Taking a tour of the Hofburg Palace should be the first thing on your mind when planning what to do in Vienna in one day. It’s an enormous palace that was inhabited by many imperial families from the 13th century onwards. Today, it houses several museums of Viennese history and collections of arts, coins, and weapons.
The St. Stephen's Cathedral, also known as Stephansdom, is a prominent landmark in Vienna. Dating back to the 12th century, it's the most important religious building in the city and has borne witness to numerous significant events throughout Austrian history.
A visit to Vienna is incomplete without tasting its superb Viennese cuisine! Plachutta is a traditional Viennese restaurant serving fresh and delicious Austrian dishes that will leave you wanting more. Try Tafelspitz with the popular Austrian side dish, Erdäpfelschmarrn, and finish with a classic apple strudel.
One of the most significant cultural monuments in Austria, Schönbrunn Palace, served as the summer residence of the Habsburgs. This palace has a vast number of rooms to explore with its beautifully landscaped gardens with well-kept trails and lawns perfect for picnic.
Belvedere Palace is a complex of two Baroque palaces that hold priceless Austrian paintings of the 19th and early 20th century, including Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss" painting. The palace gardens are an ideal place to rest and relax after a long day of touring.
The best way to see Vienna on this itinerary is to use public transport. Purchase a “24 Stunden Wien” ticket to have unlimited travel on the subway, trams, and buses.
Cost: €8
Duration: 24 hours from validation
If you have more time, add a visit to the House of Music, a museum dedicated to sound and music, or the Danube Tower to observe a stunning view of Vienna. If you’re short on time, skip Belvedere Palace.
Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the main airport that serves the city. It's located approximately 12 miles southeast of the city centre. A taxi from the airport to the city will cost around €35 - 40, and the journey should take no more than 30 minutes in good traffic conditions.