Vienna is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe: Baroque palaces, colorfully tiled roofs, gilded halls and surprising contrasts between old and new. Whether you shoot with a pro camera or a smartphone, these 15 places will give you pictures that are guaranteed to collect likes. For every spot, we tell you the best time of day, the ideal position and what makes the photo special.
1. National Library: The State Hall
The Baroque State Hall (Prunksaal) of the Austrian National Library is considered one of the most beautiful library rooms in the world. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in dark wood, frescoes by Daniel Gran in the dome, globes and marble columns: the light falling through the tall windows creates an almost unreal atmosphere.
Photo tip: Stand in the middle of the hall and shoot toward the dome. A wide-angle lens is worth its weight in gold here. The light is softest in the morning. Best time: Right after opening (10:00) for empty aisles Admission: Ticket required Address: Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
2. St. Stephen's Roof: Tile Patterns from Above
The colorfully glazed tile roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its double-headed eagle and the city coat of arms, is iconic, but it's almost impossible to photograph from below. The trick: go up the North Tower (by elevator) and photograph the roof from the viewing platform. From this angle, the geometric patterns of the more than 230,000 tiles look almost like a work of art.
Photo tip: Zoom in on the tile patterns rather than the whole roof. The details are what make the photo special. Best time: Late afternoon for warm light on the tiles Admission: Fee for the tower ascent
3. Gloriette: The Postcard View
The terrace in front of the Gloriette in the Schönbrunn palace park offers THE quintessential view of Vienna: the Baroque garden with its symmetrical flower beds in the foreground, the palace in the middle and the Vienna skyline with St. Stephen's Cathedral behind it. This shot works in every season.
Photo tip: Standing dead center in front of the Gloriette gives you the most symmetrical composition. The shot is especially strong in portrait format, with the Gloriette's arch as a frame. Best time: Golden hour in the evening, when the palace glows in the warm light Admission: Terrace free, interior paid
4. St. Charles Church Reflection
St. Charles Church (Karlskirche) on Karlsplatz is impressive enough on its own, but the real photo happens at the water: the shallow pond in front of the church reflects the entire facade with its two columns and the dome. On windless days the reflection is perfect, and it's one of the most photographed sights in Vienna.
Photo tip: Get down low (on your knees or on the ground) and shoot as close to the water as possible. The lower the angle, the more dramatic the reflection. Best time: In the morning before 09:00 (hardly anyone around, calm water) or at night when it's lit up Admission: Free (exterior view)
5. Hundertwasserhaus: An Explosion of Color
The Hundertwasserhaus is Vienna's most colorful photo spot: undulating floors, colorful facades, trees growing out of windows and irregular shapes everywhere. No right angles, no straight lines: the building looks like a painting you can walk into.
Photo tip: The best angle is from the opposite side of the street (Kegelgasse). Focus on details: a single colorful window with a plant says more than the whole building. Best time: In the morning, when the sun lights the facade directly Admission: Free (exterior view) Address: Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Vienna
6. MuseumsQuartier: The Enzis
The colorful Enzis (designer lounge furniture) in the courtyard of the MuseumsQuartier are a Vienna classic. The bold color of the loungers in front of the historic facades of the former imperial stables creates a contrast that instantly screams "Vienna."
Photo tip: Sit on an Enzi and shoot toward the Baroque facade, or have someone take your picture from above. Especially atmospheric in the evening light. Best time: Late afternoon for warm light, evening for atmosphere Admission: Courtyard free
7. Upper Belvedere: Pure Symmetry
The gardens of the Belvedere are a dream for symmetry fans. Stand at the lower end of the garden and shoot along the central axis up to the Upper Belvedere: hedges, fountains, stairs and palace, all perfectly lined up.
Photo tip: Stand exactly in the center and shoot in landscape format. Especially magical in winter with snow on the hedges. Best time: In the morning for few visitors and soft light Admission: Garden free
8. Graben: Art Nouveau and the Plague Column
The Graben, in the pedestrian zone of the city center, offers several motifs at once: the Baroque Plague Column in the middle, the magnificent Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) facades on either side and, if you look up, delicate ornaments on the building fronts that most people miss.
