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.

Historic Center of Vienna and Schonbrunner Gardens are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Kunsthistorisches Museum and Rathaus. And it doesn't end there: admire the striking features of Schoenbrunn Palace, meet the residents at Schönbrunn Zoo, make a trip to Stephansplatz, and examine the collection at Imperial Palace (Hofburg).

To see photos, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Vienna travel itinerary planner.

Washington DC, USA to Vienna is an approximately 21-hour combination of car and flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Central European Time, which is usually a 6 hour difference. Traveling from Washington DC in December, things will get little chillier in Vienna: highs are around 38°F and lows about 29°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) so you can drive 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.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Castle Hill and Fisherman's Bastion. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Matthias Church and Danube. There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Shoes on the Danube Promenade Memorial, boost your wellbeing at a local thermal spa, pause for some photo ops at Heroes' Square, and snap pictures at Chain Bridge (Szechenyi lanchid).

To see traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Budapest vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Vienna to Budapest takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train, flight, and bus. In December in Budapest, expect temperatures between 37°F during the day and 26°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Tue) so you can travel back home.