Last Updated on March 16, 2023 by gregor
It usually takes several days to one week to fully embrace Vienna’s most beautiful places. But what if you have only a short stay in Vienna like a business trip or a stopover and you want to super-fast embrace the very best of Vienna’s history, culture, architecture, lifestyle, and food. Yes, it’s possible! Here are the best things to discover in Vienna within only 4 hours. At the End of this blog post, I have attached a google map of the walking route for your convenience.
Vienna State Opera – Starting Point
The best starting point is obviously the Vienna State Opera in the City Center. You can get there in about 25-35min by taxi from the airport. If you are there take a deep breath …. Yes, you are now in the epicenter of Vienna. See also my Blog post about the Vienna State Opera with many insights and a walk of the opera video for your inspiration
Let’s get started!
Vienna Tourist Info Center
Located very close to the Vienna Opera at the Albertinaplatz is the Vienna Tourist Info Center. Here you can get a lot of Information, free brochures and leverage the Free WIFI.
Albertina Museum
To keep the time schedule you probably won’t have time for entering the Albertina museum itself but the view from the Albertinaplatz to the Opera is glorious, time to take your first picture or video. The Albertina museum itself has a very elegant entrance and make sure you visit the museum’s shop. See also my Blog post “Top 5 reasons why we love the Albertina any you should too”
Vienna Secession
Head via the Operngasse to the Wiener Secession building. Built-in 1897 gives you a very nice impression of the Jugendstil area of Vienna (a branch of Art Nouveau)
Vienna Naschmarkt
The Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most popular food market. Located at the Wienzeile over the Wien River, it’s about 1,5km long. Enjoy the exotic herbs, cheese, baked goods, and small restaurants. Read the Full Naschmarkt Travel Guide with Restaurant Tips.
Hofburg Palace & Michaelerplatz
Head back via the Albertinaplatz and walk via the Augustinerstrasse – Joseph square and Reitschulgasse until you finally arrive at the beautiful Michaelerplatz where you can see Roman ruins as well as several other architectural masterpieces from several centuries, like the Loos house and the Neo-rococo Hofburg entrance and various Hercules statues.
Kohlmarkt
Walk down the famous elegant shopping mile the Vienna Kohlmarkt. Please make sure you have a quick sneak into the famous DEMEL bakery.
Vienna Graben
Enjoy the walk on the elegant Wiener Graben (click to see my Blogpost) towards the St. Stephens Cathedral with a lot of luxury shopping possibilities. On the left side, you see the wonderful baroque St. Peter’s Church which was built by JL von Hildebrandt in 1703 and inspired by the St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in Rome. The inside of the church makes a stunning impression with its rich interior filled with golden stucco.
St. Stephens Cathedral
Founded in the 12th century this gigantic gothic-style cathedral with its 18 altars and various chapels is overwhelming. Well, worth spending a few minutes inside. It’s pretty amazing so let yourself be inspired by the interior including one of the greatest treasures the Wiener Neustadt altarpiece (1447) on the left side.
Mozarthaus Vienna
The Mozarthaus Vienna is located in the Domgasse on the backside of the St. Stephens Cathedral. It’s one of Mozart’s apartments in Vienna that still exists today. Mozart lived there from 1784 – to 1787.
Franziskanerplatz and lovely Vienna old backyard
One of the loveliest places in Vienna is the Franziskanerplatz hosting the famous “Kleines Cafe”. Make sure you take some nice pictures here. Continue on Weihburggasse 21 and have a look at the little old Vienna Backyard.
Stadtpark – Public Parc
Congrats! You made it! Awesome! If still some time left and you want to enjoy summer in the Vienna parks I would suggest you stroll through the famous Vienna Stadtpark.
Hope you enjoyed it! If you need some more details let me know in the comments below. I am always happy to support you!
For more Travel Tips and Guides to Vienna, please check these articles
Here are the Practical Tips for visiting Vienna
When is the Best Time visiting Vienna
Here is How many days do I need for visiting Vienna
Where to go in Vienna?
TheViennaBlog has thoroughly studied all the attractions but also hidden secrets to uncover in Vienna. (Click the Links below to get to the information)
Here is the Vienna Ultimate Top 50 Bucket List
Here is the Best of Vienna in 4 hours
Here are the Best 5 things to do in Vienna the most liveable city in the world
Here are the Vienna Old Streets in Historic Center
Here is the Spittelberg Village in Vienna
Here is the Vienna’s Best Rooftop Patios and Bars with a glorious view (Click)
Videos of Walking Tour Vienna
Albertinaplatz (Vienna Tourist Center)
Albertina Museum
Hofburg Michaelerplatz
Vienna Graben
Franziskanerplatz
Vienna Stadtpark
