Upper Belvedere
Baroque palace housing masterpieces of Austrian art, including Klimt's 'The Kiss', with stunning gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry, fewer crowds
Upper Belvedere
Best Time
Free entry, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Baroque palace housing masterpieces of Austrian art, including Klimt's 'The Kiss', with stunning gardens.
"A must-visit for its iconic art and breathtaking Baroque architecture."
🎯 Free Friday Nights
Enjoy free entry on select Fridays from 6-9 PM. Check the schedule in advance!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Skip the lines by purchasing your Upper Belvedere tickets online. Essential for saving time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
Main Hall
Iconic Art Nouveau masterpiece, a must-see for any visitor. Experience its golden glow up close.
Baroque Architecture
Exterior and Interiors
Marvel at the stunning Baroque design by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, a true architectural gem.
Canaletto View
Second Floor
Recreate an 18th-century vista over Vienna, a view that has changed little over centuries.
Palace Gardens
Between Upper and Lower Belvedere
Explore the beautifully manicured Baroque gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Klimt
Art vs. Grandeur: Choose Your Palace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Friday Nights
Enjoy free entry on select Fridays from 6-9 PM. Check the schedule in advance!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Skip the lines by purchasing your Upper Belvedere tickets online. Essential for saving time.
☕ Coffee Break
Enjoy Viennese coffee and delights at the Schlosscafé for a historical ambiance.
📸 Capture the View
Don't miss the 'Canaletto view' from the second floor for a stunning city panorama.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Friday Nights
Enjoy free entry on select Fridays from 6-9 PM. Check the schedule in advance!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Skip the lines by purchasing your Upper Belvedere tickets online. Essential for saving time.
☕ Coffee Break
Enjoy Viennese coffee and delights at the Schlosscafé for a historical ambiance.
📸 Capture the View
Don't miss the 'Canaletto view' from the second floor for a stunning city panorama.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the gardens.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Upper Belvedere for its stunning Baroque architecture and, of course, its unparalleled collection of Austrian art, especially Klimt's 'The Kiss'. The beautiful gardens are another highlight, offering picturesque views and a pleasant escape. Some find the museum can get crowded, particularly around the most famous artworks, and note that ticket prices can be a bit high.
"Wow! Loved this extraordinary attraction and gardens. The architecture is amazing. My son and I really enjoyed the walk through and landscapes. The stone carvings / statues are beautifully placed. We did not visit inside the attraction as we will go another day."
PAUL MARSDEN
"Visiting Belvedere Palace in Vienna is a feast for the eyes, particularly if you appreciate grand architecture and historic structures. The palace itself is stunning, with intricate interiors and elegant layouts that make wandering through its halls a visual delight. Even with parts of the building under restoration, the charm and grandeur of the palace remain impressive.
The exhibition, however, is less remarkable. While it has its moments, it doesn’t quite match the awe-inspiring atmosphere created by the palace and its architecture. Art lovers may enjoy it, but for those primarily seeking a “wow” factor, it may feel underwhelming.
A practical note: the queues can be long, especially on weekends. Even if you buy tickets online, you may have to wait for a later slot; when we arrived, our online tickets only allowed entry three hours later. Planning ahead and booking well in advance is highly recommended.
The gardens are fantastic and free to explore. Locals often jog, run, or just relax there, and it's lovely to see artists drawing or people chilling. Overall, the views and grounds make it worth avisit!
Overall, Belvedere Palace is worth visiting for its architecture and historical appeal, but don’t set your expectations too high for the exhibitions."
Kelvin Tan
"Good palace obiviously toThe palace is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders, offering an array of experiences for all ages. A visit to this palace is a journey through time, leaving one with a profound sense of wonder and appreciation."
Tome Josifoski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Upper Belvedere is easily accessible via public transport. Take tram lines 1 or D to the 'Schloss Belvedere' stop, or bus line 4A to 'Wien Quartier Belvedere'. The Vienna Pass also covers public transport.
Limited parking is available near the palace, but it's often easier and more convenient to use public transport. Consider parking at a P+R (Park and Ride) facility outside the city center and taking the U-Bahn or tram in.
It's a pleasant walk from the city center, taking about 20-30 minutes. You'll pass through some lovely Viennese streets.
From Schönbrunn, you can take the U4 subway line towards Heiligenstadt and change at Karlsplatz to the tram D towards Absberggasse, getting off at Schloss Belvedere. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes.
