One day in Vienna – What to do and see
Are you planning a short trip to the Austrian capital? Then you've made an excellent choice! Vienna is not only one of the most liveable cities in the world, but also offers a wealth of impressive sights, cultural highlights and culinary delights in a very small area. With the Vienna City Card you are particularly flexible when traveling and save money in many places.
Find out in this article:
- Why Vienna is perfect for a short trip
- The best way to get around the city - including the benefits of the Vienna City Card
- What you should definitely see and experience in 24 hours
- Tips, checklists and practical information for a smooth day
Let's go - off to an unforgettable day in Vienna!
More information about the Vienna City Card
Why is Vienna worth a short trip?
Wien is a city with history, charm and a very special attitude to life. Ideal for a short vacation because:
- Central location in Europe: easy to reach by train, plane or car.
- Short distances: many highlights are within walking distance or can be easily reached by public transport.
- Variety in a small space: history, modernity, culture and cuisine all in one place.
- Safe and clean: Vienna is one of the safest capitals in the world.
- Open and hospitable: the Viennese are helpful - albeit with charm and charm.
Vienna is made for an inspiring day full of new impressions and moments to enjoy.
What's the best way to get around Vienna?
Public transportation
Vienna has an excellent public transportation network:
- 5 subway lines (U1 to U4 and U6)
- Streetcars ("Bim")
- Buses and suburban trains
The intervals are short, the timetables reliable and the vehicles clean. You can download current timetables here. The best way to explore Vienna is with the Vienna City Card.
Advantages of the Vienna City Card:
- Free travel on public transport throughout Vienna (zone 100)
- Valid for 24, 48, 72 hours or even 7 days if you are planning a longer stay
- More than 200 discounts at sights, museums, restaurants, stores and much more Discover all discount partners here!
- Available digitally or physically
Travel with the Vienna City Card:
With the Vienna City Card, you can get to the city center with ease. Not only is it valid for unlimited use of public transport in Vienna, but with an additional add-on it also takes you quickly and easily from the airport to the city - by S-Bahn, train or City Airport Train (CAT). You can discover the additional add-on here. This saves you individual tickets and you can set off straight away.
Even if you are traveling by train, the City Card makes your life easier:
- From the main station, the U1 takes you to Stephansplatz in just five minutes.
- From Westbahnhof, the U3 will take you to the heart of the city in just under seven minutes.
- From Wien Mitte station, you're already in the heart of the city - perfect for changing to the subway or streetcar straight away.
Whether airport or train station - with the Vienna City Card, you can travel flexibly and start your day in Vienna stress-free.
8:00 a.m. - Breakfast at Café Central
One of Vienna's most famous coffee houses, famous for its architecture and prominent regulars. If you want to read more about Viennese coffee house culture, we recommend this article.
- Opening hours: from 08:00 (we recommend making a reservation)
- Suitable for: all ages
- Location: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Vienna
- Prices: Breakfast from approx. €9
- Website
Recommendation: Viennese melange + brioche with jam or apple strudel
10:00 a.m. - St. Stephen's Cathedral
Vienna's landmark - be sure to go inside and, if you're fit, up the tower! St. Stephen's Cathedral - affectionately known as "Steffl" - is the spiritual and geographical heart of Vienna. With its striking 136-metre-high south tower, it not only shapes the silhouette of the city, but also its self-image. A visit is part of every stay in Vienna - regardless of whether you are only in town for a few hours or several days.
- Opening hours: 06:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Suitable for: everyone
- Location: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
- Prices: Cathedral free, towers and catacombs from €6
- Website
11:00 a.m. - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum
Imperial splendor and a glimpse into the life of Empress Elisabeth. The Hofburg is the historical and cultural heart of Vienna - it was the residence of the Habsburgs for over 600 years, making it one of the most important palace complexes in Europe. A visit here offers you a compact but in-depth insight into Austria's imperial history.
The Sisi Museum in the Hofburg goes one step further: it opens a very personal window into the life of Empress Elisabeth ("Sisi") - one of the most fascinating figures in Austrian history. Her moving life story, original objects, letters and portraits make this place a unique and emotional experience.
- Opening hours: 09:00 a.m. - 05:30 p.m.
