Austria’s capital, set at the eastern edge of the republic, is the second-largest German-speaking city. Once the imperial seat of the Habsburgs, Vienna stood at the heart of Europe’s cultural and political life in the early 19th century. The Danube flows through the city — today a magnet for river cruises — and the surrounding wine regions add to Vienna’s rich appeal for leisure and exploration.
With airy pastries and golden schnitzels, acclaimed restaurants of international standing, picturesque horse-drawn carriages, and its legendary coffeehouse culture, Vienna offers an embarrassment of riches. Classical music and cutting-edge exhibitions add further layers to the experience. Whether it’s hotels, restaurants, or neighborhoods, the city invites you to spend two days that couldn’t feel more different. In this guide, we share a handpicked mix of our favorites, showcasing Vienna’s irresistible blend of history, tradition, innovation, and cool.
Day 1: Viennese Classics and International Superlatives
Morning: Arrival, settling in, and first discoveries
Even your choice of hotel sets the tone for a day in Vienna. The city boasts an exceptional range of accommodations, from sleek urban hotspots to grand old-school classics. With just under 2 million residents, Vienna has roughly half as many MICHELIN Keys as New York — a metropolis of more than 8 million. That kind of density is anything but ordinary.For our first night, we stayed right in the heart of the city, next to St. Peter’s Church: the Rosewood Vienna. This property embodies the very blend that makes Vienna so irresistible. Rotating contemporary art exhibitions in the light-filled atrium set the mood as you step into a lobby that feels as inviting as your own living room — though far more luxurious. Tucked seamlessly into the fabric of the Old Town, the hotel rises vertically rather than sprawling out, with an intimate, boutique-like atmosphere. The rooms offer every modern comfort along with sweeping views over rooftops and winding alleys. With the windows open, you can hear the clip-clop of the Fiaker — the two-horse carriages that lend such a nostalgic charm to the streetscape — and from the gabled rooms, you can even spot St. Stephen’s Cathedral right from your bed.
The hotel’s top-floor dining space — where breakfast is largely served à la carte — is bright and inviting, with an outdoor terrace perfect for sunny mornings. Plush seating areas encourage you to linger, sampling everything from French toast to shakshuka, along with bread from the famed Viennese bakery Joseph Brot. Pair it with a classic coffee or a matcha latte, and you may find yourself staying longer than planned.
Right next door, the stylish speakeasy bar THE1835 (no reservations required) beckons. Sleek and sophisticated, it features its own small rooftop terrace on the top level, offering spectacular views. No wonder it attracts not only hotel guests but also locals and visitors alike.
Once you’ve settled in, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center. Wander along Kohlmarkt, Vienna’s elegant shopping street, before stepping onto the vast and impressive Heldenplatz, framed by the equestrian statue of Archduke Charles. Continue through the Hofburg and Volksgarten, or climb the South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Lunch:
Viennese DNA Between Art Nouveau Tradition and a Three-Star Landmark in the City Park
Your first lunch in Vienna? It should let you taste the city and soak in its atmosphere. We suggest two very different but equally emblematic experiences: keep it classic at Zum Schwarzen Kameel, or celebrate Austrian culinary culture at its most refined and imaginative at Steirereck.
Chances are, you’ve already seen photos of Schwarzen Kameel’s jewel-like open-faced sandwiches — a Viennese institution since the 17th century. On its terrace, businesspeople gather over their first Verlängerter (an espresso topped up with hot water) in the morning, while at midday glasses of wine appear and passersby are watched with the same relish as the food. Inside, the iconic glass display showcases rows of neatly garnished bites, and the standing bar is perfect for a quick snack. The brasserie, with its snug booths and Art Nouveau décor, offers a heartier pause — traditional dishes like Wiener schnitzel and veal goulash, served without fuss but full of flavor. For those who prefer a quieter setting, the elegant dining room on the bel étage upstairs provides a more leisurely atmosphere, complete with menu options.
Steirereck: A Pillar of Viennese Culinary DNA
Steirereck is as integral to Vienna’s identity as its pastries and the Prater. Nestled in the heart of the Stadtpark, the unassuming concrete complex invites guests into the world of the Reitbauers, where vision and refinement meet tradition — all guided by a deep respect for ingredients and nature’s bounty. Hospitality is paramount, whether in the Meierei, the Bib Gourmand-awarded casual yet sophisticated restaurant in the Steirereck building offering breakfast, terrace dining, beloved classics, and an extraordinary cheese selection, or in Steirereck itself, a three-MICHELIN-star culinary landmark.
