24 Hours in Vienna

Less than a day in Vienna

We literally had a quick walking tour of Vienna: so this is a 'strictly for the fit-to-walk-and-hustle' guide.

Riesenrad, Prater

Wiener Riesenrad is the famous Ferris wheel at the entrance of Prater amusement park in Leopoldstat. Apart from being known as the symbol of the city and a good place to have panoramic views, it was also made more famous by the movie Before Sunrise as this was the location where Jesse and Celine shared their first kiss.

Wiener Riesenrad

We didn't get to ride the 120-year-old Giant Wheel because our time was only limited to seeing the filming location. An adult ticket is €10, and it is open from 09:00 - 23:45.

Prater Amusement Park

It is worth mentioning as well that Prater Amusement Park is the oldest amusement park in the world. So I suggest that if you've got time, you may as well explore the whole lot. It is open 24 hours and entry is free. Only the rides have admission fees.

On the way to Cafe Central

A small alley on the way to Cafe Central

Café Central

Cafe Central

This café claims to be the 'centre of Vienna,' hence the name. It's one of the oldest Viennese traditional coffeehouses and used to be a popular hangout of many famous philosophers such as Freud and Trotsky. The interior designs would certainly make you feel like you've been transported back to their time. It is a great place to try out good Viennese breakfast and pastries.

Traditional Viennese Breakfast

During peak season, there is a huge queue. We got there very early and thus there was no queue, and tried their traditional Viennese breakfast. You can easily forget the time here and get engrossed with chatting over good coffee because of the relaxing ambiance.

Rathaus Vienna

The city's town hall and is the location of the Rathauspark (town park) and Rathausplatz (Vienna City Hall) which is the seat of Vienna's local government.

Rathausplatz

We only took our time to marvel at the façade of Rathausplatz and then walked around the park before proceeding to our next destination.

For those with plenty of time, I reckon it is a good place to people-watch. Also, guided tours of the building are free of charge on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 13:00 (except on meeting days and public holidays). The starting point is the city information centre of the town hall, and reservation is needed.

Rathaus is the location for the famous Christmas Market as well as ice skating during the winter season, among many others. You can also spot the Burgtheater just across the street. It is the Austrian National Theatre and is one of the most important German language theatres in the world.

Volksgarten

A public park in the Inner Stadt, this garden is part of the Hofburg Palace.

Volksgarten

It's a lovely place for enjoying a hot drink in a cold winter's day while enjoying reading a book or just people-watching.

Hofburg Palace

Part of the Hofburg

Now serving as the official working place and residence of the President of Austria, The Hofburg used to be the political centre of imperial monarchy of the Hapsburg dynasty rulers.

Hapsburg Palace

We only went round to the façade and side of the Palace en-route to our next destination. An adult ticket is €13.90, and €16.90 if with guided tour. It is open from 9 AM to 530 PM (September to June) or 6 PM (July to August). Ticket would include entry to the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments and the Silver Collection. It's a good way to finding out the rich history of the Republic of Austria.

The Hofburg

Museum Quarter

One of the entrances to Museums Quartier

See art before more art

For the art lovers, this is the place to be. This is one of the largest cultural quarters in the world. It is the location for the famous Leopold Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mumok, and the Kuntshalle, among many others.

Leopold Museum

Here, "see and be seen" is the motto. Enjoy this wonderful and culture-rich quarter.

Naschmarkt

For the food lovers, this market has 120 market stands and restaurants with cuisines including  Viennese, German, Indian, Italian, and Vietnamese, to name a few. It is the city's most popular market.

Schnitzel

Dr. Falafel

Indulge in good food in a mixture of young and old crowd! There is also a flea market here every Saturday.

Stuffed stuff

Making the falafel

Brakvurst

Apart from the said tourist spots, I unexpectedly fell in love with Viennese streets. Every area has its own unique character that is almost 'hipster' in a way - both urbanised and quaint at the same time. There are hidden gems scattered all throughout the city --- you need only time to find them.

Street Art

Also loved the water fountains scattered throughout the city!

Free clean drinking water spots

And do watch a play/show in one of the theatres

Stumbled upon this on the way to Cafe Central

Catholic Church Maria am Gestade

I'd definitely go back with more time in my hands to explore the Museums Quartiers, the street art and the Catholic Churches scattered throughout the city. And maybe, save up to watch a play/theatre show too.

Day's Expenses:
- train to Prater: €2.40
- Cafe Central breakfast: €10
- Dr. Falafel: €4.80
- x3 Magnet: €10
- Bratwurst: €3.50
- Schnitzel: €6.60

Total: €37.3