Vienna Guide

Vienna Hofburg Palace Tours

Explore the Habsburg winter palace with imperial apartments and royal treasures!

64+ tours
From $16
1-3 hours
Vienna Hofburg Palace Tours

Discover the Hofburg Palace, the massive Habsburg winter residence in Vienna's historic center where emperors ruled for 640 years! This sprawling complex covers 59 acres with 2,600 rooms housing multiple museums: the Imperial Apartments where Franz Joseph and Sisi lived, the Sisi Museum dedicated to Empress Elisabeth's fascinating life, the Imperial Treasury with the Habsburg Crown Jewels, the Spanish Riding School with Lipizzaner stallions, and the impressive Neue Burg museums. Tours reveal opulent state rooms, Sisi's gymnastics room, Franz Joseph's modest sleeping quarters, ceremonial halls, and the world's most important collection of imperial regalia. The palace complex also includes the Hofburg Chapel where the Vienna Boys' Choir sings Sunday mass. It's Vienna's power center for centuries!

Featured Hofburg Palace Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for hofburg palace tours in Vienna

Vienna Skip-The-Line to Hofburg Palace, Sisi Museum and Gardens
From $37.95
Skip The Line

Explore the Hofburg Palace Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with these skip the line tickets to the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments at Hofburg. Discover the imperial apartments of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Francis Josef, inside the palace, delve into the private bedrooms, salons and offices of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Elisabeth ""Sisi"" of Bavaria and see the world-famous collection of Sisi’s personal items. Learn about the beloved empress "Sisi", the imperial House of Habsburg with audio guide. Discover the secrets of the Hofburg Palace Courtyards and Gardens, admire the numerous statues and fountains of Heldenplatz and Burggarten. This ticket includes audio guides and or tour descriptions in 13 languages depending on availability.

3.3(18)
2h
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Vienna Walking Tour, Hofburg Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral
From $37.36
Free Cancellation

Wander beyond Vienna’s Historic Center to discover its imperial treaures and hidden gems! Discover the best things to do in Vienna: St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace Complex, Spanish Riding School, Vienna Sate Opera, Albertina and more! HIGHLIGHTS: • Discover the best things to do in Vienna with a 5-Star Licensed Local Guide • Marvel at the beauty of St. Stephens’ Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church • Hear the true story of Sisi as you explore the Hofburg Palace Complex • Explore must-see sights: State Opera, Albertina, Spanish Riding School and more • Enjoy expert commentary with great history and fun legends at every turn This immersive walking tour of the Old Town is all you need to discover Vienna’s world heritage sites, historic palaces, iconic churches and lesser-known gems. With years of experience in leading tours in Vienna, our Expert Guides make it a fun and educational experience for solo travelers, couples and families.

4.3(29)
2h
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New Hofburg Palace Tour House of Habsburg
From $27.28
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a self-guided audio tour at Vienna's magnificent New Hofburg Palace, the newest wing of the famous Wiener Hofburg. The audio tour House of Habsburg tells the story of the rise and fall of one of the most powerful families to have ruled in Europe in the last millennium. Our tour takes you on a journey through the history of the Habsburgs, from the late middle ages to the modern era, past suits of armour that cost the equivalent of a high-end sports car today, a fortepiano that was once played by Mozart and past the only wax bust to show Joseph Haydn as he was in life. The tour passes through those halls and rooms which are imbued with the spirit of Sisi; sadly, the Empress, who was murdered in 1898, never took up residence in the rooms that were originally intended for her.

4.4(5)
1h
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Vienna Hofburg Orchestra for Mozart and Strauss at Hofburg Palace
From $106.74
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Enjoy in Hofburg an 1.5-hour classical concert by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart featuring international vocal solo artists presented by the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra in Viennas most beautiful concert halls. Experience an unforgettable evening in Vienna, the 'Music Capital of the World', with the famous and beloved compositions by the King of Waltz Johann Strauss son as well as arias of operas by W.A. Mozart.

3.0(2)
1h 30m
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Vienna Hofburg Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket Sisi Museum Tour
From $251.54
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Famous Hofburg Imperial Palace stands proudly in the middle of Old Town and awaits your visit. Get inside easily with your group and see Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum and all Austrian heritage during one guided tour! Highlights: - Visit Hofburg Imperial Palace the Top 1 Attraction in Vienna with 5-Stars Guide - Avoid long queues and enjoy Skip-the-Line tickets to Hofburg Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum and even Silver Collection! - Learn the history of Vienna, Habsburgs Family and Austrian heritage inside Palace Complex - Find out selected secrets about this place and residents who lived here - See the stunning Silver Collection and learn about Princess Sissi colorful life During your stay in Vienna you can’t miss the Hofburg Imperial Palace Complex. It was the residence of the Habsburgs for over 600 years and thus the centre of the Holy Roman Empire.

4.7(36)
2h
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Hofburg Palace, Sisi Museum Vienna Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
From $251.54
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

How true to facts is The Empress? Find out on a private tour of the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments in Hofburg Palace. Choose one of our excelalent tour options tailored to your needs and interests: 2-hour: Hofburg Palace (No Transfer) Discover the secrets of the Hofburg Imperial Palace! Visit the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments with skip-the-line tickets. 2,5-hour: Hofburg Palace & Transfer Book an estimated 30-minute round-trip transfer and a 2-hour tour of the Hofburg Imperial Palace! Visit the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments. 3-hour: Hofburg Palace & Treasury (No Transfer) Discover the secrets of the Hofburg Imperial Palace! Visit the Imperial Treasury, the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments with skip-the-line tickets. 4-hour: Hofburg Palace, Treasury & Old Town (No Transfer) Discover the Hofburg Imperial Palace and Vienna's Old Town! Visit the Imperial Treasury, the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments. See St Stephen's Cathedral.

4.5(60)
2h
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Royal Elegance A Photoshoot at Hofburg Palace
From $77.09
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour🔥Likely to Sell Out

What makes this tour unique is the opportunity to capture moments in one of the most iconic royal residences in Europe. A professional photographer will guide you to the best spots, ensuring high-quality, artistic images that reflect the grandeur and timeless beauty of Vienna's imperial heritage.

30 min
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SISI MUSEUM (tickets incl.) + Hofburg Palace- PRIVATE tour
From $189.75
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Embark on an enchanting journey through history with a private guided tour of the SISI Museum at the Majestic Hofburg Palace! Step back in time as we delve into the extraordinary life of Empress Sisi, one of Austria's most fascinating and mysterious historical figures. Together, we’ll explore her world through a stunning collection of her personal treasures—elegant gowns, exquisite jewels, and captivating portraits—that reveal both the joys and struggles of her remarkable life. Afterward, I’ll guide you through the rest of the awe-inspiring Hofburg Palace, where we’ll uncover the rich tapestry of architectural styles that flourished during the era of the Austrian Empire, each telling its own story of opulence and grandeur. P.S. All photos featured are from the museum's collection.

2h
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Why Choose Hofburg Palace Tours in Vienna?

Imperial Power Center

Explore where Habsburg emperors ruled Europe for 640 years!

Sisi Museum

Discover Empress Elisabeth's tragic life story and personal belongings.

Crown Jewels

See the Imperial Treasury with Habsburg crowns and sacred relics!

Central Location

Located in Vienna's historic center near major sights.

Types of Hofburg Palace Tours in Vienna

Imperial Apartments Tour

Visit Franz Joseph and Sisi's private apartments with Sisi Museum.

1-1.5 hoursImperial apartmentsSisi MuseumAudio guideCore experience

Imperial Treasury

See Crown Jewels, imperial regalia, and Holy Roman Empire treasures.

1 hourCrown JewelsSacred relicsAudio guidePriceless artifacts

Hofburg Complex Pass

Access multiple museums - apartments, treasury, and Neue Burg.

3-4 hoursMultiple museumsBest valueComprehensiveFull experience

Spanish Riding School

Watch Lipizzaner stallion training or full performances.

1-2 hoursLipizzaner horsesBaroque hallTraditional ridingUnique experience

What to Expect on Your Vienna Hofburg Palace Tours

Duration

Imperial Apartments: 1-1.5 hours. Treasury: 1 hour. Full complex: 3-4 hours.

Sisi's Apartments

See Empress Elisabeth's gymnastics room, beauty routine, and personal effects.

Franz Joseph's Rooms

Surprisingly modest quarters of Austria's longest-ruling emperor.

Imperial Treasury

Marvel at Holy Roman Empire crown, Habsburg jewels, and sacred relics.

Habsburg History

Learn about dynasty that ruled Europe and shaped Vienna's grandeur.

Ceremonial Halls

Visit opulent state rooms where emperors held court and ceremonies.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Sisi Ticket (€20) includes Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and Imperial Furniture Collection.

2

Imperial Treasury (€16) separate ticket - don't miss the Crown Jewels!

3

Spanish Riding School morning training (€15) more affordable than full performances (€55-200).

4

Visit Hofburg first, then walk to nearby St. Stephen's Cathedral and Opera House.

5

Audio guides included with tickets - very informative, allow extra time to listen.

6

Hofburg open daily 9 AM-5:30 PM (July-August until 6 PM).

7

Combined ticket with Schönbrunn available - saves if visiting both palaces.

8

Less crowded than Schönbrunn - better for off-season visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How much does Hofburg Palace cost?

A: Imperial Apartments + Sisi Museum: €16. Imperial Treasury: €16. Spanish Riding School training: €15, performances: €55-200. Sisi Ticket (apartments + furniture collection): €20. Combo tickets available for multiple sites.

Q:What is included in Hofburg tickets?

A: Basic ticket (€16): Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, Silver Collection (imperial tableware). Audio guide included. Imperial Treasury separate ticket. Spanish Riding School also separate. Each museum needs individual ticket unless combo pass.

Q:Who was Empress Sisi?

A: Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) was Franz Joseph's wife and Austria's empress (1854-1898). Famous for her beauty, obsession with fitness, tragic life, and assassination in Geneva. The Sisi Museum tells her fascinating story with personal belongings.

Q:What is the Spanish Riding School?

A: The Spanish Riding School is a traditional riding academy in the Hofburg training Lipizzaner stallions in classical dressage since 1735! Morning training sessions (€15) or full performances (€55-200). It's living tradition and world-famous!

Q:How long to visit Hofburg?

A: Imperial Apartments: 1-1.5 hours. Imperial Treasury: 1 hour. Both: 2.5-3 hours. Add Spanish Riding School: +1-2 hours. The complex is massive - choose specific museums based on interests.

Q:When is the best time to visit?

A: Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) for fewer crowds. Hofburg less crowded than Schönbrunn overall. Best months: April-May, September-October. Summer busy but manageable. Open year-round.

Q:Where is Hofburg Palace located?

A: In Vienna's historic center (Innere Stadt), walking distance from St. Stephen's Cathedral, Opera House, and Ringstrasse. U3 metro to Herrengasse station. Central location makes it easy to combine with other sights.

Q:Can you see the Crown Jewels?

A: Yes! The Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer) displays Crown Jewels - Holy Roman Empire crown, Habsburg imperial crown, orb, scepter, and sacred relics. It's one of world's most important collections! €16 entry, worth every cent.

Don't Miss the Perfect Vienna Experience

Book your hofburg palace tours today - 64+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Vienna?

Magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and imperial heritage

Historic Hofburg and Habsburg history

World-class classical music and opera

Traditional coffee houses and Austrian cuisine

Beautiful Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture

Perfect blend of imperial grandeur and culture

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Vienna enjoys a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summers are warm (70-80°F/21-27°C), winters are cold (25-40°F/-4-4°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.

Best Months

April to May and September to October offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with warm weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

November to March offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and shorter days.

Plan Your Vienna Trip

Transportation Tips

Excellent public transportation with U-Bahn, trams, and buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the compact city center, and taxis are readily available.

Car Rental Deals in Vienna

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Where to Stay

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Best Hotel Deals in Vienna

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