24 Hours in Vienna, Austria Itinerary  

I want to start this post by emphasizing that 24 hours is not enough time to fully explore Vienna. The city is rich in history and museums, so we will be back in the future for a longer stay. Below is a guide to make the most out of your Viennese experience should you have only scheduled one day for travel or found yourself with a long layover in Vienna.

Get a capacinno at Frauenhuber Cafe

This is the oldest coffee shop not only in Vienna, but in all of Central Europe. According to our tour guide this is where the original cappuccino was created. (I haven’t fact checked this). The prices are great and the coffee is tasty! I’d definitely recommend a visit to this historical site.

Free walking tour 

You know we love a good, free walking tour! Some walking tours can be booked through hostels, and others you can find online. The walking tours typically last 2.5 hours, including a break, and teach you a lot about the history of the city. I noticed there was a “Hitler’s Austria,” tour which focuses on what happened to Austria after Nazi Germany gained control over it. It costs a fee.

Walk through the museum quarter

You will not have time to explore the museums on your 24 hour trip, but you can walk along the Museum Quarter. It is absolutely beautiful.

Go to Donauinsel 

This is the part of the river where locals go to swim, eat, and drink. It’s about 3 miles from the city center, so we took an Uber. You could also rent bikes and ride there. This was a very relaxing area with amazing food. There are variety of places to eat. You can also rent paddle boats and float along the river with the swans. This is where we ended our night!

Visit the Spanish riding school 

This riding school was established in the 1500s. World famous Lipizzan horses train here. There are public shows, but it’s fun to just look at the beautiful horses from inside the Hofburg.

Eat Wiener schnitzel 

How can you go to Vienna and not eat Wiener schnitzel? Traditionally this meal is prepared with veal; however, most restaurants actually serve it with pork. The menus will clarify which type of meat you’re ordering. You can find these all over the city.

Try some Viennese wine

The wine in Vienna is very inexpensive! Take a break from all your walking and try a few glasses of different Viennese wines. The servers always offer up great suggestions.

Eat a  Sachertorte

This traditional dessert is a must-try! It’s a very rich, delicious chocolate cake.

Watch the Opera

We’re sad to say that we did not watch an Opera, but we probably could have squeezed it in if we would have been willing to make it a late night. Some shows are for tourists and don’t require a dress code. They’re also willing to haggle the prices with you.