To see the best of Vienna in a day, it’s essential to have a well-organized itinerary. This is because Vienna is filled with interesting sites like monuments, churches, parks, and palaces, all wonderful spots for a quick trip to the city.
However, with so many options, we’ve selected the must-see places in Vienna for you to explore in just 24 hours.
Join us as we uncover the famous spots that make the Austrian capital a truly special place to visit!
In addition to this guide, we also offer two more itineraries:
To get the most out of your time in Vienna, consider some of the following tours and activities:
- Classical Music Concert at Mozart’s House
- Classic Ensemble Vienna at St. Peter’s
- Art History Museum Vienna Ticket
- Upper Belvedere and Permanent Collection Ticket
What to see in Vienna in a day?
Vienna, a city on the banks of the Danube, is currently home to more than 1.8 million residents.
The Austrian capital is internationally renowned as a major center of European music.
Its historic center is packed with a wealth of gardens and architectural monuments, making it a unique vacation destination.
The city is home to several Baroque-style palaces and the legendary Ringstrasse, a long boulevard lined with many cultural landmarks.
Every attraction in Vienna is worth visiting; however, with limited time, you’ll have to settle for seeing just a few highlights.
Start your day with breakfast at Café Central
Your first stop should be the stunning Neo-Renaissance building, Palais Ferstel, located in Vienna’s 1st district at 14 Herrengasse.
This mansion, dating back to the 14th century, houses Vienna’s most charming café.
Starting your day here is the perfect way to begin exploring one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Vienna’s Café Central has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated poets, philosophers, and storytellers.
Several individuals considered some of the greatest minds of the 20th century frequented this café, pairing a cigarette with a rich cup of coffee.
At Vienna’s Café Central, it was not uncommon to see a revolutionary (Trotsky), a psychoanalyst (Freud), several writers and poets (including Polgar, Zweig, and Altenberg), and an architect (Loos) savoring coffee in this iconic establishment.
This famed coffeehouse first opened in 1860, welcoming visitors with warmth and flavor.
Today, it continues to captivate thousands with its delightful culinary creations, traditional coffee specialties, and iconic live piano music.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The St. Stephen’s Cathedral is regarded as one of the most beautiful Gothic architectural masterpieces in Vienna.
Built in 1147, the cathedral underwent several transformations over the centuries, becoming what is now the most important religious symbol in Vienna.
Its exterior features a striking spire that soars about 137 meters into the sky.
Inside, a spiral staircase climbs to the top of the tower, transforming into an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of Vienna.
Another highlight of this architectural gem is the “Tiled Roof,” constructed with over 250,000 pieces and painstakingly restored after sustaining damage during World War II.
Inside the cathedral, you’ll find a mix of architectural styles. The central nave, side chapels, and choir were reconstructed in the Gothic style, while some of the lateral buildings were rebuilt in Baroque style.
Attending a classical concert inside the cathedral is one of the most unique ways to experience its interior. Be sure to buy your ticket here in advance to reserve your seat.
Did you know that the cathedral is the resting place of much of the Habsburg family?
In addition to being the wedding site of the famous composer Mozart, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a must-visit on your tour of Vienna.
Continue your day with an immersion into Vienna’s musical history by booking your ‘ticket for Mozarthaus with audio guide.’ Discover where Mozart lived and step into his world. Book here.
Schönbrunn Palace
One of Vienna’s foremost cultural landmarks, both the palace and its gardens were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
This architectural marvel, based on 17th-century Baroque style, holds a history rich with significant events involving the Habsburg family.
With over 40 rooms that reflect the grandeur of imperial life, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see.
Some of the palace’s most remarkable spaces that you shouldn’t miss include:
The Great Gallery, used for lavish imperial banquets; the Circular Chinese Room, Empress Maria Theresa’s favorite for private meetings; the Breakfast Room, the Blue Chinese Room, and the Hall of Mirrors.
To make the most of your visit, we highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets for Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens. You can reserve them here online at a discount.
Other highly recommended activities at the palace include:
- Skip-the-line tickets for the Schönbrunn Zoo
- Mozart and Strauss Concert at Schönbrunn
- Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna City Tour
Did you know that the Hall of Mirrors at Schönbrunn Palace witnessed a young Mozart performing complex pieces?
The grounds of Schönbrunn Palace also feature one of Vienna’s most spectacular gardens.
The palace gardens are a must for any itinerary in the Austrian capital, perfect for a scenic walk and photography.
Hofburg Palace
Wondering what to do in Vienna on a one-day vacation? Hofburg Palace is one of the best answers to this question.
For over 600 years, this grand palace served as the residence of the Habsburg family.
Today, it houses multiple museums, a church, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School. It also serves as the official office of Austria’s President.
The most fascinating parts of Hofburg Palace are the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments.
If you have the chance, we recommend joining a guided tour of the palace, the Sisi Museum, and the gardens, as having a guide will greatly enhance your experience of this magnificent residence.
The Sisi Museum spans six large rooms showcasing items belonging to Empress Sisi.
During your visit, you’ll also hear stories about her life, offering you a glimpse into the fascinating history of Sisi and the Habsburg dynasty.
On the other hand, the Imperial Apartments immerse you in the full splendor of the Habsburg monarchy. The tour covers 19 rooms, beautifully decorated and furnished, with an audio guide sharing fascinating insights about the offices and their former inhabitants.
Hofburg Palace truly stands out as one of the best places to visit if you’re exploring Vienna in a day.
Austrian National Library
Another must-do on a one-day visit to Vienna is the Austrian National Library.
This architectural marvel of the Baroque style features a grand hall that stretches approximately 80 meters in length and 20 meters in height.
It also boasts a magnificent central dome adorned with splendid paintings by Daniel Gran.
The library is a literal treasure trove of knowledge and history from the days of the empire, an awe-inspiring sight for all who visit.
The library houses over 200,000 visible books, including the personal library of Prince Eugene of Savoy, which contains more than 15,000 works and one of the largest collections of Martin Luther’s writings.
Visit the Prater
The Prater is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Having survived through the ages, it even withstood World War II.
The park’s highlight is the Giant Ferris Wheel, now one of Vienna’s most recognized symbols. A ride on this historic wheel is one of Vienna’s top experiences, offering breathtaking photo opportunities.
You can reserve your skip-the-line ticket for the Giant Ferris Wheel online here, a memorable experience in one of the world’s most historic locations.
This monumental structure reaches approximately 60 meters in height.
The current wheel features 15 cabins out of the original 30, as part of the structure was destroyed by a wartime bombing.
A visit to the Prater is an essential stop if you’re traveling to Vienna.
See a performance at the Vienna Opera House
To conclude your whirlwind tour of Vienna in a day, there’s nothing better than enjoying a magnificent show at the Vienna Opera House.
This remarkable building is designed in a Neo-Renaissance architectural style.
Not only does this prestigious venue offer opera performances, but it also hosts ballet and classical music concerts.
It’s a splendid way to end a quick but memorable day in Austria’s most beautiful city.