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Discover Vienna in 1 Day: Grand palaces, museums & more

Gear up for a grand Viennese adventure!

Step into the storybook world of Vienna’s streets and admire everything from the grand Schönbrunn Palace, once home to emperors, to the galleries and street performances packed Museums Quartier. This one-day guide helps you navigate this modern city with its antiquated charms. Whether you’re into elegant architecture, rich history, or simply want to spend a day out with your kids, Vienna has something for you. So, get ready for a day of adventuring in the Austrian capital!

Travel logistics - The simplified way to travel

  • Flexible travel: Get your Hop-on Hop-off pass today and take in the sights of Vienna at your own pace, without feeling the rush to get to the next spot on your bucket list.
  • Ease of use: Don’t worry about purchasing multiple public transport tickets and purchase a single Hop-on Hop-off pass that will take you directly to major attractions.
  • Light on the pocket: Looking for a budget-friendly way to explore Vienna? Then, a Hop-on Hop-off pass is the ideal choice for you. You get unlimited rides for the duration of your pass and can visit top spots in the city with ease.
  • Additional perks: Apart from offering a ride to the sights on your bucket list, Hop-on Hop-off buses also have free Wi-Fi, complimentary headphones, live bus tracking, and multilingual audio guides to enrich your sightseeing experience.

Recommended tickets:

  • Big Bus: Vienna Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
  • Vienna Sightseeing: Vienna Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • Big Bus: Vienna Evening Bus Tour with Live Guide
  • Vienna Pass: Choose 1 to 6 Days

Find the perfect itinerary for you

Dive into the old world charm of Vienna with these itineraries tailored specifically for history enthusiasts, solo travelers, and families. Each guide is designed to suit a preferred travel style. So, get ready to discover iconic attractions, enjoy unique cultural interactions, and create fun-filled memories to last a lifetime. Your ultimate Viennese adventure starts here!

For history buffs
For solo travelers
For families

For those who find joy in uncovering the layers of the past, Vienna offers a rich tapestry of history waiting to be explored. Wander through grand palaces, visit world-class museums, and soak in the stories of emperors and artists that have shaped this magnificent city.

Day 1

Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Begin your day at Café Central, a historic Viennese coffee house known for its intellectual patrons. Help yourself to a classic Viennese breakfast with a melange coffee and an Apfelstrudel.

Schönbrunn Palace
Explore the imperial summer residence of the Habsburgs, a stunning baroque palace with expansive gardens and opulent interiors.

Nearest stops:

  • Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo - Big Bus (Blue Route)
  • Schönbrunn Palace - Vienna Sightseeing (Yellow Line)

Highlights:

  • Tour the State Rooms, marvel at the gilded decor, and learn interesting tidbits about the Habsburg dynasty.
  • Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for a morning walk.
  • Visit the Gloriette that’s just next door for panoramic views of Vienna's skyline.

Pro tip: Visit the Imperial Carriage Museum, housing opulent carriages and sleighs that offer a captivating peek into Austria's imperial legacy.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time to next stop: Take a 30-minute hop-on hop-off ride to the Belvedere Palace.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Dine at Salm Bräu, a brewery-restaurant near the Belvedere, famous for its hearty Austrian dishes like schnitzel and craft beers.

Belvedere Palace

Every history enthusiast must pay a visit to this baroque masterpiece of a palace, housing an impressive art collection, including Klimt's golden masterpiece, The Kiss.

Nearest stops:

  • Upper Belvedere - Big Bus (Blue Route)
  • Belvedere Palace - Vienna Sightseeing (Yellow Line)

Highlights:

  • Pretend that you are royalty as you stroll through perfectly trimmed hedges and fountains of the expansive gardens.
  • While Klimt’s work is brilliant, the medieval collection housed here is wonderfully weird and worth a peek.
  • Visit both the Upper and Lower Belvedere for double the art and beauty.


Pro tip: Keep an eye out for rotating exhibitions, which help to keep things fresh and often showcase big names or up-and-coming artists.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Time to next stop: Take a 20-minute bus ride to St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral at evening, Vienna

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

St. Stephen's Cathedral
As Vienna’s Gothic heart and a symbol of the city's enduring spirit, this cathedral with its towering spires and zigzag roof tiles is a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s history.

Nearest stops:

  • Opera - Big Bus (Red Route)
  • State Opera - Vienna Sightseeing (Red Line)

Highlights:

  • Conquer 343 steps that lead up the South Tower for stunning views over Vienna.
  • Pay a visit to the catacombs if you’re in the mood for something spooky, fascinating, and full of old bones and royal secrets.
  • Catch an organ concert if you can. Goosebumps are guaranteed when those dramatic notes echo against the ancient stones.

Pro tip: Look for the tiny stone lizard carving near the cathedral’s main portal. Legend has it that rubbing it brings you good luck!

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour

Time to next stop: Take a 5-minute walk to your restaurant for the night.

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: End your day at Figlmüller and treat yourself to the restaurant’s iconic pork schnitzel along with some tap beer.

Embark on a solo adventure in Vienna, where you can explore this majestic city at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the eclectic culture. Whether you're wandering through art-filled streets or savoring a coffee in a historic café, Vienna offers a perfect blend of solitude and excitement, ideal for the solo wanderer.

Day 1

Tourist at Naschmarkt with vendor, Vienna

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Start your solo journey at Café Hawelka, a cozy spot perfect for people-watching and enjoying a classic Viennese breakfast.

Naschmarkt

Naschmarkt is a solo traveler's dream – safe, brimming with life & colorful stalls, and full of friendly vendors. It’s the perfect spot to wander, snack, and people-watch without ever feeling alone.

Nearest stops:

  • Opera - Big Bus (Red Route)
  • State Opera - Vienna Sightseeing (Red Line)

Highlights:

  • Sample fresh produce, spices, and international delicacies. From falafel to schnitzel, every stall tempts your taste buds with something delicious.
  • Browse the Saturday flea market for vintage finds, quirky souvenirs, or even a typewriter from the '60s.
  • Try some new and weird treats. Ever had pickled garlic or Persian saffron candy? Now’s your chance!

Pro tip: If you’re shopping for fresh produce, head to the market around 3pm on weekdays and score yourself some tasty bargains as vendors often drop prices before closing time.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Time to next stop: The Kunsthistorisches Museum is only a 15-minute walk away.

Visitors exploring the grand interiors of Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna,

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Enjoy a solo lunch at Motto am Fluss, a riverside restaurant with stunning views and a relaxing vibe.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is quiet, majestic, and home to an extensive collection of European art that can make you feel inspired. Roam around at your own pace and get wonderfully lost in the history tucked into these hallways.

Nearest stops:

  • Museums Quartier - Big Bus (Red Route)
  • Museum of Applied Arts - Vienna Sightseeing (Blue Line)

Highlights:

  • Don’t feel embarrassed to gawk at the grand staircase. The marble, murals, and statues can make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Renaissance era.
  • Interested in the artifacts of Ancient Egypt? The museum houses its fair share of mummies, hieroglyphics, and statues that are thousands of years old.
  • Marvel at and try to decode the quirky details of the Bruegel collection, the largest in the entire world.

Pro tip: There’s no need to opt for a paid tour. Save on costs by downloading the museum’s free audio guide app, packed with fascinating stories!

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time to next stop: Ride the bus for 20 minutes to head to Prater.

Giant Ferris Wheel at Prater, Vienna

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Prater

This large public park is Vienna’s fun zone, perfect for adventurers looking to relax in the evening, mix with nature, nostalgia, and a slight bit of Ferris wheeling.

Nearest stops:

  • Giant Ferris Wheel - Big Bus (Red Route)
  • Giant Ferris Wheel - Vienna Sightseeing (Red Line)

Highlights:

  • Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) and soak up the unbeatable views of Vienna on this slow, peaceful spin.
  • Rent a bike or e-scooter and zoom through the tree-lined Hauptallee like a local on a joyride.
  • Check out the Prater Museum, which gives you the backstory of the park’s fun-loving spirit.

Pro tip: Don’t feel like sharing your Ferris Wheel cabin? Then the only time you can visit is early in the morning. 

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Time to next stop: Your dinner is only a 2-minute walk away.

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: After a long day of exploring, head over to Schweizerhaus, a beloved local favorite steps away from the park. Try the legendary Stelze, a crispy pork knuckle, and pair it with a cold glass of Budweiser Budvar, the Czech original they proudly serve on tap.

Vienna is a family-friendly destination with activities for all ages. From interactive museums to sprawling parks, your family can explore, learn, and have fun together in this charming city.

Day 1

Giraffe feeding at the Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Start your family day at Café Landtmann, offering a kid-friendly menu and a charming atmosphere for a relaxed breakfast.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn

The world’s oldest zoo houses over 700 animal species and offers plenty of space to roam, paving the way for a wild and fun-filled adventure that keeps your kids entertained.

Nearest stops:

  • Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo - Big Bus (Blue Route)
  • Schönbrunn Palace - Vienna Sightseeing (Yellow Line)

Highlights:

  • Say hi to the giant pandas, and watch their bamboo-munching routine, which can feel oddly calming.
  • Avoid tantrums by riding the zoo train to explore the whole place. Both your kids’ legs and yours will thank you.
  • Explore the petting zoo, where your kids can safely interact with gentle farm animals like goats & sheep.

Pro tip: Enter through the Neues Tor entrance near the Palm House for shorter lines and quicker access to the quieter parts of the zoo.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time to next stop: Take a 30-minute bus ride to the Haus der Musik.

