Lexi Webster
Vienna, Austria's elegant capital, is a city of art, architecture, and history. With just 24 hours in the city, you'll want to make the most of your time, so here's a quick guide to help you plan your day. Start your day with a coffee at one of Vienna's famous cafes, then explore the historic centre, taking in the stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Imperial Apartments, and the beautiful Austrian National Library. Wander through the popular Naschmarkt, then head to the Belvedere Palace and gardens for a peaceful break from the city. In the evening, enjoy a Mozart concert at one of the churches or indulge in some traditional Austrian cuisine, like Wiener Schnitzel. Finish your day with a ride on the iconic giant Ferris wheel. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Vienna will leave you wanting more.
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What You'll Learn
Visit the Austrian National Library
The Austrian National Library is a must-see on your trip to Vienna. Located in the Neue Berg Wing of the Hofburg Palace, it is the largest library in Austria and one of the largest in Europe. The library houses a collection of over 7 million books, manuscripts, ancient texts, and rare books, dating from the 4th century CE to the present day. The collection includes works from almost every literate culture, with an emphasis on Austrian authors and those reflecting Austrian culture and spirit.
The State Hall of the library is a breathtaking experience. Built in the 18th century, the hall is 80 metres long and 20 metres high, with a beautifully decorated dome and intricate frescoes. The hall alone houses over 200,000 books. The ceiling and upper walls are adorned with colourful frescoes, and the hall is lined with marble statues by Peter Strudel and Paul Strudel. Four large Venetian globes, each over a metre in diameter, are a highlight of the hall. The library also features hidden doors and tall wooden staircases leading to the upper levels.
The Austrian National Library has a rich history. During the Medieval period, Austrian Duke Albert III (1349-1395) moved the books from the Viennese vaults into this library. Albert III was a patron of the arts, and under his direction, important Latin works were translated into German. The oldest book in the library's collection, the golden Holy Gospels, was owned by Albert III and transcribed by Johannes of Troppau in 1368.
A visit to the library will take approximately 15-20 minutes to walk through, but longer if you wish to take in all the details and explore the collection. The library is located in Vienna's best-known district, with pedestrian boulevards Kärntner Strasse and Graben connecting you to landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera and St. Stephen's Cathedral.
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Explore the Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg Palace is a sprawling complex in the heart of Vienna, with parts dating back to the 13th century. It has been the seat of government since then and was the winter residence of the Habsburgs. The complex is vast, with 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and over 2,600 rooms. It is so large that it has been described as a 'city within a city'.
The palace is a must-see when in Vienna, as it holds a wealth of rich culture and history. The Habsburgs spared no expense on the opulence of the palace, and its rooms are filled with priceless riches, including brocades, crystal chandeliers, paintings, sculptures, gilded stucco, and silverware. Each member of the family had their own apartments or suites, which were lavishly decorated in the Empire, Baroque, and Rococo styles.
The complex includes fascinating museums, a church and chapel, the Austrian National Library, the Spanish Riding School, and the office of the President of Austria.
- The Imperial Apartments: These apartments were the residences of the most famous guests of the palace, Franz Joseph and Sisi (or Sissi). You can see where they ate, slept, worked, bathed, and played sports.
- The Sisi Museum: This museum is dedicated to the beautiful Empress Sisi and offers insight into her complex character. It is one of the most popular museums in Vienna and is included in the Sisi Ticket, which also gives you access to the Imperial Apartments and the Silver Museum.
- The Imperial Silver Collection: This museum displays the court's impressive silver collection, which became the property of the Austrian Republic at the end of the Habsburg monarchy. The exhibition includes luxury crystal glasses, silverware, and porcelain, providing a glimpse into the extravagant dining culture of the former imperial dynasty.
- The Austrian National Library: Located inside the Neue Berg Wing of the Hofburg Palace, it is the largest library in Austria and one of the largest in Europe. The library is not just a room filled with books; it also features colourful frescoes, marble statues, and four globes created by Vincenzo Coronelli.
- The Treasure Chamber: This chamber houses some of the world's most important treasures, including the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Imperial Crown, the treasure of the Burgundian Heritage, and the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
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Wander through the Vienna City Park
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a city with a rich history and culture. If you only have one day to spend in Vienna, wandering through the Vienna City Park is a great way to experience the city's beauty and charm. Here is a detailed itinerary for your day:
Start your day by visiting the Vienna City Park, also known as the Stadtpark. This park, located in the heart of Vienna, is the city's oldest publicly accessible park, having opened in 1862. Wander through the lush green spaces and admire the various monuments and sculptures, including the famous golden Johann Strauss Monument. The park is a great place to relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. You can also visit the Butterfly House, which is home to over 50 species of butterflies, and then head to the Palm House Café for a cup of coffee and some fresh strudel while enjoying views of the park.
Next, make your way to the Burggarten, a quiet oasis of nature located between the Imperial Palace and Albertina, adjacent to the Ringstrasse. This park was once the private garden of the Habsburgs and features several impressive monuments and statues, including a 7.5-metre marble statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Palmenhaus, located in the back near the Palace, is a great spot to enjoy drinks on the terrace during nice weather.
After exploring the Burggarten, take a short walk to the nearby Volksgarten, a charming park with a vibrant rose garden, green shrubs, trees, and monuments surrounded by flower beds. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing morning or afternoon stroll. While in the area, you can also visit the Hofburg Palace, also known as the Imperial Palace, which has been the seat of government and the Habsburg's winter residence since the 13th century.
In the afternoon, head to the Upper and Lower Gardens of the Belvedere Palace, which feature some of Vienna's most famous art, including Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss". The Lower Belvedere Palace often features notable special art exhibitions as well. If you're visiting during the warmer months, you can take a slight detour to the left of the National Library to see the Lipizzaner horses in their stables.
