Palaces in Vienna You Must Visit: Hofburg, Schönbrunn, & More

Vienna, a city steeped in imperial grandeur and cultural richness, is home to a collection of royal palaces that are emblematic of its storied past and enduring architectural elegance. 

Vienna’s Imperial Icons: Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palaces

Among the palaces in Vienna, the two most popular among visitors, and must-visit sites, are the Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn).

The Hofburg Palace, with its sprawling complex, served as the imperial residence of the Habsburg rulers for over six centuries. Today, it houses the offices of the President of Austria, the Imperial Treasury, and the historic Imperial Apartments & Sisi Museum, where visitors can wander through lavishly decorated rooms and learn more about the royal family that once inhabited them.

Meanwhile, Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs on the outskirts of the city center, captivates visitors with its sprawling gardens and meticulously preserved, grand interiors. Visitors can explore the lavish rooms where Mozart performed as a child and experience a brief look into the imperial family's lifestyle amidst an over-the-top Rococo design.

Hidden Gems: The Albertina and Belvedere Palace

However, no trip to Vienna would be complete without exploring some of the lesser-known palaces in Vienna: the Albertina and the Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere). The Albertina, originally known as the Tarouca Palace, is a cultural gem in the heart of Vienna, showcasing an impressive art collection, alongside beautifully preserved state rooms.

Like the Albertina, Belvedere Palace houses an extensive art collection, including Gustav Klimt's masterpiece, The Kiss. Its stunning gardens and palatial interiors offer visitors a glimpse into Vienna's artistic and architectural legacy. These palaces, each unique in their history and architecture, stand as must-visit destinations in Vienna, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the city's royal past and artistic treasures.

The Must-Visit Royal Palaces in Vienna

Depending on the time you have while in the city, you should absolutely make time to see two of the must-see palaces in Vienna: the Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace. These palaces not only provide an intimate look at the Habsburgs who shaped Vienna into the beloved city that it is today, but they are also architectural masterpieces filled with artistic treasures and history. No trip to Vienna would be complete without stepping foot into the Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palaces.

Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: The audio guides for the Imperial Apartments at Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace include many similar anecdotes about the Habsburgs, especially regarding Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Sisi. To save yourself some time, consider renting an audio guide at just one of the palaces you visit during your time in Vienna. 

Hofburg Palace: A Royal Fortress at the Heart of Vienna

The Hofburg Palace is the most important and historically significant of the palaces in Vienna. Located in the heart of Vienna in the Innere Stadt, the palace served as the principal residence of the Habsburg dynasty, one of Europe’s most influential royal families, for over 600 years.

The Power and Influence of the Habsburgs

Known for their strategic marriages and territorial expansion, the Habsburg family controlled vast lands that included present-day Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, parts of Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and even Mexico. The Habsburgs were not only political rulers but also great patrons of the arts, architecture, and science, helping to shape Vienna into a center of culture and sophistication.

From Fortress to Imperial Palace 

The Hofburg Palace dates back to the 13th century, originally built as a medieval castle. Over the centuries, it was expanded and transformed into a sprawling palatial complex that reflected the growing imperial power of the Habsburg family as they rose from local rulers to Holy Roman Emperors, Austrian Emperors, and eventually the heads of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire until the end of World War I.

The Hofburg Palace served as the political and ceremonial center of the Habsburg empire. The palace also served as the main winter residence for emperors like Franz Joseph and his beloved wife, Empress Elisabeth (Sisi).

A Legacy in Architecture and Culture

The Hofburg Palace complex is enormous, covering roughly 59 acres (about 24 hectares) with over 2,600 rooms. The palace comprises various architectural styles, from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Rococo, reflecting its gradual expansion over centuries. 

Today, the Hofburg remains a powerful symbol of Austria’s imperial past. It is the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria and continues to host state functions and international events. The palace complex also houses several museums, making it a cultural destination as much as a historic one. 

What to See at the Hofburg Palace

While the Hofburg Palace complex is enormous, there is only a small part open to the public, including: 

• The Imperial Treasury (a must-visit!)
• The Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum (explored in more detail below)
• The Spanish Riding School
• The Austrian National Library
• The Augustinerkirche (Augustinian Church)

If you are looking to see the glory and splendor of one of the most famous palaces in Vienna, then look no further than a visit to the the Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum. 

The Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg Palace offer visitors a rare glimpse into the private lives of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Empress Elisabeth, better known as Sisi. Lavishly decorated in 19th-century style, the apartments reflect the splendor of the Habsburg court, with opulent salons, audience chambers, and the emperor’s surprisingly modest study and bedroom.

The Life and Legend of Sisi: Inside the Sisi Museum

Connected to the Imperial Apartments is the Sisi Museum, a fascinating exhibition dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth, one of the most enigmatic figures of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Beautiful, restless, and unconventional, Sisi became a reluctant empress at the age of 16 and spent much of her life resisting the rigid confines of court life.

She was famously obsessed with her appearance, devoting hours each day to maintaining her slim figure and ankle-length hair, and followed a rigorous exercise regimen that included gymnastics and horseback riding, highly unusual for women of her time. You can even see some of her workout equipment on display in her dressing room.

A Tragic and Complex Empress

The Sisi Museum displays replicas of the Empress's dresses and jewelry, including her legendary star-shaped diamond hairpins. It also provides an intimate look at the beloved Empress and the tragedy that shaped her life.

While exuding glamour and sophistication, Sisi’s life was marked by tragedy and severe bouts of depression. Her sorrow began with the death of her two-year-old daughter, Sophie, during a visit to Hungary in 1857.

Decades later, she was devastated by the suicide of her only son, Crown Prince Rudolf, in 1889, a scandal that shook the empire. After the death of Crown Prince Rudolf, Sisi completely retreated from public life. 

In 1898, while traveling incognito in Geneva, Sisi was assassinated by an Italian anarchist, bringing her life to a shocking end. The Sisi Museum does an excellent job humanizing Sisi and showcasing her complex personality and life as Empress, set against the beautiful Imperial Apartments and rooms within the Hofburg Palace complex. 

A Lasting Legacy

The Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum together provide a powerful, intimate portrait of the Habsburgs—particularly Sisi, whose story continues to captivate visitors more than a century after her death.

Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace: A Royal Vault of Wonders

The Imperial Treasury is one of the most important repositories of royal regalia and artifacts in the world. It houses an incredible collection of jewels and treasures that span over a thousand years of European history, showcasing the vast wealth and power of the Habsburg dynasty. 

Highlights of the Collection 

The Treasury is packed with extraordinary and historically significant items. Some of the most iconic include: 

• The Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire
• The Austrian Imperial Crown
• The Orb and Sceptre
• The Holy Lance - a revered relic believed to have pierced the side of Christ
• And a personal favorite: a pair of 13th-century imperial gloves, encrusted with stunning gemstones 

Each item tells a story of empire, faith, and royal tradition, making the Treasury a must-see for history lovers. 

Ticket Information and Visiting Tips

Tickets for the Imperial Treasury can be purchased both online, in advance of your visit, and in-person at the Imperial Treasury. I highly recommend purchasing the Treasures of the Habsburgs combo ticket which provides admission to both the Imperial Treasury and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, at a reduced rate. (If you are looking for more information on the Kunsthistorisches Museum, check out my blog post on My Favorite Vienna Museums.)

Opening Hours and Practical Info

The Imperial Treasury is open daily, except on Tuesdays, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The last admission is at 5:00 PM. For additional information, please visit the Imperial Treasury Vienna website.

Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School, located within the Hofburg Palace, is one of Vienna’s most iconic cultural institutions. The Spanish Riding School is world-renowned for its performances of classical dressage featuring the elegant white Lipizzaner stallions, showcasing centuries-old equestrian traditions.

For horse lovers, the Spanish Riding School is definitely worth visiting; however, tickets for performances can be pricey and often sell out. If you are looking to visit the Spanish Riding School, without breaking the bank, know that morning practice sessions are open to the public at a much lower price point. For performance schedules and tickets, please visit the Spanish Riding School website.

Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library, housed within the Hofburg Palace, is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Its crown jewel, the State Hall (Prunksaal), features Baroque architecture, frescoed ceilings, and more than 200,000 historic volumes, many dating back to the Habsburg era.

The Austrian National Library is also home to a few museums and regularly hosts special exhibits. Tickets for the Austrian National Library's State Hall can be purchased both online and in-person. For additional information, including the most up-to-date opening hours, please visit the Austrian National Library website. 

