Wander Freely, Plan Smartly

The Essential 4-Days Family Itinerary to Vienna, Austria in September (with kids)

Picture your family stepping into a storybook city where history, art, and vibrant culture intertwine beneath a crisp September sky. Vienna is more than a destination; it’s a living tapestry of enchanting streets, majestic palaces, and lush gardens that awaken curiosity and wonder at every turn. Imagine children’s eyes lighting up as they encounter regal grandeur and playful creativity, while adults savor moments of timeless elegance and heartfelt connection. This journey invites you to wander together through a city that feels at once magical and inviting, where every corner holds a new discovery and every experience becomes a shared treasure. Over four unforgettable days, your family will move through the heartbeat of Vienna—from imperial splendor to lively parks, and from interactive museums to historic squares—each moment crafted to inspire awe and joy for travelers young and old. This is a chance to create memories that will ripple through your lives, opening minds and hearts to the beauty of history, the power of imagination, and the simple joy of exploring together. Feel the vibrant pulse of Vienna as it wraps around you like a warm embrace, promising laughter, learning, and moments that will linger long after you’ve returned home.

Why You'll Love This Trip

  • Experience the grandeur of Vienna’s imperial heritage alongside engaging, family-friendly activities that captivate both kids and adults.
  • Watch your children’s imaginations soar through interactive museums and playful outdoor spaces that blend art, science, and creativity.
  • Relish autumn’s golden touch on lush gardens, open parks, and historic streets that invite leisurely strolls and heartfelt connection.
  • Discover iconic sights like grand palaces and legendary Ferris wheels, each offering unique perspectives of Vienna’s rich culture and scenic beauty.
  • Balance enriching cultural immersion with moments of playful exploration, ensuring every family member delights in the journey.
  • Create enduring family memories against the backdrop of Vienna’s vibrant café culture, lively streets, and warm September sunshine.

Your Trip Map

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Activities & Sights
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Your Journey

1
Main activity for day 1

Imperial Vienna and Historic Charm

Begin your Viennese adventure by stepping into the grandeur of Imperial Vienna, where majestic palaces and historic streets tell tales of emperors and empresses. The crisp September air enhances the golden hues of baroque facades as your family explores iconic landmarks steeped in history, offering a perfect blend of awe-inspiring architecture and engaging activities for all ages. The day captures the timeless spirit of Vienna, inviting you to wander through elegant courtyards and lush gardens, ending with a taste of local café culture.

Kick off your family’s first day in Vienna by immersing yourselves in the regal world of , where the echoes of imperial splendor resound through grand halls and stunning frescoes. Strolling through the opulent state rooms, your children will marvel at the ornate ceilings and lavish décor that transported the Habsburg rulers into a realm of luxury. Don't miss the impressive gardens bursting with autumn colors in September, and be sure to embark on the engaging children’s audio tour designed to captivate young imaginations. Seamlessly adjacent is Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the world’s oldest zoo, where your family can encounter exotic animals ranging from towering giraffes to playful penguins. The peaceful atmosphere of the historic zoo combined with the natural habitats creates a mesmerizing experience for the entire family to enjoy amidst the crispness of early fall.

After the palace and zoo, take a leisurely U4 subway ride to the heart of Vienna’s Historic Center and wander down Kärntner Straße, a bustling pedestrian street alive with street musicians and vibrant storefronts. Feel the pulse of Vienna’s urban life while admiring the blend of gothic and baroque architecture that lines the street. This lively thoroughfare offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in souvenir shopping or grab a quick treat from a local bakery. Recalling Vienna’s famous coffeehouse culture, end your afternoon at the venerable , a truly authentic spot that dates back more than a century. Here, the children can delight in scrumptious Sachertorte or apple strudel while adults sip on expertly brewed melanges. The cozy, elegant ambience with its old-world charm invites the entire family to unwind and savor the moment, creating a warm, memorable introduction to Vienna.

Where to Stay
Accommodation
Hotel Sacher Wien
Full starFull starFull starFull starHalf star
4.9
(Outstanding)

Located near Schönbrunn Palace, this family-friendly hotel offers convenient access to the palace, zoo, and U4 subway, minimizing travel time and providing comfortable, spacious rooms suitable for families.

