Most Beautiful Palaces in Vienna – The Must-Visit Palaces in Vienna

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Last Updated on January 5, 2025 by gregor

Vienna is a city that exudes elegance and grandeur, with its history steeped in art, music, and architecture. One of the main attractions that make Vienna stand out from other cities is its palaces. The palaces in Vienna are not just buildings, but they are an integral part of the city’s history and culture. They offer a glimpse into the lives of the royals and the aristocracy that once ruled the city.

In this article, we will explore the most beautiful palaces in Vienna, their history, significance, and attractions!

Best Palaces in Vienna, Austria – A Guide to the Best Palaces in Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace – Schloss Schönbrunn

The Schönbrunn Palace is undoubtedly the most famous in Vienna and for good reason. It was the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors and is considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. The palace’s history dates back to the 16th century when it was a hunting lodge for the Habsburgs. However, it was not until the 18th century that Empress Maria Theresa had the palace renovated to its current form.

Schönbrunn Palace Rooms and Architecture

The architecture and interior design of the Schönbrunn Palace are breathtaking. The palace has 1,441 rooms, but only 45 of them are open to the public. These rooms are exquisitely decorated with elaborate stucco work, frescoes, and paintings. The Grand Gallery, which is 40 meters long, is particularly impressive. It is adorned with mirrors and chandeliers and was used for grand balls and banquets.

Book your tickets here: Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour

Schönbrunn Palace Gardens + Gloriette

Apart from the palace’s interior, the Schönbrunn Palace is also famous for its gardens and attractions. The palace’s gardens cover an area of 160 hectares and were designed in the Baroque style. The gardens have numerous fountains, sculptures, and pavilions that visitors can explore. One of the most popular attractions in the gardens is the Gloriette. The Gloriette is a triumphal arch that offers a panoramic view of the palace and the city.

Book your tickets here: Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour

Vienna Schönbrunn Zoo

Visitors to the Schönbrunn Palace should also visit the Vienna Zoo, which is located on the palace grounds. The Vienna Zoo is the oldest in the world and is home to over 700 animal species. The zoo is particularly famous for its giant pandas and giant tortoises.

Book your tickets here: Skip-the-line Tickets for Schönbrunn Zoo

Tips for visiting the Schönbrunn Palace – Schloss Schönbrunn

• Book tickets in advance to avoid the long queues
• Wear comfortable shoes as the palace and gardens require a lot of walking
• Visit the palace early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds

Read my complete visitor’s guide of the Schönbrunn Palace here (Plus the Best Tips for your visit):

A QUICK TRAVEL GUIDE TO VIENNA’S SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE, VIENNA AUSTRIA

Tickets and Tours of the Schönbrunn Palace

To make the most of your visit, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets and book tours in advance. Here are some options for tickets and tours of the Schönbrunn Palace:

Here are some of the Schönbrunn Palace tours available on the GetYourGuide website which I can highly recommend:

Schönbrunn Palace Tour with Gardens

Book your tickets here: Schönbrunn Palace: Tour with Gardens

*) Let your guide bring the history of the palace and its gardens to life on a guided tour. See how the Habsburg Dynasty lived and learn more about the life of the Austrian court.

Schönbrunn Grand Tour: Private Skip-the-Line Walking Tour

Book your tickets here: Schönbrunn Grand Tour: Private Skip-the-Line Walking Tour

*) Skip the line to the stunning Schönbrunn Palace and get the chance to explore the forty most important staterooms on this private walking tour.

Vienna: Panorama Train Tickets to explore Schönbrunn Palace

Book your tickets here: Vienna: Panorama Train Tickets to explore Schönbrunn Palace

*) Explore Schönbrunn Palace’s breathtaking gardens at your own pace on the hop-on-hop-off train. The tour has 9 different stops, including the famous viewpoint Gloriette. Using the train is the most comfortable way to reach the hill of Gloriette.

Prices and availability may vary depending on the time of year and the type of tour you choose. It’s always a good idea to book in advance to ensure that you get the tour and time slot that you want.

Imperial Hofburg Palace – UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Hofburg Palace is another famous palace in Vienna that was once the residence of the Habsburgs now the seat of the President of Austria. It is located in the heart of Vienna’s city center and covers an area of 240,000 square meters. The palace’s history dates back to the 13th century when it was a castle for the Babenberg dynasty. However, it was not until the 18th century that the palace was expanded to its current size.

The architecture and interior design of the Hofburg Palace are a mix of different styles, including Baroque, renaissance, and Gothic. The palace has over 2,600 rooms, but only a few of them are open to the public. Visitors to the palace can explore the Imperial Apartments, which were the living quarters of the emperor and his family. The apartments are decorated with luxurious furnishings, paintings, and sculptures.

