Vienna, Austria’s culture filled capital, has been the centre of the country’s political, economic and cultural life for centuries and it continues to delight visitors with its musical heritage, coffee culture and culinary offerings. The city’s rich history is reflected in its stunning architecture – a melting pot of Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Modernist styles – and the handsome historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to many must-see attractions, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace and the Spanish Riding School. If you’ve only got one day to explore this city, you’ll want to see the most iconic landmarks, enjoy the tastiest traditional cuisine and watch a memorable performance at one of the city's many cultural venues. Read on for our top tips for how to spend 24 hours in Vienna...
Morning
As you only have a mere 24 hours in Vienna, it’s important to squeeze in as much of this vibrant city as possible. So get up bright and early and head out for a Viennese breakfast in one of the city's traditional coffeehouses. This simple but satisfying morning plate typically consists of tea or coffee, a bread roll with butter and jam and a soft-boiled egg, and some places may include a few slices of cheese or cold cuts too. After you’ve enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to explore. Head to St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of Vienna's most iconic landmarks located in the heart of the city. A private guided tour is the best way to unravel the storied history behind this 15th-century Gothic cathedral, and don’t forget to climb its South Tower for panoramic views of the city. Next up on the itinerary is the Hofburg Palace: the former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. This magnificent landmark is home to myriad museums, including the Sisi Museum – dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth – and the Imperial Apartments – once home to Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. Be sure to also visit the Hofburg's Chapel of the Imperial Palace, which is without a doubt one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Vienna.
Lunch
Sometimes, you just can’t beat a trip to an outdoor market when you’re exploring a new city. All of those new sounds, smells and sights – it really is a treat for your senses. Naschmarkt is Vienna's largest outdoor market and it’s here that you'll find myriad food stalls selling everything from traditional Austrian cuisine to international dishes. Fill up on wienerschnitzel (breaded and fried veal cutlet) or a hearty bowl of beef goulash and wash it down with a glass of local wine. End your lunchtime feast on a sweet note with a slice of apfelstrudel – a sweet pastry filled with apples, cinnamon and raisins. Yes, please.
Afternoon
Need to walk off all that delicious food? A wander through the historic district of Vienna will do the trick. Head for Graben, one of the city's best-known shopping streets located between the Kohlmarkt and the Plague Column. Enjoy some retail therapy as you meander round the designer shops, and admire the elegant Baroque buildings that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of Paris. This area is also home to a few of the oldest and most famous cafes in Vienna, so if you need a quick pick-me-up, this is the place to be. Before you leave this high-end haven, stop at the nearby Michaelerplatz: a public square that’s home to Michaeler Church and the entrance to the Hofburg Palace. The entrance gate features a sculpture of Archangel Michael defeating Satan and is flanked by two imposing columns topped with statues of Hercules and Theseus. Pretty impressive stuff (and a great photo opportunity too). As the afternoon begins to draw to a close, there should still be an hour or two spare for you to visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum, where you’ll get to see works by the likes of Caravaggio, Rembrandt and Vermeer. Prefer a bit of ancient art? There’s an extensive collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities here too.
Evening
What a day. And there’s still a side of the city you haven’t seen yet: one that comes out at night. Start your evening at one of many traditional Austrian restaurants in the city and look out for long-loved dishes like tafelspitz – a type of boiled beef that is typically served with potatoes and horseradish sauce. After dinner, nothing beats a performance at the Vienna State Opera, thought to be one of the best opera houses in the world. The building itself is a work of art and it hosts performances of both classic and contemporary works. What better way to end your 24 hours in Vienna than with a visit to a Viennese wine bar? Known locally as heurigers, these bars specialise in serving local wine and traditional Austrian snacks such as bread, cheese and cured meats. Order yourself a glass of Grüner Veltliner or Zweigelt and soak up every last drop of atmosphere in this charming city.
