Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)

The Basics

Guided tours of the Belvedere Palace include the main palace buildings—the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and Winter Palace (the Orangery)—as well as the Royal Stables and the lavish palace gardens. Opt to visit as part of a Vienna city tour; explore independently on a hop-on hop-off bus tour or using a Vienna Card; or combine it with a horse and carriage tour or candlelight dinner in Vienna.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Plan around two hours to visit the palace and gardens.

• Separate or combination tickets are available for the Upper Palace and Lower Palace.

• Visitor facilities include a gift shop, café, and restaurant at both palaces.

• All the palace buildings are fully wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Belvedere Palace is located about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) south of Vienna’s historic center, just off the Ringstrasse. It’s easily accessible by tram (Tram D, Schloss Belvedere or Gusshausstrasse station), U-Bahn trains (Hauptbahnhof station), or S-Bahn trains (Quartier Belvedere station).

When to Get There

The palace is open daily year-round, but it can get busy during the peak summer months, so plan an early visit to avoid the crowds. To experience the palace at its most atmospheric, time your visit for the festive season, when a lively Christmas Market is held in the palace grounds, or look out for special evening openings and exhibitions, which offer a chance to admire the illuminated palaces by night.

Art Masterpieces at the Belvedere

The Belvedere houses one of Vienna’s most impressive collections of Austrian art, with the most notable collection on display in the Upper Belvedere. Highlights include the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including famous works such asThe Kiss andJudith; an important display of Viennese Biedermeier art; and works by acclaimed artists including Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Oskar Laske, Paul Troger, and Max Beckmann.

Can visitors explore the interior of the Belvedere Palace?

Yes, you can go inside both the Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere buildings within the grounds of Belvedere Palace. Tickets are required to visit either or both of the palaces, inside of which you can see their rooms, architecture, exhibitions, and artwork. Visitors can explore the palaces independently or take a guided tour of Upper Belvedere.

Is the Belvedere Palace wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and Belvedere 21 museum are all wheelchair accessible. Each building has a barrier-free entrance, elevator access, accessible toilets, and wheelchairs available for use. However, there are two steep ramps on the garden path between the two palaces, which wheelchair users may have difficulty with.

What are the main attractions to see within the Belvedere Palace complex?

There are many things to see at the Belvedere Palace complex, which comprises the ornate palace gardens, the two palaces, and the modern Belvedere 21 museum. Many of the Belvedere’s main attractions are within Upper Belvedere Palace, including Gustav Klimt’s famous gold-leaf painting The Kiss, sculptures by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, and art works by Schiele, Rodin, and Makart.

Is photography allowed inside the Belvedere Palace?

Yes, you can take photos and videos inside Belvedere Palace, with some exceptions. You aren’t allowed to take photos using flash, a selfie stick, or a tripod, and there are some rooms and exhibits where photography is prohibited. Commercial filming or photography requires a permit.

Are there any dining options or cafes within the Belvedere Palace grounds?

Yes, there are three dining options within the Belvedere Palace grounds. Two establishments serve typical Viennese dishes and craft beer: Stöckl im Park, a modern restaurant with a shaded garden, and Salm Bräu an old-fashioned brewpub on the far side of the palace grounds. There is also Parkcafé in the Lower Belvedere building.

Are there any special exhibitions or events held at the Belvedere Palace throughout the year?

Yes, the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and Belvedere 21 museum often host temporary exhibitions alongside their permanent displays. The Belvedere Palace grounds also host special events, such as annual Christmas markets and open-air theaters, as well as participating in Vienna’s Long Night of Museums event.