Apart from the Imperial Apartments, the Hofburg Palace also has several museums and attractions. One of the most popular museums is the Sisi Museum, which is dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria. The museum has an extensive collection of the empress’s personal belongings, including her dresses, jewelry, and paintings.

THE HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE COMPLEX IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Spanish Riding School

The Hofburg Palace is also home to the Spanish Riding School, The Spanish Riding School is one of the oldest riding schools in the world and is famous for its Lipizzaner horses. Visitors can watch the horses being trained or attend a performance.

Read my complete visitor’s guide of the Spanish Riding School here (Plus the Best Tips for your visit):

SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL IN VIENNA – SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS

Sisi Museum

The Sisi Museum in Vienna is dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi. The museum is located in the Hofburg Palace and features a collection of personal items, including clothing, jewelry, and portraits, that belonged to Sisi.

Read my complete visitor’s guide of the Sisi Museum here (Plus the Best Tips for your visit):

THE EMPRESS SISI MUSEUM IN THE HOFBURG IN VIENNA

Tips for visiting the Imperial Hofburg Palace

• Buy a combination ticket to visit multiple museums and attractions in the palace
• Attend a performance at the Spanish Riding School
• Visit the palace in the morning to avoid the crowds

Read my complete visitor’s guide of the Hofburg Palace here (Plus the Best Tips for your visit):

THE HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE COMPLEX IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Tickets and Tours of the Hofburg Palace

To book tickets or tours for the Hofburg Palace, you can visit the palace’s official website or use a reputable online booking platform such as Viator or GetYourGuide. Prices and availability may vary depending on the time of year and the type of tour you choose. It’s always a good idea to book in advance to ensure that you get the tour and time slot that you want.

Here are some of the Hofburg Palace tours available on the GetYourGuide website which I can highly recommend:

Skip-the-Line Ticket to the Hofburg Palace: Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments & Hofburg Tour

This ticket provides entry to the palace’s Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection. With this ticket, you can avoid the long lines and save time. You can purchase this ticket on the GetYourGuide website.

Book your tickets here: Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments & Hofburg Tour

Hofburg Palace and Empress Sisi Museum Guided Tour

This 2-hour tour is led by an expert guide who will take you through the palace’s state rooms, the Imperial Apartments, and the Sisi Museum. You’ll learn about the palace’s history and the lives of the Habsburg emperors who lived there. You can book this tour on the GetYourGuide website for €49 per person.

Book your tickets here: Hofburg Palace and Empress Sisi Museum Guided Tour

Hofburg Palace Imperial Treasury:

Be enchanted by the treasures of the past. Admire the jewels of the Habsburgs and parts of the original jewelry of Empress Elisabeth! You can book this tour on the GetYourGuide website. Read my full visitor’s guide of the Imperial Treasury in Vienna

Book your tickets here: Hofburg Palace Imperial Treasury

Private Guided Tour of Hofburg Palace: Hofburg Palace, Sisi Museum & Silver Collection Tour

This 2-hour private tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who will tailor the tour to your interests and answer all your questions. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection. You can book this tour on the GetYourGuide website.

Book your tickets here: Hofburg Palace, Sisi Museum & Silver Collection Tour

Belvedere Palace and Gardens

The Belvedere Palace is a stunning baroque palace that is located in the third district of Vienna. It was built in the 18th century as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. The palace consists of two buildings, the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere, that are connected by a beautiful garden.

The architecture and interior design of the Belvedere Palace are a mix of baroque and rococo styles. The palace has several rooms that are open to the public, including the Marble Hall, the Golden Room, and the Hall of Mirrors. These rooms are decorated with exquisite frescoes, stucco work, and paintings.

Belvedere Museum

Apart from the palace’s interior, the Belvedere Palace is also famous for its Belvedere Museum. The palace has an extensive collection of Austrian art, including works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. The most famous painting in the collection is Klimt’s “The Kiss,” which is displayed in the Upper Belvedere.

Visitors to the Belvedere Palace should also explore the Belvedere Palace’s gardens. The gardens are designed in the French style and have several fountains, sculptures, and pavilions. The gardens offer a stunning view of the palace and the city.

Tips for visiting the Belvedere Palace Museum

• Buy a combination ticket to visit the Upper and Lower Belvedere
• Buy combination tickets to save money and visit multiple attractions. Or get a City pass here.
• Visit the palace in the morning to avoid the crowds
• Attend a guided tour of the palace to learn more about its history and art collection

Read my complete visitor’s guide of the Belvedere Palace here (Plus the Best Tips for your visit):

VIENNA BELVEDERE PALACES AND BELVEDERE MUSEUMS, ULTIMATE VISITOR GUIDE

Tickets and Tours of the Belvedere Palace

Guided Tours: If you want to learn more about the art and history of the Belvedere Palace, you can book a guided tour. GetYourGuide offers a variety of tours, including private tours and small-group tours.