Augustinerkirche (Church of St. Augustine/Augustinian Church) 

While technically not located inside the Hofburg Palace complex, the Augustinerkirche, or the Church of St. Augustine (Augustinian Church) as it is known in English, was built for the Imperial Court and is located next door to the palace. Dating back to the 14th century, the church has long been associated with the Habsburgs, serving as the site for many royal weddings and ceremonies. 

Every Sunday morning at 11:00 AM, the Church of St. Augustine celebrates mass with live music, including a magnificent choir and orchestra. If you plan to attend, arrive early to get a seat as this mass is popular with tourists and locals alike.

There is no charge to attend the Church of St. Augustine for mass, but donations are appreciated. For additional information, please visit the Augustinian Church website. Note, that the church's website is only available in German, so you may need to rely on a translation aid, like Google Translate, to help you get the information you need into English.  

Visiting Hofburg Palace: Opening Hours, Tickets, & More 

The Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments are open daily, including public holidays, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The last admission time for the museum is at 4:30 PM. It takes approximately an hour to go through the Sisi Museum and visit the Imperial Apartments. 

To clarify, admission to the Sisi Museum also includes entry to the Imperial Apartments. If you want to visit the Imperial Apartments (and I highly recommend that you do because they are incredible!), you must purchase tickets to the Sisi Museum.

Tickets for the Sisi Museum can be purchased both online in-advance of your visit and in-person. If you purchase your tickets in advance, please be aware that they are time-specific and you will need to arrive at the designated entry time. If you are interested in purchasing your tickets online, please visit the Sisi Museum website.

How to Get to Hofburg Palace

Out of the palaces in Vienna, the Hofburg Palace is one of the easiest to reach thanks to its central location in the Innere Stadt. The Hofburg Palace is located just a short walk from major landmarks, including the St. Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna.

The palace is also easily accessible by public transportation, with the nearest U-Bahn station being Herrengasse (line U3) and nearby tram stops including Burgring (which services lines 1, 2, and D) along the Ringstrasse.

The entrance to the Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum is located near the Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule) and Michaelerplatz. 

Guided Tours of the Hofburg Palace

If you are interested in visiting Hofburg Palace on a guided tour, there are a number of options available through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide. While you can certainly visit the Hofburg Palace and its many museums on your own, guided tours are also available for those looking to learn more about the palace's history and former royal residents. Some of the highest rated guided tours, available with our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are listed below. 

• Skip-the-Line Sisi Museum, Hofburg, and Gardens Tour
• Vienna: Skip-the-Line Hofburg and Empress Sisi Museum Tour
• Hofburg and Empress Sisi Museum Guided Tour

*If you book a tour or experience through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, we may earn a small commission. 

Schönbrunn Palace: A Must Visit Imperial Gem

Out of the two must-visit palaces in Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace is my favorite. The estate is massive, providing plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages. The main highlight, of course, is the palace itself. 

A Royal Retreat with Humble Beginnings

The origins of the Schönbrunn Palace date back to the 14th century, when the land was used as a farm and vineyard. In the 16th century, the land came into the possession of the Habsburgs who used it primarily as hunting grounds.

The name “Schönbrunn,” meaning “beautiful spring,” is said to come from Emperor Matthias, who discovered a spring on the site. The palace as we know it today began to take shape in the late 17th century, when Leopold I commissioned the construction of a grand hunting lodge.

However, it was under Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century that Schönbrunn Palace was transformed into the lavish summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. It remained a central seat of imperial power until the end of the monarchy in 1918.

A Palace of Epic Proportions

Schönbrunn Palace and its grounds are enormous: the palace complex includes 1,441 rooms, although only a select number are open to the public. The estate covers over 400 acres (160 hectares), making it one of the largest palace complexes in Europe.

The combination of ornate interiors and expansive formal gardens make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the splendor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

What to See at Schönbrunn Palace

Visitors to Schönbrunn Palace can choose between the Palace Ticket (60 minutes) and the State Apartments (40 minutes), both of which take you through the heart of the palace with an audio guide.

I highly recommend booking the Palace Ticket, as it provides access to some of the most beautifully decorated rooms in the palace, including those inhabited by Empress Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Josef and his wife, Sisi, which are not included on the shorter palace tour. Highlights of the Schönbrunn Palace, as well as some of my favorite rooms, include:

The Great Gallery

The most incredible room in the palace, the Great Gallery is a stunning Rococo ballroom with crystal chandeliers and colorful ceiling frescos, once used for imperial banquets, receptions, and balls. The room is massive, standing at 141 feet in length (43 meters). The original ceiling was destroyed during World War II, but it has since been replaced with a copy.

