A Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Vienna, Austria

March 17, 2025
By Stephanie Werner

Vienna, the city of imperial palaces, classical music, and delicious pastries, offers a wealth of history, culture, and beauty. If you find yourself in Vienna with only one day to explore, don’t worry — you can still experience the best of this enchanting city in just a few hours! From the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace to the sweet indulgence of Sachertorte, here’s your perfect itinerary for a memorable day in Vienna.

Where to Stay: Hotel Astoria Vienna

Start your day by staying at the Hotel Astoria Vienna, a luxury hotel that embodies the elegance and charm of Vienna. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is ideally situated for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. With its historic charm, elegant décor, and modern amenities, it serves as the perfect base for your day of exploration.

Morning: Discover Vienna’s Imperial Glory

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, head out to explore the magnificent Hofburg Palace, one of Vienna’s most important landmarks. This stunning complex was once the seat of the Habsburg dynasty, and now it houses several museums and the stunning Austrian National Library. The Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum, dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth, are a must-see for history lovers.

Mid-Morning: St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Graben Street

Next, head towards St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), one of Vienna’s most iconic symbols. Its intricate Gothic architecture and the stunning panoramic view from the tower will leave you in awe. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the 343 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the city.

Just a short walk from the cathedral, you’ll find Graben Street, one of Vienna’s most famous shopping streets. Here you can browse luxury boutiques, local shops, and street vendors. Don’t forget to stop for a cup of coffee at one of Vienna’s renowned cafés, like Café Demel, to experience a quintessential Viennese coffeehouse culture.

Lunch: Pork Wiener Schnitzel at Siebenstern Bräu: A Classic Viennese Experience

No trip to Vienna is complete without indulging in the iconic Wiener Schnitzel, and one of the best places to savor this delicious dish is at Siebenstern Bräu, a traditional brewery located in the vibrant Neubau district. What makes this experience even more special is that at Siebenstern Bräu, they serve Wiener Schnitzel made with pork, which is the classic local variation, offering a tender, juicy alternative to the more commonly used veal.

As you walk into this charming brewery-restaurant, you’ll be greeted by the warm, rustic atmosphere, with wood-paneled walls, large tables, and a lively yet cozy vibe. The brewery itself brews its own beer, adding a fresh, local touch to your meal.

Sausages at Centimeter Vienna: A Hearty Stop for Meat Lovers

For sausage enthusiasts looking to dive into the heart of Viennese street food culture, Centimeter Vienna is a must-visit destination. This local favorite is known for serving up massive portions of traditional Würstl(sausages) and other hearty Austrian specialties, all served in a fun, casual setting. With its inviting atmosphere and generous servings, Centimeter is a popular spot for both locals and visitors who want to savor classic Austrian comfort food.

Afternoon: Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

In the afternoon, take a short ride to Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburg family. This opulent Baroque palace is one of Vienna’s most impressive landmarks. While the interior is stunning, the Schönbrunn Gardens are equally beautiful. Depending on the time of the year, the gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll among fountains, sculptures, and manicured lawns.

The Gloriette, located atop a hill in the gardens, offers an incredible panoramic view of the palace and the surrounding city.

Evening: Dinner at Naschmarkt

For dinner, head to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s famous open-air market that offers a variety of international and local cuisines. Enjoy a meal at one of the market’s many restaurants and indulge in some traditional Tafelspitz (boiled beef with horseradish and apple sauce) or Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancakes). After dinner, take a stroll through the market, which comes alive at night with food vendors and locals enjoying a night out.

Wrap up your day with a wine tasting at a traditional Viennese Heuriger (wine tavern), where you can sample Austria’s finest wines in a cozy setting.

Nightcap at Fitzcarraldo Speakeasy: A Hidden Gem for a Late Drink

After a full day of sightseeing, unwind with a nightcap at Fitzcarraldo Speakeasy, one of Vienna’s best-kept secrets. This hidden bar, tucked away in the heart of the city, channels the spirit of classic speakeasies with its intimate, cozy ambiance, and expertly crafted cocktails. To find Fitzcarraldo, you’ll need to know where to look — it’s discreetly located behind an unmarked door, adding to the thrill of discovering it.

Once inside, you’ll be transported to a world of vintage charm, complete with soft lighting, classic jazz playing in the background, and a menu that offers a wide selection of cocktails, from timeless classics to innovative new creations. Whether you’re in the mood for a Negroni, a Whiskey Sour, or a unique concoction tailored to your taste, the bartenders at Fitzcarraldo are masters of their craft.

Tip: As a speakeasy, Fitzcarraldo’s entry is often reserved for those “in the know.” So, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check their website for any reservation requirements or secret access details.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus: A Convenient Way to See the City

To make the most of your limited time in Vienna, consider using the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus. This service allows you to explore the city’s top attractions at your own pace. You can hop off at any stop to visit a monument or museum and hop back on when you’re ready to continue your journey. It’s an efficient and comfortable way to get around, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

Make the Most of 24 Hours!

Although one day in Vienna may not be enough to see everything this magnificent city has to offer, it’s certainly enough to experience the highlights. With a visit to Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Schönbrunn Palace, combined with a delicious Viennese meal and a comfortable stay at Hotel Astoria Vienna, you’ll be left with unforgettable memories of this charming European capital.

Reach out to one of our travel advisors to plan your vacation at https://mvptravel.com/travel-agents/.

Stephanie Werner

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Stephanie grew up in the travel industry with both her mother and father in the business. A graduate of Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, with a degree in Communications, Stephanie started her career in Inside Sales with Mayflower Tours. In 2014, Stephanie was hired by MAST Travel Network in an administrative position. After taking on a few different roles throughout the company in the graphic design, marketing, and communications areas, as well as spending a short time working on the convention and visitors bureau side of the industry, Stephanie has found her way back to MAST as the Director of Operations & Member Affairs. Stephanie participates in ASTA Headquarters’ Consortia Committee and Young Professionals Society, and sits as Committee Chair for the JV Program, an organization for MAST affiliated travel professionals under the age of 40. Stephanie is responsible for overseeing the Membership Department and facilitating, enhancing, and optimizing, ongoing projects. She acts as a member liaison, hearing the ongoing needs of members and suppliers and communicating and implementing tasks within the MAST staff to fulfill those needs. She is heavily involved in business development, membership recruitment, consumer awareness initiatives, developing agent training tools, providing content for communications and print collateral, and evolving MAST’s brand strategy on both the member-facing and consumer-facing side.