Is Vienna Worth Visiting? Your Ultimate 1-Day Trip Guide

Wanting to know is Vienna worth visiting if you only have 36 hours there? You’re in the right place to find out!

My ultimate 1-day Vienna itinerary showcases the best things to see in the Austrian capital during a whirlwind weekend tour.

In addition, I’ve also included reasons each location is definitely worth a visit, timings and cost of these top sights to make planning your 36 hours in Vienna even easier.

So grab your overnight bag, and get ready to visit Vienna and enjoy your best city trip yet!

Is Vienna Worth Visiting For 36 Hours?

Visiting Vienna, Austria, should be high on every traveller’s European to-see list. The city’s rich history, iconic architecture, and cultural offerings make it an incredible destination for a quick getaway.

From historical landmarks to the world-renowned coffee houses and vibrant music scene, there’s something for everyone. And while you won’t see everything in only 36 hours, it will certainly be one busy weekend getaway you won’t forget.

So whether you’re travelling around a full time job, or you simply found bargain flights that only allow for a quick trip, here’s how to get so much more than just a flavour of this mesmerising city.

Must-See Attractions in Vienna

Vienna is home to some truly spectacular historical landmarks. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who loves to admire beautiful architecture (like me!), you’ll want to make time for these key sites.

Schönbrunn Palace

One of Vienna’s most iconic attractions, Schönbrunn Palace is renown for its opulent gardens and rooms.

Once the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs, it now offers visitors a glimpse into Austria’s imperial past.

Skip the line and join a tour of the palace and garden, including exclusive access to its 22 imperial rooms, with a licensed guide.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Located in the heart of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 343 stone spiral steps to the top of the South Tower for some spectacular panoramic views of the city. But believe me when I say this – do not take a backpack! The stairs are very narrow and barely allow for passing, so the extra bulk (and weight) is not helpful! The view from the top is impressive, although bear in mind there are only four small windows from the gift shop to see it from.

You can instead climb the north tower, which is also accessible by a lift. The open-air platform gives you views in various directions, as well as a close-up look at the beautiful coloured mosaic roof tiles. Either way, this is a must-see when you visit Vienna.

Skip waiting in the queue and buy a combined ticket for both towers, the cathedral, museum and catacombs below.

Hundertwasser House and Village

An architectural highlight of Austria’s capital, this colourful building’s design was heavily influenced by the work of the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. With a focus on environment and sustainability, residents have free reign to decorate their windows as they like. And so, just as Hundertwasser intended, the balconies and roof terraces have become a green oasis of trees and plants in the heart of the city.

The Hundertwasser Village, situated directly opposite is a transformed former tire workshop that became a hub for residents and visitors alike in the early 1990s. Now it features several bars and shops in the same unique style.

• Tip: Visit Vienna’s “Kunstcafe” coffee house on the ground floor of Hundertwasserhaus. There you can watch a short film that depicts a virtual tour of the building by Friedensreich Hundertwasser himself.

Albertina

Vienna is home to some of the world’s most prestigious museums, and the Albertina stands out as a must-visit destination for art lovers. It boasts an impressive collection of over a million works of art, including pieces by Monet and Picasso.

The Albertina is not only known for its art collections, but also for its stunning architecture and panoramic view of Vienna from its terrace.

Viennese Culture

Vienna has a huge cafe culture. In fact, in 2011 the “Viennese Coffee House Culture” was listed as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO.

So if you didn’t stop to drink coffee, eat a traditional Austrian apfelstrudel and read a newspaper even for just a short while, did you even really visit Vienna?!

Experience this unique atmosphere at locations like Café Central and Café Schwarzenberg.

Vienna is also world-renowned for its balls, with over 450 held in the city every year, often at the Imperial Palace or Vienna State Opera.

Attending a ball can be tricky and incredibly expensive. But a true Vienna classical music experience can be enjoyed on a more modest budget. Enjoy this three-course dining experience of traditional Austrian dishes followed by a concert by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra and accompanying opera singers. The ticket price includes your meal, with upgrades available for priority concert access, reserved seating, free drinks, a program and cloakroom access.

Viewpoints

As I promised earlier, there are several locations aside from St Stephen’s Cathedral where you can enjoy a beautiful bird’s eye view. Which makes Vienna worth visiting more than once.

But with 36 hours in Vienna, you’ll definitely have time to visit at least one.

Danube Tower (Donauturm)

After you’ve seen Vienna from the ground, it’s time to see it from above. The Danube Tower, or Donauturm, is one of the best spots for a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area.

