Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace is one of the world's biggest palace complexes. With parts dating back to the 13th century, today it's Vienna's most popular monument.

The Hofburg is an enormous palace complex in the heart of Vienna, which includes fascinating museums, a church and chapel, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School, as well as the office of the President of Austria.

There is undoubtedly something at the Hofburg complex to suit everyone's interests, and here we have compiled a guide to the three most popular places to visit within the palace: the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Silver Collection.

Imperial Silver Collection

At the end of the Habsburg monarchy, the court's impressive silver collection became the property of the Austrian Republic.

The museum's exhibitions of luxury crystal glasses, silverware, porcelain and more provide insight into the extravagant dining culture of the former imperial dynasty.

Sisi Museum

Discover fascinating facts about the incredible life of the beloved Sisi thanks to the museum audioguide as you explore the museum's six rooms dedicated to the Empress.

Hear about her rebellion against court ceremony, her obsession with beauty and the deep sadness that affected her.

In an effort to escape the tragedies that had befallen her, Sisi travelled the world, until she was assassinated in 1898 in Geneva.

The exhibition includes numerous objects belonging to the legendary empress, including childhood toys and musical instruments, her watercolour kit, jewellery and lavish outfits.

If in addition to entering the Sisi Museum, you would like to take a guided tour, you can make a reservation by clicking on this link.

Imperial Apartments

Explore the different bedrooms, studies and living rooms that were home to the Habsburgs for over 600 years, including the official and private chambers of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. Perfectly preserved with their original decor and furnishing, the rooms are an incredible testament to the splendour of the dynastic Austrian royal family and to their personal histories as well.

Your audioguide will keep you entertained and informed with interesting facts as you wander through the palace's offices, lounges and bedrooms.

Imperial Treasury

One of the most important chambers in the world is located in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. It houses two imperial crowns: the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, which is at the centre of the exhibition, and the Austrian Imperial Crown, which is the most important as it was made as a private crown for Emperor Rudolf II. In addition, it also houses the treasure of the Burgundian Heritage and the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece. 

The entrance to the Treasure Chamber is through the Schweizerhof courtyard, the courtyard of the Swiss. If you want to add this visit to your trip you check out the following link:

Imperial Treasury Vienna Ticket

Unmissable

With your ticket giving you access to all three parts of this fascinating museum, and the included audioguide providing enlightening explanations of the history of Imperial Austria, the Hofburg Palace is undoubtedly one of the best visits in Vienna.

Schedule

Open daily: 9 am to 5:30 pm

Price

Sisi Museum + Imperial Apartments
Adults
19.50 (US$ 21.70)
Students (19-25): 18 (US$ 20.10)
Children (6 to 18 years old): 12 (US$ 13.40)
Vienna Pass holders: free.

Sissi Tour of the Hofburg Palace 48 (US$ 53.60)

Transport

Metro: Herrengasse, line U3 (orange).
Tram: Burgring, lines 1, 2 and D.
Bus: Burgring, lines 2A and 57A.

Nearby places

Spanish Riding School (76 m) Austrian National Library (178 m) Globe Museum (252 m) Ringstrasse (333 m) Albertina Museum (340 m)