Here are some Belvedere Palace tours on the GetYourGuide website which I highly recommend:

Upper Belvedere & Permanent Collection Entry Ticket

Visit the Belvedere Museum in Vienna with an entry ticket to visit the Upper Belvedere. Get access to the Permanent Collection and discover the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including “The Kiss”.

Book your tickets here: Upper Belvedere & Permanent Collection Entry Ticket

Vienna: Skip-the-line Belvedere Palace Tour with Transfers:

This 3-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off as well as a guided tour of the Belvedere Palace complex. You’ll have a private guide who will provide in-depth knowledge about the art and history of the palace. You can book this tour on the GetYourGuide website.

Book your tickets here: Skip-the-line Belvedere Palace Tour with Transfers

Vienna Pass:

Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: The Vienna Pass includes entry to over 60 attractions in Vienna, including the Belvedere Palace. You can also use the hop-on hop-off bus to get around the city. You can purchase the Vienna Pass on the GetYourGuide

Book your Vienna Pass here:: Vienna Pass including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

In-depth information about the Vienna Pass is here:

VIENNA PASS REVIEW 2023 – IS THE VIENNA PASS WORTH IT? – AN INSIDERS REVIEW

Liechtenstein Palace – Palais Liechtenstein

The Liechtenstein Palace is a lesser-known palace in Vienna but is no less impressive. It was built in the 17th century for Prince Johann Adam Andreas of Liechtenstein. The palace’s architecture is a mix of baroque and rococo styles, and its interior is exquisitely decorated with frescoes, stucco work, and paintings.

The Liechtenstein Palace is famous for its art collection, which includes works by Rubens, Rembrandt, and van Dyck. The palace has over 1,700 artworks, and visitors can explore the galleries that are open to the public. One of the most impressive galleries is Hercules Hall, which has an elaborate ceiling fresco depicting the twelve labors of Hercules.

Apart from the art collection, the Liechtenstein Palace is also famous for its Music Museum. The museum has an extensive collection of musical instruments, including violins, pianos, and harpsichords. Visitors can attend concerts or take part in music workshops.

Tips for visiting the Liechtenstein Palace

• Make a tour of the Palace Liechtenstein’s beautiful gardens
• Buy a combination ticket to visit the palace and the art collection
• Visit the palace in the morning to avoid the crowds

Tickets and Tours of the Liechtenstein Palace

Read my complete visitor’s guide of the Liechtenstein Palace here (Plus the Best Tips for your visit):

PALAIS LIECHTENSTEIN GARDEN PALACE WALKING TOUR VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Conclusion

Vienna’s palaces are an essential part of the city’s history and culture. They offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of the royals and the aristocracy that once ruled the city. The Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, and Liechtenstein Palace are some of the most beautiful palaces in Vienna that visitors should not miss. They offer a unique experience that combines art, history, and architecture. So, if you are planning a trip to Vienna, make sure to include these palaces in your itinerary.

Tips for visitors to Vienna’s palaces:

• Buy combination tickets to save money and visit multiple attractions
• Book tickets in advance to avoid long lines
• Visit in the morning to avoid crowds
• Take guided tours to learn more about the palaces’ history and art collections
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved

Vienna’s palaces are not only beautiful but also offer a range of activities for visitors. From visiting the art collections to attending concerts and exploring the gardens, there is something for everyone. So, whether you are interested in art, history, or architecture, Vienna’s palaces are a must-see.

Vienna’s palaces are a testament to the city’s rich history and culture. The Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, and Liechtenstein Palace are just a few of the many palaces that visitors can explore. They offer a unique experience that combines art, history, and architecture, making them a must-see for anyone visiting Vienna.

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Best Events and Activities in the Palaces in Vienna. Best things to do

Additionally, Vienna’s palaces are often used as filming locations for movies and TV shows. The Schönbrunn Palace has been featured in films such as “A Little Chaos” and “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” while the Hofburg Palace was used as a filming location for “The Illusionist.”

Visiting Vienna’s palaces is a great way to learn more about the city’s history and culture. These beautiful and impressive buildings offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of the royals and aristocracy who once lived there. With their stunning architecture, magnificent gardens, and impressive art collections, Vienna’s palaces are a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

In addition to the palaces mentioned above, there are several other beautiful palaces in Vienna that visitors can explore. The Palais Augarten, for example, is a baroque palace that was once the summer residence of the Habsburgs. It now houses the Vienna Boys’ Choir and is open to visitors for tours.

