The magnificent Belvedere Palace, dating back to the 18th century, stands as the former summer residence of the Austrian general, Prince Eugene of Savoy.
Regarded as one of Vienna's top 10 attractions, this baroque palace comprises two distinct sections: the Lower Belvedere and the Upper Belvedere. The enchanting castle ensemble is further enhanced by the breathtaking palace gardens, which serve as a connecting link between the two structures.
In addition to the grand historic rooms, the Belvedere Palace houses Austria's most significant art collection, featuring the world's largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt.
This guide provides you with vital information for your visit to the Belvedere Palace. Read about the remarkable exhibitions, how to reach the palace, and popular ticket options.
Let's go!
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Ticket Options for the Belvedere
With numerous websites offering tickets for the Belvedere Palace, it can be difficult to choose the right tickets. That's why we've taken the time to compare all the available options for you.
Below, you'll find a curated list of the most popular and cheapest ticket options for the Belvedere. Simply click on your preferred choice to purchase your tickets.
Popular Ticket Options:
- Overview of the Best Ticket Options for Belvedere Palace
- Ticket for the Upper Belvedere, including Klimt's Kiss and the Permanent Collection
- Combined Ticket Upper and Lower Belvedere
- Combo: Direct Entry to the Upper Belvedere Palace + Big Bus 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Vienna
- Tickets for Belvedere 21: Museum of Contemporary Art
- Upper Belvedere Palace: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour
More Ticket Options:
- Tickets for Belvedere Palace: Upper Belvedere
- Tickets for Belvedere Palace: Lower Belvedere
- Diamond Bundle: Belvedere Palace & Swarovski Crystal Worlds
- Albertina + Upper Belvedere
- Upper Belvedere: Permanent collection, Marble Hall + Leopold Museum
- Upper Belvedere + Ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
- Upper Belvedere: Permanent Collection, Marble Hall + Schönbrunn Zoo
Upper Belvedere and Museum
Upper Belvedere was completed in 1723 and was primarily used for representative purposes. Under Maria Theresa, it developed into one of the first public museums in the world to house imperial collections.
Today, the Upper Belvedere houses a permanent exhibition of art from the 19th and 20th centuries and is the most visited art museum in Austria. Around 420 works are spread over three floors, exhibited in seven themed rooms. Among the artworks are the works of famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Egon Schiele.
The showpiece is undoubtedly the world's largest Klimt collection, consisting of over twenty works, including Gustav Klimt's world-famous masterpiece "The Kiss".
The magnificent and richly furnished state rooms in Upper Belvedere are also worth seeing. The highlight is the Marble Hall, whose balcony with a view of Canaletto offers what is probably the most famous view of Vienna. The Austrian State Treaty was also signed here in 1955, with which Austria's sovereignty was restored.
Lower Belvedere
Lower Belvedere is the former residence of the builder Prince Eugene. Built between 1714 and 1716, it was occupied by Prince Eugene, during the summer.
Today, exhibits of paintings and graphics from the 17th to 18th centuries are presented in Lower Belvedere. There are also changing exhibitions by artists from different eras.
In the magnificent stables, where Prince Eugene's personal horses were once housed, you can now take a look at valuable treasures from the Middle Ages.
Also worth mentioning are the Gold Cabinet - decorated with mirrors and porcelain, the story Marble Hall - decorated with impressive wall reliefs, ceiling paintings and sculptures, and the Grotesque Hall - decorated with grotesque paintings.
Exhibitions and special events are held in the Orangery, which originally served as a heated conservatory for orange trees. It has functioned as a modern exhibition hall since 2007 and is designed in the form of a white cube.
Belvedere 21
The palace ensemble is complemented by Belvedere 21, a pavilion originally created as the Austrian Pavilion for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. With its unusual design, the building is considered an architectural icon of post-war modernism.
Today, at Belvedere 21 you can admire contemporary Austrian and international art, film and music. Works by internationally renowned artists are presented in the sculpture garden.
How to Get to the Belvedere Palace?
When it comes to public transport, we consider the palace itself, specifically the Upper Belvedere, as the central point within the palace complex. All the information regarding footpaths and directions will be based on this point.