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Highlights of the day
Top Sight
Schönbrunn Palace
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Sight
Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna Zoo)
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Sight
Historic Center – Kärntner Straße
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Activity
Café Sperl
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Where to Eat
Top Restaurant
Restaurant Landtmann Vienna
Located near the Vienna historic center and a short ride from Schönbrunn Palace, Cafe Landtmann offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a broad menu featuring traditional Viennese dishes and child-pleasing options. Its rich café culture ambiance complements the day's theme of imperial grandeur and historic charm, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy authentic local cuisine after exploring the palace, zoo, and Kärntner Straße.
Located near the Vienna historic center and a short ride from Schönbrunn Palace, Cafe Landtmann offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a broad menu featuring traditional Viennese dishes and child-pleasing options. Its rich café culture ambiance complements the day's theme of imperial grandeur and historic charm, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy authentic local cuisine after exploring the palace, zoo, and Kärntner Straße.
Bookable Activities
Bookable Activity
Schönbrunn Palace Concerts in Vienna
Full starFull starFull starFull starEmpty star
4.3
(805 reviews)
Clock icon1h 30m
$65.28per person

Schoenbrunn Palace Orchestra awaits you at the Palace Orangery where Mozart himself performed in 1786. The concert is a fine selection of masterful music by Mozart and Strauss, rounded off by vocal performances. Since the establishment of the Schoenbrunn Palace Concerts, the daily performances of the Schoenbrunn Palace Orchestra play an essential role in Vienna's cultural and musical life. At the Orangery Schoenbrunn, a place rich in tradition, the Schoenbrunn Palace Orchestra and the Schoenbrunn Palace Ensemble perform the most beautiful tunes of the classic composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss. On selected dates, the concerts take place in the Great Gallery in Schoenbrunn, in the White-Gold Room directly in the Palace other concert halls in Vienna.

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2
Main activity for day 2

Artistic Treasures and Playful Discovery

Delve into Vienna’s artistic soul with a family-friendly exploration of the MuseumsQuartier, where vibrant contemporary culture meets historic grandeur. This day is crafted for children and parents alike, blending interactive museums, playful outdoor spaces, and the captivating stories woven into masterful artworks. A lively atmosphere permeates the district, inspiring creativity and sparking curiosity amid the dynamic backdrop of one of Europe's largest cultural complexes.

Your second day in Vienna invites your family into the heart of the city’s vibrant , a cultural playground nestled amid baroque splendor and buzzing with youthful energy. Begin with the , where your kids can dive into boundless creativity through interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops tailored specially for young minds. The playful learning environment encourages exploration and discovery, turning art and science into joyful experiences. Afterwards, venture into the to delight in Austria’s treasures of modern art; here, colorful, evocative works by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt come alive with engaging family guides that help demystify these masterpieces in fun and accessible ways. Between museum immersions, take time to wander and relax in the leafy , where the sweet scent of blooming September roses mingles with laughter and the gentle warmth of early autumn sunshine. This green oasis offers picnic spots and playgrounds to ensure a perfect moment of calm amidst the city buzz.

As the afternoon unfolds, allow time for spontaneous play in the ’s open courtyards where oversized chairs, cushions, and fountains invite families to unwind and absorb the lively atmosphere. Nearby cafés offer cozy spots to savor Viennese snacks and locally roasted coffee, ensuring parents can pause and recharge while the kids continue their joyful explorations. This balance between vibrant artistic engagement and playful downtime enriches your family's connection with Vienna’s creative spirit, making Day Two an unforgettable blend of education, fun, and cultural immersion.

Where to Stay
Accommodation
Le Méridien Vienna
Full starFull starFull starFull starHalf star
4.5
(Great)

Centrally located near MuseumsQuartier, it provides spacious family accommodations and quick walk access to cultural sites like the ZOOM Children’s Museum and Leopold Museum.

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Highlights of the day
Top Sight
MuseumsQuartier
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Sight
ZOOM Children’s Museum
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Sight
Leopold Museum
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Sight
Volksgarten
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Where to Eat
Top Restaurant
Glacis Beisl MuseumsQuartier
Situated within the MuseumsQuartier complex, Glacis Beisl is an excellent family-friendly restaurant that offers locally inspired Austrian cuisine in a casual, garden-like setting ideal for kids to feel comfortable. Its proximity to the ZOOM Children’s Museum and Leopold Museum ensures a seamless break during the day’s artistic and playful explorations, aligning perfectly with the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the MuseumsQuartier.
Situated within the MuseumsQuartier complex, Glacis Beisl is an excellent family-friendly restaurant that offers locally inspired Austrian cuisine in a casual, garden-like setting ideal for kids to feel comfortable. Its proximity to the ZOOM Children’s Museum and Leopold Museum ensures a seamless break during the day’s artistic and playful explorations, aligning perfectly with the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the MuseumsQuartier.
Bookable Activities
Bookable Activity
Leopold Museum Vienna Entrance Ticket
Full starFull starFull starFull starHalf star
4.6
(385 reviews)
Clock icon2 hours
$20.18per person

