Schönbrunn Palace Vienna: Tickets, Opening Hours & Tips

Schönbrunn Palace was once the summer residence of the Habsburgs and is today one of Austria's most important cultural treasures. Of its 1,441 rooms, a selection of state rooms is open to visitors, including the private apartments of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph, which offer an impressive insight into court life in centuries past.

But the palace is only part of the experience: the sprawling palace park, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delights with symmetrical gardens, playful fountains and the majestic Gloriette, which towers high above the grounds. From there you can enjoy an unrivaled view of the palace and the city.

Another highlight for visitors of all ages is Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo still in operation in the world, which combines historical significance with modern animal care. Classical concerts in the Orangery, held regularly amid Baroque splendor, provide musical moments to savor.

Special experiences at Schönbrunn:

Imperial Apartments, Hall of Mirrors and splendid living quarters
Historic palace park with a panoramic view from the Gloriette
Schönbrunn Zoo, the world's oldest zoo
Classical concerts in the Baroque Orangery

Experience Schönbrunn Palace as a place of imperial history, living nature and cultural highlights, an unforgettable part of your trip to Vienna!

Accessible entrance
Guided tours available
Gift shop
Restrooms
Photography allowed
Wheelchair accessible
Parking
Wheelchair accessible

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
Get directions

The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the palace with its imperial apartments, the sprawling palace park, the Gloriette with its viewing terrace, Schönbrunn Zoo, the Palm House and Desert House, the Crown Prince Garden and the Orangery. The "must-do": a palace tour plus a walk up to the Gloriette (panorama over Vienna).

You need a ticket for the apartments (audio guide or guided tour). Depending on the route, expect to spend 45–90 minutes in the palace. The zoo, Palm House, Desert House and special gardens have their own tickets. If you want to fully enjoy the palace, the Gloriette and the gardens, plan at least half a day, and more like a full day with the zoo.

The palace, zoo and Gloriette are open year-round, with exact hours varying by season. For a quieter experience, go to the palace early in the morning at opening time, or to the park and the Gloriette later in the afternoon. It's busiest during the summer vacation and on Advent weekends (think of the Christmas market in front of the palace).

The easiest way is the U4 to "Schönbrunn" (Meidlinger Tor park entrance) or the U4 to "Hietzing" (near the zoo and the Gloriette). Tram lines 10 and 60 and several buses also stop within walking distance. The main access to the palace is via the Court of Honor (Ehrenhof); further park entrances are located around the grounds.

Photos are common in the palace park; inside the palace, rules vary by room (often no flash or tripod). Top shots: the Court of Honor with the palace facade, the Neptune Fountain, the sightline toward the Gloriette, the Gloriette terrace (city view) and, in season, the flower parterres. For nature and animal photos, head to Schönbrunn Zoo.

No additional photos available.