Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in
Vienna, settle into your accommodation, and take a gentle introductory stroll through the historic city center.
Morning
Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Arrive at
Vienna International Airport (VIE) or main train station. Take the CAT train or S-Bahn to the city center. Check into your hotel and get oriented.
2-3 hours
$20-30 (transport from airport)
Pre-book airport transfer or buy a 72-hour
Vienna public transport pass online.
Lunch
Figlmüller (Wollzeile)
Traditional Viennese (famous for schnitzel)
Mid-range
Afternoon
St. Stephen's Cathedral & Graben Walk
Visit the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) and climb the South Tower for views. Then stroll down the elegant Graben and Kärntner Strasse, taking in the atmosphere.
3 hours
$6 (cathedral tower)
Evening
Dinner & First Evening Stroll
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a 'Beisl' (traditional tavern) like 'Zu den 3 Hacken'. Afterwards, see the illuminated State Opera House (Staatsoper).
Where to Stay Tonight
Innere Stadt (District 1) or near Mariahilfer Strasse (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
The Innere Stadt puts you in central historic Vienna. Staying near Mariahilfer Strasse offers more budget options with excellent transport links.
For a classic Viennese coffee house experience on your first day, skip the crowded ones on the Graben and head to Café Central or Café Prückel.
Day 1 Budget: $180
Explore the vast Hofburg Palace complex and its treasures, then cap the day with a classical music performance.
Morning
Hofburg Palace - Imperial Apartments & Sisi Museum
Dive into Habsburg history at the Hofburg. Tour the lavish Imperial Apartments and the fascinating Sisi Museum, dedicated to Empress Elisabeth.
3 hours
$18
Book the 'Sisi Ticket' online for combined entry to Hofburg, Schönbrunn, and the Imperial Furniture Collection.
Lunch
Trzesniewski (Dorotheergasse)
Famous open-faced finger sandwiches
Budget
Afternoon
Spanish Riding School or Kunsthistorisches Museum
Choose between watching the morning training of the Lipizzaner stallions at the Spanish Riding School (check schedule) or visiting the magnificent Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world's finest art collections.
2-3 hours
$18-25
Tickets for Spanish Riding School training viewings must be booked well in advance.
Evening
Classical Concert
Attend a concert of Mozart or Strauss at a historic venue like the Musikverein or the Konzerthaus. More budget-friendly options are available at the Mozarthaus or St. Anne's Church.
Where to Stay Tonight
Innere Stadt (District 1) or near Mariahilfer Strasse (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Same as previous night for convenience.
For a free and impressive view, take the elevator to the rooftop terrace of the 'Dachboden' bar at the 25hours Hotel (across from the MuseumsQuartier).
Day 2 Budget: $220
Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, then explore
Vienna's dynamic contemporary art scene in the MuseumsQuartier.
Morning
Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens
Take the U-Bahn to Schönbrunn. Tour the opulent palace rooms (get the Imperial Tour). Afterwards, wander the expansive, free gardens and climb up to the Gloriette for a panoramic view back to the city.
4 hours
$22 (Imperial Tour)
Book a timed entry ticket for Schönbrunn online to avoid long queues.
Lunch
Café Restaurant Residenz at Schönbrunn
Viennese cafe classics
Mid-range
Afternoon
MuseumsQuartier & Naschmarkt
Head to the MuseumsQuartier, a vast cultural complex. Visit the Leopold Museum (for Klimt & Schiele) or MUMOK (modern art). Later, explore the active Naschmarkt for food stalls and quirky shops.
3-4 hours
$15 (museum entry)
Evening
Heuriger Evening
Travel to Grinzing or Nussdorf (tram 38) for a 'Heuriger' experience—a rustic wine tavern serving local new wine and cold buffet food in a village-like setting.
Where to Stay Tonight
Innere Stadt (District 1) or near Mariahilfer Strasse (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Same as previous nights.
Skip the paid maze at Schönbrunn and just enjoy the free gardens. For a unique souvenir, buy a packet of seeds from the palace's own garden shop.
Day 3 Budget: $200
A scenic train journey transports you from the city to the fairytale lakeside village of Hallstatt.
Morning
Scenic Train to Hallstatt
Take a direct train from
Vienna's Hauptbahnhof to Attnang-Puchheim, then change for the regional train to Hallstatt station. The journey showcases the changing landscape from plains to mountains.
3.5 hours
$50-70 (train ticket)
Book train tickets in advance on ÖBB (Austrian Railways) website for cheaper 'Sparschiene' fares.
Lunch
Gasthof Zauner (Marktplatz)
Fresh lake fish and regional dishes
Mid-range
Afternoon
Hallstatt Skywalk & Village Exploration
Take the funicular up to the Salzberg (Salt Mountain). Walk the World Heritage Skywalk for sweeping views over the lake and village. Explore the charming, compact Marktplatz and see the famous Lutheran church.
3-4 hours
$22 (funicular round-trip & Skywalk)
Evening
Lakeside Dinner
Enjoy a peaceful dinner with a lake view at Restaurant am See. Wander the quiet lanes after the day-trippers have left.
Where to Stay Tonight
Hallstatt village (Guesthouse or lakeside hotel)
Staying in the village itself allows you to experience its particular atmosphere in the early morning and late evening when it's most serene.
The famous 'postcard view' of Hallstatt is from the small pier just north of the Marktplatz. Go at sunrise for the perfect, crowd-free photo.
Day 4 Budget: $210
look into the ancient salt mines that made Hallstatt famous, then ascend to the icy wonders of the Dachstein Glacier.
Morning
Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour
Explore the world's oldest salt mine. The tour includes a funicular ride, miner's slides, an underground lake, and a train ride out. Fascinating for all ages.
3 hours
$40 (includes funicular)
Book the first tour of the day to avoid waiting times, in summer.
Lunch
Braugasthof Hallstatt
Traditional Austrian with house-brewed beer
Mid-range
Afternoon
Dachstein Krippenstein Cable Car & 5 Fingers
Take a bus to Obertraun and the Dachstein cable car station. Ascend to Krippenstein for staggering Alpine views. Walk the short trail to the '5 Fingers' viewing platform, which juts dramatically over a 400m drop.
4-5 hours
$45 (cable car round-trip)
Check weather before going; the platform is closed in high winds or poor visibility.
Evening
Relaxing Evening in Hallstatt
Have a simpler dinner at your guesthouse or a local pub like 'Gasthof zur Mühle'. Enjoy the tranquil lakeside ambiance.
Where to Stay Tonight
Hallstatt village (Guesthouse or lakeside hotel)
Same as previous night.
Pack a warm layer and windproof jacket for the Dachstein summit, even on a warm summer day. The temperature difference is significant.
Day 5 Budget: $230
A scenic boat trip takes you to the scenic village of St. Wolfgang, home to the historic White Horse Inn.
Morning
Boat to St. Wolfgang
Take a morning ferry from Hallstatt across the Hallstätter See, then transfer to a bus or another ferry to reach St. Wolfgang on the Wolfgangsee. The journey is spectacular.
1.5-2 hours
$25 (boat/bus ticket)
Check the seasonal timetable for the ferry (Schifffahrt) and bus connections.
Lunch
Weisses Rössl (White Horse Inn)
Classic Austrian in a historic setting
Mid-range to Upscale
Afternoon
Schafbergbahn Cog Railway
Ride the historic steam cog railway up the Schafberg mountain for one of the most famous views in Austria, overlooking the Wolfgangsee and surrounding peaks.
2.5 hours
$42 (round-trip)
Reserve your cog railway ticket in advance, as it's very popular. Check if it's running, as it operates seasonally.
Evening
Return to Hallstatt
Take the ferry/bus back to Hallstatt. For dinner, try a cozy spot like 'Seehotel Grüner Baum' restaurant.
Where to Stay Tonight
Hallstatt village (Guesthouse or lakeside hotel)
Base for exploring the Salzkammergut region.
If the Schafbergbahn is closed or fully booked, a lovely alternative is to rent an e-bike in St. Wolfgang and cycle along the lake shore to St. Gilgen.
Day 6 Budget: $250
Travel to Salzburg, settle in, and enjoy a gentle introduction to the city's baroque beauty.
Morning
Travel to Salzburg
Take a bus from Hallstatt to Bad Ischl, then a direct train to Salzburg. The train ride through the Salzkammergut is beautiful. Check into your accommodation.
2.5 hours
$30 (bus/train)
Combine bus and train tickets via the ÖBB app or website for a smooth journey.
Lunch
St. Paul's Stub'n (Herrengasse)
Authentic Salzburg cuisine in a rustic setting
Mid-range
Afternoon
Mirabell Gardens & Getreidegasse
Walk through the beautifully manicured Mirabell Gardens, famous from 'The Sound of Music'. Then cross the Salzach River via the Makartsteg bridge (love locks) and stroll down the elegant, narrow Getreidegasse shopping street.
2-3 hours
Free
Evening
Dinner in the Old Town
Dine in a traditional restaurant in the Altstadt like 'Zum fidelen Affen' or enjoy a sausage at the historic 'Balkan Grill' (known as the 'Bosna Stand').
Where to Stay Tonight
Altstadt (Old Town) or near the train station (Hotel or historic inn)
The Altstadt puts you in central the historic action. The station area offers more modern, budget-friendly hotels with excellent transport links.
For a impressive free view over the old town, walk up to the Mönchsberg Aufzug (elevator) platform—you only pay if you take the elevator up from the inside; you can walk up the path from the other side for free.
Day 7 Budget: $190
Explore the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress, look into Mozart's life, and experience a unique marionette show.
Morning
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Take the funicular up to one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval castles. Explore the state rooms, museums, and enjoy incredible 360-degree views of the city and Alps.
3 hours
$13 (basic ticket with funicular)
Buy the 'All-Inclusive' ticket online to skip the ticket line for the funicular.
Lunch
Stieglkeller (Festungsgasse)
Traditional Austrian with great views from the terrace
Mid-range
Afternoon
Mozart's Birthplace & Marionette Museum
Visit Mozart's Geburtshaus on Getreidegasse, where he was born. Then, explore the fascinating Salzburg Marionette Museum to learn about this beautiful art form.
2.5 hours
$20 (combined ticket)
Evening
Salzburg Marionette Theater
Attend a performance at the world-well-known Salzburg Marionette Theater. They often perform operas like 'The Magic Flute'—a magical experience for all ages.
Where to Stay Tonight
Altstadt (Old Town) or near the train station (Hotel or historic inn)
Same as previous night.
For a cheaper way up to the fortress with exercise, take the Festungsbahn funicular up but walk down via the gentle, wooded paths for lovely views.
Day 8 Budget: $210
Visit the impressive Hellbrunn Palace with its trick fountains, then enjoy the gardens and an evening of classical music.
Morning
Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains
Take a short bus ride to Hellbrunn Palace. The guided tour of the whimsical trick fountains (Wasserspiele) is a must—prepare to get slightly wet! The palace grounds are also home to the 'Sound of Music' gazebo.
3 hours
$14.50 (palace & fountains tour)
Tours run at specific times; arrive early to join the next English-language tour.
Lunch
Restaurant at Schloss Hellbrunn
International and Austrian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Hellbrunn Gardens & Zoo (Optional)
Stroll through the expansive palace gardens. Alternatively, visit the Salzburg Zoo, located within the park, which is one of Europe's most beautiful.
