We’ve put together a big guide to the 45 most interesting places you shouldn’t miss in Vienna. Every place comes with practical tips and information on admission and opening hours, so you can plan your trip exactly the way you want!
Vienna landmarks – a map of places to see in Vienna
1. Schönbrunn Palace
The former summer residence of the Habsburgs and one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Europe. Schönbrunn Palace served as the summer seat of the empress Maria Theresa and later of the emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife Sisi. The palace rooms are full of luxury, gold and historic stories that take you back to the days of imperial glory. The tour routes lead you through the private apartments as well as the magnificent state rooms.
Practical tips: Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid the long queues, especially in high season. You can choose from several types of tour with different lengths and numbers of rooms open to visitors.
Admission and opening hours: Admission to the palace is charged. It’s open daily all year round, with opening hours varying slightly by season.
2. The Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
The extensive, perfectly maintained gardens surrounding the palace are a work of art in themselves. The Baroque park invites you to take long walks; you’ll find the Neptune Fountain, fake Roman ruins, a maze and a palm house here. The landmark of the whole grounds is the Gloriette, a triumphal arch on the hill above the palace, with a wonderful view of the entire estate and of Vienna.
Practical tips: Entry to the main part of the park is free. For the best view, climb the hill to the Gloriette, where you can have a coffee in the café.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the park is free. Some attractions within the gardens (the Gloriette, the maze, the palm house) have their own admission and opening hours.
We recommend going to a concert in the Orangery (the most beautiful pieces by W. A. Mozart and J. Strauss).
3. The Hofburg Palace
For more than 600 years the Hofburg was the political centre of the Habsburg monarchy and the main residence of the emperors. Today this enormous palace complex is the seat of the Austrian president and hosts several top museums and institutions. Its sheer size and architectural variety are testimony to its long and complicated history.
Practical tips: Allow plenty of time to see the whole complex. In one part you’ll find the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection; in another the Spanish Riding School or the Imperial Treasury.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the grounds is free; the individual museums and attractions inside the complex have their own admission and opening hours.
4. The Imperial Apartments (Kaiserappartements)
A tour of the Imperial Apartments in the Hofburg takes you into the authentic living and working quarters of the emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife, the empress Elisabeth (Sisi). You’ll see their bedrooms and salons, and the gymnasium that Sisi had built – she was obsessed with her beauty and her figure.
Practical tips: A ticket to the apartments is usually combined with entry to the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection (the imperial collections of silver and porcelain). An audio guide is included in the price.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged as part of the combined ticket. Open daily.
5. St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)
The Gothic cathedral in the very heart of Vienna is the undisputed symbol of the city. Its colourful roof with the coat of arms of the double-headed eagle and its mighty south tower dominate the Vienna skyline. The interior holds many artistic treasures, and the remains of the Habsburgs are buried in the catacombs beneath the cathedral.
Practical tips: You can climb the 343 steps of the south tower for a stunning view, or take the lift up the north tower, where the famous Pummerin bell hangs.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the main nave of the cathedral is free. Tours of the catacombs, entry to the treasury and climbing either tower are charged.
6. Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere is a beautiful Baroque palace complex consisting of the Upper and Lower Belvedere, linked by an extensive garden. It was built as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Today the Upper Belvedere is home to the world’s largest collection of paintings by Gustav Klimt, including the famous “The Kiss”.
Practical tips: If your time is limited and you love Klimt, focus on the Upper Belvedere. Don’t forget to walk through the beautiful gardens and admire the view of the city.
Admission and opening hours: Admission to both palaces is charged, and a combined ticket is available. The gardens are free to enter.
7. The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)
One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. The opera building, built in the Neo-Renaissance style, is an architectural gem in its own right. Experiencing an opera or ballet performance here is an unforgettable cultural experience.
Practical tips: If you don’t want to attend a performance, you can see the interior on a guided tour. For the adventurous there’s the option of buying very cheap standing tickets just before a performance starts.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to performances and guided tours is charged.
8. Hundertwasserhaus
One of the most original and most photographed houses in Vienna. This apartment building, designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is a manifesto against straight lines and uniformity. It’s characterised by a brightly coloured facade, uneven floors and trees growing straight out of the windows.
Practical tips: The house is private and lived in, so you can only see it from the outside. For souvenirs and refreshments in a similar style, visit the “Hundertwasser Village” opposite.
