9 days in Vienna & Budapest Itinerary

The cultural, economic, and political center of the country, Vienna has developed from its early Celtic and Roman roots into a medieval and Baroque city, with an old town that was designated a World Heritage Site in 2001.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Schonbrunn Palace and Schonbrunner Gardens. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Rathaus and Stephansplatz. There's lots more to do: get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), wander the streets of Historic Center of Vienna, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Schönbrunn Zoo, and examine the collection at Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien.

To find more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Vienna holiday planning website.

Washington DC, USA to Vienna is an approximately 13-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Washington DC to Vienna is 6 hours. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Washington DC in December: high temperatures in Vienna hover around 41°F and lows are around 31°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Budapest.

You might consider the city of Budapest, divided by the Danube River into two distinctive cities--Buda and Pest--to be essentially one large World Heritage Site.

Step off the beaten path and head to Buda Castle and Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum. Visit Fisherman's Bastion and St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika) for their historical value. And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Matthias Church, examine the collection at House of Terror Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dohány Street Synagogue, and step into the grandiose world of Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyadvar).

To find photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read Budapest vacation planner.

Drive from Vienna to Budapest in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train. In December, plan for daily highs up to 40°F, and evening lows to 29°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Tue) to allow enough time to fly back home.