Yes, the main exhibition areas are generally accessible. However, some older parts of the palace and the gardens might have limited accessibility. It's best to check with the venue directly for specific details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Upper Belvedere tickets online through the official Belvedere website, at the ticket office on-site, or through authorized third-party vendors. Booking online is recommended to avoid queues.
The Upper Belvedere is typically open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours until 9 PM on selected 'Free Friday Nights'. Always check the official website for the most current hours and any special closures.
Ticket prices vary, but a standard adult ticket for the Upper Belvedere is around €22. Concessions are available for students and seniors. The 'Free Friday Nights' offer free admission on specific evenings.
While not always mandatory, booking a timed entry slot online is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee your entry and minimize waiting times.
A ticket typically grants access to the permanent collection in the Upper Belvedere, including Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss', as well as temporary exhibitions. It does not usually include access to the Lower Belvedere or the Orangery unless specified.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use inside the Upper Belvedere, but without flash. However, for specific exhibitions or artworks, restrictions may apply. Always look for signage.
The 'Canaletto view' from the second floor offers a fantastic city panorama. The Baroque gardens are also incredibly picturesque, especially with the palace as a backdrop. 
Yes, photography is generally permitted in the Belvedere gardens for personal use. It's a great place to capture the grandeur of the palace and the meticulously designed landscape.
The reflection of the palace in the ponds in the garden is a classic shot. Inside, try to capture the intricate details of the Baroque architecture and, of course, 'The Kiss'.
Tripods and selfie sticks are usually not permitted inside the museum to avoid obstructing other visitors and damaging artworks. Check the museum's specific policy before your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Schlosscafé is located within the Upper Belvedere, offering Viennese coffee and traditional Austrian delights. It's a great spot to relax after exploring the art.
The Schlosscafé serves a selection of cakes, pastries, light meals, and of course, various types of Viennese coffee. It's a perfect place to experience local culinary traditions.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into the exhibition halls is not allowed. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering the museum.
Yes, the area around the Upper Belvedere has several restaurants and cafes offering a range of cuisines. You can find options from traditional Austrian to international fare within a short walking distance.
Prices at the Schlosscafé are typical for a museum café in a major European city. While not budget-friendly, it offers a unique experience within the historic palace.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to keep children from getting overwhelmed. Pack snacks and drinks, as options inside might be limited or pricey. The 'Canaletto View' can also be a fun point of interest for kids, imagining what life was like in the 18th century.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond that, focus on enjoying the exterior architecture and the beautiful Belvedere gardens, which are free to access and offer stunning views and photo opportunities. Consider purchasing a Vienna Pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions, as it often includes entry to the Belvedere and public transport. Otherwise, prioritize your must-see artworks and book tickets online in advance for potential discounts or to avoid queues.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Take advantage of guided tours, especially during 'Free Friday Nights,' to gain deeper insights into the art and artists. Consider visiting both the Upper and Lower Belvedere if time permits, as they offer a more comprehensive overview of the Belvedere's collections.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Collection: Beyond 'The Kiss'
Beyond the Austrian masters, the Belvedere also houses European art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. This allows for a broader understanding of the artistic movements that influenced and were influenced by Austrian art. The layout of the museum is designed to guide visitors through these periods chronologically, making for an engaging and educational experience.
Many visitors are surprised by the depth and breadth of the collection beyond Klimt. The museum's curators have done an excellent job of presenting a cohesive narrative, making it a rewarding visit for art enthusiasts of all levels. Don't rush through; take your time to appreciate the nuances of each piece.
Exploring the Belvedere Gardens
+1Walking through the gardens, you can appreciate the symmetry and grandeur of Baroque landscape design. The central axis provides a stunning perspective of the Upper Belvedere, and the various terraces offer different vantage points. It's a place where you can imagine princes and courtiers strolling centuries ago.
Don't miss the opportunity to recreate the famous 'Canaletto view' from the palace, which also encompasses the gardens. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom, but they retain their majestic charm throughout the year.
Free Friday Nights: A Local's Secret
These evenings often include guided tours focusing on specific themes or artists, adding an extra layer of insight to your visit. It's a great way to mingle with locals and enjoy the art in a more relaxed, after-hours atmosphere. However, due to the free entry, these nights can still attract a good number of visitors, so arriving early is advisable.
It's essential to check the Belvedere's official website for the schedule of 'Free Friday Nights' as they are not held every week. This initiative makes art more accessible and provides a unique cultural experience for both tourists and residents.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit