7 Days in Vienna: The Ultimate Winter 2025 Itinerary

Vienna in December is arguably the most magical city in Europe. In 2025, the city is also celebrating the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II, meaning you’ll find even more musical events and special exhibitions than usual.

Here is a curated 7-day itinerary designed to balance iconic landmarks, festive markets, and cozy Viennese culture.

Day 1: The Heart of the Empire

Start your journey in the Innere Stadt (1st District). The crisp December air is best met with a stroll down the Graben and Kohlmarkt, famous for their elaborate “chandelier” street lights.

• Morning: Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom). Climb the South Tower for a view of the tiled roof.
• Afternoon: Warm up with a traditional coffee at Café Central or Café Demel (expect queues, but the interior is worth it).
• Evening: Explore the Stephansplatz Christmas Market nestled right against the cathedral walls.

Day 2: Imperial Grandeur at Schönbrunn

Head out early to the Habsburgs’ summer residence.

• Morning: Take the “Grand Tour” of Schönbrunn Palace.
• Afternoon: Walk up to the Gloriette hill for a panoramic view of the snow-dusted city. If it’s too cold, visit the Desert House or Palm House nearby to experience tropical warmth.
• Evening: The Schönbrunn Christmas Market is widely considered the most elegant. Look for handmade glass ornaments and ironwork.

Day 3: Masterpieces and Hidden Alleys

• Morning: Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum). In 2025, don’t miss the major Michaelina Wautier exhibition. The museum’s cafe is one of the most beautiful rooms in the world for a light lunch.
• Afternoon: Walk through the MuseumsQuartier (MQ). It offers a more modern “winter lounge” vibe with light projections and DJ sets.
• Evening: Wander the narrow Biedermeier streets of Spittelberg. This market is famous for its “eco” focus and unique artisan crafts.

Day 4: The Waltz and the City Hall

2025 is the Year of Strauss, so today is about the “King of the Waltz.”

• Morning: Visit the Hofburg Palace to see the Sisi Museum and Imperial Treasury.
• Afternoon: Head to the Haus der Musik for an interactive look at Vienna’s musical legacy.
• Evening: Experience the “Big One”—the Rathausplatz Dream Christmas Market. It features a massive ice-skating trail through the park and brass bands playing from the balcony of the City Hall at 8:00 PM.

Day 5: Day Trip to Salzburg

Take a high-speed ÖBB Railjet train from Westbahnhof (approx. 2.5 hours).

• Activity: Explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress, walk through Mirabell Gardens (as seen in The Sound of Music), and visit Mozart’s Birthplace.
• Winter Magic: Salzburg’s Christmas market (Christkindlmarkt) is more intimate and vertical, set against the backdrop of the Alps.
• Return: Head back to Vienna in the late evening.

Day 6: “The Kiss” and Thermal Bliss

• Morning: Visit Upper Belvedere to see Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. Afterward, check out the French Impressionist exhibition at Lower Belvedere (Monet & Renoir are visiting for the 2025 season).
• Afternoon: Take the U1 subway to Therme Wien. This is Europe’s largest city spa. Soaking in outdoor thermal pools while it snows is a quintessential local winter experience.
• Evening: The Belvedere Palace Christmas Market offers the best “blue hour” photography opportunities with the palace reflection in the lake.

Day 7: The Prater and The Naschmarkt

• Morning: Browse the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous food market. Grab some local cheese, olives, or a “Leberkäsesemmel” for a quick snack.
• Afternoon: Head to the Prater Amusement Park. A ride on the Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) is essential—it has been turning since 1897.
• Evening: Enjoy the Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz for live music and a festive farewell to the city.

💡 Local Tips for 2025

• Sunset: In December, the sun sets around 4:00 PM. Plan your palace photos for midday!
• Booking: For 2025, book your Vienna State Opera or Vienna Boys’ Choir tickets at least 3 months in advance, as the Strauss anniversary will increase demand.
• Mug Deposits: When you buy Glühwein (mulled wine), you pay a “Pfand” (deposit) of €4–€5 for the mug. You can return it to get your money back or keep it as a cheap, beautiful souvenir.