Admission and opening hours: Viewing it from the outside is free and possible at any time.
9. Karlskirche (the Church of St Charles Borromeo)
This magnificent Baroque church is considered one of the most important sacred buildings in Vienna. It was built on the orders of the emperor Charles VI as thanks for the end of the plague epidemic. Its mighty dome and two columns inspired by Trajan’s Column in Rome are unmistakable.
Practical tips: Inside the church there’s a panoramic lift that takes you right up beneath the ceiling frescoes, so you can see them from an incredibly close distance.
Admission and opening hours: Admission to the church is charged.
10. The Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum)
This museum, housed in a grand building on the Ringstrasse, holds one of the most important art collections in the world. You’ll find works by old masters such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder (the largest collection in the world), Rubens, Rembrandt, Raphael and Titian. Besides the picture gallery, it also hosts Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections.
Practical tips: The museum building is a work of art in itself. Don’t forget to admire its magnificent interior and have a coffee in the beautiful café beneath the dome.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. It’s usually open daily except one day a week (often Monday).
11. The Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum)
The mirror image of the Museum of Art History. This museum takes you through the history of our planet from the dinosaurs to the present day. Its greatest treasures include the 29,500-year-old Venus of Willendorf figurine and a huge collection of meteorites.
Practical tips: An ideal place to visit with children. Don’t miss the digital planetarium with its fascinating projections.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. It’s normally open daily except one day a week (often Tuesday).
12. The City Hall (Rathaus)
Vienna’s city hall is an imposing Neo-Gothic building on the Ringstrasse. At the top of its main tower stands the iconic statue of the Rathausmann knight, one of the symbols of Vienna. The square in front of the city hall is the setting for many events throughout the year.
Practical tips: In summer it hosts a famous film and music festival with food from all over the world. In winter the square turns into one of the most beautiful and largest Christmas markets in Europe, complete with an enormous ice rink.
Admission and opening hours: You can view the building from the outside for free. Free guided tours of the interior take place on certain days and at certain times.
13. The Votive Church (Votivkirche)
This beautiful Neo-Gothic church on the Ringstrasse is one of the most important examples of the style in the world. It was built as thanks for saving the young emperor Franz Joseph I after a failed assassination attempt. Its two slender towers and elaborate detailing are stunning.
Practical tips: The church is often less crowded than St Stephen’s Cathedral, which makes for a calmer look at its beautiful stained-glass windows.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is usually free.
14. The Parliament Building
The Austrian Parliament is a magnificent building in the style of an ancient Greek temple, meant to symbolise that Greece was the cradle of democracy. The monumental Pallas Athena fountain stands in front of it. After extensive renovation the interior has been modernised and opened to the public.
Practical tips: Even if you’re not planning a tour, the building is worth admiring from the outside, especially in the evening when it’s beautifully lit. Guided tours are available for visiting the interior.
Admission and opening hours: Viewing it from the outside is free. Guided tours of the interior are charged.
15. The Sisi Museum
This museum in the Hofburg is devoted entirely to the fascinating and tragic figure of the empress Elisabeth. The exhibition focuses on her private life, her rebellion against court etiquette, her obsession with beauty, her poems and her tragic death. The museum reveals the real person hidden behind the romantic myth.
Practical tips: For a complete picture of the imperial couple’s life, visit the museum together with the Imperial Apartments.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged, most often in combination with the Imperial Apartments and the Silver Collection. Open daily.
16. The MuseumsQuartier (MQ)
One of the largest cultural complexes in the world. The MuseumsQuartier combines Baroque buildings with modern architecture and is home to several important museums (the Leopold Museum and MUMOK, for example), theatres, cafés and shops. In summer the inner courtyard is full of people relaxing on the iconic colourful benches known as “Enzis”.
Practical tips: Even if you’re not planning to visit a museum, it’s a great place to stop for a coffee, soak up the creative atmosphere and watch the locals.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the complex is free. The individual museums and institutions have their own admission and opening hours.
17. The Leopold Museum
This museum within the MuseumsQuartier owns the world’s largest collection of works by Egon Schiele and is a key place for getting to know the Vienna Secession and modernism. Besides Schiele, you’ll also find important works by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and other Austrian artists.
