Vienna on a Budget: The Ultimate 4-Day Guide!

Experience Vienna's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Vienna, Austria offers plenty of affordable activities for budget-conscious travelers. Visit museums and cultural landmarks, such as the Schönbrunn Palace, Naschmarkt and St. Stephen's Cathedral, which are either free or have low admission fees. To save on accommodation, consider staying in hostels or renting an apartment in a residential area. Enjoy delicious cuisine from the city's street food stalls or eat at affordable local restaurants like the Vienna Würstelstand.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Vienna!

  • Check into Hotel Post: a cozy budget hotel in the heart of Vienna
  • Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral: an impressive Gothic masterpiece with stunning views
  • Indulge in traditional Viennese cuisine at Figlmüller: home of the famous Wiener Schnitzel
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the Hofburg Palace: the former imperial residence of the Habsburgs
  • Treat yourself to a slice of Sachertorte at Hotel Sacher: a chocolate cake crowned as a Viennese delicacy
Day 2

Art & Culture

  • Explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum: a magnificent art museum housing masterpieces from around the world
  • Discover the secrets of Vienna's history at the Schönbrunn Palace: the sprawling summer residence of the Habsburg emperors
  • Catch a show at the State Opera House: one of the world's most prestigious opera houses
  • Get a glimpse of Austrian art at the Belvedere Palace: a Baroque gem with a breathtaking park and gardens
  • Enjoy a cup of coffee at Café Central: a historic coffeehouse that has served as a meeting place for artists and intellectuals for over a century
Day 3

Vienna Off the Beaten Path

  • Take a tour of Naschmarkt: Vienna's largest and most colorful market offering international delicacies and local produce
  • Visit the Hundertwasserhaus: a quirky, colorful apartment complex designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser
  • Discover the Vienna Woods: a breathtaking natural reserve just a short train ride from the city center
  • Relax at the Therme Wien: an oasis of serenity and thermal baths in the outskirts of Vienna
  • Sip a glass of Grüner Veltliner at a Heurigen: a rustic tavern serving local wine and homemade food
Day 4

Farewell Vienna

  • Take a stroll in the Prater: Vienna's famous amusement park with a giant Ferris wheel, retro rides and parkland
  • Indulge in some last-minute shopping at Mariahilferstrasse: Vienna's most popular shopping street with countless stores and boutiques
  • Visit the Haus der Musik: an interactive museum showcasing Vienna's musical heritage
  • Enjoy a final beer at a traditional Biergarten: a laid-back pub serving Austrian beer and hearty snacks
  • Say goodbye to Vienna with a ride on a horse-drawn carriage: a romantic and quintessential Viennese experience

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Vienna by plane is to fly directly to Vienna International Airport. There are numerous airlines that operate flights to Vienna such as Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and more.

Car

If you are traveling from neighboring countries or just around Austria, driving to Vienna is a great option. The A1, A2, and A4 highways lead directly to Vienna and there are plenty of parking spots available in the city center.

Train

Getting to Vienna by train is convenient with Vienna Central Station being the main transportation hub. You can travel from numerous European cities to Vienna by train such as Berlin, Budapest, and Prague.

Boat

Although there is no direct boat transportation to Vienna, you can take a Danube river cruise which stops in Vienna for sightseeing. These cruises usually start from Budapest or Passau and offer stunning views of the Wachau Valley.

Bus

Traveling to Vienna by bus is relatively easy with many companies offering services to Vienna from other European cities. Eurolines, Flixbus, and RegioJet are some of the companies that operate bus services to Vienna.

More travel plans

Vienna Adventures: From Fairytale Palaces to Whimsical Parks

Vienna, Austria is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and fun-filled activities. Explore the majestic Schönbrunn Palace and its beautiful gardens, where kids can enjoy the world's oldest zoo. Visit the famous Belvedere Palace and Museum for a chance to see impressive art collections and enjoy a picnic in the nearby Palace Gardens.

Vienna Vibes: A 5-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

Vienna, Austria offers an enchanting experience for families with its combination of rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous family-friendly attractions. Explore the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, where kids can partake in a royal adventure through the palace gardens and a visit to the world's oldest zoo. Discover the captivating world of music at the Haus der Musik museum or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming streets of the city.

Vienna Express: A 2-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

A family-friendly trip to Vienna, Austria is a perfect blend of culture, history, and fun. Visit the iconic Schönbrunn Palace that offers enchanting gardens, a zoo, and a maze to keep the kids entertained. Explore the Prater amusement park with its famous giant Ferris wheel and a variety of thrilling rides, guaranteeing an exciting day out for the whole family. Don't miss out on the interactive museums and child-friendly attractions scattered throughout the city for an unforgettable family adventure in Vienna.

The Royal Vienna Experience: Music, Art, and Delights

A family-friendly trip to Vienna, Austria offers a delightful blend of cultural and recreational experiences. Explore iconic attractions like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral, marvelling at their stunning architecture and historical significance. Enjoy parks and playgrounds such as Prater Park, along with interactive museums like the Haus des Meeres, ensuring an engaging and entertaining vacation for the entire family.