No desire goes unmet under the stewardship of Birgit and Heinz Reitbauer, Co-Chef Michael Bauböck, and Sommelier René Antrag. Guests can surrender to the full tasting menu — a “grand opera” of flavors at lunch or dinner — or mix and match from the midday offerings, sampling everything from the legendary Beuschel to the iconic trout in beeswax, or exploring creations sourced from the estate’s orangery, vegetable gardens, and own farmland. Circular economy, uncompromising quality, and regionality form a tightly knit, ecologically minded system that generates tangible value.
The celebration of variety extends even to the legendary bread cart — at least as impressive as the cheese trolley, which alone can leave diners awestruck. Conclude with a delightfully tart and fruity dessert of assorted citrus, paired with honey from a honeycomb trolley, and take a stroll through the Stadtpark back into the city. Pure bliss is all but guaranteed.
Afternoon:
A Celebration of Viennese Sweets
Speaking of sweets, no matter where you go to eat, don’t miss Vienna’s pastries and confectionery culture. Iconic Austrian dishes like Kaiserschmarrn bear their imperial name for good reason — and there’s no better place to enjoy these K&K classics than in the city itself.
Vienna’s coffeehouse scene offers a similarly delicious dilemma. From district to district, from grand and historic to alternative, from plush to hip, there’s something for every taste. Every guidebook will surely highlight the impressive Café Central, whose vaulted ceilings once welcomed regulars like Freud and Trotsky. But also consider some of the city’s cooler, retro-style Cafetìere — a tip: try the ham-and-cheese toast with filter coffee — or the hidden gem Kleines Café on the charming Franziskanerplatz, where you can enjoy a Melange in the sun by the fountain. Or, with a morning newspaper in hand, head to the cozy Café Prückel near Stubentor for one of the city’s best Punschkrapferl.
Of course, no discussion of Vienna’s cafés and pastries would be complete without mentioning the Hotel Sacher. Legendary hardly begins to describe this historic institution. It is the only hotel in Vienna to have earned three MICHELIN Keys from our inspectors. For lovers of hotel and service culture, historic interiors and furnishings, and authentic Viennese tradition, the overall experience is nothing short of exceptional.
We highly recommend at least a visit to the café for a glass of champagne paired with a Sacher cube — our personal favorite. These, along with the famous Sacher torte, coffee, and small gifts, are also available in the shop next door — the perfect sweet souvenir for anyone who couldn’t experience Vienna in person.
Evening:
World-Class Dining
Three-Star dining for lunch and dinner? In Vienna, it’s absolutely possible. Juan Amador’s restaurant is located on the outskirts of the city, within the Hajszan wine estate. It’s the perfect excuse to take a stroll along the Danube beforehand — or on the way back into town — and explore the nearby vineyards of Nussdorf or the fascinating Beethoven Museum.
The dining room, set in a vaulted brick space, exudes stylish elegance, where tradition and modernity meet in classic Viennese fashion. The cuisine of the duo Juan Amador and David Fleckinger is equally remarkable, their sophisticated, finely balanced dishes complementing each other beautifully.
Perhaps you’re in the mood for a completely different dinner experience and make your way to the city’s 8th district. Doubek, awarded Two MICHELIN Stars, has earned Stefan Doubek and Nora Pein considerable international attention — and for good reason. Beyond Vienna, diners talk about entering a universe of its own behind the unassuming door of this corner building. Once inside, guests are enveloped in a moody, intimate world, beginning their journey with an aperitif in a dedicated area before descending the staircase. Below awaits a nearly theatrical setting, with the open-fire kitchen taking center stage.
At four fire stations, Doubek and his team work with precision and passion, particularly with fish and seafood of extraordinary quality — including live Norwegian scampi. Here, everything is stoked, grilled, seared, and kept warm with meticulous attention; cooking on this level over open flame requires immense skill. Simply watching the process is mesmerizing. What guests experience — both visually and on the palate — evokes a distinctly international feel. With Doubek, Vienna proves it can rival Copenhagen or New York, in setting, ambiance, service, and, most importantly, the selection, quality, and complexity of flavors.
