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7 Stunning Palaces in Vienna You Shouldn’t Miss

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

Vienna is famous for its stunning palaces, and while Schönbrunn often gets all the attention, there are plenty more worth exploring. As a local, I’ve put together a list of the most beautiful palaces in Vienna that you can visit from the inside.

Some still showcase their historic rooms with original furniture, while others have been turned into impressive art museums. Walking through a gallery where the building itself is a masterpiece? That’s my kind of sightseeing.

Just a heads-up, some palaces aren’t open daily. But now, let’s find the perfect palace for your visit! Don’t forget to check the map at the end to find nearby palaces, making it easy to plan your day and see more than one.

1. Schönbrunn Palace

The grand facade of Schönbrunn Palace, a Baroque architectural masterpiece in Vienna, Austria, with its vibrant yellow walls and rows of green-shuttered windows. The entrance is flanked by two symmetrical staircases leading to a cobblestone courtyard under an overcast sky.
A stunning Schönbrunn Palace state room with an intricately painted fresco covering the ceiling, depicting historical and mythical scenes. The walls are adorned with golden accents and tall mirrors, while crystal chandeliers add a regal glow to the expansive, parquet-floored hall.
The main state room

Schönbrunn Palace is a must-visit in Vienna, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty and the legacy of Empress Maria Theresia, who received the palace as a wedding gift and is the reason it looks as it does today.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the summer residence of the imperial family and it’s one of the most visited landmarks in Austria.

It features State Apartments, Private Apartments and beautifully landscaped Palace Gardens with attractions like the Gloriette. Many of the rooms still feature their original furniture, making it one of the most authentic royal residences in the city.

If you’re planning a visit, make sure to check out my full guide to Schönbrunn Palace for everything you need to know to make the most of your experience.

🏰 Make the most out of your visit with a guided tour!

2. Belvedere Palace

A picturesque view of the Belvedere Gardens in Vienna, Austria, with vibrant flowerbeds of red, white, and yellow blossoms leading to the grand Upper Belvedere Palace in the background. The symmetrical landscaping features neatly trimmed hedges and pathways under a partly cloudy blue sky, with visitors strolling through the grounds.
The garden between Upper and Lower Belvedere
The ornate interior of a state room in the Belvedere Palace, Vienna, featuring a stunning frescoed ceiling with mythological scenes, a glittering crystal chandelier, and gilded wooden paneling. The room is filled with visitors admiring the lavish decor and arched windows that allow natural light to enhance the grandeur of the space.
The Austrian State Treaty was signed in this room in 1955

Belvedere Palace is a beautiful baroque palace that now functions as a popular art museum and it’s one of the best attractions in Vienna.

The palace has two parts: the Upper Belvedere, a public museum since 1781 (one of the first public museums in the world!) and home to Gustav Klimt’s iconic The Kiss, and the Lower Belvedere, which hosts temporary exhibitions.

Between the two palaces lies a beautifully landscaped garden, perfect for a stroll in the summer. If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss the charming Christmas market in front of the Upper Belvedere.

🖼️ Take a guided tour to discover fascinating art facts!

3. Hofburg

A wide-angle view of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria, showcasing its grand curved facade with intricate white and green domes glistening under a bright blue sky. The expansive courtyard is bustling with visitors, horse-drawn carriages, and activity, while sunlight casts dramatic highlights across the historic Baroque architecture.
The Hofburg Palace in Vienna City Center

Hofburg Palace is the former main residence of the Habsburg dynasty right in the heart of Vienna. It’s a big complex which now houses several attractions:

  • Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments: Explore the rooms where Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth lived and learn about Sisi’s fascinating life.
  • Imperial Treasury: According to their website its the “most important treasure chamber in the world”.
  • Imperial Silver Collection: Discover an impressive array of tableware and ceremonial pieces from the imperial household. CLOSED UNTIL 2026
  • Spanish Riding School: The horsemanship of the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School is UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. As a vegan, I don’t support animal performances, and many reviews say the show is dull.
  • Hofburg Chapel: On Sundays, the Vienna Boys’ Choir and Vienna State Opera members, known together as the Hofmusikkapelle (Court Music Orchestra), perform High Mass in the chapel. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
  • Austrian National Library: Admire the stunning Baroque State Hall filled with thousands of historic books. It’s one of the most stunning libraries in Austria.

✨ Want an exclusive glimpse into Sisi’s world? Book now for an unforgettable guided tour through Hofburg Palace.

4. Lichtenstein Palaces

Ornate historical carriage with gold detailing and painted panels displayed inside a grand museum hall with white stucco ceilings and decorative frescoes, with “© AustrianVeganerlust” visible in the corner.
Grand staircase inside a historic building with a person walking up the steps toward a wooden door, beneath a large ceiling fresco filled with colorful figures and architectural details, with “© AustrianVeganerlust” visible in the corner.
Lavishly decorated hall with red marble columns, gold ornamentation, and large framed paintings, topped by an elaborate ceiling fresco depicting figures and sky scenes, with “© AustrianVeganerlust” visible in the corner.