- Suitable for: 10 years and older
- Location: Michaelerplatz, 1010 Vienna
- Prices: from €20 (but you can save 10% with the Vienna City Card)
- Website
1:00 p.m. - Lunch at the Naschmarkt
Culinary variety from all over the world. Ideal for a quick or extended lunch. The mix of Viennese cuisine and international concepts also makes the Naschmarkt particularly exciting for foodies. Try a falafel at "Dr. Falafel" or a glass of wine at "Neni".
- Opening hours: Mon-Sat 06:00-19:30
- Suitable for: everyone
- Location: 1060 Vienna, Linke Wienzeile
- Prices: Snacks from €4, dishes approx. €8-12
Tip: Every Saturday, one of Vienna's most famous flea markets takes place right next to the Naschmarkt - a paradise for collectors, treasure hunters and fans of nostalgia.
2:30 p.m. - Walk along the "Ringstrasse"
Vienna's Ringstrasse is one of the most magnificent boulevards in Europe - an architectural work of art and a symbol of the imperial splendor of the 19th century. Perfect for strolling through Vienna's imperial history:
- State Opera
- Parliament
- City Hall
- Burgtheater
- Volksgarten (Rose Garden!)
Tip for those in a hurry: With the Vienna City Card, you can also use streetcar line 1 or 2 and discover Vienna as you pass by. It's also perfect for a day of sightseeing in the rain!
4:00 p.m. - Visit Schönbrunn Palace
A must! Schönbrunn was the summer residence of Empress Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi - and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to understand Vienna, you have to see this palace.
Very important: you can avoid long waiting times by buying tickets online in advance!
- Opening hours: 08:30-18:00
- Suitable for: from 6 years
- Location: Schönbrunner Schlossstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
- Prices: from €25 (state apartments), children: €16
- Website
Tip: The palace park is accessible free of charge and is worth a walk if you are a good walker. For those who prefer comfort: There is a panorama train in the park area where you can save 20% with the Vienna City Card!
Optional: Visit Schönbrunn Zoo
At Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world and part of the Schönbrunn Palace ensemble, you can expect impressive highlights that will make your visit an unforgettable experience, such as panda couples, the elephant house & elephant park, the predator house & numerous aquariums & terrariums show the exotic diversity!
- Opening hours: from 09:00 a.m.
- Suitable for: Families, animal lovers
- Prices: from €24 (adults), children reduced
- Website
7:30 p.m. - Dinner at a wine tavern
Cozy, rustic, delicious. In addition to the young wine (also called "Heuriger"), hearty delicacies such as Liptauer, cheese platters, pressed sausage, fried chicken or a classic Tafelspitz are typical. Let yourself be surprised by the seasonal offerings!
It is advisable to reserve a table at weekends or at popular wine taverns - especially if you are traveling with a larger group.
Recommended wine taverns:
- Zum Alten Fassl (6th district) or Mayer am Pfarrplatz (19th district)
- Opening hours: usually from 5:00 p.m.
- Suitable for: Adults & families
- Prices: Main courses from €12
- Website tips: Zum alten Fassl or Mayer am Pfarrplatz
8:00 p.m. - Evening program: concert or horse-drawn carriage
Concerts are one of the absolute highlights of a cultural visit to Vienna - for music lovers and curious first-time visitors alike. The Musikverein is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also one of the most renowned concert venues in the world.
The Golden Hall of the Musikverein is considered to be one of the best concert halls in the world in terms of acoustics. Its perfect sound architecture makes every concert a unique listening experience - especially when it comes to classical music.
- Classical concert in the Kursalon or Musikverein
- Alternative: horse-drawn carriage ride through the illuminated old town (particularly romantic!)
With the Vienna City Card you get discounts with many providers.
Conclusion
One day in Vienna is enough to make you fall in love with this city. With clever planning, a pinch of adventure and the practical Vienna City Card, you can get the most out of 24 hours. Be it magnificent palaces, lively markets or cozy wine taverns - Vienna offers pleasure for all the senses.
So: get your card, pack your bag and off you go. Vienna is waiting for you!
Opening hours Service Center:
Opernring 3-5 17/24, 1010 Vienna daily 9:00am - 6:00pm
Ticket shop opening hours:
Opernpassage (Metro station Karlsplatz), 1010 Vienna daily 9:00am - 6:00pm
Opening hours Tourist-Info:
Albertinaplatz, 1010 Vienna daily 9:00am - 6:00pm
Airport daily 9:00am - 6:00pm