2 hours
$0 (gardens) / $13 (zoo)
Evening
Dinner & Fortress Concert
Return to the city. Dine at 'Augustiner Bräustübl', a massive beer garden where you serve yourself. Then, attend a 'Mozart Dinner Concert' in the Baroque Hall of St. Peter's Abbey.
Where to Stay Tonight
Altstadt (Old Town) or near the train station (Hotel or historic inn)
Same as previous nights.
The trick fountain tour is not suitable for those who wish to stay completely dry or have expensive camera equipment not in a waterproof case.
Day 9 Budget: $200
Travel to Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps, and explore its compact, historic center dominated by the iconic Goldenes Dachl.
Morning
Train to Innsbruck
Take a direct train from Salzburg to Innsbruck. The journey through the Alps along the River Inn is spectacular. Store luggage at the station or hotel.
2 hours
$35-50 (train ticket)
Book Sparschiene tickets in advance for the best price on this popular route.
Lunch
Stiftskeller (Stiftgasse)
Traditional Tyrolean in a historic setting
Mid-range
Afternoon
Historic Old Town Tour
Explore Innsbruck's charming Altstadt. See the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), the City Tower (Stadtturm) for views, the Hofkirche with its famous 'Black Men' statues, and the colorful rows of houses on Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse.
3 hours
$5 (City Tower)
Consider the Innsbruck Card if planning multiple paid attractions over 24/48 hours.
Evening
Tyrolean Evening
Enjoy a hearty Tyrolean dinner at 'Gasthof Goldener Adler', one of the oldest inns in the city. Try 'Gröstl' or 'Kaspressknödelsuppe'.
Where to Stay Tonight
Innsbruck Altstadt or near the main station (Hauptbahnhof) (Hotel or guesthouse)
The Altstadt is scenic and central. Staying near the Hauptbahnhof is convenient for arrivals/departures and has good tram connections.
For a unique and affordable souvenir, buy a packet of 'Mozartkugeln' from the original Fürst confectionery on Hofgasse, not the mass-produced ones.
Day 10 Budget: $190
Ascend to the Nordkette mountain range for wide-open views, then visit the lavish Imperial Palace.
Morning
Nordkette Cable Car to the Top of Innsbruck
Take the funicular and cable car from the Congress station to Hafelekar (2,256m). The journey is an architectural marvel, and the views over the city and the Alps are memorable. Hike along the trails if you wish.
3-4 hours
$44 (round-trip)
Go early to avoid afternoon clouds. Check the weather forecast; the summit may be closed in poor conditions.
Lunch
Seegrube Restaurant (mid-station)
Alpine cuisine with a view
Mid-range
Afternoon
Hofburg (Imperial Palace)
Visit the Innsbruck Hofburg, the former imperial palace of the Habsburgs. Tour the lavish state apartments, including the Giant's Hall, and the adjacent Hofgarten (Court Garden).
2 hours
$11
A combined ticket with the Hofkirche is available.
Evening
Evening in the Markthalle
Explore the indoor Markthalle Innsbruck for a variety of food stalls offering local and international dishes—perfect for a casual dinner. Afterwards, enjoy a drink at a 'Bierstube' (beer pub).
Where to Stay Tonight
Innsbruck Altstadt or near the main station (Hotel or guesthouse)
Same as previous night.
If the Nordkette is too expensive or weather is bad, take Bus J to the beautiful village of Igls and then the Patscherkofel cable car for similar, slightly less dramatic views at a lower cost.
Day 11 Budget: $230
A day trip to the fantastical Swarovski Kristallwelten, followed by a final Alpine evening in Innsbruck.
Morning
Swarovski Kristallwelten
Take a direct bus from Innsbruck to Wattens. Explore the Chambers of Wonder at Swarovski Crystal Worlds—a surreal and artistic theme park built around crystal, with works by artists like Andy Warhol.
3-4 hours
$23 (entry)
Buy tickets online to guarantee entry, on weekends. The bus (line 4125) is included with the Innsbruck Card.
