Vienna 8-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Vienna

Arrive at Vienna International Airport (VIE), transfer to your accommodation, and check in.

Settle in and prepare for your Viennese adventure.

Public transport (CAT train or S7 S-Bahn) offers efficient transfer to the city center from VIE airport.

Explore Historic Center

Begin your exploration with a walk through the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Vienna, admiring its Baroque architecture and charming streets.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Visit Vienna's most important Gothic landmark.

Ascend the South Tower for panoramic city views or explore the catacombs.

Entry to the cathedral is free, but there are fees for guided tours, catacombs, and tower climbs.

Dinner near Graben

Enjoy traditional Viennese cuisine at a restaurant around the elegant Graben street or Kohlmarkt.

Consider trying Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz.

Hofburg Palace

Explore the former imperial palace, home to the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Silver Collection.

Purchase the Sisi Ticket for combined access to Hofburg, Schönbrunn, and the Imperial Furniture Collection.

Lunch in City Center

Enjoy a casual lunch near the Hofburg Palace.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

Immerse yourselves in art at the magnificent Museum of Art History, housing masterpieces by Old Masters, Egyptian artifacts, and ancient Greek and Roman art.

Natural History Museum

Visit the twin building of the Art History Museum, showcasing impressive collections of natural science, including dinosaurs and minerals.

Located directly opposite the Kunsthistorisches Museum on Maria-Theresien-Platz.

Dinner at MuseumsQuartier

Dine at one of the trendy restaurants or cafes within the vibrant MuseumsQuartier area.

Schönbrunn Palace Tour

Explore the opulent summer residence of the Habsburg emperors.

Tour the imperial staterooms and stroll through the magnificent gardens.

Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially for the Grand Tour. Consider visiting the Gloriette for panoramic views.

Lunch near Schönbrunn

Grab lunch at a cafe or restaurant in the Schönbrunn area.

Palais Sturany

Admire the impressive architecture of Palais Sturany, a historic palace with a distinctive façade.

Best viewed from the exterior, appreciating the grandeur of Ringstrasse architecture.

Relax at Stadtpark

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Stadtpark, a beautiful city park featuring monuments, including the famous Johann Strauss monument.

Johann Strauss Monument

Take photos at the iconic golden statue of Johann Strauss II, a highlight of Stadtpark.

Dinner & Viennese Cafe

Experience a classic Viennese coffee house for dinner or dessert, perhaps with a slice of Sacher Torte.

Try Café Central or Café Sacher for an authentic experience.

Belvedere Palace

Visit the stunning Baroque palace complex, home to Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss' and other Austrian art masterpieces.

Focus on the Upper Belvedere for the main art collection. The gardens are also beautiful for a stroll.

Lunch near Belvedere

Enjoy lunch at a cafe or restaurant in the area surrounding Belvedere Palace.

Albertina Museum

Discover one of the world's most important graphic art collections, as well as temporary exhibitions of modern art, housed in a magnificent former Habsburg palace.

The state rooms are also open for viewing, showcasing imperial grandeur.

St. Charles's Church

Admire the impressive Baroque architecture of Karlskirche.

You can take an elevator to the dome for unique frescoes and views.

Evening City Walk

Join a Vienna Explorer small group tour or take an evening stroll to discover hidden gems and beautiful illuminations.

Many evening walking tours are available, or simply enjoy the illuminated city at your own pace.

Farewell Vienna Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Vienna, perhaps trying a different local specialty.

Leisurely Breakfast & Coffee

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at a local cafe, savoring your last Viennese coffee.

Last-Minute Souvenirs

Browse for souvenirs or unique gifts in Vienna's shopping districts, such as Kärntner Straße.

Hotel Check-out

Check out from your hotel in Vienna.

Lunch & Head to Station

Have a quick lunch before heading to Wien Hauptbahnhof (main train station) for your journey to Budapest.

Train to Budapest

Travel by direct train from Vienna to Budapest.

The journey offers scenic views of the Austrian and Hungarian countryside.

Arrive in Budapest & Check-in

Arrive at Budapest-Keleti, transfer to your accommodation, and check in.

Settle into the beautiful Hungarian capital.

Budapest's metro system is efficient for reaching most areas from Keleti station.

Dinner in Budapest

Enjoy your first dinner in Budapest, exploring local Hungarian cuisine.

Travel Vienna to Budapest

Board a comfortable train from Vienna to Budapest, enjoying scenic views along the way.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Plan to depart Vienna around 9:00 AM to arrive in Budapest by noon, allowing time for check-in and lunch.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your selected hotel, Hotel Vision Budapest, and drop off your luggage.

Settle in before heading out for the afternoon's activities.

Hotel Vision Budapest offers excellent views and is centrally located.

Lunch Near Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Hungarian lunch at a local restaurant near your hotel or the Parliament area.

Try goulash or paprikash for an authentic taste of Hungary.

Hungarian Parliament Tour

Visit the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings, and admire its stunning Neo-Gothic architecture.

Take a guided tour to see the Holy Crown of Hungary.

Book tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, as tours often sell out. Photo opportunities are restricted inside.

Evening Danube River Cruise

Experience Budapest's illuminated landmarks from the Danube River on an evening cruise.

Witness the Parliament, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge sparkling against the night sky.

Many cruises offer welcome drinks or dinner options. A simple sightseeing cruise is perfect for photography.

Dinner in Pest

Dine at a restaurant in the lively Pest side of the city.

Explore Buda Castle Hill

Ascend to Buda Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the historical Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

You can take the Funicular up to the Castle Hill or enjoy a scenic walk. Wear comfortable shoes.

Lunch on Buda Side

Enjoy lunch at one of the charming cafes or restaurants on Buda Castle Hill or in the surrounding area.

Relax at Szechenyi Thermal Bath

Indulge in a relaxing afternoon at Szechenyi Thermal Bath, one of Budapest's largest and most famous thermal spas.

Experience its outdoor and indoor pools.

Bring your own towel and swimsuit, or rent them there. The outdoor pools are especially picturesque.

Walk by Heroes' Square

After your bath, take a short walk to Heroes' Square, a major historical landmark featuring statues of Hungarian leaders.

Great for photography, especially at dusk.

Dinner & Ruin Bar Experience

Enjoy dinner, then explore one of Budapest's famous Ruin Bars in the Jewish Quarter for a unique evening atmosphere.

Szimpla Kert is the most famous ruin bar, offering a vibrant and eclectic experience.

Central Market Hall Exploration

Visit the Great Market Hall, Budapest's largest and oldest indoor market.

Explore local produce, spices, souvenirs, and Hungarian delicacies.

A great spot for photography and picking up unique gifts. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian pastry or street food snack here.

Jewish Quarter History Tour

Explore Budapest's historic Jewish Quarter.

Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe, and learn about the area's rich history and vibrant culture.

Consider a walking tour to gain deeper insights into the synagogues, memorials, and unique street art. Entrance to the synagogue requires a ticket.

Farewell Lunch

Enjoy a final Hungarian lunch in the city before preparing for your departure.

Hotel Check-out & Transfer

Check out from your hotel and make your way to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Ensure you have enough time to reach the airport (e.g., Ferenc Liszt International Airport BUD) or train station, factoring in traffic.