Midsize Woman

After spending two years slow traveling around Southeast Asia and Japan, Europe always felt like a “one day” destination, somewhere I’d go when the timing, budget, and courage aligned. And finally… it happened.

I packed my bags in Singapore, boarded a 12-hour flight, and touched down in Vienna, Austria, ready (and a little nervous) to start exploring a completely new region of the world.

When I landed, I was a mix of excitement and jet lag, my brain was convinced it was breakfast time while the clock said afternoon. But stepping out of the airport into Vienna’s crisp winter air felt like a reset button. This was the home base for the next few days, and my first stop before heading off to nearby cities like Bratislava and Budapest.

Let’s dive into my detailed 3-day Vienna itinerary, made for slow travelers, backpackers, budget explorers, and anyone who wants to experience Vienna without rushing.

First Landmarks in Vienna

After flying 12 hours from Singapore, I landed at Vienna International Airport feeling half-excited, half-zombie. The air was much colder than anything I’d felt in Southeast Asia, instantly refreshing and slightly shocking in the best way.

How to Get from Vienna Airport to the City Center on a Budget

The airport has multiple transportation options, but for budget travelers, the best choice is:

• S-Bahn S7 → €4.30, 25 minutes to Wien Mitte
• Trains run frequently and are well-signposted
• You can buy tickets from the red ÖBB machines (English available)

There’s also the City Airport Train (CAT), but unless you really want speed, the S7 is perfect. I grabbed my ticket, hopped on the train, and watched the Austrian countryside roll past, golden fields, winter trees, quiet houses.

Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation for Your Vienna Trip

I booked a small guesthouse near the 1st District (Innere Stadt) so I could walk everywhere. It’s the heart of Vienna, close to the major sights, cafés, Christmas markets, and most importantly, super safe for first-time visitors.

If you’re still deciding where to stay, here are three great options depending on your budget:

Budget Option: Leopoldstadt (2nd District)

A quiet, local neighborhood just across the river from the city center, and only 10–15 minutes by metro.

• Affordable guesthouses + hostels
• Close to Prater Park
• Easy train access to Wien Mitte
• Perfect for backpackers or long-term travelers (It’s the best mix of price + convenience)

Mid-Range Option: Neubau (7th District)

Trendy, artistic, and full of cafés, ideal if you like creative neighborhoods.

• Boutique hotels and clean, modern apartments
• Great for food lovers
• Walking distance to MuseumsQuartier

Fancy Option: Innere Stadt (1st District)

If you want to be right in the historic center, surrounded by churches, palaces, and elegant architecture, this is the spot. This is the Vienna you imagine from postcards but at a premium price.

• Luxury hotels with classic Vienna charm
• Steps away from Stephansdom
• Amazing for first-time visitors who want convenience

Day 1 in Vienna: Exploring Stadtpark & Old Town

1. Start With a Gentle Walk in Stadtpark

Since I arrived early in the day and couldn’t check in until 3 PM, I ended up walking around with my backpack. Instead of waiting in the lobby and letting the jet lag win, I headed straight to Stadtpark for a gentle first walk.

Why Stadtpark is perfect for Day 1:

• It’s only a short walk from the city center
• Peaceful, spacious, and easy to explore even when tired
• Lots of benches if you need a quick rest with your bag
• Home to the iconic Johann Strauss golden statue
• A great place to stretch your legs after a long flight

Walking through the park with my backpack wasn’t glamorous, but it was refreshing, the cold air woke me up, and the quiet atmosphere helped me settle into Vienna immediately.

2. Take a Slow Wander Through Vienna’s Old Town (Backpack and All)

From the park, I continued into Vienna’s Old Town (Innere Stadt). Even with my backpack, wandering through the city felt surprisingly easy. The sidewalks are wide, everything is walkable, and there’s something interesting on every corner.

Old Town highlights to explore:

• Stephansdom: Free to enter and a must-see
• Graben Street: Busy but beautiful, especially around the holidays
• Kärntner Strasse: Great for people-watching
• Hofburg Palace: Impressive even without going inside

You don’t need to rush or follow a strict route. Day 1 is all about adjusting your body and getting familiar with the vibe of the city.

3. Budget-Friendly Lunch at Billa

By midday, I was starving but still too early to check in. So I walked into Billa, one of Austria’s big supermarkets, and grabbed an easy, affordable lunch. Good budget picks at Billa:

• Fresh sandwiches
• Ready-made salads
• Pastries
• Fruit cups
• Yogurt
• Hot snacks (depending on the branch)

Expect to spend €3–€7, which is perfect when you’re trying to save money and don’t want a heavy sit-down meal while carrying a backpack. I found a bench nearby, ate slowly, and just people-watched, a simple but satisfying moment on Day 1.

Day 2 in Vienna: Prater Park, Museums & Christmas Market Vienna

1. Morning Adventure at Prater Park

After a night adjusting to the time zone, I started Day 2 with some fresh air and movement at Prater Park, Vienna’s huge public park and home to the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel.