Practical tips: If you’re fascinated by expressionism and the work of Egon Schiele, this museum is a must. The white museum building offers an interesting view of the MQ complex from its upper floors.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily except one day a week (often Monday).
18. MUMOK (the Museum of Modern Art)
The striking dark basalt cube in the MuseumsQuartier houses the Museum of Modern Art of the Ludwig Foundation. The collection includes key works of the 20th and 21st centuries, including pop art (Andy Warhol), photorealism and Viennese Actionism.
Practical tips: Ideal for fans of modern and contemporary art. The architecture of the building is just as interesting as the art inside.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily except one day a week (often Monday).
19. The Prater and the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad)
The Prater is an enormous amusement park with more than 250 attractions, from nostalgic carousels to modern roller coasters. Its unmistakable landmark is the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, built in 1897, which offers an iconic view of the city.
Practical tips: Entry to the park itself is free; you pay for the individual attractions. A ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel is almost compulsory (you can get a skip-the-line ticket here), and it’s best at sunset.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the park is free. The Ferris wheel and the individual attractions have their own admission and opening hours (the main season runs from spring to autumn).
We recommend the Madame Tussauds waxwork museum.
20. The Naschmarkt
Vienna’s largest and best known market. The Naschmarkt is a pulsing artery of the city where smells and flavours from all over the world mingle. You’ll find hundreds of stalls with fresh fruit and vegetables, exotic spices, cheese, meat and fish, plus many small restaurants and bistros.
Practical tips: The market has the best atmosphere on Saturday, when an enormous flea market joins it. It’s an ideal place for lunch, where you can taste specialities from various cuisines.
Admission and opening hours: Walking through the market is free. Open Monday to Saturday.
21. The Austrian National Library (Prunksaal)
The State Hall (Prunksaal) of the Austrian National Library is a real Baroque jewel and one of the most beautiful historic library halls in the world. It’s almost 80 metres long and holds more than 200,000 volumes, including the collection of Prince Eugene of Savoy.
Practical tips: Visiting it feels like stepping into Beauty and the Beast. It’s paradise for lovers of books and history. Don’t forget to admire the ceiling frescoes and the old globes.
Admission and opening hours: Admission to the State Hall is charged. Open daily except on a few public holidays.
22. St Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)
A hidden gem in one of the side streets near the upmarket Graben. St Peter’s Church is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Vienna. Its oval interior is richly decorated with gold, sculptures and paintings.
Practical tips: Free organ concerts are often held in the church, usually in the afternoon. It’s a great opportunity to take a break from the bustle of the city and listen to beautiful music.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is free.
23. Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)
The oldest zoo in the world, founded in 1752, lies right inside the grounds of the Schönbrunn gardens. Tiergarten Schönbrunn combines historic Baroque pavilions with modern enclosures. It’s home to more than 700 species of animals, including giant pandas, which are a big draw.
Practical tips: Combine your zoo visit with a tour of the palace and gardens, and set aside almost a whole day for the entire complex. Check the times of the commentated feedings on the zoo website.
Admission and opening hours: Buy your ticket in advance and you’ll avoid the queues. Open daily all year round, including public holidays.
24. The Graben street and the Plague Column (Pestsäule)
The Graben is one of the best known and most luxurious shopping streets in the centre of Vienna. Besides the expensive shops and historic houses, its landmark is the Plague Column, one of the most important sculptural works of the Baroque. It was built on the orders of the emperor Leopold I as thanks for the end of the plague epidemic in 1679.
Practical tips: An ideal place for a walk, for shopping (or just window shopping) and for watching people from one of the many cafés.
Admission and opening hours: The street is freely accessible at any time.
25. The Anker Clock (Ankeruhr)
This large Art Nouveau clock, which forms a bridge between two buildings, is a fascinating work of art. On every full hour one of twelve historic figures from Austrian history appears on the dial, accompanied by music.
Practical tips: It’s best to come exactly at noon (12:00), when all the figures pass across the clock one after another in a little ceremonial parade.
Admission and opening hours: Viewing it from the public street is free.
26. The Volksgarten
The Volksgarten public garden is an elegant park on the Ringstrasse, known above all for its beautiful rose garden, which bursts with colours and scents in spring and summer. A replica of the Greek Temple of Theseus stands in the middle of the park.
