Discover Vienna in just one day – is that even possible? Yes, and how! The Austrian capital boasts many highlights: imperial sights, impressive architecture, a variety of museums and a unique coffee house culture. Even if you only have one day, you can still experience the most important sights. Including our insider tips, you will experience Vienna’s history up close.
🌇Morning: Historical center
Starting point: Stephansplatz
Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral: up high and down low – climb the south tower for a great view or visit the catacombs
Walk through the inner city
Treat yourself to an ice cream and stroll along the Graben, past historic buildings and bustling stores. The Holy Trinity Column (Vienna’s plague column) and St. Peter’s Church are popular photo motifs and selfie spots 📸.
Experience the history of Vienna from a different perspective
Opposite St. Peter’s Church, in Habsburgergasse, you will find a portal to an interactive world of experience that shows you Vienna’s history in an entertaining and informative way. Take a 50-minute tour through 2,000 years of history: stations such as the 5D cinema, animatronic wax figures, the plague pit and virtual reality experiences guarantee fun and knowledge transfer at the same time. The historical setting is pleasantly air-conditioned for hot days and is also perfect as an indoor activity on rainy days! You can book your tour directly with Time Travel Vienna here (Opens in a new tab or window)!
🏛️Mittag: Hofburg Palace & Museums
Michaelerplatz & Hofburg Palace
Via Michaelerplatz (where you can discover the archaeological excavation site) you reach Helpdenplatz, from where you can view the Hofburg from the outside.
You have several options for a snack along the way: how about a healthy bowl at Honu Tiki Bowls (Opens in a new tab or window) on Opernring? Or the classic: a Käsekrainer at the Bitzinger sausage stand (Opens in a new tab or window) next to the Albertina? By the way: Vienna’s sausage stand culture has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2024.
Museums
Depending on your interests, you can visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Naturhistorisches Museum, the Weltmuseum or the Albertina – they are all just a few minutes’ walk along the Ringstrasse. You can find a recommendation of current exhibitions in Vienna here.
☕Nachmittag & Abend: Kaffeehaus & Heurigen
Coffee break: Café Central or Demel
What would a day in Vienna be without a visit to a coffee house? Melange, Einspänner or big brown – a slice of Sachertorte or apple strudel will make your visit authentic. You can also find the famous Kaiserschmarrn to go at Demel 🛍️.
🍽️ Abend: Naschmarkt oder Heuriger
Option 1: Dinner at the Naschmarkt (Opens in a new tab or window) – Here you can visit many international restaurants, from oriental to maritime. Summer evenings in particular invite you to enjoy the unique flair of the Naschmarkt outdoors .
Option 2: A trip to Grinzing or Nussdorf takes you into the world of wine taverns – Viennese cuisine and wine dominate here, and many of the dishes and drinks are home-grown. A truly authentic experience in the middle of the vineyards!
🎼Optional evening program
If you are interested: Evening performance at the Vienna State Opera (Opens in a new tab or window), at the Burgtheater (Opens in a new tab or window) or a classical concert (book in advance!)