Day 2:
A Thousand Possibilities Between Art, Markets, and Warm Hospitality
Morning: Staying with History and Exploring Between Modern Art and Sausage Stands
How to begin your second day in the city of a thousand possibilities? If you’re drawn to contemporary art and state-of-the-art interiors, the Amauris Vienna could be just the place for you. Ideally located between the Opera House and the Albertina Modern Museum on the Kärntner Ring, the hotel is a work of art in itself. An astonishing 160 tons of marble in five colors from five countries were used in the meticulous restoration of this 19th-century city villa — all while preserving its original stucco and historic charm.
The combination of designer furniture, striking lighting, abundant art, and a modern approach to bringing the grand rooms to life feels both international and luxurious. With just over 60 rooms and suites, the hotel maintains an intimate, personal atmosphere. Guests also enjoy a small pool and a serene spa with a fitness area, all accessible via the beautifully painted staircase or the historic cage elevator.
After a night in Italian linen atop cloud-like box-spring beds, breakfast awaits in the plush, velvet-accented Glasswing Restaurant. The all à la carte menu leaves nothing to be desired, offering everything from modern superfood dishes to classic eggs Benedict.
Prefer the flair of the 1920s and ’30s and want to explore neighborhoods that fly a bit more under the radar? No problem — we have a tip for you. Hotel Josefine celebrates the era between surrealism, artist soirees, and gramophones, all behind an elegant Gründerzeit façade.
Amid rotary phones, an extensive vinyl collection, and velvet-covered single beds styled like récamier sofas, it’s easy to imagine the hotel’s namesake, aristocrat Josefine de Bourblanc, hosting guests with jazz playing in the background, champagne in hand, and her perfectly coiffed 1920s hair. Today’s team of hosts carries on that spirit: warm, welcoming, and eager to help you start exploring Vienna’s 6th district.
In the evening, follow in Josefine’s footsteps at the hotel’s Barfly’s Club. With Rat Pack tunes and an extensive cocktail menu, it’s one of Vienna’s most stylish and beloved bar counters — a perfect spot to toast the city in timeless style
From either hotel, the morning is perfect for a walking tour of Vienna’s art and cultural highlights — whether it’s the Secession, Belvedere Palace, Karlskirche, or the mumok. The Albertina and MuseumsQuartier are also within easy reach. All this culture is bound to work up an appetite, and luckily, Vienna’s streets are dotted with Würstelstände you simply can’t miss.
Try a classic Käsekrainer or an Eitrige, served with mustard and freshly grated horseradish. One excellent spot is Alles Wurscht at Börseplatz 1, though every Viennese has their personal favorite — and you’re sure to discover a few of your own along the way.
Another leisurely stroll with plenty of culinary discoveries leads along the Naschmarkt, stretching along the “Linke Wienzeile” from Karlsplatz. Let yourself wander, and perhaps be inspired by a glass of local wine (Achterl) and a few snacks along the way.
Lunch and Afternoon – Cozy Stops and Imperial Footsteps
For a true taste of Viennese Gasthaus culture at lunch (or even dinner), head slightly further out toward the trendy 5th district, near Pilgramgasse U-Bahn station. Marion Jambor runs Woracziczky with a lively warmth and urban-alternative coolness, serving crispy Backhendl, Geschnetzeltes, and delightfully juicy apricot dumplings at white-clothed tables in a beautifully designed dining room dotted with charming decorative touches.
After so much city exploration, you might crave a bit of greenery — or a mix of nature and culture. Schönbrunn Palace is always worth a visit, and for fans of both botany and gastronomy, the meticulously maintained Orangery, with its countless citrus plants, is a delight. Those eager to immerse themselves further in imperial history can also spend time at the Sisi Museum in the Hofburg, following in the footsteps of Austria’s famous emperors and empresses.
Evening: Vienna at Its Finest — Blending Modernity with Tradition
Tradition and modernity are often about passing knowledge from one generation to the next. Family-run businesses preserve classical ideas while evolving them, merging the best of both worlds. Mraz & Sohn, a Two-MICHELIN-Star restaurant, is a prime example of this unconventional yet tightly knit generational collaboration. The modest façade already hints at the family story: Lukas Mraz, now the “grandson” in the kitchen, cooks side by side with his father, continuing a legacy established by his grandfather.