Practical tips: It’s an ideal place to rest and take a romantic walk. In spring, when thousands of roses are in bloom, it’s a paradise for photographers.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is free.
27. The Burggarten and the Palm House (Palmenhaus)
This garden was once the emperor’s private garden. Today it’s a popular park whose best known feature is the monument to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The landmark of the park is the elegant Art Nouveau Palmenhaus greenhouse, one part of which houses a popular café and the other the Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus).
Practical tips: Have a coffee in the Palmenhaus café with a view over the park. A visit to the Butterfly House, where exotic butterflies flutter freely around you, is a magical experience.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the park is free. Admission to the Butterfly House is charged.
28. Mozart’s House (Mozarthaus Vienna)
The only surviving Vienna apartment in which Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart actually lived. It was here that he spent his happiest and most productive years and composed some of his most famous works, including the opera “The Marriage of Figaro”. The museum guides you through his life and work in Vienna.
Practical tips: A must for every admirer of Mozart. The audio guide included in the ticket gives a detailed insight into the life of the genius.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily.
29. The Danube Tower (Donauturm)
At 252 metres, the Danube Tower is the tallest structure in Austria and offers the best 360° panoramic view of the whole of Vienna, the Danube and the surrounding area. At the top there’s a viewing terrace and two revolving restaurants.
Practical tips: For the best experience, pick a clear day. An evening visit with a view of the lit-up city is magical too. For the brave, there’s the option of bungee jumping here.
Admission and opening hours: Entry (the lift ride) to the viewing platform is charged.
30. The House of Music (Haus der Musik)
A modern, interactive museum that takes you through the world of music and sound in an entertaining way. You can try conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, compose your own waltz or experiment with different sounds. The museum is also devoted to the great Viennese masters such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss.
Practical tips: It’s a great place for visitors of all ages, children included. Plan at least 2–3 hours for your visit – there’s plenty to try out.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily.
31. The Capuchin Crypt (Kapuzinergruft)
Beneath the unassuming Capuchin church lies the Imperial Crypt, the final resting place of the Habsburgs. Twelve emperors, eighteen empresses and many other members of the family are buried here. It’s a quiet, sombre place that offers a fascinating look at 400 years of Austrian history.
Practical tips: The grandest tomb is the double sarcophagus of Maria Theresa and her husband Francis Stephen of Lorraine. Take a look too at the plain sarcophagus of their son, the reformer Joseph II.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily.
32. The Vienna Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
The second largest cemetery in Europe, so vast that you can drive around it by car or take a bus line. It’s the final resting place of many famous figures. The biggest draw is the honorary burial ground, where you’ll find the graves of musical geniuses such as Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Strauss.
Practical tips: Pick up a map at the main entrance (Tor 2) so you don’t get lost. To find the graves of the famous composers, look for the “Ehrengräber” section.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.
33. Kärntner Straße
Vienna’s main pedestrian zone and shopping artery, linking the Vienna State Opera with St Stephen’s Cathedral. The street is lined with international fashion chains, historic shops, cafés and hotels. It’s the pulsing heart of the city, full of life at any time of day.
Practical tips: It’s an ideal place to soak up the atmosphere of the city, watch people and stroll between two of Vienna’s main landmarks.
Admission and opening hours: The street is freely accessible at any time.
34. The Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer)
The Imperial Treasury in the Hofburg holds treasures of incalculable value. Its most important exhibits include the 10th-century crown of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian imperial crown, an enormous emerald and objects connected with the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Practical tips: This place is an absolute must for lovers of history and precious stones. Because the lighting is dim, give yourself time to let your eyes adjust so you can admire the details.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. It’s usually open daily except one day a week (often Tuesday).
35. The Danube Island (Donauinsel)
This 21-kilometre-long, narrow artificial island between the Danube and the New Danube is a huge recreation area for the Viennese. It offers kilometres of trails for cyclists, skaters and walkers, beaches for swimming, barbecue spots and sports facilities.
Practical tips: In summer it’s a great place to escape the heat of the city and go for a swim. Every June it hosts the Donauinselfest, one of the largest open-air music festivals in Europe, with free entry.
Admission and opening hours: The island is freely accessible at any time.
