Private Tour of Beethoven's Vienna – Retracing Original Venues with an Expert

Vienna , Austria

Private Tour of Beethoven's Vienna – Retracing Original Venues with an Expert

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About this experience

Explore places associated with the great composer and gain a better understanding of Beethoven's work.

This tour immerses you in Beethoven's Vienna and the circumstances in which he wrote and premiered his music. We discover original venues that were common places during the Viennese Classical period, but are now off the beaten musical track.
Beethoven is undoubtedly one of the world's best known composers. He was an uncompromising revolutionary, a staunch humanist and an artist who constantly explored and challenged the boundaries of the arts. Although he was born in Bonn, Vienna became his true home and the spiritual centre that shaped him as an artist. On this private tour we will visit the places that give us a deeper understanding of his music.

Important note:
As some of the venues on this tour have different opening and closing times, please understand that the content of the tour may vary accordingly. The tour may also be cancelled in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Available options

Private Tour of Beethoven's Vienna – Retracing Original Venues with an Expert

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Detailed itinerary

The former assembly hall of the University of Vienna - now the ballroom of the Austrian Academy of Sciences - was one of the most important concert halls in Vienna around 1800. Beethoven himself conducted Wellington's Victory here in 1813. Many famous musicians played in the orchestra, including Louis Spohr, Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Giacomo Meyerbeer and Antonio Salieri. The work was composed to celebrate the decisive victory over Napoleon and its skilful use of the room's acoustics required the participation of all the musical celebrities available.

Stop 2

Ludwig van Beethoven lived in this house for 8 years The composed here was the opera "Fidelio" and the 5th and 6th symphonies. The small but well-known piano work "Für Elise" was also composed here.

Stop 3

In the Lobkowitzpalais we visit the sumptuous Eroica Hall, where the private premiere of Beethoven's "Eroica" found state in 1804.

In 1803 and 1804 Ludwig van Beethoven lived here for some time while composing his opera.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

At the main entrance

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