St. Stephen's Cathedral Tours and Activities

St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral


Inspiring designs, religious artworks, intriguing legends and great views are featured in the city’s prominent Gothic building, the seat of Vienna’s archbishop. 

A prominent feature in the Vienna skyline is the needle-like South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. As you approach it, the cathedral’s glazed-tiled roof reveals its many colors. Inside you’ll find a fabulous array of religious artworks.

There has been a church dedicated to St. Stephen on this site since 1147. Numerous renovations, additions and rebuilds reflect several centuries of architectural taste in Vienna. The oldest part of the church, the west wall, dates back to 1237. The predominantly Gothic elements of the building, such as the tower, were built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Fires during World War II damaged parts of the cathedral, but a swift and successful renovation effort has meant that you can still see the building in all its glory.

The cathedral is the seat of the archbishop of Vienna and serves as the most important religious structure in Austria. You can enter the building when there is no state occasion or service planned.

Make your way around the many impressive religious sculptures, reliefs and pictures. The 17th-century Maria Pötsch icon is said to have shed real tears. Make sure you inspect the Wiener Neustadter, a tall, gilded altar adorned with religious figures, one of 18 altars in the cathedral. Another must-see section is the ornately carved Gothic Pulpit.

Descend into the catacombs and see the spectacular tomb of Emperor Frederick III located on the aisle. Climb the 343 steps up the South Tower to be rewarded with great city views. You can also take a closer look at the cathedral's roof, which is made of over 230,000 glazed tiles and features a mosaic of a double-headed eagle. In the North Tower take the elevator to see the huge, 44,380-pound (20,130-kilogram) bell known as "Pummerin." 

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is located in central Stephansplatz and accessible by public transportation. Admission to the cathedral is free but there is a small fee to enter the towers. The cathedral is open daily, with slightly shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays. Tours of the catacombs, as well as other behind-the-scenes areas, are available for a small charge.

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Things to do near St. Stephen's Cathedral

When visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by attending nearby theatres and operas. Don't miss out on the various Vienna sightseeing tours that offer a chance to explore the city's rich history and stunning architecture, making your trip truly memorable. Whether you're wandering through the artistic streets or enjoying a performance, there's plenty to see and do around this iconic landmark.

Shopping

In the vicinity of St. Stephen's Cathedral, check out the Ringstraßen Galerien, a vibrant shopping mall just 644m away. The Fleischmarkt public market, located 322m away, offers local delights. Additionally, Rotenturm Street, only 161m away, features family-friendly shops and boutiques.

Recreation

Experience the soothing sounds of the Vienna Music Society, a music concert 966m from St. Stephen's Cathedral, perfect for relaxation. Enjoy ice-skating 805m away, offering adventure and fun, or unwind at Liechtensteinpark, a family-friendly playground located 1.6km from the cathedral, ideal for outdoor leisure.

Adventure

The Vienna Ring Tram offers a scenic ride around the city, showcasing stunning architecture and landmarks, located 483m from St. Stephen's Cathedral. For climbing enthusiasts, Kletterwand am Flakturm, situated 1.6km away, provides an exhilarating outdoor climbing experience. Enjoy the picturesque Danube Bike Path, 4.8km from the Cathedral, perfect for cycling.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife near St. Stephen's Cathedral! Enjoy a captivating show at Burgtheater, just 966m away, or try your luck at Casino Wien, located 483m from the cathedral. For more culture, head to Volkstheater, a mere 1.3km away, offering family-friendly entertainment.

Find the best attractions near St. Stephen's Cathedral

When visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history by exploring the stunning cathedral itself, along with the picturesque piazza and nearby historic palaces. This area offers a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for creating memorable experiences. Don't miss the chance to learn more about Saint Stephen and the significance of this iconic cathedral, which stands as a symbol of Vienna's architectural heritage.

  • Vienna State Opera: Experience the romance and cultural richness of one of the world’s leading opera houses. Just a short walk away, you can immerse yourself in its stunning architecture and possibly catch a performance that will leave you enchanted.
  • Hofburg Imperial Palace: Discover the grandeur of Austria's former imperial palace. This historic site offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Habsburg dynasty, showcasing exquisite art and architecture that reflect centuries of culture.
  • Stephansplatz: Right next to St. Stephen's Cathedral, this vibrant square is the heart of Vienna. Surrounded by shops and cafés, it’s the perfect place to soak in the city’s lively atmosphere while enjoying local delicacies.

Best time to go to St. Stephen's Cathedral

Visitor numbers around St. Stephen's Cathedral is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit St. Stephen's Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St. Stephen's Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around St. Stephen's Cathedral 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 SunnySlightly HighAverage
June66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnySlightly LowAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December35.6°F (2.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Stephen's Cathedral

When visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, you can save money by taking advantage of the free entry to the cathedral and nearby attractions like Stephansplatz and the Naschmarkt. The best time to visit is from January to March for lower accommodation prices. For the best hotel deals, book about a month in advance or look for last-minute offers on Expedia, particularly on Tuesdays. Combining flights, hotels, and activities in a package can also lead to savings. Don’t forget to filter for eco-friendly options and free cancellation to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Stephen's Cathedral 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: Booking a hotel around St. Stephen's Cathedral about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Stephen's Cathedral is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Stephen's Cathedral is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results from the lowest to highest prices, ensuring you spot the most affordable hotels right away. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near St. Stephen's Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.