As the day comes to a close, you have a few options. You can either attend a Mozart concert at one of the churches, visit the giant Ferris wheel, an iconic film location and city trademark, or simply stroll through the old town and enjoy a pastry and coffee at Demel or Café Sacher, famous for being the birthplace of the Sachertorte.
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Take a guided tour
If you're looking for a more organised way to see Vienna in a day, there are several guided tour options available. You can choose from bus, bike, boat, or walking tours, depending on your preference.
Guided city walks with certified tourist guides are a great way to explore Vienna's many facets and discover the city's history and culture. These walks will take you through the heart of the pedestrianised city centre, including the vibrant side streets with their architectural delights and historical gems. You can also opt for a guided adventure tour through the Prater, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of Vienna's top attractions.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, a bus tour is a comfortable way to see the city's sights. You can opt for a hop-on, hop-off bus tour that allows you to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, a bicycle tour is a fantastic way to cover more ground and explore Vienna's symbols, vineyards, and green spaces.
For a unique perspective, consider a boat tour on the Danube Canal or the Danube River. You can also discover Vienna from the water by taking a tram ride or even exploring by rental bike or skates.
When it comes to specific places to visit on your guided tour, the options are endless. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Schönbrunn Palace: This beautiful palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, is set in a large park with various attractions. The palace offers insightful tours that bring history to life as you walk through rooms associated with Marie Antoinette, Mozart, and Emperor Franz Joseph.
- Hofburg Palace: Also known as the Imperial Palace, this massive complex has been the seat of government since the 13th century and was the Habsburgs' winter residence. With a long list of things to see, you could easily spend a full day here.
- Austrian National Library: Located inside the Hofburg Palace, this library is one of the largest in Europe. Admire the colourful frescoes, marble statues by the Strudel brothers, and globes created by Vincenzo Coronelli.
- Kunsthistorisches Museum: Art enthusiasts will delight in spending a few hours at this renowned museum, followed by a pastry and coffee in the old town.
- St. Stephen's Cathedral: This iconic cathedral is a must-see on any guided tour of Vienna.
- Belvedere Palace: Visit the Upper and Lower Gardens, and admire Gustav Klimt's famous painting, "The Kiss".
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Sample Austrian cuisine
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a cultural melting pot with a variety of culinary delights. If you're in Vienna for a day and want to sample Austrian cuisine, here are some suggestions for a delicious 24 hours in the city.
Start your day with a traditional Austrian breakfast, which often includes various types of bread. If you're an early riser, head to one of the city's famous markets, such as the atmospheric Christmas markets, to sample some Lebkuchen (similar to gingerbread), Stollen (dried fruit bread), or home-baked Christmas biscuits.
For a mid-morning snack, try a classic Austrian pastry or dessert. The Sachertorte, a legendary chocolate cake invented in Vienna, is a must-try. You can find it at Café Sacher, the birthplace of this delicacy, or Demel, one of the oldest cafes in the city. If you're craving something fruity, opt for Apfelstrudel, which you can also find at Demel, or try Kaiserschmarrn, shredded pancakes served with plum compote or apple sauce.
When lunchtime comes around, there are plenty of traditional Austrian dishes to choose from. Wiener Schnitzel, a thin, breaded, and fried cutlet, is a staple in Viennese cuisine. You can find it at various restaurants, including Figlmüller and Plachutta, two well-known brands for classic Austrian dishes. If you're looking for a cosy, traditional atmosphere, head to a beisl pub, where you might find dishes like Tafelspitz (a boiled beef dish favoured by Emperor Franz Joseph) or Käsespätzle (a macaroni-like dish with cheese and roasted onions). For a rowdy evening, visit Zwölf Apostkeller, an old-style beer hall serving classic Austrian dishes and schnapps.
In the afternoon, you might want to indulge in some coffee and cake, a treasured pastime in Vienna. Try Café Central or Café Landtmann, which has been serving coffee since 1873.
Finally, for dinner, you can explore more of Vienna's culinary delights. Sample Krautfleckerln, Eierschwammerl, or Zwiebelrostbraten. If you're a sausage lover, try the Käsekrainer, considered the "queen of sausages," or opt for Knödel, dumpling-like delicacies that can be savoury or sweet.
With its rich history and diverse cultural influences, Vienna offers a unique and delightful culinary experience, ensuring your day in the city is filled with flavourful memories.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many things to do in Vienna, Austria, if you're only there for a day. Here are some suggestions:
- Visit the Austrian National Library, one of the largest libraries in Europe.
- Explore the summer palace of the Habsburgs, which sits in a large park with various attractions.
- Wander through Naschmarkt, the most popular market in the city.
- Check out the Vienna City Park, which is dotted with statues of famous Viennese residents.
- Stroll through the historic complex of the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces and their gardens.
Some famous landmarks in Vienna include:
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Hofburg Palace
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Kartnerstrasse
- Graben Street
When in Vienna, there are several traditional Austrian dishes you should try, including:
- Wiener Schnitzel
- Sachertorte
- Apfelstrudels
Vienna is home to many famous art pieces. Here are some that are worth seeing:
- Gustav Klimt's The Kiss at Upper Belvedere Palace
- Works from Vienna modernism, including pieces by Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka
- Exhibitions at the Albertina, featuring names like Monet, Matisse, Munch, and Magritte
There are a few options for getting around Vienna in a day:
- Guided tours on yellow trams departing from Schwedenplatz every 30 minutes
- Public transport, especially if you already have a day ticket
- Hop-on-hop-off bus