Woman exploring House of Music, Vienna

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Head to the Palmenhaus, a stunning greenhouse-turned-restaurant, for a family-friendly lunch amidst lush greenery.

Haus der Musik

Haus der Musik turns sound into play, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon when you’re traveling with curious little minds! It’s hands-on, high-energy, and full of noise you’re encouraged to make.

Nearest stops:

  • House of Music - Big Bus (Red Route)
  • State Opera - Vienna Sightseeing (Red Line)

Highlights:

  • Watch your kids compose their own waltz piece by simply rolling oversized dice. This is where music meets game night!
  • Explore the Sound Museum, with rooms full of quirky instruments and sound experiments that kids can interact with.
  • Visit the composer rooms, where you can meet Mozart, Strauss, and Beethoven in fun, interactive exhibits made just for curious kids.

Pro tip: For an odd but cool experience, visit the womb room. This cozy space simulates the sounds a baby hears before birth.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Time to next stop: Take a 20-minute bus ride to the Prater.

The Giant Ferris Wheel at the Prater

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Prater

Prater is the ultimate playground for people of all ages! Packed with rides, games, snacks, and endless space to run wild, it’s the best spot to take your kids after a long day of exploring.

Nearest stops:

  • Prater - Big Bus (Red Route)
  • Prater - Vienna Sightseeing (Red Line)

Highlights:

  • There are plenty of kid-friendly rides like gentle carousels and mini-coasters for you to hop on.
  • Take your kids to the planetarium with its stars, planets, and space-themed shows that’ll make their young imaginations soar.
  • Strike silly poses with wax celebrities at the Madame Tussauds Museum.

Pro tip: Check out Liliputbahn, the miniature train that tours the park. It’s fun, relaxing, and your kids are sure to love the choo-choo sounds!

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time to next stop: Luftburg - Kolarik im Prater is only a 2 to 10 minute walk away, depending on where you are in the park. 

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: After a fun-filled day of adventures, head to Luftburg - Kolarik im Prater, the ideal family-friendly spot to wind down. Parents can relax in the spacious beer garden with a refreshing organic beer or a glass of Austrian wine, while the kids can munch on crispy schnitzels, grilled sausages, and fluffy pretzels, while parents can relax.

Alternate stops to customize your Vienna itinerary

  • Hofburg Palace

Discover the former imperial palace, now home to the Austrian President, and stunning museums.

Nearest stops: Museums Quartier (Big Bus - Red Route), State Opera (Vienna Sightseeing - Red Line)

  • Danube Tower

Ascend Vienna's tallest structure for breathtaking skyline views and a unique revolving restaurant.

Nearest stops: Danube Tower (Big Bus - Red Route), Danube Tower (Vienna Sightseeing - Red Line)

  • Hundertwasser House

Marvel at the whimsical architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser's iconic building.

Nearest stops: The Hundertwasser House (Big Bus - Red Route), Museum of Applied Arts (Vienna Sightseeing - Blue Line)

  • Votive Church

Take some time out of your day to admire this stunning neo-Gothic church with beautiful stained glass windows.

Nearest stops: Votive Church (Big Bus - Red Route), National Theatre/City Hall (Vienna Sightseeing - Red Line)

  • Museum of Natural History

Discover fascinating exhibits of natural wonders and prehistoric artifacts, including a large collection of dinosaur skeletons and meteorites.

Nearest stops: Museums Quartier (Big Bus - Red Route), Museum of Applied Arts (Vienna Sightseeing - Blue Line)

  • Spanish Riding School

Witness the world-famous Lipizzaner horses perform classical dressage in this historic setting.

Nearest stops: Hofburg (Big Bus - Red Route), State Opera (Vienna Sightseeing - Red Line)

  • Sigmund Freud Museum

Explore the former home and office of the father of psychoanalysis, featuring fascinating exhibits on Freud’s life and work.

Nearest stops: Votive Church (Big Bus - Red Route), National Theatre/City Hall (Vienna Sightseeing - Red Line)

  • Karlskirche (St. Charles Church)

Admire one of Vienna’s most beautiful baroque churches, known for its impressive dome and panoramic elevator ride.

Nearest stops: Lower Belvedere (Big Bus - Blue Route), State Opera (Vienna Sightseeing - Red Line)

  • Mozarthaus Vienna

Visit the only surviving residence of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Vienna, now a museum dedicated to his life and music.

Nearest stops: Schwedenplatz / DDSG River Cruisese A+C (Big Bus - Red Route)

  • Jewish Museum Vienna

Delve into the history and culture of Vienna’s Jewish community through engaging exhibits and artifacts.

Nearest stops: Schwedenplatz (Big Bus - Red Route), Schwedenplatz (Vienna Sightseeing - Blue Line)