Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty and is Vienna's grandest Baroque palace, with some 1,400 rooms, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took its present form under Empress Maria Theresa and is closely tied to Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth ('Sisi'), who lived here. In 2026 it remains Vienna's most-visited attraction, combining the palace interiors with vast formal gardens and the world's oldest zoo (founded 1752), and it draws well over 10,000 visitors a day in peak summer. Plan a half- to full-day visit: tour the opulent Rococo state rooms, then walk the gardens up to the Gloriette on the hill.
The Great Gallery (Große Galerie): a 40m-plus ceremonial hall with sweeping ceiling frescoes, the highlight of the interior
The Millions Room (Millionenzimmer): Maria Theresa's lavish chamber inlaid with Indo-Persian miniatures on rosewood panels
The private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi, and Maria Theresa's Rococo bedchamber
The Gloriette on the hilltop and the Neptune Fountain, framing a classic view of the palace across the Great Parterre
Garden attractions including the Tiergarten Schönbrunn zoo, the Palm House (Palmenhaus) and the maze
Good to know
RulesIn peak season (June–August and weekends) timed-entry slots sell out two to three weeks ahead. Always book the palace interior online for a specific date and time; walk-up entry is not guaranteed.
CautionBuy tickets only via the official site schoenbrunn.at or the official seller imperialtickets.com. Many third-party resellers near the top of search results add steep markups.
RulesPhotography and video are not allowed inside the palace. Outdoor areas such as the gardens and Gloriette may be photographed.
MannersThe park is free, but the Gloriette viewing terrace, the maze, the zoo and the Palm House each require a separate ticket. Plan your route around what is free versus ticketed.
SafetyWatch for pickpockets on the U4 metro and in crowded spots around the palace forecourt. Keep bags zipped and in front of you.
CautionBeware of touts in period 'Mozart' costume selling classical concert tickets near the palace and in the city centre; prices are often inflated and seats poor.
SeasonSummer is very crowded, interiors can feel warm with limited air-conditioning, and the gardens involve a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a hat, and aim for early-morning slots; winter hours are shorter.
Practical info
Reach it via metro U4 to 'Schönbrunn' or 'Hietzing', trams 10 and 60, or bus 10A. The palace is open 365 days a year from around 09:30, with closing between roughly 16:00 and 18:30 depending on the season and last admission 45 minutes before closing (the gardens open around 06:30 and are free). Ticket options include the Grand Tour (about 40 rooms), the Imperial Tour and the Sisi Pass (Schönbrunn plus the Sisi Museum and the Vienna Furniture Museum), so always confirm current prices, hours and tour contents on the official website before you go.
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