BELVEDERE PALACE –
VIEWS, ELEGANCE, VIENNA
Palace grounds, gardens, and art in perfect harmony.
Belvedere Palace is one of those places that instantly reveal Vienna’s character.
Built for Prince Eugene of Savoy, it brings together history, architecture, garden design, and one of Austria’s most important art collections. Among elegant facades, reflecting pools, and masterpieces by Gustav Klimt, you’ll feel just how diverse Vienna truly is.
Facts at a glance
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Address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna
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Getting there: Underground U1 – Südtiroler Platz / Hauptbahnhof (about 10 minutes on foot). Alternatively, take tram D or bus 13A (Belvedere stop).
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Opening hours: Museums open daily from 10:00 AM; closing times vary depending on season and exhibitions.
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Gardens: Open daily from 6:30 AM; closing times vary between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM depending on the season.
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Admission: Separate tickets for the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and Belvedere 21; combination tickets available. The gardens are free to access.
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Architecture: Built 1714 – 1723 by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy.
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Art collection: Works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and other Austrian artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Further information: Current opening hours and exhibition details can be found on the official Belvedere website.
What to Expect at Belvedere Palace
Upper Belvedere – where art and architecture meet
As you step into the Upper Belvedere, it’s easy to see why this place feels so special. The light streaming through tall windows, the spacious halls, and the view stretching over the gardens make every moment inside memorable. Alongside its stunning architecture, the palace holds Austria’s most important art collection, featuring works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. The star of the collection is Klimt’s “The Kiss”, but take your time exploring the other galleries to discover how Austrian art evolved through the centuries.
Lower Belvedere – the residence of Prince Eugene
At the Lower Belvedere, you can still sense that this palace was designed for both living and splendor. The ornate chambers, decorative stucco ceilings, and marble halls reflect the refined taste of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Today, these rooms host rotating exhibitions that offer fresh perspectives on art and history. The mix of baroque architecture and modern curatorial design creates an experience that feels both historic and contemporary.
Belvedere Gardens – symmetry, fountains, and city views
Between the Upper and Lower Belvedere lies the baroque garden, designed by French landscape architect Dominique Girard. Symmetrical walkways, fountains, reflecting pools, and sculptures connect the two palaces into one harmonious setting. The highlight is the Grand Cascade, where water and statues form the centerpiece of the design. From the upper terrace, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Vienna – and if you visit early in the morning, you can experience the gardens at their most peaceful and beautiful.
Tickets & Visiting
You’ll need a separate ticket for the Upper and Lower Belvedere, but combination tickets are also available if you want to visit both parts of the complex.
Ticket prices vary depending on the exhibition, so it’s worth checking the latest information before your visit.
💡 Tip: Book your ticket online in advance – especially on weekends or during the peak season. It helps you avoid long lines at the ticket counter.
The gardens are free to access and can be enjoyed independently of the museums – perfect if you just want to take in the atmosphere or enjoy the view over Vienna.
Practical tips for your visit
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Best time to visit: For a quieter experience, come in the morning or in the late afternoon. Especially in summer, these hours are much more comfortable.
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Photo spots: From the upper garden gate, you’ll get the classic view of the palace with the reflecting pool in front – especially beautiful when the water is still. After visiting the Upper Belvedere, walk down to the terrace for a breathtaking view across Vienna – from the palace gardens in the foreground to the Vienna Woods and hills on the horizon.
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Duration: Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours for the Upper Belvedere and around 1 hour for the Lower Belvedere, depending on your interest in the exhibitions.
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Seasonal tip: During the Christmas season, the area in front of the palace turns into a charming Christmas village, filled with lights, local crafts, and the scent of punch drifting through the air.
Is a Visit to the Belvedere Worth It?
The Belvedere is without a doubt one of Vienna’s most impressive palaces – but whether it’s worth going inside depends a bit on you. If you love art or have enough time during your stay, the galleries inside the Upper Belvedere are absolutely worth seeing. If you’re short on time or more interested in architecture and atmosphere, a walk through the palace gardens is just as rewarding – with the elegant façades and city views creating their own kind of magic. Either way, the Belvedere is one of those places that will stay with you long after your trip.
📌 You might also like:
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👉 Vienna Travel Guide 2025 – your complete overview for planning and highlights.
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👉 10 Free Things to Do in Vienna – for everyone who wants to experience the city on a budget.
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👉 Vienna’s Most Beautiful Christmas Markets – discover the most festive spots in the city.
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