Ringstrasse Vienna: Landmarks, Ring Tram & Walking Tips

Vienna's Ringstrasse (the Ring) was built in the 19th century on the orders of Emperor Franz Joseph, as a symbol of the modern, up-and-coming Vienna of the Gründerzeit, the city's great boom years. Between 1857 and the 1890s, a unique ensemble of grand buildings in the historicist style took shape here. Where the medieval city wall once ran, the boulevard, about 5.3 km long, now circles the Innere Stadt.

Like hardly any other street in the world, the Ringstrasse brings together political, cultural and architectural landmarks: from the Neo-Gothic City Hall (Rathaus) and the Austrian Parliament in Greek classical style to the imposing Vienna State Opera, the buildings bear witness to the self-confidence of a flourishing great power. The Burgtheater, the University of Vienna, the Hofburg, the former imperial palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) and the Natural History Museum Vienna also border directly on the Ringstrasse. The buildings were designed by the most important architects of the time and are sights in their own right today.

A walk along the Ringstrasse is an architectural journey through many styles and eras. An evening walk, when the facades are lit up, is especially rewarding. Alternatively, you can take the Vienna Ring Tram, which circles the main sights in about 25 minutes. If you'd like to learn more, you can book guided tours that bring the historical and political background to life. Insider tip: the Burggarten next to the Hofburg or the Volksgarten are great places for a short break halfway around.

Highlights

- Historicist architecture along 5.3 km
- Vienna State Opera, City Hall, museums & Parliament
- Rides on the Vienna Ring Tram

wheelchair accessible
kid-friendly
Dogs allowed on a leash
Photography allowed
central location

Address: Ringstraße, 1010 Vienna
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Highlights are Vienna City Hall, the Parliament, the State Opera, the Burgtheater and the famous museums. The adjoining parks are also worth a look.

The Ringstrasse itself is public and free to walk along. Admission to the individual institutions along the street varies.

The Ringstrasse is central and easy to reach by U-Bahn (e.g. U2, U3), tram (lines 1, 2, D) and bus. The Vienna Ring Tram also offers a dedicated sightseeing loop.

An evening walk is especially atmospheric. If you want to learn more, take the Vienna Ring Tram or a guided architecture walk.

A walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how many stops you make. Allow more time for museum visits or guided tours.

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