One Day in Vienna: How to Spend 24 Hours in Vienna (by an Austrian)

Once the capital of an imposing empire, Vienna boasts dozens of historic sights, world-class museums, and of course beautiful architecture. While one day in Vienna may not be enough to explore everything the city has to offer, you can still get a good taste of the city. As an Austrian living in Vienna, I designed this guide to show you the best Vienna has to offer. For your convenience, this post includes a free map and some insider tips!

Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Learn more about it on our Disclosure page. We use ads to support our small business – we hope you don’t mind them too much.

Getting To Vienna

Vienna’s only airport, Schwechat International, is located 19 km (12 miles) southeast of the city center. The quickest and most reliable way to get from Vienna Airport to the city center is by super-efficient CAT (City Airport Train), which runs to and from Wien Mitte Station.

The City Airport Train runs every 30 minutes during operating hours (05:35–23:35) Monday through Sunday, including public holidays.

• Click here to book your CAT ticket to or from Vienna Airport.

Alternatively, you can also take one of the ÖBB Railjet trains from Vienna Airport to Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). Trains run daily from the airport from 06.33–23:03, every 30 minutes. For detailed timetable and price information, please visit the ÖBB website.

The buses of Vienna Airport Lines (VAL) also run on three different routes from various points in the city to Vienna Airport. For detailed timetable and price information, please visit the VAL website.

How to See Vienna in One Day

I often get asked how many days is enough for Vienna? One day in Vienna can be enough to get a taste of its major sights, but it would be quite a rush. You can enjoy some of the city’s beautiful architecture, historic monuments, and churches, as well as some of Vienna’s cafes and green spaces.

For a richer experience of Vienna’s culture, history, and cuisine, I would recommend you spend at least 2-3 days in the city. This would allow for a more relaxed pace to truly appreciate the city’s artistic and architectural splendor, without feeling hurried.

Using Public Transport in Vienna

Vienna is a rather large city, so I definitely encourage you to make use of the extremely efficient city transport system, known as the Wiener Linien.

Vienna’s public transport network consists of trams (Strassenbahn), buses (Autobus), underground (U-Bahn), and trains (S-Bahn) and Almost every part of Vienna is accessible by public transport.

Most of the main sights in Vienna’s historic center are located on the popular Ring Tram route. The U-Bahn is generally the quickest way to get around. It operates seven days a week from around 05:30 to 00:30. A 24-hour service runs on weekends and public holidays.

There are several ticket options such as a single ticket (2.40 EUR),24-hour (8 EUR), 48-hour (14.10 EUR), and 72-hour (17.10 EUR) tickets. You can also get a day ticket (5.80 EUR), which is valid from the start date until 01:00 on the following day.

Although tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines at U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations, it is best to buy a ticket in advance. You can even purchase a mobile ticket using the Wiener Linien app.

Children under six travel free on public transit, and children under 14 travel free on Sundays and public holidays providing they can show proof of age.

Tickets are valid for all public transportation—buses, trams, and the subway. You’ll need to punch your ticket before entering the boarding area at U-Bahn stops, but for buses and trams, you punch it on board. If you’re caught without a ticket you’ll pay a hefty fine.

You can plan your trip using public transport here.

If you’re visiting Vienna in the warmer months, exploring the city on a bicycle is a good option. The city has introduced a system of free bike rental called Citybike. Bicycles can be rented or returned from any of the 120 or so Citybike stations over the city.

To use a Citybike, you need to register first with a debit or credit card (at any Citybike Wien station or online), for a one-off fee of 1 EUR; when the bike is returned, the charge is calculated automatically and debited from your account.

In case you’re interested in seeing the highlights of Vienna on bike, check out this excellent Vienna Bicycle Tour.

If you’re not up for a long walk or cycle around Vienna, you could also get around on a segway, which can cover a larger area than a walk-around. In case you’re interested in seeing the must-see Vienna attractions on a segway, check out this excellent Vienna Segway Tour.

For those craving an audio guide and extra comfort, you can also get around the city with Vienna Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.

It is highly unlikely that you will have to use a taxi during your stay in Vienna but if the need arises it is easier to get a taxi at one of the taxi ranks rather than hailing it in the street. Alternatively, taxis can also be booked on the phone – there are three numbers: 313000, 40100, and 60160.

Vienna Tourist Passes

To save a little bit of money, you could get yourself one of the tourist passes available in Vienna. They all come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Two of the most popular Vienna tourist passes are the Vienna Pass & the Vienna City Card. The Vienna Pass is the kind of tourist card you are probably used to where you pay a flat fee and gain free access to a large number of attractions.

