Plan your visit
Plan your Visit
Navigate the 300,000-square-meter complex with ease. Learn how to reach the different wings, what to pack, and how to sequence your day.
Getting there
Public transit is the easiest way to reach the central palace complex.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train: U-Bahn subway line U3 to Herrengasse station | 3 minute walk to the Michaelerkuppel entrance | €2.40 (single Vienna transport ticket) | The most convenient and central transit option. |
| Train: Tram lines 1, 2, D, or 71 to Burgring station | 5 minute walk | €2.40 | Great for reaching the Heldenplatz and Neue Burg side of the complex. |
| Bus: Bus lines 1A or 2A to Hofburg stop | 1 minute walk | €2.40 | Drops you right at the heart of the complex near Michaelerplatz. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The Hofburg Palace is open year-round. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October). This avoids peak summer crowds and heat. Arrive right at opening time (9:00 AM) or late in the afternoon to avoid large tour groups inside the narrow imperial apartments.
What to bring
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The Imperial Silver Collection is open to the public during regular hours.
Plan to spend more time in the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments instead.
How the day runs
Suggested routes to maximize your time at the palace.
Focus on the main Habsburg living quarters and the grand courtyards.
- Sisi Museum
Enter right at opening to avoid the worst crowds.
- Imperial Apartments
Continue along the one-way route through the royal rooms.
- Heldenplatz
Walk outside to take photos of the equestrian statues.
- Imperial Treasury
View the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire (requires separate ticket).
Skip the apartments and focus on the distinct institutions.
- Spanish Riding School
Watch the morning exercise sessions (requires advance ticket).
- Austrian National Library
Marvel at the Baroque State Hall.
- Weltmuseum Wien
Explore the premier ethnographic museum in the Neue Burg wing.
Practical rules and packing
Security rules are strict inside the museums. Large bags, bulky backpacks, and suitcases are not permitted, and there is no cloakroom available for them. Leave heavy luggage at your hotel. Photography with flash, tripods, and selfie sticks is forbidden in the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments. Photography of any kind is strictly prohibited during Spanish Riding School performances.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to traverse the expansive 59-acre complex. Bring a refillable water bottle to use at public drinking fountains outside. A light jacket is useful, as the historic interiors can sometimes be drafty.
Easiest way to do it
Skip-the-Line Sisi Museum, Hofburg and Gardens Tour Vienna
2 h 30 min 4.5 (526)
- Guided Tour of the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, Hofburg Courtyards and Gardens
- Sightseeing in Hofburg Courtyards and Gardens
- 5-Star Licensed Guide with commentary in only 1 language selected during booking
- Headsets provided for clear listening (for groups of 18 or more)
From$54per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Where is the entrance to the Sisi Museum?
The entrance is located under the Michaelerkuppel, just off Michaelerplatz. This is also where you access the Imperial Apartments.
Can you visit the Hofburg courtyards for free?
Yes. Access to the outdoor courtyards, including Heldenplatz and the pathways connecting the wings, is completely free.
How much time is needed to visit the Hofburg Palace?
Plan 45 minutes for the Sisi Museum and another 45 minutes for the Imperial Apartments. Seeing multiple institutions will take a half or full day.