Hofburg Palace Tickets
Step into Vienna’s imperial history with a visit to the Hofburg Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks in Austria. Once the official residence of the Habsburg dynasty, this grand complex now houses world-renowned museums, imperial apartments, and the fascinating Sisi Museum. Secure your Hofburg Palace tickets online.
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Top attraction in Vienna
Experience the grandeur of Austria’s imperial history in the heart of the city — a must-see for every visitor.
Tickets to visit the Hofburg Palace
Visiting the Hofburg Palace Vienna is a journey through centuries of imperial power and opulence. Several ticket options are available depending on your interests and how deeply you want to explore the site. You can choose between a standard entry ticket, a guided experience, or the Sisi Pass, which combines access to multiple royal attractions in Vienna.
Sisi Museum Ticket
Discover the life and legacy of Empress Elisabeth of Austria with the Sisi Museum Vienna Ticket. This ticket gives you access to the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum, where you’ll see the empress’s personal belongings and learn about her fascinating story.
What’s included:
🏰 Admission to the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments
🎧 Audio guide with detailed commentary in multiple languages
Flexible visit at your own pace
Exhibition of more than 300 personal items belonging to Empress Elisabeth
Sisi Museum Guided Tour
Upgrade your visit with a guided tour of the Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum. Accompanied by a knowledgeable expert, you’ll hear captivating stories about Empress Elisabeth, Emperor Franz Joseph, and court life in 19th-century Vienna.
What’s included:
🏰 Admission to the Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum
🗣️ Guided visit in English, German, or Italian
Exhibition of more than 300 personal items belonging to Empress Elisabeth Flexible visit at your own pace
🎧 Audioguide in multiple languages
More information about Sisi Museum Guided Tour >
Sisi Pass
The Sisi Pass is the ultimate ticket for those who want to explore all of Vienna’s imperial heritage. It grants access to three major attractions: the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Vienna Furniture Museum.
What’s included:
👑 Admission to Hofburg Palace (Sisi Museum + Imperial Apartments)
🏰 Entrance to Schönbrunn Palace
🪑 Access to the Vienna Furniture Museum
🎧 Audio guide included in all three museums
🕰️ Valid for one year from the date of issue
More information about Sisi Pass >
How long do you spend at the Hofburg Palace?
A full visit to the Imperial Palace Vienna usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on which ticket you choose. If you select the Sisi Pass, plan for at least half a day to explore the other attractions included in your pass.
For a more relaxed experience, allow some extra time to stroll around Heldenplatz and the Burggarten, both located next to the palace complex.
What to know before exploring Hofburg Palace?
Before visiting, check the Hofburg Palace opening hours and consider booking your tickets online to avoid waiting times. Bring comfortable shoes — the Imperial Apartments cover large areas and involve some walking.
Photography is generally allowed without flash, but certain exhibitions may have restrictions. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon helps avoid crowds, especially during the summer months.
Plan your visit to Hofburg Palace
Before exploring the Imperial Hofburg Palace, it’s worth preparing your itinerary in advance. This will help you make the most of your time, especially if you want to combine your visit with other nearby attractions such as the Spanish Riding School, the Albertina Museum, or St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Below, you’ll find all the essential details to plan your visit smoothly.
Opening hours
The Hofburg Palace is open daily, including public holidays.
September to June: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
July to August: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Note: Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. Hours may vary during public events or maintenance.
Best time to visit the Hofburg Palace
The best time to visit the Imperial Palace Vienna is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, are ideal for a calmer experience.
If visiting in December, don’t miss the magical Vienna Christmas Markets set up just outside the palace grounds.
Location
📍 Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna, Austria
The Hofburg Palace is located in Vienna’s historic city center.
🚇 By metro: U3 (Herrengasse), U1/U3 (Stephansplatz)
🚋 By tram: Lines 1, 2, D, 71
🚌 By bus: Lines 2A, 3A
You can also easily reach it on foot from Kärntner Straße or the MuseumsQuartier area.
History
The Hofburg Palace has been a symbol of Austrian power for over seven centuries. It started as a medieval fortress in the 13th century and evolved into the grand Baroque and Neoclassical masterpiece we see today.
It was home to the Habsburg emperors until 1918 and now houses several of Vienna’s major attractions: the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, the Spanish Riding School, and the Imperial Chapel. Each part of the complex tells a story of opulence, discipline, and centuries of European influence.
About the Imperial Hofburg Palace
Inside the Imperial Apartments, you’ll find lavishly decorated rooms where Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth once lived. Admire the grandeur of royal life through meticulously preserved furniture, artworks, and fabrics that reflect the spirit of 19th-century Vienna.
Top highlights include:
The Audience Chamber and Emperor’s Study
The Salon and Dressing Room of Empress Elisabeth
The Imperial Dining Room
The Sisi Museum and its personal collections
Each room transports you back to the golden era of the Austrian Empire.
FAQs about Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg Palace Vienna is least crowded early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Spring and autumn offer mild weather, making them the best seasons to explore without long waits.
Yes, the Vienna Pass includes free entry to the Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum, as well as other attractions like Schönbrunn Palace and the Spanish Riding School. It’s an excellent value option if you’re visiting several imperial sites.
Definitely. The Imperial Hofburg Palace offers a fascinating look into royal life and Austrian history. The exhibitions are immersive and detailed — a must-see for anyone interested in Europe’s cultural heritage.
You can access the outer courtyards, Burggarten, and Heldenplatz for free. However, access to the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, or any indoor exhibition requires a valid Hofburg Palace ticket.
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