How to get there:

• Take the U1 or U2 metro from the city center, or walk if you’re up for 30 minutes
• Entrance to the park is free, rides are optional (pay per ride)

What I did:

• Walked around the green spaces and pathways
• Took a ride on the Trump (classic ride in the park, small thrill, big fun!)
• Enjoyed photos with the iconic Ferris wheel in the background

Prater is surprisingly calm in the morning, making it perfect for a slow start. Even if you skip the rides, the open space and vintage amusement park vibe make it worth visiting.

2. Head Back to Old Town (Innere Stadt)

After the park, I returned to the historic center to soak in some culture and classic Viennese architecture. Even a casual walk in the old town feels like walking through a movie set.

Must-see highlights:

• Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper):
  • One of the world’s most famous opera houses
  • Take a quick photo outside or join a guided tour (€10–€15) if time and budget allow
• Hofburg Palace Courtyards: Elegant and grand, free to walk around
• Graben & Kärntner Strasse: Perfect for window-shopping and enjoying Vienna’s café culture

3. Museums (Optional, Budget-Friendly Tips)

If you’re a museum lover, the old town is packed with options. On Day 2, I wanted a light, slow museum visit without rushing.

Recommended spots near the old town:

• Kunsthistorisches Museum: Classic art collection (entry ~€18)
• Albertina: Famous for its prints and temporary exhibitions (~€16)
• Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum): Great if you enjoy science and history (~€12)

Budget tip:

• Choose one museum for the day to avoid spending too much time or money
• Some museums have free entry days: check schedules online

4. Experiencing My First Christmas Market in Vienna

I got incredibly lucky, the Christmas market in Vienna opened just one day after I arrived. I didn’t plan it that way, but sometimes travel surprises you in the best possible moments. It became the first Christmas market I’ve ever experienced in my life, and honestly… it felt magical.

I visited the market located at Rathausplatz, right in front of Vienna’s grand City Hall. The whole square was glowing with lights, wooden stalls, and the scent of roasted nuts floating through the cold air. Everything felt warm, festive, and beautifully European exactly how I always imagined a Christmas market would be.

Of course, I had to try the classic hot spiced wine, or Glühwein. Sipping it while walking between stalls made the whole scene feel straight out of a winter movie, sweet, cozy, and just the right amount of holiday spice.

Day 3 in Vienna: Breakfast, Coffee Culture & Travel to Bratislava

1. Morning Departure With Backpack

I left my accommodation in the morning, carrying my backpack since check-out was already done. First stop? Billa, one of Vienna’s popular supermarkets, for a quick breakfast. A light, budget-friendly breakfast to fuel the morning without slowing me down.

2. Coffee Shop Work & Planning

After breakfast at Billa, I headed to a nearby café to get a little work done and plan the next part of the trip. Vienna is famous for its coffeehouse culture, and spending time here is an experience in itself.

Sitting here, I couldn’t help but notice the locals. People come to the café for breakfast or brunch, but unlike in my country, they aren’t glued to their phones. Instead, they literally enjoy their coffee, chat with friends, or read newspapers. It was a culture shock at first, back home, cafés are often crowded with people taking pictures of their food, scrolling on social media, or typing on laptops nonstop. Here, the focus is on slowing down and savoring the moment.

I spent about 2 hours catching up on emails, blogging, and reviewing my Bratislava itinerary, but I also just watched Vienna wake up around me, a small, calming joy that reminded me why coffee culture is such an integral part of life here

3. Heading to Bratislava by Bus

After finishing up my café work and packing my backpack, it was time to leave Vienna and head to my next destination: Bratislava, Slovakia. Traveling by bus is the easiest and most budget-friendly option, especially for solo travelers.

Step 1: Getting to the Bus Station

• Most buses depart from Vienna Erdberg or Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof).
• I took the U-Bahn metro from the city center with my backpack, simple and quick.

Step 2: Choosing the Bus
For budget travelers, FlixBus is the most popular choice:

• Ticket price: €5–€10 if booked in advance
• Travel time: ~1 hour
• Booking: Online via the FlixBus website/app or at the station
• Facilities: Comfortable seats, free WiFi (limited), luggage storage under the bus

Final Thoughts

Traveling in Vienna is really something special, it feels aesthetic and timeless. Everywhere you look, the streets, buildings, and parks seem like they belong in a movie. Coming from Indonesia, I also felt a strong contrast with the sea and tropical landscapes I’m used to the city feels calm, structured, and very European.

Yes, Vienna can be expensive, but it’s totally possible to enjoy on a budget. Supermarkets like Billa, affordable cafés, and easy public transport make it doable. You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the city, and you can still experience its history, culture, and charm without breaking the bank.

What I loved most about Vienna:

• The parks and open spaces, perfect for relaxing and adjusting to the time zone
• Old Town streets, filled with stunning architecture, cafés, and small shops
• Café culture, where locals actually enjoy their coffee instead of scrolling on their phones
• Christmas markets: magical and festive
• Walkable streets and smooth public transport, making getting around easy

In short, Vienna is a city where you can slow down, enjoy small moments, and soak in beauty everywhere. Even on a budget, it’s a place that feels rich with experiences from peaceful walks in Stadtpark to riding the Trump at Prater Park, or just sipping coffee and watching the city wake up.

Vienna is a perfect start to a Central Europe trip, and even after just three days, it leaves a lasting impression.