The Hofburg is Vienna's former imperial winter residence, home to the Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years and once the nerve centre of the Holy Roman and later Austro-Hungarian empires. One of the world's largest palace complexes — 18 wings, 19 courtyards and some 2,600 rooms — it is still a working seat of state, housing the office of the Austrian Federal President alongside museums such as the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, the Imperial Treasury and the Spanish Riding School. As of 2026 it remains fully open, and its location in the heart of Vienna's old town makes it easy to combine with nearby sights on foot.
Sisi Museum: personal effects, portraits and death mask that trace the life and myth of Empress Elisabeth ('Sisi')
Imperial Apartments (Kaiserappartements): the actual living and audience rooms of Franz Joseph I and Sisi, with lavish court table settings
Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer): the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Imperial Crown of Rudolf II and the Holy Lance — 1,000 years of European treasures (separate ticket)
The Lipizzaner stallions and baroque winter riding hall of the Spanish Riding School (no performances in high summer)
The bronze dome of St Michael's Wing, Heldenplatz (Heroes' Square) and the ornate State Hall (Prunksaal) of the National Library
Good to know
RulesThe Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments use timed entry; if you arrive after your booked slot your online ticket can become void, so keep to your time. Peak-summer slots sell out, so book online in advance. Always reconfirm prices and hours on the official site before your visit.
SeasonIf you visit in July, the Spanish Riding School is on its summer break (no morning exercise 22 June–4 Aug 2026; performances resume 15 Aug), so you can only take a guided tour of the stables rather than see the Lipizzaners perform. Check the schedule if the show is your goal.
CautionBeware costumed 'Mozart' touts around Michaelerplatz, the Hofburg and Stephansplatz selling 'palace concert' tickets; these are often student ensembles in smaller halls with add-on fees for cloakroom and programme. Buy concert tickets from official sites (e.g. hofburgorchester.at, wiener-staatsoper.at).
SafetyMore than half of Austria's pickpocketing happens in Vienna, concentrated in the 1st-district tourist triangle (Stephansplatz–Hofburg–Heldenplatz) and on the U1 metro line. Wear bags in front and keep them zipped at crowded entrances and on the metro.
MannersKeep quiet inside, do not touch the exhibits, and note that flash photography is restricted in places. Large backpacks may have to be left in the cloakroom before you can enter.
RulesThe Imperial Treasury requires a separate ticket and is usually closed on Tuesdays; look into combination tickets (such as the Sisi Ticket) or the Vienna City Card for savings.
Practical info
U3 Herrengasse is the closest metro station to the Imperial Apartments entrance on Michaelerplatz; Stephansplatz (U1/U3) and the Ring trams (1, 2, 71, D) also serve the area. The Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments are open daily 9:00–17:30 (last admission 16:30), with a visit of about 60 minutes. Always check the official website for the latest prices, opening hours and closures.
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