Ultimate Guide to Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens in Vienna

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Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see in Vienna and a big part of its history. Once the summer home of the Habsburgs (including the famous Empress Sisi), it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Austria’s most visited tourist attractions.

As a kid, I saw Schönbrunn as just the place with the zoo where we’d go as a family, I didn’t even notice the palace nearby. Now, living in Vienna, I visit Schönbrunn for its beautiful gardens or to tour the palace with visiting friends.

Planning a visit here can feel overwhelming, there’s just so much to see! That’s why I’ve created this guide to help you make the most of your time. From top photo spots to time-saving tips, here’s how to experience Schönbrunn Palace like a local.

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.

Table of Contents

Short History of Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace has been a symbol of Vienna’s grandeur since the 17th century. Originally a modest hunting lodge for the Habsburgs, it was transformed into an impressive baroque residence under Emperor Leopold I.

The palace took its current form during Maria Theresa’s reign when it became the center of court life and government.

Over the years, Schönbrunn has hosted significant historical events, including visits from Napoleon and U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Today, it stands as a stunning reminder of Austria’s imperial past and a window into the lives of one of Europe’s most powerful dynasties.

How to Get to Schönbrunn Palace

The easiest way to get to Schönbrunn Palace is by taking the U4 underground to Schönbrunn station. From there, it’s just a five-minute walk to the palace grounds, and the path is well signposted.

On your way, you’ll pass a small building with public toilets, a little shop, and free lockers. These lockers are great if you’re visiting on your last day in Vienna and have your luggage with you, you can just leave it there before heading into the grounds.

If you’re driving, there are parking garages nearby, with big signs showing the number of available spots as you pass Schönbrunn. Street parking is free on weekends, but it’s a hassle to find a spot, and there’s none right next to the palace.

What to See at Schönbrunn

Before we dive in, note that the palace interior requires a ticket, but most of the gardens are free to explore. Some smaller garden attractions have separate fees. So, think about what spots you want to see, a combined ticket could save you money.

Inside the Palace

Inside Schönbrunn Palace, you can explore the State Apartments and the private apartments of Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Sisi. Tickets are available for each section separately, or you can opt for the Grand Tour Ticket to see it all.

State Apartments

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

An ornate study room in Schönbrunn Palace featuring black and gold lacquered panels, a crystal chandelier, and richly detailed Rococo furnishings. A grand portrait of Emperor Franz Stephan is displayed above a finely crafted writing desk, surrounded by elegant chairs. — The main state room

The State Apartments are the most impressive rooms in Schönbrunn Palace, used for ceremonial events and grand balls. They showcase a grand baroque design and lavish decorations. You can get a glimpse into the opulence of Habsburg court life.

Apartments of Franz Josef and Sisi (Imperial Tour)

A room featuring two large, gilded-framed portraits of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) displayed on warm, golden walls. The space is decorated with an ornate ceiling, a round wooden table, and plush armchairs upholstered with patterned fabric.

An opulent interior room featuring yellow and green floral-patterned furniture, including a chaise lounge and armchairs, with ornate gold-trimmed walls. A large crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, illuminating the intricate Rococo-style design and framed portraits on the walls.

The apartments of Franz Josef and Empress Sisi include both their private rooms and shared spaces, offering a unique look at their contrasting personalities and lifestyles. The audio guide shares interesting stories about their lives and routines.

Palace Gardens

The Schönbrunn Palace Gardens are a massive and beautifully designed space, perfect for a stroll when you visit Vienna in summer, but even in winter it’s worth it. There are several unique areas that each offer something special.

Gloriette

The Gloriette is the most stunning structure in the gardens, and you can enjoy it completely free of charge. Sitting atop a hill, it offers fantastic views of Vienna from its terrace. There’s also a small café inside.

If you’re visiting in winter, be cautious, the path to the top can get quite slippery.

Privy Garden

The Privy Garden is a beautiful landscaped space next to the palace, featuring ornamental designs and lush greenery that feel like a private retreat.

There’s a small entrance fee to enter the garden. It’s open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November.

Orangery Garden

In summer the Orangery Garden is filled with exotic plants, once grown here for the Habsburgs. You need an entrance ticket to visit.

It’s open from early April to the beginning of November but closes in winter when the plants are moved indoors to protect them from the cold.

Maze

The Maze is a fun, family-friendly attraction where you can wander through hedged pathways and discover surprises like Feng Shui elements, mirrors, and more. There’s also a viewing platform in the center for a unique perspective.

You’ll need to pay an entrance fee to visit, and it’s open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November.

Palm House

The Palm House is a stunning glass-and-iron structure and the perfect photo spot in Vienna. You’ll need to pay an entrance fee to visit, but it’s well worth it.

When I visited in winter, there was a special poinsettia display that looked amazing with the colorful plants set among the palm trees.

What I love about the Palm House are the many seating areas. It’s perfect in winter, stroll through the greenery and relax in the warmth, surrounded by plants.

Desert House

The Desert House requires an entrance fee. I visited it with a combination ticket for the Palm House and Desert House.

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed, I expected to see amazing desert plants, but the focus was more on desert animals, which wasn’t for me, as a vegan I don’t enjoy seeing caged animals.

On the upside, if you’re in the area and need a restroom, the toilet at the Desert House is before the ticket booth, so you can use it even if you don’t go inside.

Zoo

Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest operating zoo in the world, having opened its doors in 1752 as part of the Habsburgs’ imperial grounds.