What comes together here in the carefully designed, modern, and refreshingly cool space is nothing short of fascinating. Deep roots in Viennese traditional cuisine meet international influences from Japan to Sichuan, the finest local and global ingredients, and true creativity — all combined with a fearless, boundary-free approach that results in dishes that are as surprising as they are delicious.
The famous shopping-cart presentation arrives, guided by warm and attentive service, a rare white wine from La Palma is poured, and you wonder: what will become of the plaice, lobster, plums, chanterelles, and more? The result is a night that is surprising, eye-opening, utterly delicious, and thoroughly entertaining — perfect for those ready to embrace something entirely different in both taste and experience.
If you prefer a more relaxed second evening — a good glass of wine, a few fine dishes to share, or even a Jausenbrett with the best cheeses and cured meats — MAST Weinbistro is the perfect way to end the day. One of the city’s finest wine bars, its knowledgeable and friendly sommeliers guide you from casual to exceptional choices, pairing the carefully curated menu with fresh, regional ingredients and sharing-style dishes that perfectly complement wine, conversation, and atmosphere.
It’s a wonderful spot whether you choose the outdoor Schanigarten, the bar counter, or the cozy tables upstairs closer to the kitchen — an ideal setting to savor the evening at your own pace.
Still Not Enough Vienna?
Not ready to leave Vienna just yet? We agree. Our inspectors regularly return from the city brimming with enthusiasm, and a stay in Austria’s capital can easily be extended to three or four days. With more time, you might spend a few hours at the Prater, enjoy an aperitif at one of the riverside venues along the Danube, or join one of the guided tours of the famous Zentralfriedhof. Vienna’s many concerts and theater performances — often outdoors in the summer — are also well worth experiencing.
Beyond Vienna: Exploring the Surrounding Region
If you have a little extra time on arrival or before departure, the Wachau Valley and Lake Neusiedl are both highly recommended. Each is roughly an hour’s drive from the city, offering not only relaxation but also opportunities to visit wineries, local taverns, and even top-tier Two-MICHELIN-Star restaurants.Wachau: Apricots and Vineyards
Rolling vineyards, apricot orchards, and breathtaking views over the picturesque Danube make the Wachau one of Austria’s most enchanting regions. Just outside Vienna (coming from the west), it’s perfect for a stopover to explore this beautiful area. For an overnight stay amid the vines, the charming boutique Hotel MALAT is ideal. Modern yet steeped in family history, it offers a wonderful base for leisurely walks and, of course, for sampling the Wachau’s diverse gastronomy.
Don’t Miss: Landhaus Bacher
A visit to the Two-MICHELIN-Star Landhaus Bacher is an absolute must. The gravelled garden, shaded by dense trees, is just as much a part of this family-run establishment as its warm hospitality and highly personalized service, complemented by an extensive à la carte menu.
Come for lunch or dinner — whether you opt for a large tasting menu or a smaller selection — and enjoy dishes ranging from classic Wiener schnitzel and apricot dumplings with brown butter and powdered sugar, to exquisite fish creations. Chef Thomas Dorfer’s signature style combines fresh, vibrant plates with rich, indulgent sauces, all prepared with exceptional care and passion.
If you’re craving both culture and a landscape experience, a visit to Schloss Grafenegg comes highly recommended. From breakfast to beautifully crafted cakes, a fresh salad at lunchtime, or an elaborate evening menu, Toni Mörwald’s concept caters to every guest — whether a concertgoer or a hiker — ensuring a memorable and satisfying experience.
Neusiedl Lake: Sweet Wine and Peaceful Retreats
Do you enjoy fine sweet wines? Rust, on the western shore of Neusiedl Lake, has its own designation for sweet wines, which develop exceptional noble rot in the area’s unique microclimate and are traditionally crafted to perfection. From Vienna, it’s just a short drive or train ride to one of the few steppe lakes in Europe, blessed with a mild climate and extraordinary natural beauty.
Many local wineries, such as Feiler-Artinger or Giefing, offer personalized tastings in their on-site vinotheques. And the stork population nesting on the rooftops of this small, historic town makes for a truly picturesque sight. For a meal, consider stopping at Hofgassl, a 16th-century townhouse in the heart of Rust, serving regional, seasonal cuisine with modern touches.
