One Spectacular Day in Vienna

A laid-back itinerary for those who love architecture, cocktails, and spectacular city views

A Spectacular One Day Itinerary for Vienna

With the reputation of being one of the most beautiful and most romantic cities in Europe, Vienna (or “Wien” as it’s called in Austria) doesn’t disappoint.

Its iconic architecture with rich history in the music and the arts, you can be sure to get your fill of culture here.

Just don’t expect to do it all in one day.

While Vienna is one of the smallest cities in the country, geographically speaking, you need a few days to fully enjoy and experience what all this stunning city has to offer.

But, if 24 hours is all you have, then this guide for your One Spectacular Day in Vienna will help!

Below is an itinerary I created during my stay in Vienna. It’s merely a canvas I’ve painted to help you discover a lovely day in this charming city.

In it, you’ll see I’ve hit an iconic landscape, a famous restaurant, an amazing view overlooking the city, an amazing sunset overlooking the city, and some well-crafted cocktails (because why not?)

Throughout the itinerary I’ll offer counter suggestions, but of course, adjust to your liking.

Now, let’s get moving!

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Vienna in a Day:

1. Skip breakfast and start your day at Naschmarkt

Naschmarkt is Vienna’s best-known market and it’s been around for hundreds of years.

Located in the 6^th Viennese district of Mariahilf, the market runs about 1.5km long.

Here you will find more than one hundred stands to visit offering anything from food to souvenirs to local delicacies to cheap clothing.

But, because you skipped your breakfast, let’s talk about food first.

I suggest starting your market experience by the U4 Kettenbruckengasse Station.

By starting here, you’ll be able take full advantage of all the free samples vendors will be holding out to you as you walk past. Cheese, falafel, hummus, sesame covered sweets, baklava, oh my! So many things to see and with the pleasure of taste testing before you buy!

If you don’t fill up on the samples here, there are takeaway stands offering (surprisingly) cheap things like falafel wraps or salads. If you’d rather sit while you eat, don’t worry, there are plenty of places at the other end of the market to do so. Closer to Karlsplatz, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes to sit and enjoy the bustling of the market outside of the trafficked alleyways.

If you’ve filled up on samples or aren’t much of a breakfast person, maybe grab some freshly baked bread and a portion of flavored cheese to picnic with later.

Duration: approx. 1 hr

TIP: A public restroom is located next to the U4 Kettenbruckengasse Station. There is a small fee, so make sure you have some coins on hand. (By far the cleanest public restrooms I’ve ever visited.)

2. Burggarten – Mozart

If you started at Kettenbruckengasse on Naschmarkt and made your way through to the other end of the market (Karlsplatz), then you are only an 11 minute walk to your next destination: Burrgarten.

Situated on the Ringstrasse, the Burggarten was once a private garden for the emperor. The landscape is now open to the public and offers a beautiful place to sit and relax (or have a peaceful breakfast) after your busy time at the market.

The garden is home to the famous marble statue of Mozart, Vienna’s most decadent glass coffee house, and a butterfly sanctuary.

With Vienna being known for it’s musical history, it’d be a shame to miss Mozart’s statue. And if visiting outside of winter, you might even find a flower-shaped treble clef to greet your visit.

3. Burggarten – Palmenhaus

While you’re enjoying your stroll around the green turfs of the Burrgarten, take time to appreciate the architectural beauty of the Palmenhaus.

Literally translated as Palm House, this greenhouse is most known for its magnificent Art Nouveau style and upscale dining.

The menu is a little pricey – to be expected from the location and touristic draw – but this is a great place to enjoy a coffee or to start your day off with a nice wine. (They have quite a nice wine list.)

Check out the menu here.

Cost: €€

4. Burggarten – Schmetterlinghaus

Located to the left of the of Palmenhaus is the magical Schmetterlinghaus, which means Butterfly House in English.

Also built during the Art Noveau period, this beautiful butterfly sanctuary is home to over 400 butterflies.

The space itself is actually quite small, so it’s best to visit when there’s less traffic.

Tickets for entry can be purchased inside the house.

Cost: €

5. St. Stephan’s Cathedral

After you’ve enjoyed your time at Burrgarten, it’s time to walk to the bustling historic center to experience one of Vienna’s most prized architectural gems: St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

This Gothic-style cathedral has not only become an icon of the city’s skyline, but a major icon of the city itself as well.

The cathedral may be visited for free, but if you have interest in climbing either of the two towers (the north or the south), you’ll have to pay.

The north tower has an elevator.

The south has 343 winding steps up a narrow staircase. But once you’ve made your pilgrimage, you’ll be rewarded with a 360 degree view above the city of Vienna. (Unfortunately, you’ll only be able to look at it and take pictures through opened windows, but the views are fantastic.

This was one of my favorite places to see the city from high.

Distance from Burrgarten to St. Stephan’s Cathedral: 13 minute walk

Cost: €

Other suggestions for your One Day in Vienna (after Burrgarten):

• Schönbrunn Palace
  • Time required for visit: 2-4hrs (depending whether or not you decide to take a guided tour)
• Alte Donau (Danube)
  • Time required for visit: 3-4hrs (factoring in 2hr transportation roundtrip + 1-2hrs to enjoy)

6. Get lost on Vienna’s small, charming streets around Stephansplatz

The iconic Stephansplatz is located right in the heart of Vienna and directly in front of St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

Here, the main square is surrounded by shopping streets. So if you like to shop, this is the stop for you because there are so many hypnotizing streets to lose yourself on.

If you’re not in the mood to shop, check out one of the many restaurants nearby or enjoy people-watching at a cute cafe. You’re sure to find plenty of them here.

Even if you’re not interested in spending money, you should definitely take some time to check out the area. This is by far one of the liveliest places you’ll find in Vienna with some of the most charming streets to stroll down. You don’t want to miss it!

9. Catch sunset over the city of Vienna from a rooftop bar

Find your way to Aurora Rooftop Bar located at Arsenalstraße 10, 1100 Vienna, Austria – before sunset!

A place to see and to be seen, this fancy rooftop bar is no stranger to local celebrities.

And while there is plentiful indoor and outdoor seating, this is definitely a place you want to arrive early. That is, if you fancy a spot on the terrace. (Don’t worry, in winter there are plenty of heaters and blankets – and alcohol – to keep you warm.)

I highly recommend visiting this spot even if it’s just for the view. Online pictures hardly do the place justice, so you’ll have to take my word for it and just go.

Cost: €€

TIP: Make a reservation first; it gets packed easily.

10. Have a nightcap at one of the coolest cocktail bars in Vienna

If you still have the time and the energy, you should check out Ebert’s Cocktail Bar.

This American-style bar can be found at Gumpendorfer Str., in Vienna’s 6th district.

The ambiance has a classy, urban vibe to it – a great place to dress up and treat yourself to some amazing cocktails.

While there is a menu to order from and season-changing cocktails, the coolest aspect about this bar is the no-menu concept, in which you answer a series of questions and the bartender creates something magical in align with your responses.

Highly recommended

Cost: €€

For other European related travel guides check out:

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