The Vienna City Card differs from the Vienna Pass as it doesn’t include free entrances to sites and museums, but rather offers discounts, usually in the range of 1-5€.

If you’re curious to see which card works best for you, check out our in-depth comparison!

What This Itinerary Doesn’t Include

Recently I have seen several one-day itineraries for Vienna including a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. While Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning sight and an important Vienna landmark, it is not practical to see the palace complex if you only have one day in Vienna. At a fast pace, you would need about 3 hours to see Schönbrunn Palace.

Also, Schönbrunn is located in the outer districts of the city which means you’d need to spend at least one hour on transport to get there from the city center and back. If you are hell-bent on seeing the palace, I would recommend that you extend your visit to 2 days or at least 1.5 days.

Your One Day in Vienna Itinerary

This ‘one day in Vienna’ itinerary includes a handful of the must-see attractions in the city. 

For your convenience, this post includes a free map that highlights the main points of interest in Vienna for one day. You can find the addresses of the attractions by clicking on the icons in the map. 

Everyone travels at a different pace so feel free to choose the destinations according to your own pace. This is a pretty packed itinerary so the earlier you start your day the more time you’ll have to see the main attractions in Vienna.

Below I have compiled a list of the best things to see in Vienna over one day:

1. Breakfast at Café Central

A must-have experience in Vienna is to enjoy a meal in one of its storied coffeehouses. Vienna’s café culture is steeped in tradition, offering more than just coffee; it’s a way of life that fosters intellectual exchange, relaxation, and indulgence in historical ambiance.

The city’s iconic coffeehouses serve as social hubs where poets, philosophers, and artists have gathered for centuries. These cafés pride themselves on a slow-paced, luxurious coffee experience, complete with traditional marble tables, Thonet chairs, and waiters in tuxedos serving classic Viennese coffees alongside exquisite pastries.

This unique atmosphere makes Viennese cafés not just eateries but salons of culture, debate, and culinary delight, integral to the fabric of Vienna’s social history.

Located in the Palais Ferstel, Café Central is a cornerstone of Viennese coffee house culture, radiating historical elegance since 1876. This grand café boasts palatial vaulted ceilings and arched windows that enhance its timeless charm.

Café Central was a favorite haunt of intellectuals like Trotsky and Freud, and today it serves a mix of traditional Viennese dishes, coffee specialties, and delectable pastries.

Café Central is open from 08:00-22:00 (Monday-Saturday) and 10:00-22:00 (Sunday). I highly advise you to book a table in advance otherwise you’ll be standing in line for a while.

2. Zuckerlwerkstatt

Your next stop is Zuckerlwerkstatt. Candy-making started in Austria several hundred years ago but died out in the mid-19th century. The owners of Zuckerlwerkstatt have brought an old tradition back to life and produce candy according to a recipe dating back to 1890.

During your visit, you can watch the candy being made. It’s incredible to see such an old tradition still being performed today.

More importantly, perhaps, you can pick up a pretty, yummy, and traditional souvenir for yourself! A small jar of candy costs about 7 EUR.

3. Hofburg Palace

One of the best sights to see in Vienna is without a doubt Hofburg Palace. Just down the road from Zuckerlwerkstatt lies Michaelerplatz which offers beautiful views of the palace.

Once the residence of the Habsburg Monarchy, today it houses the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, as well as the Silver Collection. Entrance to all three costs 15 EUR. If you are keen on visiting, you should reserve about 1-2 hours to see the palace’s highlights.

Hofburg Palace is also the location of the famous Spanish Horse Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule). If you don’t feel like visiting the Imperial Apartments, you can catch the famous Lipizzaner horses in action in the stables instead.

Full demonstrations take place on Saturdays but on occasion, you can also attend training sessions in the morning on weekdays. Check the website for more information.

4. Austrian National Library (Österreichische Staatsbibliothek)

One of my favorite parts of Hofburg Palace is the former imperial library, now known as the Austrian National Library. The center of the library is the so-called Prunksaal (State Hall). It is absolutely gorgeous and always reminds me of the library in Beauty and the Beast!

The library also owns several museums, such as the Papyrus and the Globe Museum. However, they are located in different buildings close by.

The Austrian National Library is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–18:00 (until 21:00 on Thursday). The entrance costs 10 EUR. To access the library, you’ll need to walk down the streets a few meters to the main entrance at Josefsplatz.

