Ultimate 4 Days in Austria Adventure: Vienna, Hallstatt & Graz Family Travel Itinerary
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of our absolute favourites, which is why we decided to return this summer. That said, if you visit Austria and only stay in Vienna, you’ll miss out on some of the country’s most stunning destinations like Hallstatt and Graz.
If you’re planning a short Austria itinerary and want to experience the best of Vienna, along with unforgettable day trips to Hallstatt and Graz, this ‘4 Days in Austria’ travel guide will give you plenty of ideas for an amazing Austrian adventure. Let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
Day 1: Exploring Vienna
Day 2: Vienna Zoo, Schönbrunn Palace & City Centre Highlights
Day 3: A Day Trip to Hallstatt
Day 4: A Quick Trip to Graz
Some Quick Tips
Final Thoughts
Day 1: Exploring Vienna
We arrived in Vienna late in the afternoon and, after checking into our hotel, headed straight to Belvedere Palace to explore its beautiful Baroque architecture and expansive gardens. This iconic landmark is a must-visit on any Vienna sightseeing itinerary.
After all that walking, we stopped for dinner at Salm Bräu, a traditional Austrian brewery and restaurant located right next to the palace, where we enjoyed hearty Viennese dishes paired with locally brewed beer.
To end the evening, we visited Karlskirche (St. Charles Church), one of Vienna’s most stunning churches, renowned for its breathtaking architecture both inside and out, a perfect spot for photography lovers.
4 days in austria
Day 2: Vienna Zoo, Schönbrunn Palace & City Centre Highlights
The next morning, we started our day at Vienna Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world and home to hundreds of fascinating animal species. The scheduled feeding times were especially fun for our son, making it a great family-friendly activity in Vienna.
Just a short walk away, we visited the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, one of Austria’s most famous landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage site features sprawling Baroque gardens and lavish palace interiors. We wandered through the grand halls, admiring the ornate decor, but the highlight was climbing up to the Gloriette, where panoramic views of Vienna stretched out like a postcard.
For lunch, we took the metro back to the city centre and headed to the popular Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstraße. A reservation is highly recommended, as we didn’t make one and ended up waiting about 30 minutes. Their famous Viennese schnitzel and potato salad were enormous and absolutely delicious.
In the afternoon, we visited St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), an iconic Gothic masterpiece with towering spires and stunning stained-glass windows. From there, we strolled along Graben Street, a historic pedestrian boulevard lined with luxury shops and elegant cafés, connecting Stephansplatz to Kohlmarkt. We enjoyed a glass of champagne at one of the square’s restaurants before stopping by the Vienna State Opera, a perfect spot for photography with a beautiful view over the city.
4 days in austria
For dinner, we tried something different, heading a bit outside the main tourist area to Etiler Smashed Burgers & More in the 7th district of Vienna. The dramatic smoke-and-fire presentation was unforgettable, and the burgers were juicy, flavourful, and well worth the short trip.
Day 3: A Day Trip to Hallstatt
Hallstatt was the first destination we wanted to book when we decided to visit Austria. We were a bit disappointed to discover that there are no direct trains from Vienna! Luckily, we found a day trip to Hallstatt from Vienna on GetYourGuide, which turned out to be an excellent option — well-organized and informative. (We’ve linked it below for anyone interested.)
When we arrived, despite the heavy rain, a little disappointing after traveling 290 km to see it, it felt like stepping into a painting. Hallstatt is a charming village with colourful lakeside houses, nestled between a clear, reflective lake and towering mountains. The village is small and can be explored within one hour, including photo stops. The few restaurants we found were full, and we couldn’t get a seat, but thankfully we had packed some sandwiches from Vienna – a smart tip for anyone visiting, especially during peak season or bad weather.
Our first stop was the Hallstatt Skywalk “World Heritage View”, a viewing platform high above the village. Currently, the funicular and elevator are closed for construction (from September 1, 2025, until June 2026), so visitors must climb approximately 800 steps round trip – about 400 steps each way – using a temporary stairway. The effort is worth it: from the Skywalk, we could see the entire town, the sparkling lake, and the surrounding mountains. Keep in mind that both the Skywalk and the village were a bit crowded with tourists, even in the rain, we can only imagine how busy it gets on a sunny day!
One activity we weren’t able to do due to the rain was the Hallstatt Lake cruise. You can either take one of the many larger boats for a 50-minute journey or rent a small boat and drift across the lake for a more intimate experience.
Despite the rain and the long journey, visiting Hallstatt was a fantastic experience, and we highly recommend it.
Day 4: A Quick Trip to Graz
On our last day, we took a train to Graz, a smaller Austrian city with a laid-back, colourful vibe. Trains are easy to use and super efficient. If you book in advance with ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways), tickets can be very cheap.
The journey from Vienna to Graz was surprisingly scenic: rolling hills, charming villages, and stretches of vineyards made it feel like part of the adventure. We travelled along a section of Austria’s Southern Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic engineering, tunnels, and bridges. It’s not only a practical way to get to Graz but also a sightseeing experience in itself. From the train station, we took the tram to the city centre, which was quick and convenient.
Our first stop was Schlossberg, a hill in the middle of the city topped with the iconic Clock Tower. The panoramic view over Graz was lovely – red rooftops, church spires, and green hills stretching into the distance. There are two ways to go up and three ways to descend. While we could have taken the stairs (not recommended), we opted for the funicular, which was easy and scenic.
Tip 💡: After purchasing our tickets, we realized the funicular is included in the 24-hour Graz transport ticket, which also covers trams to the city centre, don’t make the same mistake we did! For a fun twist on our way down, we tried the Schlossberg slide, a 40-second adrenaline rush that was perfect for the whole family.
Afterwards, we explored the Old Town, wandering through charming streets lined with cosy cafés. We found a quiet spot to enjoy coffee and soak in the relaxed vibe of the city. We also visited the impressive Graz Cathedral, a highlight for history and architecture lovers.
Before heading back to the train station, we stopped by Murinsel (Island in the Mur), a floating, shell-shaped platform on the Mur River featuring a café, amphitheater, and a striking bridge connection, a must-see for any family visiting Graz.
By evening, we were back in Vienna, tired but happy. It was the perfect way to end our Austrian adventure.
Some Quick Tips
Getting Around: Trains in Austria are easy to use and very efficient. Book online for 24, 48, or 72-hour passes, or consider the Vienna Card, which offers discounts on attractions like Vienna Zoo – especially handy for families.
Food to Try: Don’t miss classic Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte, and hearty beef goulash, perfect for family-friendly dining.
Accommodation: We stayed at Leonardo Hotel Vienna, next to the train station. While slightly far from the city centre, Stephansplatz was just three metro stops away, making it convenient for exploring.
Final Thoughts
Our 4 days in Austria flew by. From Vienna’s rich history, to Hallstatt’s stunning lakeside scenery, and Graz’s relaxed charm, it was an unforgettable family adventure. We hope this guide helps you plan a similar trip and make the most of your time in Austria.
Safe travels!
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