36. The Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule)
A world-famous institution that has been cultivating the art of classical dressage for more than 450 years. Here you can admire the elegant white Lipizzaner stallions during their morning training or at a gala performance in the beautiful Baroque riding hall in the Hofburg.
Practical tips: Tickets for the main performances have to be booked well in advance. A more affordable and flexible option is to attend the morning exercise with musical accompaniment.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to both training sessions and performances is charged. Tours of the building are also possible and have their own admission.
37. The Albertina
The Albertina, housed in a former Habsburg palace, is home to one of the largest and most important collections of graphic art in the world (including Dürer’s “Young Hare”). Besides the permanent exhibition, which presents masterpieces from Monet to Picasso, the Albertina is known for its first-class temporary exhibitions.
Practical tips: Check the current programme of temporary exhibitions on the website before your visit – they’re often a big draw.
Admission and opening hours: You can buy exhibition tickets here. Open daily.
38. The Burgtheater
Often called “the house on the Ring”, the Burgtheater is Austria’s national theatre and one of the most important drama stages in Europe. The grand Italian Renaissance-style building, standing directly opposite the city hall, is the architectural counterpart of the State Opera. Its interior is decorated with beautiful ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt and his brother Ernst.
Practical tips: Even if you don’t understand German well enough to enjoy a performance, you can join a guided tour that reveals the magnificent interiors, including the ceremonial staircases with those Klimt paintings.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to performances and guided tours is charged.
39. The Musikverein (the Music Society)
The home of the Vienna Philharmonic and the heart of Viennese musical life. The Musikverein is famous for its perfect acoustics and above all for the Golden Hall (Goldener Saal), from which the famous New Year’s Concert is broadcast around the world every 1 January. Seeing this hall with your own eyes is an almost sacred experience for lovers of classical music.
Practical tips: If you don’t have concert tickets, you can see the hall on one of the regular guided tours. It’s an affordable way to get inside one of the most famous concert halls in the world.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to concerts and guided tours is charged.
40. The Sigmund Freud Museum
Vienna is the cradle of psychoanalysis, and its founder Sigmund Freud lived and worked in this house at Berggasse 19 for 47 years, until he was forced to flee the Nazis. The museum leads you through his original consulting rooms and apartment, where his revolutionary theories took shape. The exhibition traces his life, his work and the legacy that changed the way we see the human mind forever.
Practical tips: The museum has undergone extensive renovation and now offers an even more authentic look into Freud’s life. It’s fascinating even if you’re not an expert in psychology.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily.
41. The Jewish Museum and the Museum Judenplatz
This two-site institution traces the rich but also tragic history of Vienna’s Jewish community, once one of the most important in Europe. The main building in Dorotheergasse presents Jewish history and traditions, while the museum on Judenplatz is centred around the Holocaust Memorial and uncovers life in the medieval Jewish quarter.
Practical tips: A ticket is usually valid for both buildings. To understand Vienna fully, a visit to this museum is absolutely essential.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily except Saturday and Jewish holidays.
42. The MAK – Museum of Applied Arts
The MAK is one of the most important museums of its kind in the world. It focuses on design, architecture and applied arts from the Middle Ages to the present day. Its collections are famous above all for exhibits from the Vienna Secession period and the Wiener Werkstätte workshops, which defined modern design.
Practical tips: If you’re interested in furniture, glass, textile or graphic design, this museum will delight you. On Tuesday evenings admission is often reduced or free.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily except Monday.
43. The Church am Steinhof (the Church of St Leopold)
A masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture by the legendary architect Otto Wagner. This church, set in the grounds of a psychiatric hospital on a hill outside Vienna, is considered the first modernist church in Europe. Its gleaming white facade, copper dome and beautiful stained-glass windows by Koloman Moser are absolutely stunning.
Practical tips: The church is a little out of the way, but for lovers of architecture and Art Nouveau it’s an absolute must. Check the opening hours for the public in advance – they tend to be limited (often to weekends only).
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged and visits are only possible at set times.
44. The Wien Museum Neu on Karlsplatz
After an extensive, spectacular renovation this museum reopened at the end of 2023. The Wien Museum is the city’s main history museum and traces its development from prehistory to the present day. The new exhibition is modern and interactive and offers a fascinating insight into everything that makes Vienna Vienna – from the Romans through the Habsburgs to social housing and contemporary culture.