- By Subway:
Line U1 to Südtiroler Platz and 13 minutes on foot - By Tram:
Line D to Belvedere Palace and 3 minutes on foot
Line 1, 18 and to Quartier Belvedere and 8 minutes walk
Lines 1 and O to Kölblstraße and 8 minutes on foot
Line 71 to Rennweg and 10 minutes on foot - By Bus:
Line 13A to Belvederegasse and 11 minutes on foot
Timetables:
Vienna Network Maps:
The most popular and best-selling tickets for Vienna
Planning to stay a bit longer in Vienna and explore more of the Austrian capital? We have compiled a list of the most sought-after tickets according to the popular ticket portals GetYourGuide, Headout and Tiqets. Simply click on the description of the ticket that interests you to secure your favorites.
- Skip-the-Line Ticket for Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens + 2-hour Guided Tour in English, Spanish or Italian
- Tickets for the Training at the Spanish Riding School
- Skip-the-Cashier-Desk-Line Ticket for a Ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
- Tickets for Vivaldi's Four Seasons concert in Karlskirche
- Tickets for a Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: 24, 48 or 72 hours
- Skip-the-Line Ticket for Schönbrunn Zoo
- Ticket for the Upper Belvedere, including Klimt's Kiss and the Permanent Collection
- Tickets for Belvedere Palace: Lower Belvedere and other Ticket Options
- Albertina: State Rooms, Permanent Collection Batliner, Temporary Exhibitions
- Entrance Ticket to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna
- Tickets for the Museum of Illusions
Belvedere Palace Garden
The baroque castle garden from 1725 forms a harmonious unit with the two castles and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the main garden, you will find the typical features of a baroque garden, such as the symmetrical flower arrangements, water basins, landings and stairs, and ornately trimmed hedges. On the south side of Upper Belvedere, a pond creates a visual doubling of the palace facade.
The Belvedere Gardens include other small parks and gardens. The Chamber Garden, to the west of Lower Belvedere, is Prince Eugene's former private garden. The oldest alpine garden in Europe is also located in the palace complex and houses a valuable historical collection of alpine plants from the Federal Gardens. Works by internationally renowned artists are on display in the sculpture garden at Belvedere 21. The botanical garden, founded in 1754 under Maria Theresia, will delight you with 12,000 plant species from six continents.
Traveler's Tip: City Passes for Vienna
Vienna offers several appealing city passes for travelers that can help you save money and time. We highly recommend purchasing one of these cards.
To learn more about the popular tourist cards, including prices and included activities, check out our article "Best City Pass for Vienna: Compare Prices & Included Activities". Alternatively, you can easily compare and purchase the card of your choice by clicking on one of the buttons below the following brief descriptions.
1. Vienna City Card
The Vienna City Card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, providing discounts at 200 attractions, museums, restaurants, theaters, and stores. Additionally, it offers unlimited and free use of public transportation.
2. Vienna Pass
The Vienna Pass is available for 1, 2, 3, or 6 days and grants you free admission to over 60 attractions in Vienna. It often allows you to skip the queues.
3. Vienna Flexi Pass
The Vienna Flexi Pass allows you to choose your favorite 2 to 5 attractions from a selection of over 40 options. You can visit them for free and, if available, enjoy fast-track admission.
4. Go City Explorer Pass
The Go City Explorer Pass enables you to choose your favorite 2 to 7 attractions from over 40 options in Vienna. You can visit them for free and, if available, enjoy fast-track admission.
Prince Eugene and History of Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace was built by Prince Eugene of Savoy at the beginning of the 18th century. Due to his military successes, Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663–1736) was one of the most important generals in the Habsburg Empire. After entering the service of the Habsburgs in 1683, he quickly rose to become the supreme commander of the imperial army and won fame and glory during the Turkish War and the War of Spanish Succession. His greatest achievement was the capture of Belgrade.
As a successful general and diplomat, he played a key role in shaping Austrian politics, but as an art collector and patron, he also shaped the country's art and culture.
The respected baroque architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt was commissioned to build the summer palace. A beautiful baroque palace complex was created under him, in which the two palaces, Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere, are connected by a garden.
Belvedere Palace has been used to present art ever since it was built. Prince Eugene lived in Lower Belvedere, while the upper building had a representative function. After the death of Prince Eugene of Savoy, Empress Maria Theresia acquired Belvedere and made large parts of the imperial collection accessible to the public in Upper Belvedere.
Many treasures are waiting to be discovered by visitors in both buildings. In addition to the many collections, the building impresses with its historical rooms, especially the Marble Hall with its wonderful view, the main gate to Upper Belvedere, the Hall of Mirrors, the staircase, the Sala Terrena (garden hall) and of course the baroque garden.
Map & Address
- Address: Belvedere, Prinz Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna