Vienna in Winter: Best Tours and Day Trips to Make the Most of Your Visit
Vienna Christmas Market
Have you booked your trip to Vienna this winter and wondering how to spend your time? Or looking to find out what all there is to explore in Vienna? Check out these amazing tours around Vienna and 5 incredible day trips to make your winter trip one that you won’t forget — from imperial palaces to cozy cafés and festive Christmas markets!
Whether you’re into history, food, or culture, these curated winter experiences will make your Vienna trip truly unforgettable.
Also check out our 10 reasons to visit Vienna this winter!
Top Winter Tours & Day Trips from Vienna
Winter Tours in Vienna
1. Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Tour
Why Go: Schönbrunn is Vienna’s most famous palace — and it’s even more magical in winter, especially when the Christmas Market is open.
Book It: We recommend booking a Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Tour so you avoid queues/lines especially for the Imperial Apartments & the Christmas Market.
Pro Tip: Book early or go in the morning to beat crowds at the Imperial Apartments and Christmas stalls.
2. Vienna Coffeehouse Walking Tour
Why Go: Experience Vienna’s iconic cafe culture and learn how these coffeehouses shaped its history. Visit Café Central, Demel, and Café Sacher — each a Viennese institution.
Book It: While you can easily wander around to the different coffeehouses on your own, if you are interested in learning more about the history and cultural significance we recommend booking a Vienna Coffeehouse Walking Tour — where you can visit the iconic cafés like Café Central, Demel, and Café Sacher and learn their importance.
Pro Tip: Prefer to explore solo? You can reserve a table at Café Sacher in advance to skip the line and try the famous Sachertorte.
3. Vienna Royal Orchestra or Schönbrunn Palace Concert
Why Go: Vienna is the City of Music — and nothing captures its magic like an evening concert surrounded by baroque splendor.
Book It: We recommend attending one of the main performances if you can, either the Vienna Royal Orchestra or Schönbrunn Palace Concert — both are superb winter picks.
Pro Tip: Dress up! Locals take concert nights seriously, and it’s part of the fun.
4. Vienna Christmas Market Walking Tour
Why Go: Perfect for first-time visitors, this guided walking tour takes you through Vienna’s most beautiful markets in one evening.
Book It: Vienna Christmas Market Walking Tour — ideal for first-time visitors looking to see multiple markets in one evening.
Pro Tip: Try the mulled wine (“Glühwein”) or hot cocoa in a collectible mug — they’re all slightly different and make for some great souvenirs!
5. Hidden Christmas Markets & Vienna Shopping Tour
Why Go: Want something more authentic? This small-group tour explores lesser-known markets and Vienna’s most festive shopping streets.
Book It: Vienna Shopping & Christmas Market Highlights Tour — great if you want to see the best decorated streets and find some great gifts with a local.
Pro Tip: Great option if you’re short on time and want insider tips for local vendors and photo spots.
6. Skip-the-Line Hofburg Palace Tour
Why Go: The Hofburg Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the winter residence of the Habsburgs — and truly displays the imperial opulence of the time period. It’s central, full of museums, and beautifully lit in the winter evenings. Additionally, you can take a romantic carriage ride outside Hofburg — one of the most memorable ways to see Vienna in its holiday glow.
Book It: If you prefer learning more about the history and culture of the Hofburg Palace, we recommend booking a guided skip the line tour such as this one.
Pro Tip: Evenings are ideal for carriage rides when the palace is illuminated, definitely worth a visit either for pictures of the carriages in front of the palace or to take a classic ride around Vienna!
7. Belvedere Palace Tour
Why Go: While there are many palaces to visit throughout Vienna, the Belvedere Palace was also one of our favorites. The palace glows at sunset and reflects beautifully off the pond in front making this one a photographer’s dream! During winter, the palace’s courtyard hosts a beautiful and elegant Christmas market, making you feel like you are part of Viennese royalty. Be sure to wander through the Palace and see the elegant staircases and ceiling frescoes!
Book It: Book entry tickets in advance if you plan to see inside the Upper & Lower Belvedere, especially for special exhibits.
Pro Tip: Arrive an hour before sunset — the palace pond reflects the golden light perfectly for photos. Dress warmly for the outdoors, and bring a camera!
8. Visit the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Why Go: While you are wandering around Vienna, you can’ t miss the spectacular St. Stephen’s Cathedral right in the heart of Vienna. This cathedral is beautiful year-round, but in the winter night, its colorful tiles and glowing lights create a stunning sight.
Book It: St. Stephen’s Cathedral Tour + Tower Climb — for panoramic city views.
Pro Tip: Go just after sunset, when lights are on but there’s still a bit of color in the sky (blue hour). Also, walk around the surrounding streets — you’ll find great photo angles, smaller side chapels, hidden details. Grab a warm drink nearby and people-watch as the lights come on.
9. Discover Vienna’s Smaller Christmas Markets
Why Go: Beyond the big ones, Vienna is dotted with smaller, more local markets. Each has its own vibe, local artisans, and quieter atmosphere. We stumbled upon so many small ones just wandering throughout the city, and it was really cool to stumble into a park or a city block and find a small Christmas market set up. There are tons throughout the city and taking a guided tour can help you discover these hidden gems.
Book It: Hidden Christmas Markets Walking Tour — explore authentic, off-the-beaten-path stalls.
Pro Tip: Bring cash (many smaller vendors don’t accept cards) and go early evening for fewer crowds.
Best Day Trips from Vienna
Looking to explore more of the beautiful surrounding area? One of the great things about Vienna is its proximity to other incredible destinations.
Here are some top tours & experiences that are especially good in winter. Each gives you a different flavor of the season, so pick what fits your interests & schedule.
Day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia (our personal favorite!) - Only one hour away, Bratislava, Slovakia, a true hidden gem, is an easy and rewarding winter day trip. Spend time in its Old Town, Bratislava Castle, the riverfront, enjoy Slovak pastries, and get a perspective on a different culture (and country!) which is so close by. Pro tip: Try the halušky in the Old Town!
Day trip to Halstatt and Salzburg - these amazing cities are gorgeous year-round, but really shine in winter with a dusting of snow on the mountains. It really puts you in the holiday spirit. If you are short on time, book a guided tour!
Day trip to Prague, Czech Republic - Prague is one of our favorite European cities - the mix of baroque and gothic architecture is breathtaking. Take a day trip to experience Prague in winter complete with its own amazing Christmas market. Seeing the Charles Bridge with a touch of snow and admiring the swans from the river really sets the scene. Pro Tip: Try the Budweiser Budvar (original and dark lager) and Pilsner Urquell, thought to be the original pilsner.
Day trip to Budapest, Hungary - Budapest is an amazing European city full of spas, culture, and the beautiful Parliament building. In winter, the city has the famous Christmas light display and Christmas market. Definitely worth a trip!
Day trip to Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic - If you are looking for a picturesque medieval village, Cesky Krumlov needs to be on your list. This quaint town is perfect for wandering around and truly getting into the European holiday mood - while tasting some delicious Czech beer!
Ready to book your adventure?
Vienna is magical on its own — but pairing your trip with a few tours and day trips adds so much depth and ease to your experience. Whether you’re sipping coffee at Café Central or exploring a new country for the day, these experiences will help you make the most of your winter vacation in Vienna.
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