Photo tip: Photograph the Plague Column with a vanishing-point perspective along the Graben. Or zoom in on the facade details on the upper floors for abstract architecture shots. Best time: Early morning (07:00–08:00) for shots without people Address: Graben, 1010 Vienna
9. Vienna State Opera: Evening Atmosphere
The Vienna State Opera is impressive by day, but in the evening it shows off its full splendor. The illuminated facade during the blue hour, when the sky is deep blue and the city lights are just coming on, makes for one of the most elegant photos of Vienna.
Photo tip: Shoot from the opposite side of the street (Kärntner Straße, corner of Operngasse). A passing tram in the foreground adds movement. Best time: Blue hour (about 20–30 minutes after sunset) Admission: Free (exterior view)
10. Café Central: Viennese Coffee House Culture
With its high vaulted ceilings, marble tables and chandeliers, Café Central in Palais Ferstel is one of the most photogenic coffee houses in the world. A photo of a Melange (Vienna's milky coffee, similar to a cappuccino) and Sachertorte (Vienna's famous chocolate cake) in this setting is the ultimate Vienna souvenir.
Photo tip: Sit at a table by the window and photograph your cup with the interior as the background. Natural window light flatters the picture. Best time: Weekday mornings (packed on weekends) Address: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Vienna
11. Danube Canal Street Art
The legal graffiti walls along the Danube Canal between Schwedenplatz and Friedensbrücke change constantly. This is where you get colorful, urban photos that show a different Vienna, far from the Baroque and the imperial era.
Photo tip: Portraits in front of the graffiti walls work brilliantly. The colors of the street art make the perfect backdrop. Best time: Afternoon, when the sun lights the walls directly Admission: Free
12. Schönbrunn Palace: The Mirrored Gallery
If you tour the palace interior, keep your camera ready in the Great Gallery: a 40-meter-long hall with crystal chandeliers, ceiling paintings and gilded stucco. The room is so symmetrical that it seems almost unreal.
Photo tip: Wait for a moment when the crowd thins out and shoot along the length of the room. Portrait format captures the height of the ceiling. Best time: The first tour of the day Admission: Paid (palace tour)
13. Volksgarten: Rose Photos in May/June
The Volksgarten next to the Hofburg, the former imperial palace, turns into a rose garden in early summer: thousands of rose bushes blooming in every color, with the Temple of Theseus and the Hofburg facade behind them. A rose photo with the Hofburg in the background is quintessential Vienna.
Photo tip: Get close to a single rose and use the background (Hofburg or temple) as a bokeh element. Your smartphone's portrait mode works surprisingly well here. Best time: May–June for the roses in bloom, mornings for soft light Admission: Free
14. DC Tower: Modern Vienna
At 250 meters, the DC Tower in Donau City is Austria's tallest building and the most photogenic representative of modern Vienna. Its curved glass facade reflects the sky and clouds and creates a dramatic contrast to the historic city.
Photo tip: Photograph the tower from the banks of the Danube or from the Reichsbrücke, with the river in the foreground. At night the illuminated facade is reflected in the water. Best time: Blue hour or when there are dramatic cloud formations Getting there: U1 to Kaisermühlen-VIC
15. Palace of Justice: The Secret Staircase
The Palace of Justice (Justizpalast) on Schmerlingplatz is imposing from the outside, but the real photo motif is hidden inside: a monumental staircase with marble columns and a glass dome that few tourists know about. Access is public (security check at the entrance), and photography is allowed.
Photo tip: Stand at the bottom of the stairs and shoot up into the dome. The lines of the staircase automatically draw the eye upward: an architectural masterpiece. Best time: During the day on weekdays (closed on weekends) Address: Schmerlingplatz 10-11, 1010 Vienna
General Photo Tips for Vienna
Make the most of golden hour: Vienna glows especially in the hour before sunset. The warm colors make the pale facades shine.
Early risers are rewarded: Most hotspots are deserted at 07:00–08:00. On the Graben, on Stephansplatz and at the Belvedere, you'll have free rein to shoot without the crowds.
Details instead of the big picture: Vienna is all about the details: an ornate door handle, an Art Nouveau window, the patterns on a tiled facade. Close-ups often tell more than the big panorama.
Rain as an opportunity: Vienna in the rain isn't worse, just beautiful in a different way. Wet cobblestones reflect the lights and the mood turns cinematic. The best rain photos are taken on the Graben and on Stephansplatz.
You'll find even more photogenic places among all attractions in Vienna, or browse our categories Architecture & Contemporary History and Palaces & Residences.
