As Viennese, we think that there is no such thing as the perfect length of stay for our beautiful city. Because once you've strolled through the picturesque alleyways of the city, you'll never want to leave. But of course we are a little biased. And because not everyone can move to Vienna with bag and baggage right away, we'll show you here how to get the most out of your visit - whether in one day or a whole week. To get from one highlight to the next quickly and comfortably, Vienna's public transport system is your faithful companion. 

Tip: With the Vienna Welcome Card, public transportation in Vienna is included.

Vienna in one day: the must-sees

We admit it: Experiencing the whole of Vienna in a single day is quite a challenge. Ideally, you should plan around three to four days for your city trip, but the most important things can easily be packed into a fine day trip. A city tour is probably the best way to see Vienna in one go. Not only will you be guided past St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, the State Opera House and other iconic sights through the city center, but you will also learn exciting facts about the city. Alternatively, a tour on the Big Bus is a great way to see the most important sights in a relaxed manner - and with the Vienna Welcome Card, you can even do so at a discounted price. Finally, the best way to get a bird's eye view is to take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel in Vienna's legendary Wurstelprater. This is still the best place to admire the sparkling Viennese skyline. 

Two days in Vienna: great sights outside the city center

Do you have 48 hours in Vienna? With two days, you have enough time to visit all the coolest sights in the city. Once you've explored the 1st district and its highlights, it's worth driving out a bit and paying a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. Here you can follow in the footsteps of Emperor Franz Joseph and Sisi - and get great discounts with the Vienna Welcome Card. Make sure you plan enough time to hike the Gloriette or visit the oldest zoo in the world. Back in the city, the Naschmarkt invites you to make a culinary stopover: Here you can fortify yourself with delicacies from all over the world before diving into one of Vienna's museums. While the Albertina and Albertina Modern present highlights from the art world, the Wien Museum offers exciting insights into the city's history - and it's even free.

Three to four days in Vienna: urban Vienna and unusual museums

In Vienna for the weekend? Three days are ideal for discovering urban Vienna in addition to the main sights and historic buildings. Stroll along the Danube Canal, admire the graffiti art and treat yourself to a drink in one of the many (beach) bars. Fancy a little shopping spree? You can find unusual souvenirs for your loved ones at home away from the Kärntner and Mariahilferstraße shopping streets in the 7th district. The trendy Neubau district is teeming with cool concept stores, vintage stores and boutiques. Right in the middle of it all: cozy cafés, restaurants and bars to relax in between or just to hang out in the evening. A weekend trip is also ideal for visiting a museum or two. If you already know the classics or simply want to try something new, the Vienna Welcome Card gives you great discounts at unusual attractions such as IMMERSIUM:WIEN and Time Travel Vienna.

Five to seven days in Vienna: coffee house culture and insider tips

If you add a fifth day to your trip to Vienna or extend it to a whole week, you will have more than enough time to immerse yourself in Viennese culture. An absolute must: the Viennese coffee house culture. Because almost more important to the Viennese than Schönbrunn Palace or St. Stephen's Cathedral are their Verlängerten and Einspänner. One of the most famous old Viennese coffee houses is Café Central. But if you'd rather not wait in a long queue for a seat, we can recommend the Café Museum - discount included with the Vienna Welcome Card. And if your schedule allows and you are looking for a little escape from the city in addition to city adventures, excursions to the wine village of Grinzing, the Kahlenberg or the Old Danube are great ways to explore the more rural side of Vienna. 

When Vienna is at its best

The best time to visit Vienna depends not only on your plans, but also partly on the time of year. In spring and fall, the climate is usually mild and therefore perfect for long walks and relaxed sightseeing. In winter, numerous Christmas markets and illuminated streets create a magical atmosphere. You can brave the cold here with punch, chestnuts etc. And in summer, Vienna awaits you with many open-air events, wine taverns in Grinzing and cooling off on the Danube. Tip: The warmer it is, the more time you should plan to escape the heat and discover the green side of Vienna on the outskirts.

Are you staying longer in the city and want to get to know Vienna from a completely new perspective? In this article, we reveal the most unusual tours through Vienna. And for the necessary refreshments between the hustle and bustle of sightseeing, we show you the best restaurants in the first district.