RE-OPENING on the 8th of December 2020! New opening hours: Wednesday–Sunday 10:00h–18:00h The Leopold Museum is a unique treasure-house of Viennese Jugendstil, the Wiener Werkstätte and Expressionism. It is the most-visited museum of the city’s hottest cultural site, the MuseumsQuartier, and it houses the most significant and largest Egon Schiele collection in the world, as well as masterworks by Secession founder Gustav Klimt. Tip: The museum’s panorama windows offer a wonderful view of central Vienna with Maria Theresa Square and the Hofburg Palace.

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3
Main activity for day 3

Storybook Streets and Palatial Delights

Experience Vienna’s fairy-tale charm as you wander through the enchanting historic quarters and embrace the playful grandeur of the Hofburg Palace complex. The day layers immersive historic encounters with delightful child-friendly narratives, inviting your family to see Vienna’s imperial roots through a lens of wonder and imagination. September’s mild sunlight enhances the city’s cobbled alleys and ornate facades, setting a magical backdrop for exploration and connection.

Begin your morning at the , a sprawling imperial residence where your family can wander through the elegantly preserved apartments and marvel at the lavish artifacts of Austrian royalty. The grandeur of crystal chandeliers and intricate furnishings creates an immersive historical setting that sparks curiosity about centuries past. For a truly captivating experience, catch a morning session or guided tour at the located within the Hofburg. Watching the Lipizzaner stallions perform their precise, balletic movements to classical music is both awe-inspiring and a gentle introduction to a centuries-old tradition that fascinates visitors of all ages. This equestrian performance feels like stepping into a living storybook, thrilling children and adults alike.

Post-palace visit, drift toward the atmospheric streets of , where baroque facades and chic boutiques offer a charming contrast to the day’s royal grandeur. Here you can pause for a light snack, sip Viennese hot chocolate, and soak in the vibrant street life infused with local musicians and artisans. The journey continues to , an interactive museum where sound and music come alive through playful exhibits designed to delight curious kids. From conducting virtual orchestras to experimenting with acoustic illusions, every corner invites exploration and creativity in the heart of Vienna. This perfect blend of history, tradition, and interactive learning makes today a magical chapter of your family’s Viennese story.

Where to Stay
Accommodation
The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna
Full starFull starFull starFull starHalf star
4.7
(Amazing)

Luxurious family-friendly hotel located in the city center near Hofburg Palace, providing spacious suites, allowing easy walking access to the Spanish Riding School, Graben, Kohlmarkt, and Haus der Musik.

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Highlights of the day
Top Sight
Hofburg Palace
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Activity
Spanish Riding School
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Sight
Graben and Kohlmarkt
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Sight
Haus der Musik
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Where to Eat
Top Restaurant
Plachutta Wollzeile Vienna
Plachutta Wollzeile is renowned for its traditional Viennese specialties such as Tafelspitz (boiled beef), served in a spacious and welcoming environment suitable for families. Located within easy reach of Hofburg Palace and central to Graben and Kohlmarkt shopping streets, it fits well into the day's itinerary. This restaurant enriches the experience by offering an authentic taste of imperial Viennese cuisine in a setting attentive to family needs.
Plachutta Wollzeile is renowned for its traditional Viennese specialties such as Tafelspitz (boiled beef), served in a spacious and welcoming environment suitable for families. Located within easy reach of Hofburg Palace and central to Graben and Kohlmarkt shopping streets, it fits well into the day's itinerary. This restaurant enriches the experience by offering an authentic taste of imperial Viennese cuisine in a setting attentive to family needs.
Bookable Activities
Bookable Activity
Vienna Walking Tour, Hofburg Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral
Full starFull starFull starFull starHalf star
4.8
(13 reviews)
Clock icon2 hours
$28.49per person

Wander beyond Vienna’s Historic Center to discover its imperial treaures and hidden gems! Discover the best things to do in Vienna: St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace Complex, Spanish Riding School, Vienna Sate Opera, Albertina and more! HIGHLIGHTS: • Discover the best things to do in Vienna with a 5-Star Licensed Local Guide • Marvel at the beauty of St. Stephens’ Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church • Hear the true story of Sisi as you explore the Hofburg Palace Complex • Explore must-see sights: State Opera, Albertina, Spanish Riding School and more • Enjoy expert commentary with great history and fun legends at every turn This immersive walking tour of the Old Town is all you need to discover Vienna’s world heritage sites, historic palaces, iconic churches and lesser-known gems. With years of experience in leading tours in Vienna, our Expert Guides make it a fun and educational experience for solo travelers, couples and families.