Liechtenstein Garden Palace and City Palace are two stunning residences owned by the family of Liechtenstein, both showcase art collections and stunning interiors.

Visits are only possible through guided tours. Public tours are on Fridays in German only, but you can get a free English audio guide via the Hearonymus app.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, make sure to book well in advance, as tours fill up quickly. Be careful to select the right tour, as the Garden Palace and City Palace are separate locations.

5. Hermesvilla

This image shows an ornate historical building with intricate architectural details, likely a palace or villa, set against a clear blue sky. The foreground features a manicured garden with blooming roses and a pathway leading to a central statue, enhancing the grandeur of the scene.
Photo: Lisa Rastl, Wien Museum

Hermesvilla, often called the “Palace of Dreams,” is a charming villa located in Vienna’s Lainzer Tiergarten, a large nature reserve in the outskirts of Vienna.

The palace was built by Emperor Franz Josef as a gift for Empress Sisi, this romantic retreat was intended to encourage her to spend more time in Vienna.

The villa features beautifully furnished rooms, exhibits on Sisi’s life, and peaceful surroundings perfect for a relaxing visit. It’s a great place to visit in summer, there are plenty of scenic trails for a stroll before or after exploring Hermesvilla.

Hermesvilla is a hidden gem in Vienna in summer but it’s closed during the winter months (Nov to mid March).

6. Albertina Museum (Former Palais Taroucca )

This is an ornate room inside what appears to be a historical European palace or museum. It features golden-yellow walls with intricate detailing, a large chandelier, and antique furniture, including a polished table and upholstered chairs. A portrait of a man in historical attire hangs on the wall, adding to the regal atmosphere. If you’d like further details or specific SEO keywords for alt text, let me know!
One of the state rooms at Albertina
The equestrian statue of Archduke Albrecht in front of the Albertina Museum in Vienna, Austria. The bronze statue, mounted on a grand stone pedestal, depicts the archduke in military attire on horseback, overlooking the entrance to the neoclassical museum building. The scene is bathed in warm sunlight against a clear blue sky, with visitors walking near the entrance.
The outside of Albertina

The Albertina is one of Vienna’s top museums, combining impressive art collections with stunning architecture.

While part of the building is dedicated to world-class art collections, featuring works by Monet, Picasso, and more, other sections let you step back in time as you walk through the beautifully restored staterooms of this former Habsburg residence.

It’s a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy both stunning artwork and the grandeur of a palace in one visit.

7. Hotel Imperial (Former Palais Württemberg )

The grand exterior of Hotel Imperial in Vienna, Austria, featuring an ornate white facade with intricate architectural details. The entrance has a gold-trimmed canopy with the hotel's name, 'Hotel Imperial,' displayed in gold lettering, and several international flags, including those of the European Union, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. A doorman in a uniform stands near the entrance, adding to the luxurious ambiance of the historic five-star hotel.
There’s even a fancy doorman at the hotel

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a palace, Hotel Imperial is the perfect choice. Once the private residence of Prince Philipp of Württemberg, it was transformed into a luxury hotel for the 1873 World Exhibition.

Located in the heart of Vienna, this former palace offers a royal experience and has hosted notable guests like Queen Elizabeth II, Frank Sinatra, Mariah Carey and countless others.

It’s the ultimate place to stay in Vienna if you want to experience imperial elegance in the city center.

🥂 Check prices of this luxurious hotel!

Palaces in Vienna Map

Final Thoughts: Vienna’s Palaces

Visiting Vienna’s palaces is a great way to learn about the city’s history.

From the authentic rooms of Schönbrunn to the art-filled halls of the Belvedere and the peaceful trails around Hermesvilla, there’s so much to see and do. Each palace has its own unique charm, making them well worth a visit.

If you’re looking for even more cultural highlights, check out my posts about the best museums in Vienna for more ideas!

Read more about Vienna:

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This collage features stunning images of Vienna palaces, showcasing their grandeur and intricate architecture. The top left shows an exterior garden view of a palace, while the right highlights an opulent interior with frescoed ceilings and gilded chandeliers. The bottom images depict elaborate baroque-style chandeliers and sculptures, with "Vienna Palaces" written prominently across the collage.
List of Palaces in Vienna to Visit

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Austrian Veganderlust. After travelling the world and documenting her adventures on Veganderlust, she created this blog to share the beauty of her home country, Austria. Tina now focuses on helping travellers discover the best spots in Austria, including where to find the most delicious vegan food.