Schloss Belvedere is definitely worth visiting, primarily to see the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including The Kiss, housed in the stunning Baroque Upper Belvedere. It is highly recommended for art lovers, while the surrounding, free-to-access gardens offer a beautiful, less time-consuming alternative to Schönbrunn.
Yes, a tour of Belvedere Palace is worthwhile if you're on a quest to discover the best museums in Vienna and interested in Habsburg history, the works of renowned artists like Gustav Klimt, and Baroque architecture.
Make sure you have around 5 hours handy for a trip to the Belvedere, as each of the three zones housing the permanent collections would take you an hour each to explore. The temporary exhibitions, gardens and palace stables can be covered in the remaining time.
Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna's most popular tourist spot. And for good reason: it's gorgeous. A tour through the interior is a tour through some pretty impressive European history.
Is it better to visit the upper or Lower Belvedere?
The upper Belvedere is quite impressive, with a reasonable amount of art to enjoy in its galleries. The lower Belvedere is less impressive. However the gardens between them, and those on the other side of the upper palace, are most impressive, so a walk around them is very enjoyable, even in the rain!
If we go from a purely income, location and historic perspective, the most central, expensive and historical district is the 1st district, right in the heart of the old town. Vienna's city centre is imaginatively called the 'Innere Stadt' and is where the fanciest apartments and old buildings are.
Which Palace Should You Choose? Choose Schönbrunn Palace for gardens, grandeur, and family experiences. Choose Hofburg Palace for imperial history, royal artifacts, and the story of Empress Sisi. Choose both for the full picture of Vienna's royal life.
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is one of the most famous sights in Austria and therefore also the number one tourist hotspot. Not only the beauty of the entire area, but also the historical stories surrounding Empress Sisi attract millions of visitors every year.
3 days in Vienna: This is ideal for discovering Vienna's essential attractions in more detail. You'll have more time for its museums and to soak in the city's atmosphere, perhaps sampling some famous coffee houses in Vienna's city center, or taking a guided tour.
The peak hours for visits to the Louvre end around 2:30 or 3pm, particularly on weekdays, when the museum is busiest. If you come on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, the museum closes at 6pm. On Wednesday and Friday, it shutters at 9pm.
A picturesque city in the heart of Austria, Salzburg is a must-visit destination for every traveler. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture and breathtaking natural beauty, Salzburg is a city that has something to offer for everyone.
The access to most areas of the palace gardens is free of charge. Exceptions are only the Alpine Garden with approx. 4 Euro entrance fee and the Privy Garden (Kammergarten) which may only be visited together with the Lower Belvedere.
2. Döbling (19th District) Nestled in Vienna's verdant northwest, Döbling offers a stark contrast to the buzz of the Innere Stadt. This is where the city's aristocracy historically retreated—and where today's business magnates, diplomats, and wealthy families follow suit.
In Vienna, you must try classics like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), and rich desserts like Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, or Kaiserschmarrn, washed down with a Wiener Melange coffee in a historic café; don't miss street sausages (Würstel) like the Käsekrainer, potato salad (Erdäpfelsalat), and the famous Manner Wafers for a true taste of Viennese cuisine.
Vienna's Ringstrasse. The world's most beautiful boulevard is home to many of Vienna's most famous sights and museums, as well as grand palaces and spacious parks.
Other good central districts for a hotel or apartment are Neubau (7th district, postal code 1070) or Josefstadt (8th district, postal code 1080): lively, well-connected, and have lots of places to eat and drink. You can't go wrong really with any district 2 to 9, though, since they encircle the old town.
