24 Hours in Vienna, Austria (What to do)

So, you land early morning in Vienna, you only have 24 hours, and you want to make this a memorable day, what are the best things to do? Well it all depends on what you love, your interests, your dreams… However, here are a few suggestions… and it might just be the perfect itinerary for your 24 hours in Vienna, Austria:

Early Morning: St. Stephen's Cathedral

Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria
Architect: Anton Pilgram
Architectural styles: Gothic architecture, Romanesque architecture
Visit Times: (Mo – Sa) 09H00 to 11H30 and 13H00 to 16H30. Sundays and public holidays from 13H00 to 16H30.

Start your day early at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Take time to explore the stunning Gothic architecture, visit the interior, and, if you’re up for it, climb the South Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Opened in 1578, this is a magnificent cathedral to visit.

Entrance to the Cathedral is free, although the towers, catacombs, cathedral treasury and the lift to the Pummerin bell can only be visited with a guided tour for a fee.

Only enter the Cathedral: St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna typically opens at 6:00 AM for visitors on most days. This early time is especially convenient for those looking to start their day early and experience the cathedral in a quieter setting before the crowds arrive. However, keep in mind that this opening time might slightly vary on special days or holidays, so it’s always a good idea to double-check just before your visit.

Check the cathedral calendar for days when entry times may be restricted.

Ticket purchases on site are cash only, so it is a good idea to book your tickets before you go online. (This will save you time in line, as well.)

If you love a bit more information, go on a self-guided tour of Vienna, or book a tour which includes the cathedral. Maybe book a concert or book your hop-on-hop-off-bus tickets online.

The square in front of the cathedral is always buzzing with activity.

Next: A European Flower Stop

After your visit to the cathedral, head to a nearby flower shop such as the lovely Blumenhaus zum Dom. Browse the beautiful floral arrangements and perhaps pick up a small bouquet to brighten your day, or just take a lovely photo as memory.

Late Morning: Hundertwasser

Head to Hundertwasser Village for lunch. There are several cafés nearby where you can enjoy a meal. Consider places like Art Cafe Hundertwasser House, where you can enjoy something to eat and drink at affordable prices.

If you don’t have the time of money to visit the museum or other buildings, you can take the opportunity to take photos of the architecture from outside, enjoy some time in the coffee shop and stop at a souvenir shop for a small something to take home. It is special just to walk around.

Address: Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Vienna, Austria
Architect: Friedensreich Hundertwasser
Architectural Styles: Expressionist architecture, Modern Art, Organic architecture
- Hundertwasser’s designs often feature irregular shapes, vibrant colors, natural elements like plants, and a rejection of straight lines, creating a whimsical, nature-inspired look.
Visit Times:
- Hundertwasser Village: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (entry is free)
- KunstHausWien Museum: Typically open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily (entry fee applies here)

Take some time to explore the quirky architecture of Hundertwasser Village. Enjoy the colorful facades, unique art installations, and gardens. Don’t forget to check out the Hundertwasser Museum if time allows.

Right next to Hundertwasser Village, visit KunstHausWien, an art museum dedicated to the works of Friedensreich Hundertwasser and contemporary art. Admission is usually reasonable, and the building itself is a work of art.

Buy your tickets before you go.

Remember to try the Käsekrainer (sausage filled with cheese) while you’re in Vienna, or the famous Bratwurst.

Another interesting place for your next visit

The colorful umbrella installation still decorates the Sünnhof Passage in Vienna’s Landstrasse district, making it a fun spot for photos and a lovely place to stroll if you’re nearby. This Biedermeier-style courtyard and passageway connects Landstrasser Hauptstrasse with Ungargasse, providing a sheltered, vibrant space and a unique spot in Vienna to visit without a ticket. It’s a popular location for both tourists and locals, especially on sunny days!

Afternoon at the Naschmarkt

Address; Naschmarkt 6, Vienna, Vienna, 1060
Architecture: The outdoor 16th-century Naschmarkt is the oldest of Vienna’s many markets.
Naschmarkt hosts a week-long food market and a Saturday flea market.
You can book a tour if you don’t like just strolling along.

If you’re staying in a self-catering place, you need to visit the Naschmarkt, which is just a short distance from St Stephan’s Cathedral. Explore the stalls, sample local delicacies, and grab a light snack or fresh fruit to keep your energy up as you wander, and maybe get everything you need for dinner tonight.

Late Afternoon Walk

Head towards the nearby Danube Canal for a pleasant walk. This area features colorful street art and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a lovely spot to relax and take in the views. Stop at one of the many cafés along the canal or return to the Naschmarkt area for a coffee. However, if you have your own place for the night, you might want to have an early night after all the sight-seeing. After all, tomorrow you have more to see and do…

Things you must try while in Vienna

For dinner, consider dining in the city center. You’ll find plenty of options, and although you’ll research each place on the internet, you are bound to walk into the first place that catch your eye with a “oh this looks nice”. LOL However, do try the Sachertorte.

This iconic chocolate cake, invented at the Hotel Sacher, features a rich chocolate layer and a thin apricot jam filling. It’s usually served with a dollop of whipped cream.

Apfelstrudel is another one of our favorites: A traditional apple strudel made with thin layers of dough filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon. It’s often enjoyed warm and served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.

Where to stay if you only have 24 hours in Vienna, Austria

Budget-friendly options:

Self-Catering Apartment

Apartment (Bright and central) near Belvedere – by JR City Apartments: This 2-Bedroom apartment is situated less than 1 km from Museum of Military History and 1.8 km from Karlskirche. It is 1.3 km from Vienna Main Railway Station and features a lift. Belvedere Palace is less than 1 km away.

Self-Catering Apartment

VEA Vienna Apartment offers a garden and quiet street views, and is 2.2 km from Vienna City Hall. Natural History Museum is 2.8 km from the apartment, while Vienna Volksgarten is 2.9 km away.

A 4-Star Hotel you can afford

Living Hotel Kaiser Franz Joseph’s guests can enjoy a cocktail in their newly renovated Kaiserbar in the lobby late into the evening. Buffet breakfast is available.

The hotel is situated in the elegant residential district of Döbling in the city’s northwest. From here, guests can reach Vienna’s centre in just 20 minutes with tram line 38, which stops 100 metres away.

Where to shop

…and if you’re looking for a lively place to visit: Mariahilfer Straße is the place.

Visiting the pedestrian-friendly Mariahilfer Straße offers a blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences in a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to shop, grab a coffee, or simply people-watch, it’s a vibrant part of Vienna that captures the essence of the city’s urban life.

Tips on where to get the best sausage

Food you must try: For the best sausage in Vienna, try the Käsekrainer (sausage filled with cheese) from the iconic Bitzinger Würstelstand near the Albertina Museum. This sausage stand is legendary for its juicy, cheese-filled sausages and offers a classic Viennese street food experience in a lively setting. Another top spot is Leo’s Wurstelstand, the oldest sausage stand in Vienna, known for traditional flavors like Bratwurst and Debreziner. Both places deliver on taste and authenticity, making them must-tries for sausage lovers.

Is this the best?

Make your 24 hours in Vienna Austria count by doing the things you love. I love flower shops, nature and interesting places. You might love history and museums or art. Whatever you do, make time to just take in your surroundings. Go buy a chocolate in a shop, or just sit and do some people-watching. It’s the best way to see how locals do it every day…

By, Jo-Anne Naude Traveler, storyteller, seeker of hidden beauty. She captures life’s simple joys through journeys that inspire wonder, reflection, and a deeper connection to the world.