SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE -
VIENNA'S BAROQUE LANDMARK
Highlights, visitor tips and a glimpse of history.
Schönbrunn Palace is the most famous palace in Vienna – and one of the highlights you simply can’t miss during your visit.
Its golden-yellow facade, the ornate state rooms and the vast palace gardens are truly impressive. Once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Here you step right into the imperial history of Vienna. Get a first impression of the palace grounds here.
Facts at a glance
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Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
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How to get there: Metro U4 “Schönbrunn” (about 7–8 minutes walk) or U4 “Hietzing”; also tram 10 / 60 and bus 10A
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Opening hours:
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Palace: daily from 8:30 am, closing times vary by season (approx. 5:00–6:30 pm)
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Palace gardens: daily from 6:30 am, closing times vary by season (approx. 5:30–9:00 pm)
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For the latest opening hours, check the official Schönbrunn Palace website.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996
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Tickets: palace only with entry ticket, gardens free of charge
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Accessibility: most parts of the palace and gardens are wheelchair accessible
What to expect at Schönbrunn Palace
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State rooms & Imperial apartments – in the Hall of Mirrors, six-year-old Mozart performed for Empress Maria Theresa, and the living quarters of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi reveal how different courtly splendor and private life could be. An audio guide or guided tour makes the stories engaging and easy to follow.
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The Gloriette – this triumphal building on the hill is the classic photo spot with panoramic views of Vienna. From here you can see the entire palace grounds stretching towards the city center. A small café is located on top – especially inviting around sunset.
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The palace gardens – vast and free to enter, with long baroque axes, the Neptune Fountain and the Crown Prince Garden, which is especially striking in summer with its flower patterns. For variety, the Maze and Labyrinth offer some fun, while quieter paths off the main avenue provide space to escape the crowds.
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Palm House & Orangery – the Palm House, one of the largest glasshouses in Europe, features exotic plant worlds. The Orangery was historically used for festivities and still provides an impressive setting today.
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The Imperial Carriage Museum – here you’ll find lavish state coaches, everyday carriages, and even Empress Sisi’s travel and sports vehicles. A vivid glimpse into how the Habsburgs moved around.
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Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) – the world’s oldest zoo is located right in the palace grounds and today combines rare species with impressive baroque architecture.
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Family attractions – in the Children’s Museum, kids can dress up as princes and princesses, while playgrounds and the vast grounds make Schönbrunn very family-friendly.
For a seasonal impression of the gardens in autumn, check here.
Your ticket for Schönbrunn
If you want to explore the inside of the palace, you’ll need a ticket – and they sell out quickly. That’s why: always book online in advance.
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Official tickets – the Palace Ticket with audio guide takes you through the most important state rooms and apartments, including those of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi. With the Classic Pass, you also get access to the Gloriette, the Maze and selected gardens. Combo tickets with the zoo are also available.
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Practical alternatives – via partners like GetYourGuide you’ll often find guided palace tours, an evening concert in the Orangery or packages with the zoo and dinner. Many of these include fast-track entry, so you can skip the lines.
👉 Tip: Especially in high season Schönbrunn is in very high demand – without a reservation you may face long queues. Secure your ticket before your trip.
Practical tips for your visit
Whether palace or park – Schönbrunn impresses in every season. A few tips will help you make the most of your visit:
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Best times: The quietest moments are early in the morning when the gates open. Weekdays are noticeably calmer than weekends. Around midday and early afternoon, however, both the palace and the gardens get very crowded.
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Christmas market: During Advent, the forecourt in front of the palace turns into one of Vienna’s most atmospheric Christmas markets. Mulled wine, handicrafts and the palace glowing with festive lights – it doesn’t get more magical. Get a glimpse here.
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Photo spots: Must-haves are the palace facade from the front, the view from the Gloriette down onto the palace and the Neptune Fountain. At the fountain you’ll find an angle from which the palace can be photographed through the fountain itself – an extraordinary shot.
Why Schönbrunn is a must
Schönbrunn isn’t just another palace in Vienna – it’s a place where imperial history, nature and experiences come together in a unique way. Whether you explore the state rooms, take in the view from the Gloriette or stroll through the gardens: Schönbrunn is one of the absolute must-sees on any trip to Vienna. And if you’d like to discover even more, the Palm House, the Carriage Museum and the zoo are well worth it – they round off the experience perfectly.
📌 You might also like:
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👉 St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Vienna’s iconic cathedral with its colorful tiled roof and 136 m south tower.
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👉 Vienna Travel Guide 2025 – your complete overview for the perfect Vienna trip.
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👉 10 highlights without admission – discover impressive places without spending a cent.
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