Vienna tours and tickets
Vienna has a few sights that sell out and many that do not. Schönbrunn uses timed tickets that go weeks ahead in summer. The State Opera, the Spanish Riding School and good concerts sell out earlier still. The cathedral, the Naschmarkt and the coffee houses need nothing. Book the palace and one evening performance, and leave the rest open.
Book these first
- Schönbrunn Palace tickets
- a few days to weeks ahead. Timed entry sells out in peak season.
- State Opera or concert tickets
- weeks ahead. Popular performances sell out. Standing tickets cost less.
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Churches and palaces
Schönbrunn Palace
The former summer residence of the Habsburgs, with grand rooms, a large garden and a zoo. Tickets are timed, with options for a short or long route and an audio guide. The gardens are free to walk.
Which to pick. Book a morning slot, and choose the longer route if you want more rooms. A garden stroll afterwards is free.
A few days to weeks aheadVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorHofburg and the Sisi Museum
The imperial palace in the center, with the imperial apartments, the Sisi Museum and the silver collection. Tickets are sold at the door and online, and an audio guide is included.
Which to pick. Buy online for a morning slot. Allow two hours, and see the Sisi rooms first.
A few days aheadVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSt Stephen's Cathedral
A Gothic cathedral in the center with a patterned roof and two towers. Entry to the nave is free, and the tower climbs, the catacombs and guided tours have separate tickets.
Which to pick. Go inside for free, then climb the south tower for the view. Avoid service times.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Museums and galleries
Kunsthistorisches Museum
A grand museum of old masters, including Bruegel, Vermeer and Rembrandt, with Egyptian and antiquities rooms. Tickets are sold on the day and online, and the cupola cafe is a highlight.
Which to pick. Book a morning slot online and see the Bruegel room first. Take lunch in the cafe under the dome.
A few days aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBelvedere
A Baroque palace with Klimt's The Kiss and a large collection of Austrian art, in a garden. Tickets are sold at the door and online. The upper palace is the main draw.
Which to pick. Book a first-slot ticket and head straight to The Kiss. Walk in the garden afterwards.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Experiences and nights out
Spanish Riding School
The home of the Lipizzaner horses, with performances, morning exercise and guided tours. Performance tickets sell out well ahead, and morning exercise tickets are easier to get.
Which to pick. Book a performance as soon as dates are fixed. If it is sold out, take the morning exercise or a guided tour.
Weeks ahead for performancesOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorState Opera
One of the world's great opera houses, with performances most evenings. Standing room tickets are sold on the day, and seats go on sale weeks ahead. Guided tours of the building run daily.
Which to pick. Book seats weeks ahead for a major title. For a budget night, queue for standing room.
Weeks ahead for seatsOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorRiesenrad at the Prater
A giant Ferris wheel from 1897 in the Prater amusement park, with slow turns and views over the city. Tickets are sold at the gate. The park around it is free to enter.
Which to pick. Ride at sunset and combine it with a walk in the park. No booking is needed.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Wachau Valley
A valley of vineyards, castles and abbeys on the Danube, about an hour by train. A boat from Krems to Melk is a classic day. Wine tastings are common.
Which to pick. Take a boat one way and the train back, or book a small-group tour. Go in the warm months.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBratislava
The capital of Slovakia, about an hour by train or boat, with an old town and a castle. Day returns are cheap, and a boat runs on the Danube.
Which to pick. Take the train and walk the old town. Book the boat a few days ahead in summer.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Vienna
- Vienna City CardA card for a set number of hours with free public transport and discounts at many museums and sights. It pays off with several paid visits and trams. It does not replace timed entry at Schönbrunn. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Vienna
Can I buy Schönbrunn tickets on the day?
Sometimes, but the queue can be long, and summer slots sell out. Book online for a morning slot. The garden is free to enter.
How do I get a cheap opera ticket?
Queue for standing room on the day, or buy a ticket in the upper tiers. Some seats are sold close to the performance. Check the official site.
Is the Vienna City Card worth it?
It is if you use public transport a lot and plan several museums. For a few free sights and one palace, single tickets are cheaper.
Do the Lipizzaner perform every day?
No. Performances are on set days, and the horses rest in summer for part of the year. Morning exercise and tours run more often.
Is it worth going to the Wachau?
Yes for wine, castles and views. A boat and a bike make it easy. Go in autumn for the harvest.
What can wait until I arrive?
The cathedral, the Naschmarkt, the coffee houses and the Riesenrad can all be done on the day. Book Schönbrunn, the opera and the riding school first.