Practical tips: Since the reopening, the museum’s permanent exhibition is completely free to enter, which is absolutely unique. Set aside at least a few hours – the collections really are extensive.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the permanent exhibition is free. Temporary exhibitions may be charged. Open daily except Monday.
45. Viennese coffee house culture (UNESCO)
A Viennese coffee house isn’t just a place where you drink coffee – it’s an institution. This culture is so unique that it has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. The coffee houses are the city’s “living rooms”, where you can sit for hours over a single coffee, read the newspapers, debate or simply watch the world go by. Marble tables, upholstered benches and elegant waiters are their trademark.
Practical tips: Visit at least one of the legendary coffee houses. Among the most famous are Café Central (a favourite haunt of Trotsky and Freud), Café Sacher (famous for the original Sachertorte) and Café Sperl (with its authentic atmosphere and billiard tables).
Admission and opening hours: Entry is free; you pay for what you order.
Where to stay in Vienna?
1. Innere Stadt (1st district) – in the heart of the empire
For those visiting Vienna for the first time, who love history and want all the main landmarks literally around the corner. Ideal for short stays when you don’t want to waste time commuting. You’ll be staying in the middle of imperial palaces, cobbled lanes and luxury shops. Everything is within walking distance, from St Stephen’s Cathedral to the Hofburg.
2. Leopoldstadt (2nd district) – the green, laid-back alternative
For families with children (the Prater is close by), travellers on a tighter budget and anyone who prefers a calmer, greener setting with a local atmosphere. It lies across the Danube Canal, but still only a few minutes’ walk or a metro ride from the centre. You’ll find huge parks here such as the Prater and the Augarten, as well as trendy bars along the canal.
Neubau (7th district) – the creative, trendy hub
For young travellers, lovers of art and design and anyone looking for a “cool”, lively atmosphere full of independent boutiques, bars and cafés. Neubau is Vienna’s hipster paradise. The area around Spittelberg is full of picturesque lanes, while the nearby MuseumsQuartier guarantees a constant supply of culture. It’s a district where things really happen.
What to see in Vienna if you have 1 day
Which are the best landmarks in Vienna? What should you pick if you only have one day?
One day in Vienna is a challenge, but it can be done! The aim isn’t to see everything, but to soak up the unforgettable atmosphere and enjoy the most iconic landmarks.
Morning
Take the U4 metro to Schönbrunn.
Don’t spend time going inside the palace. Instead, walk through the beautiful palace gardens up the hill to the Gloriette. From there you get the best photogenic view of the palace and the whole of Vienna. Soak up the atmosphere and head back to the metro.
Midday
Take the U4 metro back to Karlsplatz. Right by the exit you’ll see the imposing Karlskirche.
- A quick lunch: In the surrounding area you’ll find plenty of bistros or the famous sausage stands (Würstelstand). Have a quick, authentic lunch on the go.
A walking circuit around the Ring: From Karlsplatz walk to the Vienna State Opera. From there carry on along the famous Ringstrasse boulevard and admire from the outside:
- The Hofburg Palace (Heldenplatz)
- The twin museums (the Museum of Art History and the Natural History Museum)
- The Parliament
- The City Hall (Rathaus)
Afternoon
- Heading into the centre: From the City Hall turn into the inner city and walk through the magnificent Michaelertor gate into the Hofburg.
- Vienna’s golden triangle: Stroll along the most beautiful streets:
- Kohlmarkt (the luxury avenue)
- Graben (stop at the Plague Column)
- The destination of your walk: St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom). That symbolically closes your circuit.
- A well-earned reward: Head into one of the nearby historic coffee houses (Café Hawelka, for example). Order a “Melange” coffee and a slice of Sachertorte.
More tips for your travels:
We have prepared for you this comprehensive list of links, discounts, and resources for travel planning in one place. Bookmark this page and whenever you plan a vacation in the future, just open it and save yourself a lot of time.
1) Where to book accommodation?
- We prefer to find an accommodation using Booking.com.
- It's also worth it to compare with AirBnb.
- Read also our guide - How to search for the best accommodation.
2) How to find cheap flights?
- We recommend searching for flights on Skyscanner.
- Read also our complete guide - How to find cheap flights.
3) How to rent a car?
- We recommend a comparison portal RentalCars.com to compare the best offers of all available rental companies.
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