The Hall of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors, a rather subdued version in comparison to the room of the same name at the Château de Versailles, is a gilded, elegant state room and one of the highlights of Schönbrunn Palace.

It was here in this room that a young Mozart is believed to have performed for Empress Maria Theresa at the age of six. The room was also used by Emperor Franz Josef for public audiences. (The Hall of Mirrors can only be visited with the Palace Ticket!)

The Blue Chinese Salon:

The Blue Chinese Salon is the first room of the apartments inhabited by Empress Maria Theresa and her husband, Franz Stephan of Lorraine. In my opinion, the Blue Chinese Salon beautifully exemplifies the intersection of Chinese art and European Rococo design.

You see wallpaper in the European style, decorated with traditional Chinese elements and scenes. The porcelain and furniture, in blue and white, pop against the yellow and gold. It is grand, but refined.

The Blue Chinese Salon also holds a significant place in relatively recent Austrian history. It is the location where, on November 11, 1918, Emperor Karl I, agreed to relinquish his role in state affairs, paving the way for the formation of the Republic of Austria and marking the end of the Habsburg monarchy.

Emperor Franz Joseph’s Private Rooms:

Surprisingly simple and austere, the private rooms of Emperor Franz Joseph, including his private bedroom and office, reflect the Emperor’s modest lifestyle and strict work ethic.

The color pallete is very neutral, a drastic difference from the much more colorful and opulent rooms within the palace. Emperor Franz Joseph's bedroom is also the room where he died in 1916.

The Hall of Ceremonies:

Another lavish state room within the palace, the Hall of Ceremonies is where Empress Maria Theresa held her audiences. The room is also home to a very large portrait of Maria Theresa, as well as paintings depicting the wedding celebrations of Maria Theresa's son, Joseph, to Princess Isabella of Parma. 

Rich Room:

Aside from its red velvet walls and gold accents, the Rich Room displays the bed of Empress Maria Theresa. This bed and the matching decor were originally in the Hofburg Palace, filling the bedroom of Empress Maria Theresa and her husband, Franz Stephan.

However, after World War II, the former apartments inhabited by Empress Maria Theresa at the Hofburg Palace were converted into space for the President of Austria. The furnishings and decor were moved to Schönbrunn Palace in 1980 and reconstructed in the space that you see it today. 

Millions Room:

Another room of Empress Maria Theresa, the Millions Room is covered in dark, elaborate wood wall paneling, featuring miniature paintings.

The miniature paintings in the Millions Room depict scenes from the court of the Mughal rulers of India. Empress Maria Theresa used this richly decorated space to host guests for private audiences. The elaborate paneling and Baroque details, make the Millions Room one of the favorites of visitors to Schönbrunn Palace.

More to See on the Schönbrunn Estate

No trip to Schönbrunn Palace would be complete without exploring the larger estate, especially the gardens. The gardens at Schönbrunn Palace are really exquisite and grand.

They reminded me, to an extent, of the gardens at the Château de Versailles and the Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy. Unfortunately, I had rather dreary weather on my visit to Schönbrunn Palace, so I did not get to spend nearly as much time wandering through the gardens as I would have liked to have spent. However, it gives me something to do on my next visit!

While you are exploring the gardens at Schönbrunn Palace, I definitely recommend seeing the following: 

• Neptune Fountain

• Gloriette, Obelisk Fountain

• Romain Ruins.

(The Roman Ruins are not actually real ruins; they were built for the Schönbrunn Palace in the 18th century. Roman ruins and items from antiquity were particularly in vogue at the time!) 

Wander for Free: Schönbrunn Gardens Are Open to Everyone

One really cool fun fact about the gardens at Schönbrunn Palace is that they are free, and open to the public.

Tickets are required for some of the attractions that are located within the gardens, including the Zoo, Orangery, Palm House and Botanic Garden, Maze, and more, but the gardens as a whole are available for you to wander and enjoy at your leisure. For the current opening times of the gardens at Schönbrunn Palace, please check out the Schönbrunn Palace website. Also, keep in mind that the opening hours vary by the season.  

Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)

The Schönbrunn Zoo, also called the Tiergarten Schönbrunn in German, is the oldest continuously operating zoo in the world and started out as a royal menagerie on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace.

Today, the zoo has a strong focus on wildlife conservation, education, and scientific research. Notable highlights of the zoo's exhibits include the Panda Garden, where visitors can see giant pandas on loan from China.

The Schönbrunn Palace Zoo is great way to spend the day if you are visiting Vienna with young children. The zoo is open daily, including on public holidays. Tickets for the zoo can be purchased both online, and in-person. For additional information, please visit the Zoo Vienna website.

Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra & the Orangery 

If you are a fan of classical music, then I highly recommend attending a performance at the Orangery and seeing the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra. Concerts are daily at 8:30 PM. Tickets do sell out, trust me, I missed out on the opportunity to go when I was in Vienna, so if you are interested, be sure to book your tickets in advance. For more information and to book tickets, please visit the Schönbrunn Palace Concerts website.

Visiting Schönbrunn Palace: Opening Hours, Tickets, & More

You can easily spend an entire day at Schönbrunn Palace, visiting the state rooms, the gardens, and larger estate.

Short on Time When Visiting?

If you are short on time, plan to spend at least a half a day at Schönbrunn Palace - visiting the palace and the gardens immediately behind the palace.

Schönbrunn Palace is open daily, including on public holidays. The last admission is 45 minutes prior to closing. For the full schedule of opening hours, please visit the Schönbrunn Palace website.

Tickets and Admission Tips 

As Vienna’s most visited attraction, tickets to Schönbrunn Palace can sell out, especially during peak season. To avoid disappointment: 

• Buy tickets online in advance 

• Arrive on time for your chosen entry slot (tickets are time-specific) 

Recommended Ticket Options: 

• Palace Ticket: Grants access to the most lavish rooms, including those of Empress Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph, and Sisi. (More comprehensive than the shorter “Imperial Tour.”) 

• Classic Pass Plus: Ideal if you want to see it all—including the Schönbrunn Zoo, Orangery, Maze, and more. 

To purchase tickets, please visit the Schönbrunn Palace website.

How to Get to Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is on the outskirts of Vienna, located in the Hietzing, Vienna's 13th District. Despite its location, Schönbrunn Palace can be reached by public transportation.

From the Innere Stadt, you can reach Schönbrunn Palace on the metro (U-Bahn), line U4, in just over 30 minutes. The closest U-Bahn station to Schönbrunn Palace is conveniently named, Schönbrunn, and is located on the Schönbrunn Palace estate.

Guided Tours of Schönbrunn Palace

If you are interested in visiting Schönbrunn Palace on a guided tour, there are a number of options available through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide.

While we chose to explore the palace and gardens on our own, a guided tour is a fantastic way to make the most of your visit, especially if you are short on time.

You will gain a deeper insight into the palace’s rich history, the opulent state rooms, and the fascinating lives of its former imperial residents, all brought to life by a knowledgeable tour guide. Some of the highest rated guided tours with our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are listed below. 

• Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens Tour
• Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour
• Vienna: Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens Tour

*If you book a tour or experience through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, we may earn a small commission. 

More Palaces in Vienna

Vienna is a city rich in imperial grandeur, and beyond Schönbrunn and the Hofburg, two other remarkable palaces in Vienna deserve special mention: the Belvedere Palace and the Albertina. Though I sadly ran out of time to visit the Belvedere Palace during my stay, it is at the very top of my list for my next trip to this incredible city. This stunning Baroque palace complex, once the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, is now home to one of Austria’s most important art collections, including Gustav Klimt’s iconic The Kiss.

On the other hand, I did make it to the Albertina, and I absolutely loved it! I loved the Albertina, not only for its world-class art collection, but also for the beautifully preserved state rooms and royal apartments.

Wandering through these elegant, chandelier-lit salons without the crowds felt like stepping back in time. If you are exploring palaces in Vienna, the Belvedere and Albertina offer two distinct but equally memorable experiences of the city’s imperial past and a touch of incredible art, too.

Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace is one of the grandest palaces in Vienna, famous for its Baroque architecture, stunning gardens, and impressive art collections.

