5-Day Family Christmas Holiday Itinerary in Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria
5 days
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.
5-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Cultural Immersion at St. Stephen's Cathedral and Belvedere Palace
Morning
Start your day with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral, a landmark of Vienna. Explore the cathedral's stunning interior and climb up to the tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant in the city center.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Belvedere Palace. Explore the palace's stunning Baroque architecture and its extensive art collection, including works by Gustav Klimt.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the city center.
Evening
Spend the evening at the Wiener Prater amusement park. Enjoy the rides and attractions, and don't forget to take a spin on the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel.
Day 3
Historical Journey at Hofburg Palace and Albertina Museum
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace in the center of Vienna. Explore the palace's grand rooms and beautiful gardens.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant in the city center.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Albertina Museum. Explore the museum's extensive art collection, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Dürer.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the city center.
Evening
End your day with a visit to the Vienna Boys' Choir. Enjoy a concert by this world-renowned choir in the stunning MuTh concert hall.
Day 4
Scientific Discovery at Natural History Museum and Technical Museum
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Vienna Natural History Museum. Explore the museum's extensive collection of artifacts, including dinosaur skeletons and meteorites.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant in the city center.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Vienna Technical Museum. Explore the museum's extensive collection of technical artifacts, from historic steam engines to modern robots.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the city center.
Evening
Spend the evening at the Vienna Ice World. Enjoy ice skating on the large outdoor rink, and warm up with some hot chocolate afterwards.
Day 5
Animal Encounter at Vienna Zoo and Artistic Exploration at Museum of Art History
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Vienna Zoo. Explore the zoo's extensive collection of animals, including pandas, elephants, and tigers.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant in the city center.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Vienna Museum of Art History. Explore the museum's extensive art collection, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Vermeer.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the city center.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Vienna Christmas Market at Spittelberg. Browse the market stalls, try some delicious seasonal treats, and pick up some last-minute souvenirs.
Attractions in Itinerary (16)
1Schönbrunn 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.
2Tiergarten 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.
3Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz
The Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz is a beloved annual event that transforms the city's main square into a festive wonderland. It features over 150 stalls selling Christmas decorations, crafts, and traditional Austrian food and drink.
4Vienna State Opera
One of the leading opera houses in the world, offering a variety of performances including opera, ballet, and concerts.
5St. Stephen's Cathedral
One of Vienna's most iconic landmarks, St. Stephen's Cathedral boasts stunning Gothic architecture and a rich history.
6Belvedere Palace
A historic building complex consisting of two Baroque palaces, the Orangery, and the Palace Stables. The buildings are set in a Baroque park landscape and houses the Belvedere museum.
7Wiener Prater
The Wiener Prater is a large public park in Vienna, Austria. It is home to the Wurstelprater amusement park, which features the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel. The park also offers various outdoor activities and entertainment options.
8Hofburg Palace
The former imperial palace in the center of Vienna. It was the principal imperial winter residence, as Schönbrunn Palace was their summer residence.
9Albertina 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.
10Vienna Boys' Choir
The Vienna Boys' Choir is one of the best known boys' choirs in the world. It is based in Vienna, Austria and has a long and illustrious history dating back to the 15th century.
11Vienna 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.
12Vienna Technical Museum
The Vienna Technical Museum offers a broad overview of the history of technology and industry in Austria, with a particular focus on the role of Vienna as a hub of innovation.
13Vienna Ice World
Vienna Ice World is a popular winter attraction in Vienna, Austria. It offers a large ice skating rink, as well as other winter sports activities such as curling and ice hockey.
14Vienna Zoo
Located within the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace, the Vienna Zoo is the oldest continuously operating zoo in the world.
15Vienna Museum of Art History
The Vienna Museum of Art History is one of the most important art museums in the world. It houses an extensive collection of works from various periods and regions.
16Vienna Christmas Market at Spittelberg
The Vienna Christmas Market at Spittelberg is a popular destination during the holiday season. It offers a variety of food, drink, and shopping options, with a focus on local and handmade products.
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.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 6 | Sat | Epiphany |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
May 9 | Thu | Ascension Day |
May 20 | Mon | Whit Monday |
May 30 | Thu | Corpus Christi |
August 15 | Thu | Assumption of Mary |
October 26 | Sat | National Day |
November 1 | Fri | All Saints' Day |
December 8 | Sun | Immaculate Conception |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
December 26 | Thu | St. Stephen's Day |
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.
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 (5 pairs)
Socks (5 pairs)
T-shirts (5)
Jeans or trousers (2 pairs)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sweater or jacket
Pajamas
Swimwear (if planning to swim)
Formal outfit (for fancy dinners or events)
Scarf, gloves and hat (if traveling in winter)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations
Emergency contacts and addresses
Map of Vienna
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Universal power adapter
Headphones
Camera
Charger for camera
Laptop and charger (if needed)
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Eye mask and ear plugs
Snacks
Reusable water bottle
Books or e-books for entertainment
Travel guide for Vienna
Umbrella
Laundry bag
Zip-lock bags for toiletries
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?
Places near by Vienna, Austria
Melk Abbey
A stunning Baroque abbey located on a rock overlooking the Danube river.
Bratislava Castle
A massive rectangular building with four corner towers stands on an isolated rocky hill of the Little Carpathians directly above the Danube river.
Schloss Hof
A palace complex that offers a unique combination of baroque art and nature.
Krems an der Donau
A town known for its wine production and beautiful old town.
Neusiedler See
The largest endorheic lake in Central Europe, offering a unique blend of nature and culture.
Burgenland Wine Region
A region known for its wine production, offering wine tasting tours and beautiful landscapes.
Grüner See
A lake that is famous for its vibrant emerald-green water and scenic hiking trails.
Salzburg
The city of Mozart, known for its beautiful old town and the Salzburg Festival.
Prague
The capital of the Czech Republic, known for its rich history, stunning architecture and the famous Charles Bridge.
Budapest
The capital of Hungary, known for its thermal baths, the Parliament building and the Chain Bridge.