At 252 metres, the tower is the tallest structure in Austria, and its observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of Vienna and the Danube River.

And it’s typically a bit less crowded than the city’s other viewpoints, making it a great escape from the crowds during your Vienna 1-day itinerary.

• Tip: For a truly unique experience, visit the tower’s revolving restaurant for a meal while the floor gently rotates. But be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Save time and book your skip-the-line Donauturm admission below.

360 Ocean Sky Bar

If you’re looking for a place to relax while soaking in breathtaking views of the city, the 360 Ocean Sky Bar is a must-visit in Vienna.

Located on the top floor of the Steffl department store, this stylish rooftop bar offers a panoramic view of Vienna’s rooftops. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a cocktail after a day of sightseeing.

• Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for a beautiful sunset view over the city. Arrive early to beat the rush and grab a seat by the windows. I highly recommend their signature cocktail, the “Vienna Spritz,” for a refreshing local twist.

Prater: A Unique Viewpoint Over Vienna

Vienna is also home to the famous Prater Amusement Park. And here you can see one of the best views of the city – from its iconic ferris wheel.

The 65-meter-high Riesenrad dates back to 1897, making it one of the oldest ferris wheels in the world. Step on board for a mix of nostalgia and modern-day charm.

• Tip: Each rotation takes about 10 to 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in the sweeping views of the city and Danube River. You may even spot the distant vineyards on a clear day.

Tickets for the ferris wheel can be bought in advance below, saving more of your limited time during your visit.

Hidden Gems

Vienna is full of iconic landmarks at ground level. But if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there are plenty of hidden gems that showcase the city’s charm.

Der Justizpalast (Palace of Justice)

Another stunning (yet often overlooked) site is the Der Justizpalast, or the Palace of Justice. This magnificent building is home to Vienna’s courts and legal system.

The palace exterior is a striking example of neo-renaissance architecture, and inside is even more stunning.

Tourists are allowed inside, but are subject to full airport-style security screenings, except with a full manual bag check. So this is definitely one location to visit without your overnight bag, because the security staff will pull out every item for close inspection, right down to your underwear. Ask me how I know!

• Tip: Head to the top floor and grab a coffee in the rooftop cafe for another pretty viewpoint over Vienna – but be advised, it’s cash only.

Freyung

Freyung is one of those places in Vienna that feels timeless. This historic square in the heart of the city is surrounded by beautiful old buildings and is home to the Freyung Market.

The market operates year-round, with special themed markets for Easter and Christmas. I visited in March, and loved browsing the colourful Easter market stalls selling local crafts and food.

• Tip: The square is also close to some great local cafes, so grab a coffee or hot chocolate and watch the world go by.

Palais Daun-Kinsky

This hidden gem was my absolute favourite sight in Vienna. From the outside it’s an ordinary-looking building that’s easy to miss, but its interior hides a stunning secret. And that alone, for me, made Vienna worth visiting.

Head inside, follow the red-carpeted stairs up two levels, and look up – if you didn’t notice it already! You’ll see why this grand baroque palace is such a beautiful example of Viennese architecture and art.

• Tip: The palace is home to various art exhibitions, so check the schedule before you go to see what else is on display during your Vienna trip.

Food and Drink

Vienna is home to so many fantastic restaurants, you’ll have no problem finding a delicious Austrian meal during your visit. Wienerschnitzel (breaded, pan-fried veal), Knödel (dumplings) and Goulash (beef stew) are some traditional national dishes that you’ll see on offer.

A unique food experience that’s well worth an hour out of your Vienna sightseeing itinerary is this Austrian cooking class.

Hosted in a typical Viennese restaurant, see how the traditional Viennese dessert Kaiserschmarrn is made and enjoy tasting it while it’s warm and freshly baked. You’ll also receive the recipe to keep.

Getting to Vienna

Vienna is incredibly well connected within central Europe, and so there are various ways of travelling there.

Flights

Vienna International Airport is well served by European budget airlines, with direct flights from major UK international airports including London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Search for flights to Vienna below and start your city trip planning right here.

Train

From Vienna, I connected by train to Bratislava and the rail journey between the two capital cities takes just under an hour.

You can also connect by rail from or to Budapest, Salzburg, Prague and other European cities. Buy your ticket online at Omio below, or there are regular bus services provided by various operators.