Lunch
Restaurant at Daniels Kristallwelten
Modern Austrian/International
Mid-range
Afternoon
Return & Ambras Castle
Return to Innsbruck. Visit the impressive Renaissance Ambras Castle, set in a park above the city. It houses fascinating collections of armor, art, and curiosities.
2.5 hours
$13
Take tram line 3 or 6 to the 'Schloss Ambras' stop.
Evening
Farewell Tyrolean Dinner
For your last Alpine dinner, head to 'Weisses Rössl' in the old town for excellent local dishes in a cozy, traditional atmosphere.
Where to Stay Tonight
Innsbruck Altstadt or near the main station (Hotel or guesthouse)
Same as previous nights.
The gardens at Swarovski Kristallwelten are free to enter. If you're not interested in the indoor Chambers, you can still see the iconic Giant's Head and wander the imaginative park for free.
Day 12 Budget: $200
Travel to the Danube Valley, explore the charming town of Krems, and take a scenic river cruise or bike ride through vineyards.
Morning
Train to Krems an der Donau
Take a train from Innsbruck to Krems (change in St. Pölten). The journey showcases a different side of Austria. Check into your hotel in Krems.
4 hours
$60-80 (train ticket)
Book long-distance tickets well in advance for the best 'Sparschiene' fares.
Lunch
Zum Kaiser von Österreich (Steiner Landstrasse)
Regional Wachau cuisine
Mid-range
Afternoon
Krems Old Town & Danube Bike Path
Explore Krems's lovely pedestrianized old town with its medieval gates. Then, rent a bike and cycle a section of the famous Danube Bike Path through the vineyards towards Dürnstein.
3 hours
$15 (bike rental)
Rent bikes from nextbike stations or local shops. The path is flat and well-signposted.
Evening
Wine Tasting & Dinner
The Wachau is famous for its Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines. Visit a local 'Heuriger' or wine tavern in Krems or the nearby village of Unterloiben for a tasting and simple dinner.
Where to Stay Tonight
Krems an der Donau Old Town (Hotel or wine estate guesthouse)
Krems is a perfect, less-touristy base for exploring the Wachau Valley, with excellent transport links.
For a short, beautiful bike ride, cycle from Krems to Dürnstein (about 6km one way). The view of the blue church tower and castle ruins above the river is iconic.
Day 13 Budget: $210
Visit the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, savor local apricot products, then take a leisurely journey back to
Vienna for your final evening.
Morning
Dürnstein Castle Ruins & Village
Take a short train or bus (or bike) to Dürnstein. Hike up to the ruins of Kuenringerburg, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. The hike is steep but short (30 mins), with incredible river views. Explore the charming blue-and-white village below.
3 hours
Free (castle ruins)
Wear sturdy shoes for the hike up to the ruins. The path is rocky and uneven.
Lunch
Heuriger Zur Alten Rossmühle (Dürnstein)
Local wine and cold buffet
Mid-range
Afternoon
Wachau Apricots & Return to
ViennaSample the region's famous apricot products (jam, liqueur, chocolate) at a local shop. Then, take a scenic train or river cruise (seasonal) from Krems or Dürnstein back to
Vienna. Check into your hotel.
Travel: 1.5 hours
$20-40 (train) / $30-50 (cruise)
The train is faster and cheaper. The cruise (Brandner or DDSG) is a slower, scenic highlight—book ahead in season.
Evening
Enjoy a final, celebratory dinner at a classic Viennese restaurant like 'Plachutta' for its famous Tafelspitz (boiled beef) or at a modern 'Neue Wiener Küche' spot like 'Schnattl'.
Where to Stay Tonight
Vienna (any central district) (Hotel)
Convenient for your departure the next day, whether from the airport or train station.
If you take the train back, sit on the right-hand side (facing direction of travel) for the best views of the Danube and vineyards.
Day 14 Budget: $220