Skip the Line Empress Sisi Museum, Hofburg and Gardens Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join a guided skip-the-line tour of Vienna’s Hofburg Imperial Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll discover the rich history of the Habsburg dynasty. Your journey begins at the statue of Emperor Franz I, where your guide will share fascinating stories about Empress Elisabeth, also known as Sisi, as you explore the stunning Sisi Museum and the elegant Imperial Apartments. After visiting the palace, take a leisurely walk through the beautiful Hofburg Courtyard and Heroes’ Square. You’ll also pass by the Spanish Riding School to see the famous Lipizzaner stallions. The tour concludes at the historic Augustinian Church, where many Habsburg weddings took place, including that of Marie Antoinette, and wraps up at Josefplatz.
Available options
German Group Tour
German Live Guide: Regular Group with maximum 25 participants.
English Group Tour
English Live Guide: Regular Group with maximum 25 participants.
What's included
Guided tour led by a professional tour guide
Visit to the Hofburg Courtyards, Heroes' Square and Augustinian Church
Skip-the-line access to the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet you guide at Emperor Franz I statue.
2
Stop 2
Explore the Imperial Palace and uncover the captivating life of Empress Elisabeth, fondly known as Sisi.
3
Stop 3
Stroll through the Hofburg Courtyard, where the grandeur of imperial Vienna comes to life amid historic architecture and statues, offering a glimpse into the Habsburg legacy.
4
Stop 4
Explore Heldenplatz, a grand square surrounded by stunning architecture and monuments that honor Austria's heroes, providing a glimpse into the rich history of Vienna and its imperial legacy.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Pass by famous Spanish Riding School.
6
Visit the Augustinian Church, a beautiful Baroque structure known for its stunning interior and historical significance, where many members of the Habsburg family, including Marie Antoinette, were married.
7
Stop 7
The tour concludes at Josefplatz, a grand square surrounded by historic buildings, providing a perfect ending to your exploration of Vienna's imperial heritage.
What's not included
Transportation
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
16 reviews
5★
10
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4
3★
0
2★
1
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1
Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
5★
8
4★
0
3★
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1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Your guide will be waiting by the Emperor Franz I statue at Hofburg Palace, holding a sign for easy recognition. Take the U3 subway to Herrengasse station. From there, walk about 5 minutes towards the Innerer Burghof courtyard inside the palace complex.
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
