Hofburg Imperial Palace Tours and Activities

Hofburg Imperial Palace showing street scenes, a city and heritage elements
Hofburg Imperial Palace
Hofburg Imperial Palace
Hofburg Imperial Palace
Hofburg Imperial Palace featuring château or palace, heritage architecture and a city


Browse splendid museums and opulent rooms and visit theatres and equestrian shows in this historic residential estate of the powerful Habsburg dynasty.

From the impressive showroom in the National Library to the shining objects in its treasury, the Hofburg Imperial Palace is full of ornaments, architectural and artistic masterpieces and history. Visit to see the luxury in which Austria’s Habsburg family lived for 600 years and learn more about these powerful rulers.

Construction on the Hofburg Imperial Palace began in 1275, a year before the Habsburgs ousted King Ottokar II of Bohemia and came to power. The remaining structure is from 1533 or after, because numerous generations of Habsburgs have made their own additions. The palace now comprises 18 wings and over 2,000 rooms.

Enter via the ornate Baroque gateway and courtyard known as the Michaelerplatz and turn right when you enter the large courtyard. Visit the nearby Imperial Apartments and see how the Habsburg family made this magnificent palace home. Admire the original furniture, lavish decorations and artifacts.

Delve into the life of one of the dynasty’s famous empresses in the Sisi Museum with its hundreds of objects relating to Elisabeth, the assassinated wife of Franz Josef I. Look for the secret passageways to the breathtaking Prunksaal Showroom in the National Library. Browse masterpieces from the Gothic period to the present day in the exquisite Albertina museum.

Listen to a performance of the Wiener Sängerknaben (Vienna Boys’ Choir) in the Imperial Chapel and be dazzled by a selection of crowns, jewellery and other curios, including a unicorn’s horn, in the Schatzkammer (Treasury) Museum. The Silver Collection still contains many of the objects that were left to the Austrian Republic when the Habsburg monarchy ended in 1918. Watch a show in the ornate Winter Riding School to see an impressive equestrian performance.

There is so much on display in this palace complex that you’ll have to come back another day if you want to see it all.

The Hofburg Imperial Palace is located on the Ringstraße in central Vienna and served by public transportation. On-street parking and commercial garages are located nearby. Opening times and fees vary for all attractions, so check the website of the Hofburg before your visit.

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Things to do near Hofburg Imperial Palace

Experience the grandeur of Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna by exploring its stunning architecture and rich history. Don't miss the chance to take a guided palace tour, which offers insights into its cultural significance. Additionally, immerse yourself in the vibrant local arts scene by attending nearby theatre and opera performances, making your visit both informative and entertaining.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Hofburg Imperial Palace, check out Ringstraßen Galerien, Fleischmarkt, and Rotenturm Street, all located 805m away. These spots offer a mix of family-friendly, city, and business vibes, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the Vienna Music Society's enchanting concerts, located 966m from Hofburg Imperial Palace, ideal for music lovers. Enjoy ice-skating 1.1km away for some exhilarating fun, or take the family to Liechtensteinpark, situated 1.6km away, perfect for outdoor adventures.

Adventure

Experience the Vienna Ring Tram for a scenic ride, located 1.1km from Hofburg Imperial Palace. For climbing enthusiasts, Kletterwand am Flakturm offers thrilling walls, 1.4km away. Enjoy the outdoors along the Danube Bike Path, situated 4.8km from the palace, perfect for cycling adventures.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife at the nearby Burgtheater for captivating performances, or try your luck at Casino Wien for a thrilling evening. For more cultural entertainment, Volkstheater offers an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for families and romantics alike, all within a short stroll from Hofburg Imperial Palace.

Find the best attractions near Hofburg Imperial Palace

While visiting the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, immerse yourself in the rich culture by exploring nearby attractions like the piazzaSquare, artMuseum, and stunning churches. This iconic site offers a perfect blend of history and family-friendly experiences, making it ideal for all travellers. Don't miss the chance to discover the splendour of the Hofburg Palace and its significance within Vienna's imperial history.

  • Vienna State Opera: Experience the grandeur of the Vienna State Opera, renowned for its stunning architecture and world-class performances. Located 483m from Hofburg Imperial Palace, this cultural gem offers a romantic atmosphere, making it perfect for an enchanting night out.
  • St. Stephen's Cathedral: A short 644m away, St. Stephen's Cathedral showcases magnificent Gothic architecture and is a symbol of Vienna’s rich history. Explore its intricate details and enjoy the serene atmosphere that embodies the city’s cultural heritage.
  • Stephansplatz: This lively square, also 644m from Hofburg, is a vibrant hub filled with shops, cafes, and street performers, offering a lively taste of Vienna's city culture while you soak in the spectacular surroundings.

Best time to go to Hofburg Imperial Palace

Visitor numbers around Hofburg Imperial Palace is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Hofburg Imperial Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Hofburg Imperial Palace falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Hofburg Imperial Palace falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January33.1°F (0.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February35.6°F (2.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.2°F (6.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.6°F (10.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December35.6°F (2.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hofburg Imperial Palace

When visiting Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, consider enjoying free attractions like St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Vienna Christmas Market. To save on accommodation, travel during the cheaper months of January to March and book about a month in advance. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Tuesdays for the best rates. Utilize filters to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by price to discover affordable options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can also help you save significantly on your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hofburg Imperial Palace are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June, September and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Hofburg Imperial Palace is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hofburg Imperial Palace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Hofburg Imperial Palace is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most affordable rates and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at the Hofburg Imperial Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.