How to spend a perfect one day in Vienna, Austria?
Vienna is a pearl of Europe. It is a city of splendor and elegance. Famed for Baroque churches, magnificent palaces, and picturesque Old Town, Vienna is a city that requires more than one day to uncover all the beauty. However, if one day is all that you have – don’t worry, I have you covered!
Here’s the sightseeing guide on spending a perfect one day in Vienna!
Public transport in Vienna
Best transport advice – get yourself a 24-hour ticket!
This will help you navigate around the city by public transport and see much more
The 24-hour Ticket in Vienna is bought from the ticket machines at the stops of public transport
The price of a 24-hour ticket in Vienna is 8 EUR
Don’t forget: You have to validate it before taking transport
Also, you can buy it online HERE
Here is the public transport map of Vienna:
Plan your journeys on public transport using this website
Morning
Option 1 – Schönbrunn Palace
First of all head to the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace. It is one of the most impressive palaces in Europe and a highlight of Vienna. It boasts beautiful interiors and amazing gardens with the epic Gloriette pavilion crowning the hill overlooking the city. A definite Vienna must-see!
Visiting Schönbrunn requires some time so be prepared to spend your morning there.
The entry to the Palace Park is free of charge
The palace itself has different ticket options, check for all the admission info HERE
Option 2 – Belvedere Palace
An alternative morning idea/continuation of your visit if you still have time after Schönbrunn can be Belvedere palace. Impressive both outside and inside, it is one of the best places to take a relaxing walk enjoying the palace gardens overlooking Vienna city center.
It houses the world-renowned Belvedere Museum and has one of the best and biggest collections of Austrian art
Klimt’s most famous work “The Kiss” is here so if you come to Vienna for that, Belvedere Palace is an absolute must-see!
Ticket prices and admission information can be found HERE
Afternoon
After exploring the stunning palaces, it is time to go to the elegant city center of Vienna!
Start your exploration from the very heart of the city – Stephansplatz with breathtaking St Stephen’s Cathedral. You can go inside as well as climb up the viewing terrace for great views of Vienna.
Proceed by walking on Graben Street (one of the fanciest streets in the city) admiring the Column of The Trinity. Take a turn to see the magnificent Baroque St. Peter’s Church
Then head to the Hofburg Palace – a beautiful long-time seat of Habsburgs boasting amazing interiors, interesting museums, and a riding school
Right next to Hofburg is the iconic Vienna Ring – a street encircling the Old Town. Many must-sees are situated here. You can either walk around (which is doable but time-consuming) or you can take a tram going from one attraction to the other
The best way to see the Ring on public transport is by Trams 1 and 2. The ticket is included in your 24-hour ticket.
Also, you can walk around. It will take more time but you will be able to see more! So the proposed walking route is:
- Karlskirche
- Vienna State Opera
- Albertina Museum
- Twin Museums – Museum of Natural History and Museum of Fine Arts
- Rathaus – Vienna City Hall
- Parliament
- University of Vienna
- Votiv Church
Every attraction is interesting in its own way so you can pick up one or two you’re most interested in and get inside.
Walking around the Ring in Vienna is a perfect sightseeing experience!
Check out my other Central European one-day itineraries:
- One day in Warsaw, Poland: a sightseeing guide
- One day in Budapest: a sightseeing guide
- One day in Krakow, Poland: sightseeing guide
Thank you for reading!
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Pavlo is an experienced travel writer published by CNN, BBC, The Guardian, The Independent, The Irish Times, Time Out, DK Eyewitness and Lonely Planet. He’s been writing about Poland for 9+ years.