A place that combines it all is Taubenkobel in Schützen im Gebirge. Host Barbara Eselböck, who has grown up in and around the property, received the MICHELIN Service Award in January 2025. Together with her husband Alain Weissgerber, she runs a true oasis, from the croaking frogs in the on-site swimming pond to the outstanding wine list and a few individually designed suites.
At the Two-MICHELIN-Star restaurant, guests can savor Weissgerber’s multi-course menu, which blends a classical French foundation with creative elegance, regional ingredients, and cosmopolitan flair. A highlight are his main courses for sharing — think turbot or veal chop from the open-fire kitchen. For those stopping by briefly or seeking a more casual experience, the lovingly designed Greisslerei offers oysters, escargot, antipasti, truffle gnocchi, or Wiener schnitzel — all perfectly executed.
At the northern tip of the lake, in the town of Neusiedl itself, you’ll find the charming Zur Blauen Gans, just steps from the water. The restaurant offers a varied menu ranging from classic Backhendl to an eight-course tasting experience. It’s one of our Burgenland Bib Gourmand picks, offering excellent value for money.
A little further around the lake on the eastern shore, the spacious, modern rooms and suites at VILA VITA Pannonia provide a perfect retreat for relaxation, combining comfort with scenic lake views.
Hotels
- Rosewood Vienna – Petersplatz 7, 1010 Vienna
- Hotel Sacher Wien – Philharmonikerstraße 4, 1010 Vienna
- The Amauris Vienna – Kärntner Ring 8, 1010 Vienna
- Hotel Josefine – Esterházygasse 33, 1060 Vienna
Restaurants
- Beletage Zum Schwarzen Kameel – Bognergasse 5, 1010 Vienna
- Steirereck im Stadtpark – Am Heumarkt 2a, 1030 Vienna
- Amador – Grinzinger Straße 86, 1190 Vienna
- Doubek – Kochgasse 13, 1080 Vienna
- Mraz & Sohn – Wallensteinstraße 59, 1200 Vienna
- MAST Weinbistro – Porzellangasse 53, 1090 Vienna
- Woracziczky – Spengergasse 52, 1050 Vienna
Cafés & Sweets
- Café Central – Herrengasse 14, 1010 Vienna
- Café Prückel – Stubenring 24, 1010 Vienna
- Kleines Café – Franziskanerplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
- Die Cafetière – Wipplingerstrasse, 1010 Vienna
- Hotel Sacher Café – Philharmonikerstraße 4, 1010 Vienna
Bars
- THE1835 (Speakeasy at Rosewood Vienna) – Petersplatz 7, 1010 Vienna
- Barfly’s Club (at Hotel Josefine) – Esterházygasse 33, 1060 Vienna
Culture & Sightseeing
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) – Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
- Schönbrunn Palace – Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
- Hofburg Vienna (incl. Sisi Museum) – Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna
- Belvedere Palace – Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna
- Secession – Friedrichstraße 12, 1010 Vienna
- mumok – Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna
- Albertina – Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
- Albertina Modern – Karlsplatz 5, 1010 Vienna
- MuseumsQuartier Vienna – Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna
- Karlskirche – Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna
Markets & Culinary Highlights
- Naschmarkt – Linke Wienzeile, 1060 Vienna
- Würstelstand “Alles Wurscht” – Börseplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Wachau
- Boutique Hotel MALAT – Hafnerstraße 12, 3511 Furth bei Göttweig
- Landhaus Bacher – Südtiroler Platz 2, 3512 Mautern an der Donau
- Schloss Grafenegg (Restaurant Toni Mörwald) – 3485 Grafenegg
Neusiedl Lake
- Weingut Feiler-Artinger – Hauptstraße 3, 7071 Rust
- Weingut Giefing – Hauptstraße 13, 7071 Rust
- Wirtshaus Im Hofgassl – Rathausplatz 10, 7071 Rust
- Taubenkobel – Hauptstraße 27–33, 7081 Schützen am Gebirge
- Zur Blauen Gans – Seepark Weiden, 7121 Weiden am See
- VILA VITA Pannonia – Storchengasse 1, 7152 Pamhagen
Illustration Image: Sachertorte, Café Sacher, The Sachertorte is Vienna’s most iconic chocolate cake, renowned for its rich chocolate layers and delicate apricot jam filling. © WienTourismus / Paul Bauer
