Set in Vienna, Schonbrunn Palace is an iconic landmark, a symbol of history, and a popular tourist attraction. Built in the 18th century, this marvelous structure was once a summer holiday home for the prominent Habsburg rulers. It houses a total of 1,441 rooms in total. Other than the multitude of rooms and function halls, Schonbrunn Palace boasts a massive and spectacular maze garden that will surely take your breath away. Though it once belonged to a European noble family, the palace is now a tourist attraction. In the 1950s, it opened its doors to tourists who went to see its marvelous architecture and catch a glimpse of the lavish life of the wealthy people. If you love architecture, culture, and history, here is a guide to Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna for when you decide to visit this place. Feel free to browse below.
Things to do / Highlights
When you enter the palace, you will be welcomed by its vast garden and a dramatic fountain that serve as the outdoor highlights of this iconic landmark. Inside, you will be overwhelmed by the intricate design of its interiors that are inspired by Late Baroque architectural style. Its quintessential charm, combined with its 18th-century beauty, makes it a majestic palace that is worth a visit. There’s a lot more to Schonbrunn Palace than just mere aesthetics. Here is a handy guide that you should remember for when you visit.
Imperial and Grand Tour
The best way to explore Schonbrunn Palace is by booking a tour package. Both the Imperial and Grand tour packages will enable you to explore stunning rooms and be captivated by the decor. With these tours, aside from almost 40 rooms, you will see Elisabeth and Franz Joseph’s private quarters. If you book a Grand tour, some precious rooms during Maria Theresa’s time are included in the itinerary.
Visit the Children's Museum
If you are visiting the iconic Schonbrunn Palace with your family, especially the kids, be sure to bring them to the spectacular Children’s Museum inside. Not just any other children’s museum, this one showcases the lifestyle of the Imperial children, and most of the artifacts, toys, and furniture here are of great value. Not only that, but the museum hosts themed tours with lots of games and interactive activities that will teach your kids things about the castle, its history, and the people who occupied it.
Book a majestic function hall
Do you want to go all out for your upcoming special event? How about adding a royal flair and an18th-century charm to it? If you like the idea, you might be interested in conducting your birthday, wedding, anniversary, or other special events in one of the breathtaking rooms at Schonbrunn Palace. This venue will make your dream event come true by offering rooms that boast true opulence.
Tour the castle park
Schonbrunn Palace is not only a sight for sore eyes inside, but the exterior of this massive structure is also something to behold. Make the most of one summer afternoon and explore the picturesque Crown Prince Garden. There, you will see impeccably landscaped lawns and a multitude of flowers in full bloom. Shaded areas add a relaxing vibe to this paradise on earth, and the maze serves as a fun playground for the kids. Included in the package is a tour of the breathtaking gloriette that will let you witness panoramic views of Vienna.
What to eat
Make the most of your tour by trying out some superb restaurants inside the Schonbrunn Palace grounds. Here are some of the must-try dining spots in the royal palace.
Café Restaurant Residenz & Hofbackstube Schönbrunn
Showcasing opulence and sophistication in every corner, Café Restaurant Residenz & Hofbackstube Schönbrunn is a spectacular restaurant inside Schonbrunn Palace. It features bright furnishings and it is accentuated by marvelous, ornate pieces. This restaurant serves mouthwatering Viennese dishes that will surely provide you with a taste of heaven.
Schönbrunn Palace Cafe
Looking for a more chill spot to enjoy some high tea and pastries? If so, Schönbrunn Palace Cafe is the dining spot for you. It features an indoor cafe with a charming outdoor dining area where you can sit, eat, and enjoy the views. Aside from tea, this superb cafe serves excellent coffee, Viennese pastries, delicious delicacies, and more.
Landtmann's Parkcafé
Landtmann’s Parkcafé offers a laidback dining experience. Enjoy some palatable Viennese specialties while marveling at nature views in this fantastic garden restaurant. Surely, you will have an appetite boost just by looking at the Neptune Fountain and the flowers that surround it.
Things to buy
What’s a tour without bagging home some souvenir items, right? If you are one of those tourists who always see to it that you have trinkets to remember your trips by, you can swing by Schonbrunn Palace’s gift shop after the tour. It is located by the main entrance, and it offers lovely items that might pique your interest.
Accessories
The gift shop offers a lot of accessories, from simple ones to jewel-encrusted pieces. You might want to score some charming brooches or a diamond ring. Additionally, cute bracelets and necklaces are also available.
Spring box
An item that has royal feel to it, spring boxes of two sizes are available at the gift shop, as well. These cute boxes are crafted from light-colored wood, and they are the perfect souvenir item to bring home. It has a roll of paper, red ink, and a pen with seven types of tips for various fonts.
Smartphone cases
Beautify your handphone by purchasing some cases for them at Schonbrunn Palace’s gift shop. Some of their designs showcase the enchanting Empress Sisi in her stunning gown. Glittery and with a satin finish, your smartphone will go from boring to opulent in no time.
Travelers tips
Dress code
Although there is no official dress code at Schonbrunn Palace, previous visitors have suggested wearing smart casual clothes. Nothing too fancy, and not too laidback as well. For men, decent jeans, smart shirts, and travel shoes are the best option. For women, outfits that show too much skin are frowned upon. Plus, do avoid wearing beach slippers.
Accessibility
Guests who have limited mobility can access any of the three parking spaces designated for them at the main gate. Wheelchairs are provided for guests who need them. Additionally, the staterooms feature seating for disabled guests, as well. Guide dogs are allowed inside the palace, and accompanying guests of blind visitors can enter free of charge.
How to get there
By tram
For affordable transport to Schonbrunn Palace, you can take the tram. In total, Vienna’s tram system has 29 lines across the city. From anywhere in Vienna, hop on a tram and alight at Schönbrunn station.
Subway
Other than the tram, tourists like to take the subway in Vienna as it is safe, fast, and affordable. If you are heading to Schonbrunn Palace, head to U-Bahn Subway and stop at Route 04, Schönbrunn.
Hail a cab
Vienna, like most cities in the world, is well-trafficked by taxis. It is one of the most convenient transport methods at present. Wherever you are in the city, you can hail a cab to drive you to Schonbrunn Palace.
Book an Uber
Don’t want the hassle of public commute? Download the Uber app, and with just a few taps, a driver will fetch you from your accommodation and drive you directly to Schonbrunn Palace.
How to book tickets (from USD 56.87)
If you are planning to visit Schonbrunn Palace anytime soon and you do not want to deal with the long queues, you can always purchase tickets online to avoid the hassle.
For last-minute decisions, you can also book tickets on-site, at the ticket hall in the main entrance.
For promos and special offers, you can also check out third-party websites, like this fantastic offer from Get Your Guide.
Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Duration: 3 hour
Schonbrunn Palace information
Schonbrunn Palace
Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Cost: Imperial Tour: 18 USD (16 EUR); Grand Tour: 22 USD (20 EUR)
Official website: Schonbrunn Palace
Department of tourism: Holidays in Austria
Vienna: Strudel Show with Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace
Duration: 20.0 minute
History
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