Hofburg Imperial Palace and Sisi Museum Skip the line tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
On this tour you will visit the Hofburg imperial palace, where you will have a guided tour of both the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments. With origins dating back to the Middle Ages, the Hofburg palace grew exponentially between the 16th and 20th century and up to today still counts 18 buildings, 19 courtyards and over 2500 rooms. Where once the Habsburg imperial family used to live, work and party, a world of politics, gossip and history opens its doors for us as a UNESCO world heritage site museum.
Forget about tv shows and fiction! Join this walking tour and hear about the real life of Empress Elisabeth, also known as Sisi. During the short walk, visit the church where the Habsburgs got married at (even Marie Antoinette, who was born and raised in Vienna!). We will also see the stables where the famous Lipizzan horses on the way to the entrance to Hofburg.
After the visit of the palace, the tour will end in the stunning Volksgarten, one of Vienna’s most popular picture spots.
Available options
Live Guide only in English
Hofburg Imperial Palace and Sisi Museum Skip the line tour
Live Guide only in Spanish
Live Guide only in German
Live Guide in Italian
What's included
Licended and experienced local guide
Detailed itinerary
1
St August Church was the winter palace of the Habsburg dynasty in Vienna and the place were the empress Sisi got married.
2
Stop 2
The Hofburg used to the main imperial palace of the Habsbourg dynasty and is today recognized as the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria.
3
Stop 3
In the Sisi museum, you can admire the memories of the life of this mysterious and beloved empress.
4
One of the nicests gardens in Vienna, close by Townhall and Austrian Parliment
What's not included
Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
41 reviews
5★
25
4★
6
3★
1
2★
2
1★
7
Tripadvisor
4.3
15 reviews
5★
11
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
The meeting point is at Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, below the Albertina Museum. Just look for the guide with the green umbrella.
Important notes
Please don't go directly to the palace entrance, you will miss parts of the tour, and you can not enter on your own!
About Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.
Top Attractions
Schönbrunn Palace
A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour
St. Stephen's Cathedral
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury
Belvedere Palace
A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.
Historical/Art/Museum
2-3 hours
€16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere
Vienna State Opera
One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.
Cultural/Entertainment
2-4 hours (performance length)
€10-200 depending on performance and seat
Hofburg Palace
The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours
€14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection
Must-Try Local Dishes
Wiener Schnitzel
A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.
Dinner
Contains gluten and dairy
Tafelspitz
Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.
Dinner
Gluten-free, dairy-free
Sachertorte
A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy
Apfelstrudel
A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.
Dessert
Contains gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Vienna Woods
Cycling along the Danube
Kayaking on the Danube
Coffee house hopping
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending opera or concert performances
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center
By train
Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof
By bus
Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Innere Stadt
Leopoldstadt
Wieden
Hietzing
Day trips
Bratislava
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Salzburg
300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight
The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.
Hallstatt
200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight
A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.
Festivals
Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June
Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March
Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
- Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
- Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
- Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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