Hi! We only have one day ( May 18) in Vienna and we just want to do a tour on our own before we catch the train to Budapest at 6:00 p.m. Pls note we arrive the night before.
We are currently booked near Schoenbrunn Palace but we can cancel that booking depending on the itinerary. What would you suggest-go to the City Center first in the morning and join a free walking tour then after lunch go visit Schoenbrunn Palace? or the other way around? How do we get to the City Center if ever?
Any suggested highlights itinerary?
Your inputs will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2602 posts
The U bahn will get you easily from the Schonbrunn area to the city center, and I think a walking tour is a great way to start exploring this wonderful city. The U connects to the train stations as well, perhaps just 15 minutes from Schonbrunn. Since you'll have luggage if you decide you must do the palace then perhaps do that in the afternoon before heading to the station.
Or, cancel that booking and stay in the center, then you could take the U to Schonbrunn for an early tour and spend the rest of the day in town, about 5 minutes to the station.
I'm sure others will chime in with some itinerary suggestions--what else are you interested in? I've visited Vienna twice and plan a long day there in May when I go to Budapest, but my agenda has become more particular to specific things I like and will include a visit to the Harry Lime door, a ride on the Riesenrad and grossmutterschnitzel for a late lunch in the Prater, a bit of poking around the center, maybe visit a museum if there's a good special exhibit, and a stop to buy as many bags of sesame cookies as I can carry at Spar before heading back to Budapest. If I were there on a Saturday I'd visit the flohmarkt.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5382 posts
May 18 is the Friday before a long holiday weekend as Monday is a federal holiday. Traveling on Friday will be hectic. Definitely make a seat reservation for the train.
I would definitely stay in the city center, not near Schönbrunn. I’d suggest Schönbrunn first in the morning and then coming back to the center for the afternoon/evening. You can then stroll around and have dinner without the stress of relocating. The immediate area of Schönbrunn is also not great for strolling or for restaurants. The U4 subway line gets you from the center to Schönbrunn in about 12 minutes.