Are you ready for the best one-day trip to Vienna ever?
What if you had just one day to experience the amazing city of Vienna? There are endless things to do and see. Will you visit one of the incredible museums, take a walk through the unparalleled shopping districts, or experience the atmosphere and fine dining of the countless incredible cafes and restaurants? One thing’s for certain. One of the best ways to create the perfect one-day trip to Vienna is by using our free Smart Trip Planner.
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You should definitely visit Stephansplatz, one of the most important squares in Vienna. This is an impressive area to go shopping or visit the many fantastic cafes and restaurants, such as Demel, Cafe Sacher and Cafe Mozart. And you definitely do not want to miss the massive gothic church, St. Stephan’s Cathedral, with its stellar view of the city.
Learn more about: Stephansplatz
You should also check out Graben, the unique and ultra-impressive shopping street, replete with traditional (and often historical) shops, modern stores, a gourmet supermarket with fine Austrian and international products, and some of the finest coffee shops and restaurants in the city.
Learn more about: Graben Street Vienna
Another great place to spend your one-day visit to Vienna is Saint Michael’s Square, where you can visit Roman ruins, as well as some of the most important and impressive parts of the city, such as Hofburg Palace or the Church of St. Michael. This is a great area to take walks, visit shops and restaurants, take spectacular photographs, or tour the area in style while enjoying a pleasant ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
Learn more about: Michaelerplatz
Another unforgettable experience is visiting the Spanish Riding School to watch the horses during their morning exercises. It’s breathtaking to watch the riders lead the horses in an assortment of activities to strengthen the horses’ muscles and refine and perfect their movement, all while listening to powerful classical Viennese music. If you are lucky, you might get to watch the horses practice some of their more theatrical jumps and other movements. It is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance.
Learn more about: Spanish Riding School
Do you want to see the most important treasury in the world? Then come visit the Imperial Treasury, home to two imperial crowns (the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and the Austrian imperial crown, the private crown of Emperor Rudolf II), the Burgundian treasure, and the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece, which includes one of the world’s largest emeralds. It is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance.
Learn more about: Imperial Treasury Vienna
No trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to the Hofburg Palace, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial apartments. The residence and seat of government for the Hapsburg emperors until 1918, the Hofburg Imperial Palace is one of the most vast palace complexes in the world.
Learn more about: Hofburg Palace
The Sisi Museum contains hundreds of objects detailing the life and death of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), one of the most iconic figures in Viennese culture and history. Come see the Imperial Apartments, with their luxurious designs and furniture, to truly experience what life was like for the 600 years the Hapsburgs resided in the Hofburg Palace.
Learn more about: Sisi Museum
A beautiful addition to any trip to Vienna is a walk through the Burggarten, a gorgeous garden designed in 1818 for the private use of the emperor. The garden is filled with impressive monuments (such as the famous marble Mozart statue) and relaxing greenery. Don’t forget to visit the butterfly house and the Palmenhaus café-restaurant.
Learn more about: Burggarten
When the time comes for lunch or good cup of coffee, you won’t want to miss Café Landtmann. In addition to a unique and extraordinarily impressive atmosphere, this 1873 coffee house will delight your taste buds with an excellent assortment of dishes, from coffees and strudels to Goulash and Wiener Schnitzel.
One of the most important secular buildings in Vienna, Vienna City Hall is impressive in stature. Many events are held in and around the structure, including several famous balls. Every winter, the area in front of the building is transformed into the largest and most beautiful skating rink in the world.
Learn more about: Vienna City Hall
And your one-day venture to Vienna would not be complete without enjoying the city’s wonderful nightlife. In addition to the many bars and cafes, there are so many wonderful choices. One of the best options is to visit the Giant Ferris Wheel at Prater Park, an iconic part of the Vienna Skyline. Standing at approximately 61-meters high, the Ferris Wheel has just about the best view of the city you can find. Another option is to enjoy one of the many classical music concerts performed in several popular venues throughout the city. For both of these, it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance.
Learn more about: Giant Ferris Wheel