outdoor activities. It's a great time to explore Vienna's outdoor attractions.
June	25° / 13°	June marks the start of summer with long, sunny days. It's the perfect time for sightseeing and enjoying Vienna's vibrant café culture.
July	27° / 15°	July is the hottest month in Vienna. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy hot weather, just remember to stay hydrated.
August	27° / 15°	August is equally hot as July with plenty of sunshine. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals.
September	21° / 11°	September sees the start of autumn with mild temperatures. The city's parks and gardens are beautifully colored, making it a picturesque time to visit.
October	16° / 6°	October is a cool month with the leaves changing color. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.
November	10° / 2°	November is a chilly month with shorter days. It's a good time to explore Vienna's historic sites and Christmas markets.
December	5° / -1°	December is a cold month with occasional snowfall. The city is beautifully lit up for Christmas, making it a magical time to visit.

Did you know?

Did you know that Vienna is known as the 'City of Music' due to its rich musical heritage, with famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss having lived there?