Another palace worth visiting is the Palais Coburg, which was built in the 19th century for Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. It now serves as a luxury hotel and restaurant, but visitors can also take tours of the palace’s impressive wine cellars.

Overall, Vienna’s palaces offer visitors a unique and memorable experience. Whether you are interested in art, history, or simply enjoy exploring beautiful buildings and gardens, these palaces are a must-see when visiting Vienna. With their rich history and stunning architecture, they are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits them.

Architecture and Interior Design

Aside from their historical and cultural significance, Vienna’s palaces are also renowned for their architecture and interior design. Many of them feature opulent decorations, intricate designs, and impressive collections of art and antiques.

For example, the Hofburg Palace houses the Imperial Apartments, which were once the private living quarters of the Habsburgs. Visitors can explore these beautifully furnished rooms, which are decorated with luxurious fabrics, crystal chandeliers, and priceless works of art.

The Belvedere Palace, on the other hand, is home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including the famous “The Kiss.” Visitors can admire these masterpieces in the palace’s Upper Belvedere gallery, which is housed in a stunning baroque building with ornate stucco work and frescoes.

The Liechtenstein Palace is another must-see for art lovers, as it houses one of the world’s most important private art collections. Visitors can admire works by artists such as Rubens, Rembrandt, and van Dyck, as well as rare porcelain and tapestries.

Despite their grandeur and opulence, many of Vienna’s palaces also offer a more intimate look at the lives of their former inhabitants. The Schönbrunn Palace, for example, has a Children’s Museum that allows visitors to explore the rooms where Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth’s children once lived and played.

Another unique experience is the tour of the Hermesvilla, a small palace located in the Lainzer Tiergarten, a nature reserve on the outskirts of Vienna. Built as a hunting lodge for Empress Elisabeth, the palace now houses a museum dedicated to her life and legacy.

In addition to their indoor attractions, Vienna’s palaces also feature stunning gardens and parks. The Schönbrunn Palace’s Baroque gardens are a popular attraction, with over 1,200 acres of landscaped gardens, fountains, and sculptures. Visitors can take a stroll through the maze or enjoy a picnic on the lawn.

The Belvedere Palace’s gardens are equally impressive, with formal French gardens and an expansive park with walking paths and stunning views of Vienna’s skyline. The Hofburg Palace’s gardens, known as the Burggarten, are a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Most Beautiful Castles and Palaces Around Vienna

Schloss Laxenburg Habsburg’s Summer residence

This beautiful castle is located just outside Vienna and served as the summer residence of the Habsburgs for centuries. The castle features beautiful gardens, a boating lake, and a collection of priceless works of art. Visitors can take guided tours of the palace’s opulent interiors, including the stunning Marble Hall. Website link: https://www.schloss-laxenburg.at/en/

Schloss Hof

This beautiful Baroque palace was built in the 17th century and is located just outside Vienna in the town of Marchegg. The palace features magnificent gardens, fountains, and stables, and visitors can take guided tours of the palace’s elegant interiors. The castle also hosts regular events and festivals throughout the year. Website link: https://www.schlosshof.at/en/

Schloss Esterházy – Esterházy Palace

Located in the charming town of Eisenstadt (the capital of Burgenland), about an hour’s drive from Vienna, this beautiful castle was built in the 14th century and served as the summer residence of the Esterházy family for centuries. Visitors can take guided tours of the palace’s ornate interiors, including the Haydnsaal, where the famous composer Joseph Haydn worked for many years. Website link: https://www.esterhazy.at/en/

Tickets and Tours for the Schloss Esterházy

Book your Schloss Esterhazy Ticket here: Esterhazy Palace Admission Ticket

Read more about visiting Burgenland here:

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BURGENLAND, AUSTRIA, TOP ATTRACTIONS

Burg Kreuzenstein – Kreuzenstein Castle

This medieval castle is located just outside Vienna and is one of the few castles in Austria that has never been destroyed. The castle was built in the 12th century and was restored in the 19th century by a wealthy industrialist who filled it with antique furnishings and works of art. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle’s interiors and learn about its fascinating history.

Website link: https://www.kreuzenstein.com/

Conclusion

Overall, Vienna’s palaces offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are interested in history, or art, or simply enjoy exploring beautiful buildings and gardens, these palaces are a must-see when visiting the city. With their stunning architecture, opulent interiors, and fascinating history, they are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits them.

Plan your Trip to Vienna?

In case you need a transfer to the airport or vice versa, consider GetTransfer. 

VIENNA’S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM – GETTING AROUND IN VIENNA