Why did we write the article Most Pleasant One-Day Trips from Vienna in the first place? Let’s suppose you want to avoid the hassle of hiring a car. In that case, Vienna’s efficient public transport system, including trains, buses, and boats, can swiftly bring you to many spots outside the city, including other countries and organized tours leaving from Vienna.
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Firstly, Vienna’s appeal lies in its closeness to various destinations, such as Slovakia, Hungary, and Czechia, each offering a unique and exciting travel experience.
That’s why our commitment to providing informative articles on traveling to these destinations and more local spots is unwavering. Stay tuned for our latest travel tips!
Most pleasant One-Day Trips from Vienna
This city has a lot to see, do, and try. And there is even more to see in its surroundings. Firstly, you can visit magnificent abbeys, palaces, and cities, and even go wine tasting and try some lookal food. So which are the best day trips from Vienna? Let’s find out!
Salzburg
Salzburg is, without a doubt, one of the finest one-day trips from Vienna. With frequent departures, reaching Salzburg by rail from Vienna takes just over two hours—an ideal day trip destination.
So, why should you visit it? First, you will be amazed by wandering through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salzburg’s old town alongside the Salzach River. Second, you will see historic buildings on the famous Getriedegasse Street and explore Mozart’s birthplace.
Salzburg not only served as the setting for “The Sound of Music” but is also the birthplace of Mozart. You can take a guided tour to visit the movie locations and explore the Austrian Lakes region and the mountain village of St. Gilgen.
Visit Mozart’s birthplace and the cathedral where he performed. Of course, spoil yourself with some Mozartkugel, tasty chocolates filled with marzipan and pistachio.
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Danube Valley Day Trip
The Danube Valley is a popular destination for its spectacular views and vineyards. Tourists can enjoy a day trip to Wachau, including a visit to Melk Abbey, a stroll through Melk City, and a walk-in Dürnstein. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to taste the delicious apricots typical of the Wachau Valley. The full-day excursion starts in Vienna and offers a journey through the beautiful Danube Valley, with a boat cruise ride available during the summer months.
Melk Abbey
The small town of Melk, located one hour west of Vienna, is home to the majestic Stift Melk Abbey, rebuilt in the 1700s and has a history of over 1000 years. Visitors can explore the museum, library, abbey church, garden, and park and enjoy views of the Danube Valley. Give two to three hours for the visit, and consider having lunch on-site or in Melk before returning to Vienna for a late afternoon coffee.
Schloss Esterhazy and Eisenstadt, Austria
The Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt is a must-see for culture lovers. Its baroque interiors, including the famous Haydn Hall, named after composer Joseph Haydn, are worth a visit. The palace also features the Haydn house, wine cellars, and gardens. Situated in the center of Eisenstadt, it’s a grand attraction in the Burgenland region.
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Graz
It is Austria’s second-largest city and the capital of Styria. It’s a top-rated day trip from Vienna, accessible by public transport. Must-see attractions include the “Uhrturm” and the “Kunsthaus” art museum. Furthermore, Graz offers a mix of modern and traditional charm, with historic courtyards and vibrant nightlife. Don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Old Town and the Christmas markets. Also, take the Schlossberg cable car for the best view, and visit the Murinsel for its unique combination of an island and a bridge.
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Bratislava
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a beautiful day trip from Vienna. You can take a guided tour or the train from Vienna Hauptbahnhof. Once there, explore the Old Town, including Michael’s Gate and the Old Town Hall. Other attractions include Bratislava Castle and the Blue Church. For lunch, try traditional Slovak cuisine. If you have time, consider visiting the Nedbalka Gallery and the Slavín Memorial.
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Budapest
Vienna? Consider Budapest, the capital of Hungary, located on the Danube. It’s a great historical and cultural destination near Vienna. Budapest is 2.5 hours away, making it an easy day trip. While it ideally needs two to three days to explore thoroughly, you can cover the main highlights in 24 hours. Must-see attractions include Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament, Szechenyi Thermal Baths, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Chain Bridge. Budapest offers a perfect blend of history and modernity with remarkable places to visit, delicious food, beer, and wine.
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Brno
The Czech city of Brno is just 1.5 hours away by train from Vienna, making it a fantastic one-day trip from Vienna. You can explore the iconic Petrov Cathedral, the Old Town’s eclectic architecture, and the hidden Brno Underground. Before returning to Vienna, sample the excellent South Moravian wine at one of Brno’s cozy bars.
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Hallstatt
Hallstatt, nestled in the Austrian Alps, is famous for its scenic loveliness and wooden houses. Just 3 hours from Vienna, it’s one of Vienna’s most well-known day trips.
So, take advantage of the town’s picturesque views and the Aussichtspunkt Hallstatt viewpoint. Explore the historic Hallstatt salt mine and visit the Hallstatt Skywalk for stunning panoramic views.
The conclusion
We have summed up some of the main one-day Vienna trips worth visiting. Of course, there are many others, like Prague, the Czech capital, or Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, to name a few. However, in the end, we are wondering which day trips you liked the most and which you would recommend.
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