Boat

Situated on the banks of the Danube, Vienna can also be reached by ferry from Bratislava. The journey takes about 75 minutes, but is the most expensive option with tickets starting from 40 Euros, and increasing based on season and demand. Check prices at Direct Ferries here.

Local Public Transport

If arriving into the airport, reach Vienna using the cheaper S7 train, not the heavily signposted City Airport Train (CAT). Ignore the bright green advertisements, and instead buy a ticket from one of the red ÖBB ticket machines. You’ll save 17 Euros on a return trip this way, and it only takes a few minutes more.

Travelling around the city is easy, quick and convenient with frequent buses, trams and underground trains. The city has a huge transport infrastructure of 109 underground stations and 171km of tram tracks, so there’s no need to tire yourself out walking.

Transport tickets are available from ticket machines, booking offices, most tobacconists, the WienMobile app and on the Wiener Linien website here. The cost is as follows:

Ticket Type	Duration of Validity	Price (March 2025)
Single ticket	80 minutes from validation – can be used on multiple connecting modes of transport within the time limit	€2.40
24-hour ticket	24 hours from purchase	€8
48-hour ticket	48 hours from purchase	€14.10
72-hour ticket	72 hours from purchase	€17.10
Flexible 7-day Vienna paper ticket	7 consecutive days from purchase	€22.60
Flexible 7-day Vienna digital ticket	7 consecutive days from purchase	€19.70

Note: these transport tickets do not include airport transfer journeys, as these are outside of the Vienna core zone. Children under six travel free and under 15s travel free on Sundays and during Vienna school holidays, otherwise it’s €1.20. Tickets for over 65s are discounted at €1.50.

Alternatively, the Vienna City Card includes public transport, with options for 24, 48 and 72 hours, as well as discounts at selected museums and restaurants. But weigh up the outlay with the potential savings based on your Vienna travel itinerary before deciding if it offers value for money.

Accommodation

During my time in Vienna, I stayed at the Rioca Vienna Posto 2 aparthotel, which I’d highly recommend for cleanliness, facilities and value for money.

It’s situated in the St Marx area, only 2km from Belvedere Palace, making it ideally located to start your exploration of Vienna. Its rooms have a kitchenette and balcony, plus there’s a sun terrace, fitness room, lounge and games room for relaxing between sightseeing.

Check availability below.

For a special visit, The Hoxton Vienna offers a rooftop swimming pool and modern French cuisine restaurant. It’s located 1km from St. Stephen’s Cathedral and is idea for couples.

If you’re looking for novelty, the 25hours Hotel beim MuseumsQuartier hotel won’t disappoint! Each suite features a unique design combining vintage, contemporary and circus elements. It also has a rooftop bar and on-site spa.

FAQ and Local Tips

When is the best time to visit?

Vienna is a great city to visit all year round. Its city hall, Rathausplatz, hosts impressive outdoor seasonal events including Christkindlmarkt, the Rathaus Film Festival, Vienna Ice World and many more. Nearby, Freyung hosts Christmas and Easter markets. So it really is down to personal preference.

What language is spoken in Vienna?

Austrians mostly speak German, and I’d recommend learning some basic German phrases to show effort and kindness to its inhabitants.

• hallo = hello
• bitte = please
• danke = thank you
• auf wiedersehen = goodbye
• ja = yes
• nein = no
• sprechen sie Englisch? = do you speak English?
• Ich verstehe nicht = I don’t understand
• wo ist..? = where is…?
• wie viel kostet das? = how much does this cost?
• die Rechnung, bitte = the bill/check, please

What is the currency in Vienna?

Austria is a member of the European Community and so its currency is Euros. One Euro is made up of 100 cents. Notes are convenient, but 50 cent, €1 and €2 coins are useful for lockers, and 20 and 50 cent coins come in handy for toilets.

Can I use card or do I need cash?

Maybe I was just unlucky, but most places I visited in Vienna required payment by cash for one reason or another. So while I recommend having a fee-free debit card for spending abroad, like Monzo, I’d also encourage you to exchange some Euros before you arrive.

If you need to use a cash machine/ATM to withdraw Euros while visiting Vienna, you’ll find that the fees are expensive. I withdrew €40 from a Bank of Austria ATM and the charge was almost €7. So avoid this if possible.

Conclusion

Vienna packs a punch, even if you’re only visiting for just one or two days! From palaces to pastries, this city has something for everyone.

So, is Vienna worth visiting? Having visited on several occasions, I can say with absolute confidence that it really is.

Check out the links in this article as well as my travel resources page, and start planning your own amazing trip to Vienna now.

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