5. Sachertorte at Café Demel

First-time visitors to Vienna may be tempted to head to Café Sacher to try Sachertorte – the decadent Viennese chocolate cake, distinguished by layers of apricot jam under smooth dark chocolate icing. However, did you know that the Sachertorte was first offered at Café Demel?

Founded in 1876, this is one of the oldest patisseries in Vienna. In fact, Demel was once a purveyor to the Habsburg court. Today, it is certainly a tourist draw, as Demel has almost stood still in time.

Café Demel is open daily from 10:00–19:00. Book a table in advance to avoid queues. Otherwise, you’ll need to plan in about 15 extra minutes for your visit.

While you’re waiting, you can choose your cake from the display and watch the bakers as they produce these sweet treats. Once you are seated, you can order your drinks and give your ‘cake ticket’ to the waitress.

6. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)

If you ask any Austrian what would be Vienna’s most iconic landmark, the answer would overwhelmingly be St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Completed in 1160, this cathedral has been the center of Catholicism in Austria for hundreds of years.

It has been expanded and restored several times throughout its existence. Today, it is a major tourist draw as well as a functioning church.

Although it is beautiful from the outside (just take a look at the ornately patterned roof!), the cathedral’s interiors are something very special.

The interior of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna is a breathtaking display of Gothic architecture, featuring intricate stonework, stunning altarpieces, and vibrant stained glass windows. Its ribbed vaults and tiled roof create an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

The cathedral houses numerous chapels, each richly decorated, and the famed Pummerin bell. The catacombs and treasury offer glimpses into Vienna’s religious and cultural history, making it a profound spiritual and architectural experience.

Lastly, St. Stephen’s Cathedral hosts enchanting concerts, featuring exceptional organ music and choral performances that resonate beautifully in its Gothic architecture.

• Click here to book an entrance ticket to a classical concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Practical Information For Visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is open from 09:00-11:30 & 13:00-16:30 (Monday-Saturday); and 13:00-16:30 (Sunday and public holidays). The entrance to the cathedral is free. However, there are parts within the church to which there is only paid access.

For 6 EUR, you can take a guided tour of the catacombs beneath St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guided tours usually take place half-hourly during visiting hours.

It is also possible to visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s two towers – the North Tower and the South Tower, both of which offer different viewing perspectives.

For a close-up view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s iconic multi-colored mosaic tiling, visit the North Tower. It is open daily from 09:00-20:30 (last entrance at 20:00). Tickets cost 6 EUR.

Alternatively, for unobstructed panoramic views of Vienna’s cityscape, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s South Tower. It is open daily from 09:00-17:30 (last entrance at 17:15). Tickets cost 5 EUR.

7. Tram Ride along the Vienna Ring Road (Ringstrasse)

One of the best ways to see the main sights of Vienna is by tram. What was once the location of the city walls, was developed into a series of grand boulevards in the mid-19th century.

Along these boulevards, aristocrats built impressive city palaces (Palais) in an intriguing mix of architectural styles, also known as the ‘Ring Road Style’. Today, the ring road is an essential part of Vienna’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are two ways to do the tour. You could either go on one of the ‘guided’ rides on the yellow trams which depart every 30 minutes from Schwedenplatz, last 25 minutes, and cost 9 EUR. The other way is to use public transport (especially if you already have a day ticket).

You can take tram no. 1 from Schwedenplatz and change to tram no. 2 at Stadiongasse/Parlament. This will also allow you to hop on and off as you like to take photos.

Among others, you’ll see the following buildings along the ring road:

• Vienna State Opera
• Palace of Justice
  Austrian Parliament Building
• City Hall
• Burgtheater
• University of Vienna
• Postal Savings Bank
• Museum Quarter
• Votive Church

8. Traditional Austrian Lunch

No visit to Vienna can be complete without tasting some tasty Austrian cuisine. Personally, I’d highly recommend that you try a REAL Wiener Schnitzel while you’re here.

Although it’s hard to choose, Wiener Schnitzel is probably my favorite Austrian food. What could be better than a thin, breaded veal cutlet fried to perfection? Served with a lemon wedge, a perfect Wiener Schnitzel is crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy inside.

Many places offer schnitzel in Vienna, and the question of which place serves the best schnitzel in Vienna is like asking which place makes the best pizza in Naples. Two of my favorite places to eat schnitzel in the Inner City are ‘Gasthaus Pöschl’ and ‘Figlmuller’.

9. Stadtpark (City Park)

The Vienna City Park (Stadtpark) is probably not high on anybody’s must-see list for Vienna. However, I believe you can use a refresher after a hearty lunch and pounding the pavement all day.

Opened in 1862, Stadtpark spans 28 acres and features a blend of English and French landscape styles, characterized by expansive lawns, ornamental flower beds, and meandering pathways. In the summertime, it’s a favorite among locals for picnics, jogging, and relaxing.

The park is dotted with statues of famous Viennese residents, such as Johann Strauss and Franz Schubert. The Johann Strauss Monument is one of the most popular photo spots in Vienna. The gilded bronze statue depicts the “Waltz King” holding a violin and surrounded by lush floral arrangements.

One of my favorite sights in the park is actually the metro station “Stadtpark”. It’s adorned with Art Nouveau elements and designed by the legendary Austrian architect Otto Wagner.

The Vienna City Park is open 24/7.

10. Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere is a historic complex, consisting of two palaces, Upper and Lower Belvedere, as well as some smaller structures. It was built as a summer palace in the 17th century and today is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city, the palace gardens offer a welcome reprieve. The palaces are home to exquisite art exhibitions you won’t want to miss!

Lower Belvedere

Once a small Palais for Habsburg monarchs, today the Lower Belvedere (Unteres Belvedere) houses prime art exhibitions.

These often extend to the adjacent Orangery (Orangerie), a former greenhouse for orange trees. Just opposite the Orangery, you can also find the former Palace Stables which today house a number of Gothic art pieces.

Gardens

From the Lower Belvedere, you’ll continue to the Upper Belvedere (Oberes Belvedere). Along the way, you will stroll through the beautiful Belvedere Gardens.

In fact, dating back to 1700, the gardens are the oldest part of the palace complex. From here, you’ll also get the best view of the Upper Belvedere.

Upper Belvedere

Not only is the Upper Belvedere Palace stunning in and by itself, but you can also find some of the finest art exhibits in Austria here.

Most people come here to marvel at Gustav Klimt’s ‘Kiss’, but don’t forget to take a closer look at the palace’s interiors, particularly Sala Terrana, the Grand Staircase, the Carlone Hall, as well as the Marble Hall.

The Marble Hall is one of the most significant places in modern Austrian history, as it was here where Leopold Figl signed the Austrian State Treaty in 1955. The Austrian State Treaty re-established Austria as a sovereign state after the Nazi occupation.

Practical Information For Visiting the Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace Complex is open daily from 10:00-18:00. The Belvedere Palace Gardens are open daily from 06:30 or 07:00 in the morning until 18:00 and 21:00 depending on the season.

A visit to the Upper Belvedere is only possible with a time-slot ticket meaning that you need to book a fixed entrance time.

A ticket to the Upper Belvedere costs 16.70 EUR while a ticket to the Lower Belvedere costs 14.60 EUR. It is better and cheaper (you’ll save 3.30 EUR) to book tickets online to avoid long waiting times.

11. Prater Amusement Park

The Vienna Prater is actually a large public park, but for most people, it’s synonymous with Prater Amusement Park which lies in one corner of the park.

It is the home to one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks, the Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad). It first opened to the public in 1766 and remains a favorite among locals even today.

The entrance to the amusement park is free so you can save your money to spend on the rides. They are relatively expensive, but you only live once, right? 😉

And do I really have to mention how gorgeous it is to ride the Ferris wheel at night? 🙂

The Prater isn’t a fenced-in park, but not all things here are open throughout the year. The season lasts from mid-March to the end of October (daily from 10:00-23:00), but the giant Ferris wheel operates daily all year round.

A ticket for the giant Ferris wheel costs 14 EUR and I strongly recommend getting a convenient skip-the-line ticket to avoid unnecessary queueing.

12. Drinks at Schwedenplatz

If you’re not tired yet, why don’t you head out to Vienna’s foremost party district? You’ll find a dense concentration of bars, pubs, and restaurants around Schwedenplatz.

Some of the upscale bars here have dress codes and if you’ve been out all day in your sneakers, you might want to look for something with a more casual atmosphere.

One of the best pubs in the area is Bermuda Bräu which serves hearty pub grub, as well as local beers and wines.

Schwedenplatz is also the starting point for many of the popular Vienna Danube Cruises. Two of the most popular ones are –

• Vienna 3-Course Evening Dinner Danube Cruise

• Vienna: Danube Cruise and Schnitzel Tour

More Than One Day In Vienna?

