Vienna
Vienna is a beautiful city at any time of the year due to its rich history and beautiful architecture, but during winter it really comes alive! With many Christmas Markets, beautiful Christmas lights and a festive feeling it’s arguably the best time to visit.
Here’s a 3-day itinerary for a Christmas Vienna trip, but which will work at any time of the year.
If you are just visiting for a short period of time or if you are just there for the Christmas markets, taking a Big Bus Tour might allow you to see the key attractions in the shortest period of time.
Day 1
Morning:
Arrive in Vienna. Check into your hotel.
Afternoon:
Stroll through the **Historic Center** (UNESCO site). Visit the beautiful St. Stephens Cathedral and Christmas Market.
Tip: Make sure you eat a sausage at one of Vienna’s many sausage stands.
As the night descends see the beautiful Christmas Lights as they illuminate the city. .
Evening:
Start your Christmas market experience at the **Vienna Christmas Village** in front of the City Hall (Rathausplatz). Enjoy food, local sweat treats and Glühwein: hot wine, hot apple cider, or hot chocolate.
Alternatively visit **St. Stephen’s Cathedral** and watch a concert.
Day 2
Morning:
Visit the Belvedere Palace making sure to stop outside to see the Christmas Market.
Afternoon:
Take a trip to Schönbrunn Palace the most famous attraction in the entire city. The palace used to be the Summer home of the Habsburg monarchs. Tour the palace and gardens.
Visit the Christmas market at Schönbrunn. Sample roasted chestnuts and strudel. Did you know Austria is the birthplace of Strudel? Probably explains why it tasted so good!
You can get to the Palace by public transport or via a Big Bus Tour. .
Evening:
Explore the market at Karlsplatz, with its beautiful backdrop of the Karlskirche.
Alternatively visit Christmas Markets at Stephansplatz or Ringstrasse or enjoy a Schronbrunn Palace Concert.
Day 3
Morning
Stroll through the Naschmarkt for local delicacies and souvenirs.
Afternoon
Visit Hofburg Palace
Evening:
Head to the Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas market, located between the two museums.
Depart Vienna.
Helpful Travel Tips
– Public Transport: Use Vienna’s efficient public transport to navigate between locations.
– Timing: Many markets open around lunchtime and close around 9 PM. The best time to visit the bigger ones is in the evening.