Vienna in one day: an hour-by-hour itinerary
Quick answer
In one day in Vienna, follow this route: St Stephen's Cathedral and Graben in the morning, the Hofburg mid-morning, lunch at the Naschmarkt, Karlskirche and Klimt's The Kiss at the Belvedere in the afternoon, then a Viennese café. Book the Belvedere slot ahead.
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One-day itinerary through Vienna
A compact route through the centre, using public transport only to reach the Belvedere. Times are approximate.
- 1
09:00 · Stephansplatz · metro U1/U3
St Stephen's Cathedral
Enter the Gothic nave before the tour groups arrive and look at the tiled roof from the square. Allow 45 minutes; the south tower climb is paid separately.
- 2
10:00 · Graben and Kohlmarkt
Graben
Stroll along the centre's most elegant shopping street, past the Plague Column, to the Hofburg.
- 3
10:30 · Michaelerplatz · Hofburg
Hofburg and the Imperial Apartments
Visit the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments, about two hours. With AnyArt you can point at portraits and statues to hear their story.
- 4
13:00 · Naschmarkt · Wieden
Lunch at the Naschmarkt
Walk 15 minutes to the food market and choose between international stalls and restaurants with terraces.
- 5
14:30 · Karlsplatz
Karlskirche
The green-domed Baroque church on Karlsplatz. Go in for the dome frescoes if it is open to visitors.
- 6
15:30 · Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27
Upper Belvedere
Arrive with your slot booked and go straight to The Kiss and the Klimt room. Give it 90 minutes; the gardens make a good walk on the way out.
- 7
17:30 · Ringstraße
The Ringstraße by tram
Take tram D or 1 around the ring: Opera, Burgtheater, Parliament and City Hall.
- 8
19:00 · Innere Stadt
Viennese café and dinner
Finish with coffee and cake in a classic café and an Austrian dinner such as Wiener Schnitzel.
Tips to make the most of the day
- Book the Upper Belvedere before you go; slots sell out in high season.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the route adds up to several kilometres on cobbles.
- Vienna's tap water is drinkable and excellent; refill your bottle.
- If you prefer Schönbrunn, swap the Naschmarkt for the palace and keep the Belvedere for day two.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see Vienna in one day?
Yes, the essentials of the centre: St Stephen's, the Hofburg, the Ringstraße and the Belvedere. Schönbrunn and the big museums need a second day.
Where should I start?
At St Stephen's Cathedral first thing, then walk on to the Hofburg.
Can I fit Schönbrunn into one day?
Only if you drop the Belvedere or the Hofburg. To see both properly, plan two days.
How much walking is it?
About 7 to 9 kilometres, mostly flat. You can shorten it by taking the metro to the Belvedere.