If you have more than 24 hours in Vienna, there are plenty of great attractions in the city that are worth visiting which we had to leave off this itinerary. Other worthwhile attractions worth checking out in Vienna are –

Schönbrunn Palace: This historic Viennese landmark is renowned for its beautiful baroque architecture, sprawling gardens, and rich history as the summer residence of the Habsburgs. It really is a must-see for its opulent rooms and spectacular garden maze.

Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum): The best museum in Vienna in my opinion, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is a treasure trove of fine arts, housing an extensive collection of ancient, classical, and Renaissance artifacts. Its ornate architecture and exquisite exhibitions make it a Vienna must-visit.

Danube Tower: Vienna’s Danube Tower is a fun place to visit as it offers stunning 360-degree views from its observation deck. It is also home to a revolving restaurant offering a unique dining experience above Vienna.

Albertina Museum: One of my favorite museums in Vienna, the Albertina Museum boasts a collection that encompasses over a million works, from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art, housed in a magnificent historic palace.

Naschmarkt: Vienna’s Naschmarkt is a vibrant culinary hub, offering a diverse range of international foods, fresh produce, and unique antiques. It’s a bustling marketplace ideal for food lovers and treasure hunters alike.

Sigmund Freud Museum: Located in Freud’s former residence, this museum offers a deep dive into the life and work of the father of psychoanalysis. You can explore personal artifacts, original furnishings, and poignant exhibits in the very rooms where Freud developed his groundbreaking theories.

Popular Tours/Activities in Vienna

Mozart Concert at the Golden Hall: Classical music lovers can experience the magic of a Mozart concert at Vienna’s Golden Hall, an iconic venue known for its breathtaking acoustics and ornate, gold-leafed interior.

Viennese Underground World Guided Walking Tour: Explore Vienna’s mysterious underground on this top-rated walking tour, and discover hidden cellars, ancient crypts, and secret passageways that reveal the city’s intriguing and shadowy past

Vienna World War II Historical Walking Tour: This wildly popular tour delves into the city’s dark past, exploring key sites and untold stories from the war. It’s an insightful, profound experience that brings history vividly to life.

Popular Day Trips From Vienna

If you have more than 1 day in Vienna and want to explore outside the city also makes a great base for day-tripping in Bavaria or even parts of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. 

Some of the most popular day trips from Vienna are –

Melk Abbey & Wachau Valley: Explore the stunning Melk Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece, then journey through the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its vineyards, quaint villages, and scenic Danube River landscapes.

Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial: This concentration camp memorial stands as a solemn reminder of WWII atrocities. It honors the victims and educates visitors on the horrors of hate and intolerance.

Salzburg: The birthplace of Mozart enchants with its baroque architecture, majestic fortress, and charming Old Town. Experience its rich musical heritage and picturesque Alpine setting.

Hallstatt & the Alpine Peaks of Salzkammergut: Hallstatt, Austria’s most popular lakeside village is renowned for its stunning Alpine scenery, ancient salt mines, and charming 16th-century architecture. The breathtaking Alpine peaks of Salzkammergut offer crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and a wealth of outdoor activities in a stunningly picturesque setting.

Outside of Austria, three of the most popular day trips from Vienna are to the underrated Slovakian capital of Bratislava, the undeniably beautiful Czech capital of Prague, and the gorgeous Hungarian capital of Budapest.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Since most of Vienna’s attractions are located in the city center area, it is best to select a hotel close to the center. Even if you stay further out, it’s a good idea to stay anywhere on the metro line (i.e. 5-minute walk from the nearest metro station), which is part of Vienna’s excellent public transit system.

With more than 500 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every taste and budget in Vienna, from impeccable five-star hotels to avant-garde to low-cost chains.

Hostel: Wombats Naschmarkt, a popular hostel within walking distance from the city center

Budget Economy: B&B Hotel Wien-Meidling, great budget option close to Wien-Meidling station

Budget Plus: Motel One Wien Hauptbahnhof, an unpretentious choice within 2 minutes of Vienna Central Station

Mid-range: Mercure Secession Vienna, a reasonably-priced 4-star hotel in the city center

Splurge: Hotel Sans Souci Wien, one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, the glamorous Sans Souci features trendy rooms and deluxe furnishings

Further Reading For Your Vienna Visit

That summarizes our definitive ‘one day in Vienna’ itinerary. We reckon you’ll find the following resources useful for planning your trip to Vienna!

---

Now, what do you think? How would you spend one day in Vienna? Is Vienna on your bucket list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!