Private Themed Tour of the Belvedere with an Art Historian: "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt: how it became the Symbol of the Viennese Art

Vienna , Austria

Private Themed Tour of the Belvedere with an Art Historian: "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt: how it became the Symbol of the Viennese Art

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Ads all over Vienna lure viewers at every turn to the Belvedere to see 'the most famous kiss', on this tour you will understand what The Kiss is all about and decide for yourself whose arguments are more persuasive — art historians, marketers or viewers.

You will not only understand Klimt's style, but also see reflections of the the century turn in the work of this extraordinary artist.

We will trace Klimt's creative transformations from his early "Portrait of the Unknown Lady" to his unfinished "Bride", which was left in the studio when the artist was rushed by ambulance to hospital.

Klimt was long known as 'the portraitist of beautiful ladies', and we will see why today's scholarship believes Klimt felt the desires of his models better than his contemporary Sigmund Freud understood the problems of his patients.

On this tour, we'll take an in-depth look at Klimt's work, surrounded by his associates and competitors, and see why this particular artist is so important to Vienna.

If you not only want to see "The Kiss" but also find diverse meanings in Klimt's works, this tour of the Klimt collection in the Belvedere is for you.

Available options

Standard

What's included

Skip-the-line Admission Tickets to the Palace Belvedere (Upper Belvedere)

Professional Art Historian Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The National Gallery of Belvedere has the most impressive collection of Gustav Klimt’s canvases. Regardless of which aspect of his art you are interested in, in the Belvedere, you will find his portraits, landscapes, and the prominent works of his “Golden Period”.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

11 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Please come punctually to the meeting point at the main entrance of the Belvedere Palace. Your guide will be waiting for you on the left side of the main entrance of the Belvedere Palace (also called the Upper Belvedere). If you see a breathtaking view of Vienna, you found the meeting point. If you see the palace but not the city view, then please move to the entrance on the opposite side of the building. Just follow the "Museum entrance" sign. Use the contact details on your confirmation/voucher if you have any questions or difficulties finding the meeting point or your guide.

No pick-up available

Meeting point

Prinz Eugen-Straße 27

Important notes

Thank you for choosing our tour Gustav Klimt’s Art in the Belvedere!

Your guide's name is Julia. You can contact her by phone or via WhatsApp/Telegram at +4368110630689.

We start our tour at the Belvedere Palace. The address of the Belvedere Palace (also known as the Upper Belvedere) is Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna.

Please come punctually to the meeting point at the main entrance of the Belvedere Palace. Your guide will be waiting for you on the left side of the main entrance of the Belvedere Palace. If you see a breathtaking view of Vienna, you are at the meeting point. If you see the palace but not the city view, then please move to the entrance on the opposite side of the building. Just follow the "Museum entrance" sign. Contact your guide if you have any questions or have difficulties finding the meeting point or your guide.

Your guide will have your museums entrance tickets with her.

Have an inspiring experience!

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