While it’s a popular attraction for families, I don’t visit zoos myself as a vegan, but it’s worth noting its historical significance.

Museums at Schönbrunn

Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn Palace is perfect for families. The section where kids can try on royal costumes looks so fun!

I haven’t been myself since I don’t have kids, but it’s definitely on my list to check out next time friends with kids come to visit.

Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna

A grand, black funeral carriage adorned with intricate carvings, imperial eagles, and draped velvet. The ornate vehicle is displayed in a museum under soft lighting, highlighting its craftsmanship and ceremonial design. — The carriage that brought her coffin to the Imperial Crypt

The Imperial Carriage Museum showcases an impressive collection of historical carriages from the Habsburg era as well as their only court motor car still in existence from 1914 and Empress Elisabeth’s riding accessories and gowns.

Restaurants and Cafés in Schönbrunn

There are several cafés and restaurants scattered throughout the Schönbrunn Palace grounds, so which one to visit really depends on where you are at the moment. Here’s a map of the grounds with the restaurants to help you decide.

Schloss-Restaurant Schönbrunn Joseph II
Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker
Gloriette Café
Café Pavillon
Schönbrunner Stöckl Restaurant & Dinnertheater
Gasthaus Tirolergarten
Café Restaurant Kaiserpavillon
Café Restaurant ORANG.erie
Schönbrunner Schloßcafé

Schönbrunn Palace Tickets

Before anything else, it’s important to book your Schönbrunn Palace tickets in advance, they frequently sell out. If you’re looking for a hassle-free experience, here are two great options:

Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens Tour: Includes skip-the-line access to the palace and a guided tour of the palace and gardens. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the palace’s history and get an overview of the gardens so you can decide which areas to explore further.
Vienna Pass: Gives you access to everything at Schönbrunn plus countless other attractions in the city center of Vienna and includes the hop-on-hop-off bus, with a stop right in front of the palace.

🏰🌳 This amazing guided tour includes skip-the-line tickets!

The cheapest way to secure tickets is through the official Schönbrunn website, and there are several options to choose from depending on your interests:

Grand Tour: Access to the State Apartments and the apartments of Franz Josef and Sisi.
Classic Pass (April to early November): Includes the Grand Tour with an audio guide, Privy Garden, Maze & Labyrinth, and Orangery Garden.
Classic Pass Plus (April to early November): Includes everything in the Classic Pass plus Schönbrunn Palace Virtual Reality, Schönbrunn Zoo, Desert House, and Palm House.
Combined Ticket: Children’s Museum + Maze: A great option for families.
Combined Ticket: Children’s Museum + Maze + Zoo: Adds access to the zoo for a full family day out.
Sisi Ticket – Sisi Pass: Entrance to the Grand Tour at Schönbrunn Palace, the Sisi Museum at Hofburg, and the Vienna Furniture Museum (the latter two are in the city center, not at Schönbrunn).

Tips for Your Visit

Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment, as they often sell out.
Arrive on time: Be at the palace entrance during your designated time slot.
Check the opening times: The gardens close at night, and opening times vary depending on the season.
No drones, dogs, bikes, selfie sticks, or flash photography: These are prohibited on the grounds and inside the palace.
Wear good shoes: The gardens have gravel paths that can be tricky in less supportive footwear. You’ll have to walk a lot, here’s a map of the grounds.
Keep your coat on: There’s no coat room in the palace, but it’s not overly warm inside anyway, so it’s fine.

When to Visit Schönbrunn

The best time to visit Schönbrunn Palace is in late spring or early fall when everything is open, and the gardens are green. It’s a great time to enjoy the grounds without the extreme heat and overwhelming crowds of summer.

I visited once in summer with friends, and they couldn’t stop complaining about how hot it was, so keep that in mind.

Winter is another popular time to visit for the beautiful Christmas market in front of the palace. However, many of the garden attractions are closed in winter, and the gardens can look a bit bleak without greenery or snow, as Vienna rarely gets snow.

A large illuminated star-shaped arch with the word "Willkommen" (Welcome) in glowing cursive at the Schönbrunn Christmas Market in Vienna. Visitors stroll through the festive plaza, with the Schönbrunn Palace lit up in the background and holiday decorations adding to the charm. — Christmas Market in front of Schönbrunn Palace

Sommernachtskonzert Schönbrunn

If you’re visiting Schönbrunn in June, you might be lucky enough to catch the annual Sommernachtskonzert by the Vienna Philharmonic. This free open air concert takes place in front of Schönbrunn Palace and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Personally, I found the experience a little disappointing and I wouldn’t attend again.

Staying at the Schönbrunn Palace Suite

You can even stay at the Schönbrunn Palace Suite, which looks absolutely amazing and lets you experience what life might have been like during the days of the court.

But with its crazy expensive price tag, I haven’t stayed there myself and probably won’t be able to afford it anytime soon.

🏰🤩 Look at the stunning interior of the Palace Suits

Final Thoughts: Royal Palace Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see in Vienna, showcasing history, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens. From the grand State Apartments and garden paths to the maze and museums, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re climbing up to the Gloriette, enjoying the greenery of the Palm House, or learning about the lives of Franz Josef and Sisi, Schönbrunn has much to offer.

To make the most of your visit, plan ahead, choose the right ticket for your interests, and take your time to enjoy everything this iconic site has to offer.

And if you’re a fan of royal residences, don’t stop here, check out my post about the best palaces in Vienna because Schönbrunn isn’t the only one worth visiting!