Historic Vienna: Explore in 3-Days

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city bejeweled with history, art, and culture. Its grand palaces, elegant gardens, and charming streets make it a more than ideal destination for travellers seeking a taste of this European impressiveness. 

While Vienna is known for its rich cultural heritage, the city also welcomes budget conscious travellers and students with open arms. 

In this blog, we’ll take you on a 3 days journey through the historic Vienna. Additionally, focusing on the best wallet-friendly and free-entrance attractions that will leave you mesmerised and feel accomplished as a tourist.

Day 1: Discovering Historic Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace (Palais Schönbrunn)

To begin with your Vienna adventure a visit to the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Some sections of the palace require a ticket for entry. However, the gardens are open to the public for free. Not only a stroll through the beautiful, lush gardens and sitting by the fountains but also enjoy the breathtaking views of the palace’s facade. Enjoy a small walk uphil to the Gloriette, perched on a hill behind the palace. Immediately, you will be struck with a panoramic view of the entire estate and the city skyline beyond.

Belvedere Castle and the University Botanical Garden

If the Palace Garden at Schönbrunn hasn’t tired you out yet, consequently visit the Belvedere Castle and The University Botanical Garden right next to it. The Castle itself does require an entrance ticket, but the Garden Premises are free. Enjoy the neatly trimmed greenery and walk around the white cobblestone paths to the botanical Garden, owned by the University of Vienna. Owing to the university quite a few exotic and endangered plant species have found their home here. Hence they are studied by academics and used for the education of students.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)

Conclude your day with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s most significant religious building. Not to mention this Gothic structure welcomes visitors free of charge. Explore the interior and gaze at the colourful stained glass windows. You can also climb up the South Tower for a panoramic view of Vienna’s skyline.

Day 2: Admiring the City Centre

Stephen’s Square (Stephansplatz)

Of course, the busiest place in Vienna. Being the central spot for tourists and offering all kinds of stores and restaurants. As a result, if you like the busy vibe and don’t mind the crowds then this area is just right for you. While there, don’t forget to visit the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephanskirche) if you haven’t already the previous day. Afterwards, a few metres away from the Cathedral you can find the Manner shop to purchase some delicious Viennese chocolate, very much recommended for all chocoholics.

St. Charles Church (Karlskirche)

Next, take a 15 minutes walk out of the centre and visit the baroque style St. Charles Church. The location is on the south side of Karlsplatz. This church was built to celebrate the emergence from black plague that struck Vienna in the early 18th century. Today, it is one of the most important sacred buildings in Central Europe and a symbol of Vienna.

Vienna’s Street Art Scene

Vienna’s street art scene is another attraction that won’t cost you a dime. With this in mind almost everywhere in the capital, local artist have displayed their art in graffiti on city’s walls, facades and building entrances. Which adds a unique touch to Vienna’s urban landscape.

Day 3: Nature and Parks

City Central Park (Stadtpark)

Start your day with a morning stroll around the City Park and listen to some street music performances. The park offers gorgeous walkways, water features and monuments along with the lush green trees. Therefore, it is an ideal place to escape the summer heat and have a picnic on the grass.

Liechtenstein Gartenpalais (Liechtenstein Garden Palace)

Afterwards, if you want some greenery visit the small garden behind the Palais Liechtenstein. It is a small park-like garden with a pond in the middle surrounded by tall trees which give enough shadows to escape from the sun. Although it is a spot intended for local residents, everyone is welcome to sit down under a tree and relax for a couple hours. 

Danube Island (Donauinsel):

End your 3-day adventure by exploring Danube Island. A long, narrow island in the middle of the Danube River. This recreational oasis offers plenty of activities such as biking, jogging, and swimming in designated areas. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy the river views, and watch the sunset over Vienna’s skyline.

Conclusion: Vienna, a city of grandeur

Altogether, even as a small budget traveller or an Erasmus student, you can experience the historic Vienna without breaking the bank. The city’s free-entrance attractions will leave you with lasting memories of this enchanting European capital.