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4
Main activity for day 4

Lush Landscapes and Creative Play

Let the family unwind in Vienna’s enchanting green spaces paired with engaging cultural stops that spark imagination and joy. This final day balances vibrant outdoor exploration in one of the city’s most beloved parks with visits to culturally rich venues that cater to family fun and interactive creativity. September’s pleasant weather allows for scenic walks, delightful picnics, and lively afternoons filled with laughter and discovery.

Embrace the fresh air and playful spirit of your final day in Vienna by heading to the legendary Prater Park, a massive green refuge filled with open spaces, bike paths, and whimsical attractions. Your family's adventure begins with a ride on the Wiener Riesenrad, Vienna’s iconic giant Ferris wheel. As you soar gently above the city skyline, marvel at the sweeping autumnal vistas bathed in soft September light, capturing lasting memories of the city’s blend of nature and architecture. After the aerial views, enjoy time exploring the park’s playgrounds, open lawns, and maybe indulge in traditional Austrian street snacks from one of the charming vendors scattered among the trees. The environment fosters a joyful atmosphere perfect for kids to run free and families to relax together amid nature.

Later, take a short subway trip back toward the city to revisit the interactive allure of or, for a more hands-on scientific adventure, visit the Museum of Technology. Here, children and adults alike can engage with an impressive range of exhibits demonstrating the wonders of physics, engineering, and innovation, making learning a thrilling, shared experience. The blend of open-air excitement and indoor discovery rounds out your Vienna visit with moments of wonder, laughter, and curiosity, perfectly suited to creating treasured family memories on a crisp September day.

Where to Stay
Accommodation
Motel One Wien-Prater
Full starFull starFull starFull starEmpty star
4.4
(Very Good)

Situated close to Prater Park and the Wiener Riesenrad, this hotel offers practical family rooms ideal for experiencing the amusement park and provides good public transport links to the Museum of Technology.

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Highlights of the day
Top Sight
Prater Park and Wiener Riesenrad
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Sight
Haus der Musik
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Top Sight
Museum of Technology (Technisches Museum Wien)
This is a highlight of your day—an experience designed to immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories during your trip.
Where to Eat
Top Restaurant
Schweizerhaus Prater Wien
Located inside Prater Park, Schweizerhaus is a historic and family-friendly beer garden famous for its crispy Stelze (pork knuckle) and regional specialties, with plenty of outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere where children can enjoy the open spaces nearby. Its direct location in the park makes it an ideal dining choice to complement the day’s outdoor amusement and green space exploration, ensuring convenience and a traditional Viennese dining experience.
Located inside Prater Park, Schweizerhaus is a historic and family-friendly beer garden famous for its crispy Stelze (pork knuckle) and regional specialties, with plenty of outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere where children can enjoy the open spaces nearby. Its direct location in the park makes it an ideal dining choice to complement the day’s outdoor amusement and green space exploration, ensuring convenience and a traditional Viennese dining experience.
Bookable Activities
Bookable Activity
Wiener Riesenrad - Giant Ferris Wheel Vienna Entrance Ticket
Full starFull starFull starHalf starEmpty star
3.7
(276 reviews)
Clock icon12 minutes
$17.21per person

Wiener Riesenrad - Giant Ferris Wheel is one of Vienna's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors to Vienna can look forward to a full schedule of arts and culture. Schönbrunn, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Lipizzaner are just as much fixtures of the must-do list in Vienna as a ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, a landmark visible from afar on the Vienna skyline. If you haven't taken a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel in your lifetime, and enjoyed the breathtaking views over the roofs of Vienna, you haven't really been to Vienna at all. Get ready to travel up to 212-feet (64.75 meters) while spotting some of the city's most well-known landmarks.

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4-Day Family With Kids Itinerary to Vienna, Austria in september | Wandio