The Origins of Belvedere Palace: Prince Eugene’s Baroque Legacy

Built in the early 18th century, it was commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy, a brilliant military commander who played a crucial role in defending the Habsburg Empire against the Ottoman Turks.

Though born in France, Prince Eugene rose to become one of Austria’s most celebrated generals and was richly rewarded by the Habsburgs for his service. The Belvedere Palace was his summer residence, and the complex consists of two main palaces: the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere, connected by beautifully landscaped gardens.

From Private Residence to Public Museum

After the death of Prince Eugene, the palace largely sat unused and unoccupied. It was eventually purchased by Empress Maria Theresa.

Empress Maria Theresa and her son, Emperor Joseph II, turned the Upper Belvedere Palace into one of the world's first public art museums, transferring the Imperial art collection from the Hofburg Palace to the Upper Belvedere.

The art collection remained at the Belvedere Palace until the opening of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in 1891. While the Upper Belvedere Palace served as an art museum until 1891, the Lower Belvedere Palace remained a royal residence.

After the art collection was moved to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Upper Belvedere Palace was converted back into a royal residence, for none other than the ill-fated Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne.

War, Restoration, and Artistic Legacy

The Belvedere Palace experienced significant damage during World War II, followed by a devastating fire in 1950, that destroyed a number of rooms and priceless works of art displayed in them. The Belvedere Palace has since largely been restored to its former glory and continues, today, to serve as an art museum. The Upper Belvedere Palace is especially famous for its collection of Austrian art, including masterpieces by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. Klimt’s The Kiss, in particular, draws art lovers from around the world.

The Lower Belvedere often hosts temporary art exhibitions and gives visitors insight into the opulence of Baroque interior design. The Baroque State Roms, including the Marble Gallery, Hall of Grotesques, and the Golden Room, are also open to the public, allowing visitors to see a small part of the former life of this magnificent palace.  

Visiting Belvedere Palace: Opening Hours, Tickets, & More

The Belvedere Palace is composed of three distinct museums: the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and Belvedere 21.

When Are They Open?

The Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere are open daily. Belvedere 21 is closed on Mondays. For the most up-to-date opening hours and admission costs, please visit the Belvedere Palace website. Combination tickets are available if you are interested in visiting two or more of the museums on the Belvedere Palace estate. 

What to See at Each Venue

The Upper Belvedere is home to Gustav Klimt's masterpiece, The Kiss. The Baroque State Rooms are located within the Lower Belvedere Palace. Belvedere 21 is a contemporary art museum also on the estate with a focus on rotating exhibitions. I recommend visiting both the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces on your visit.

Tickets and Booking Tips

Tickets for the Belvedere Palace and its three venues can be purchased both online, in-advance of your visit, and in person. Tickets purchased online are sold at a discounted rate. To purchase your tickets online, please visit the Belvedere Palace website.

Tickets purchased online are for a specific time slot, so be sure to arrive on time for your visit to the Belvedere Palace.

How to Get to the Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace is located near Vienna Central Station (Wien Hbf) and can easily be reached by public transportation from the Innere Stadt. 

The closest U-Bahn station to Belvedere Palace is Südtiroler Platz (line U1), located about a 15-minute walk from the Belvedere Palace entrance. 

For a more direct route, you can take the D tram from Schwedenplatz or Oper/Karlsplatz stops. The closest tram stop to Belvedere is Schloss Belvedere, which drops you off just steps from the Upper Belvedere entrance.

Tram Line D is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to reach the Belvedere Palace from the city's historic center.

Guided Tours of the Belvedere Palace

If you are interested in visiting the Belvedere Palace on a guided tour, check out a couple of the top-rated tours from our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, listed below.

• Belvedere Palace Skip-the-Line Tour
• Skip-the-Line Upper Belvedere Tickets and Guided Tour Vienna

*If you book a tour or experience through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, we may earn a small commission. 

Albertina 

Share Your Thoughts!

Have you visited any of these palaces in Vienna? Are there any other palaces in Vienna I should visit on my next trip? I would love to hear your thoughts, so please share them in the comments below!

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

Do you need more assistance in planning your trip to Vienna? Check out our Vienna Travel Blog for restaurant recommendations, day trip ideas, and other things to do in Vienna! Heading to Salzburg after your trip to Vienna? Learn more about this beautiful city with our Salzburg Travel Guide.