If you've always wanted to feel like a fairytale princess or a noble emperor, Vienna is the place for you. With its numerous palaces and castles, the city always invites us to take a trip back in time. So that you don't find it too difficult to choose, in this article we provide a selection of the most worthwhile Viennese palaces. And a little tip right from the start: to not only enjoy the impressive view from the outside, but also explore the secret corridors, you can save a lot on admission to many of the palaces with the Vienna Welcome Card.

Schönbrunn Palace: a timeless classic

If you ask the Viennese about castles in their city, one thing will always come first: Schönbrunn Palace. So when visiting Vienna, the most famous sight should definitely not be missed. The impressive building was first commissioned as a hunting lodge at the end of the 17th century and was later used as the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Even today, you can marvel at the originally furnished state rooms and living quarters and gain an insight into the life of the Austrian “royals”. In addition to the palace itself, the carefully landscaped park invites you to take long walks and those who conquer the hill to the Gloriette can also enjoy a wonderful view of the city. As a reward, you'll find a small café to relax in - as the Viennese like to say. And if all that wasn't enough, Schönbrunn is also home to the oldest zoo in the world. Vienna's palace has something for everyone and with the Vienna Welcome Card you can take advantage of many discounts here too. 

Tip: Get you ticket directly online from our app and avoid standing in line - Your fast- entry-too

Sisi Museum: On the trail of the myth

Before there was Arnold Schwarzenegger and Christoph Waltz, Vienna already had a star from imperial times: Empress Elisabeth - or Sisi for short. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the famous empress, you can do so at the Sisi Museum. Here you can not only see many of her personal belongings, but also wander through her chambers and read the poems she wrote. Small spoiler: The exhibition begins with the tragic death of the empress, with even the murder weapon of her murder on display for the curious. With the help of Sisi's clothes, her beauty recipes and many other sometimes curious artifacts, the museum succeeds in capturing the empress's personality and portraying the myth surrounding her. 

Tip: With the Vienna Welcome Card - app you get your ticket directly online and avoid standing in line - Your fast- entry-tool.

Belvedere Palace: Art in the heart of the city

At Belvedere Palace, the promise is already in the name. It can be translated as “beautiful view” and the palace offers this not only with its park, buildings and the facilities themselves, but also through the numerous exhibitions in its museums. There is twice as much to see here, as the complex is made up of two palaces that are connected by a beautiful garden. The upper Belvedere served as an exhibition venue for the imperial collections back in the time of Maria Theresa and this tradition continues to this day. Art lovers can immerse themselves in 800 years of art history in the museums of the two palaces and marvel at famous paintings such as Gustav Klimt's Kiss. The Belvedere should definitely not be missing from your list of Viennese palaces. 

Palais Schönborn-Batthyány: Eine musikalische Zeitreise

If you need a break from museums and sightseeing tours, you can find one at Palais Schönborn-Batthyány. The Vienna Baroque Orchestra regularly performs here in the impressive concert hall. So you can listen to good music and enjoy a historic room in all its glory at the same time. But beware of confusion: the Viennese palace is one of two that were owned by Friedrich Karl von Schönborn in the 18th century and therefore both bear his name. However, the so-called “Schönborn Garden Palace” is located in the 8th district and is also worth a visit, but does not host concerts.

New Hofburg: Between heroes of history

When it comes to Viennese palaces, the new Hofburg is our top tip for anyone interested in architecture, music, history and culture. While the Court Hunting and Armory Chamber and 
the collection of old musical instruments catapult the past into the present, the World Museum offers insights into different cultures. Even though this is the newest part of the Hofburg, it was built more than a hundred years ago. In the reading rooms of the National Library, you might also bump into a few students from the nearby university, who enjoy studying in the time-honored rooms. And in addition to the statues of Prince Eugene and Archduke Karl that give the square its name, with a bit of luck you might also bump into the Austrian Federal President at Heldenplatz as he goes about his work in the Hofburg. 

Tip: With the Vienna Welcome Card - app you get your ticket directly online and avoid standing in line - Your fast- entry-tool.

Palais Coburg: indulgence at the level of the aristocracy

For all those who want to feel like a member of a noble family, we suggest the Palais Coburg. This palace, which has been nicknamed “Spargelburg” in the Viennese vernacular due to the free-standing columns at the front of the building, has been open to hotel guests since 2003. However, you have to share the palace's beautiful garden with two regular animal guests, as a pair of wild ducks like to sunbathe there. In addition to this green oasis and the royal suites, you can also enjoy award-winning cuisine here. Hot tip: If you only have a few hours and still want to catch a glimpse, you can do so at the champagne brunch in the state rooms. 

Are you in Vienna and want to dine traditionally? Then you should stop by one of the city's wine taverns. And if you're looking for more excursion destinations around Vienna, this article will give you plenty of tips.

Speaking of tips: if you want to save money on your visit to Vienna, it's best to get the Vienna Welcome Card with great discounts and benefits for excursion destinations and means of transport.