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Guided Tours

Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Group of tourists on a guided tour at Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna.
Great Gallery inside Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna with ornate chandeliers and visitors exploring.
Schönbrunn Palace interior with ornate red chairs, marble table, and decorative vase.
Fountain with statue and lily pads in Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, Vienna.

Duration

2 hr - 3 hr 30 min

Open today

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

4.4/5(2,233)

Alexander T

Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
The highlights—the entire estate with its castle, gardens, orangery, zoo, and so much more—are simply breathtaking. Singling out just one highlight wouldn’t do justice to the rest. But none of it would be anything without a good tour guide, and we had an excellent one in Ivan, who shared a wealth of fascinating information with our group, backed by extensive background knowledge. Thank you, Ivan...

Regine S

Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
Our visit to Schönbrunn Palace and the palace gardens was a truly memorable experience thanks to our very knowledgeable and humorous Viennese tour guide (unfortunately, I’ve forgotten her name). Not only did we have a great time, but we also learned a lot. The pace and clarity of the tour were perfectly balanced, and her enthusiasm was contagious!

Jose D

Group
Verified booking
Last week
A very enjoyable tour led by Marco, a great guide in every way—highly experienced, attentive to the group’s comfort, making sure we were given priority when viewing the rooms, and a helpful advisor who gave us recommendations on where to eat and what to do after the tour.

Giuseppe B

Couple
Verified booking
Yesterday
The guided tour is essential for navigating the site properly and for the information provided by the guide. The information provided before the tour was also very helpful.

Anne M

Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Lena!!!! A most wonderful tour guide. She was charming filled with knowledge and very filled with humor . .. made the time go so quickly.... We enjoyed her so much.

Thomas S

Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Tour guide was excellent, well-paced. Two hours flew by! It was great to skip the lines and the audio deivces made it very easy to hear the tour guide.
    • Skip past the long entry queues at Schönbrunn Palace and wander through 22 lavish staterooms once home to the Habsburgs.

    • Explore the palace interiors, Baroque gardens, and courtyards on a 2-hour guided tour, or extend to 3.5 hours to also see Vienna’s top landmarks, including the State Opera, Hofburg Palace, and City Hall.

    • Hear tales of Empress Sisi’s defiance, Schönbrunn’s role in royal diplomacy, and the hidden symbols in its lavish décor from an expert guide.

    • Enjoy a more personal experience on select small-group English tours, limited to 25 guests.

    • Stay connected to your guide with headsets for groups of 10 or more, ensuring crystal-clear audio in every room.

    • Skip-the-line entry to Schönbrunn Palace

    • 2-hour guided tour of the Palace interiors, Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, and Courtyards (based on option selected)

    • 3.5-hour guided city tour of Vienna’s top landmarks (based on option selected)

    • English, German, Spanish, Italian, or French-speaking expert guide (as per option selected)

    • Access to 22 imperial staterooms inside the palace

    • Walking tour of the Schönbrunn Gardens and Courtyards (includes free-access areas; weather-dependent)

    • Small-group experience with a maximum of 25 guests (available on select English-guided tours only)

    • Headsets for groups of 10+ to ensure clear audio during the palace tour

    • Transfers and hotel pick-up and drop-off

    • Food and drinks

    • Souvenir photos

    • Tips (optional)

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 2,233 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    1.4K
    519
    118
    37
    103
    Germany
    United States
    France
    Italy
    Romania
    Switzerland
    United Kingdom
    Spain
    Canada
    India
    Germany
    United States
    France
    Italy
    Romania
    Switzerland
    United Kingdom
    Spain
    Canada
    India
    Guests from Germany, United States, France and over 56 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Thomas S

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Last week
    Tour guide was excellent, well-paced. Two hours flew by! It was great to skip the lines and the audio deivces made it very easy to hear the tour guide.

    Alexander T

    Couple
    Verified booking
    2 days ago
    The highlights—the entire estate with its castle, gardens, orangery, zoo, and so much more—are simply breathtaking. Singling out just one highlight wouldn’t do justice to the rest. But none of it would be anything without a good tour guide, and we had an excellent one in Ivan, who shared a wealth of fascinating information with our group, backed by extensive background knowledge. Thank you, Ivan...

    Regine S

    Couple
    Verified booking
    4 days ago
    Our visit to Schönbrunn Palace and the palace gardens was a truly memorable experience thanks to our very knowledgeable and humorous Viennese tour guide (unfortunately, I’ve forgotten her name). Not only did we have a great time, but we also learned a lot. The pace and clarity of the tour were perfectly balanced, and her enthusiasm was contagious!

    Jose D

    Group
    Verified booking
    Last week
    A very enjoyable tour led by Marco, a great guide in every way—highly experienced, attentive to the group’s comfort, making sure we were given priority when viewing the rooms, and a helpful advisor who gave us recommendations on where to eat and what to do after the tour.

    Carla D

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Last week
    The place is truly stunning, and the guide’s professionalism made the experience wonderful. The only downside was that there were too many people in the rooms at once. This caused some confusion. They should organize staggered entry times so that people can move through more smoothly.
  • Immerse yourself in Austria’s imperial legacy

    Skip the queues and step straight into Vienna’s grand imperial past on a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace and its stunning gardens. Your expert guide will bring the dazzling State Rooms to life, weaving fascinating stories of the Habsburg dynasty through magnificent artwork and ornate architecture. Walk in the footsteps of Empress Sisi as you explore her private apartments, including the elegant Great Gallery and the enchanting Carousel Room. Imagine the glittering courtly balls and lavish events that once filled these halls, with their soaring ceilings and sparkling crystal chandeliers setting the scene for centuries of history.

    Wander through the Palace Gardens’ timeless beauty

    After exploring inside, take a stroll through the palace’s French-style gardens. The majestic Neptune Fountain, sculpted in gleaming white marble, commands attention as a stunning centerpiece steeped in Roman mythology. Don’t miss the playful architectural gems, the Roman Ruin and the Obelisk, that reflect the Habsburgs’ flair for grandeur with a touch of whimsy. Climb up to the Gloriette, a triumphal arch perched on a hill, offering sweeping views across Vienna’s skyline, a perfect spot for a memorable photo.

    Discover Vienna’s iconic city sights on a bus tour

    Your experience continues beyond Schönbrunn with an optional city bus tour, showcasing Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. First, admire the impressive Vienna State Opera, renowned for hosting the glamorous annual Opera Ball. Just nearby stands the majestic Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the imperial family, rich with imperial history. As you travel, marvel at the monumental buildings of the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History, both architectural masterpieces. The tour also passes by the neoclassical Parliament building, the celebrated Burgtheater, and the striking City Hall, each telling its own story of Vienna’s cultural and political heritage.

    Choose your language for a personalized experience

    To make your visit even more special, select a licensed guide who speaks your language, ensuring every detail and story resonates with you personally.

  • What to bring

    • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the palace grounds are extensive and the State Rooms alone require time to explore.

    • Dress according to the season; choose breathable layers in summer and warm, waterproof clothing in winter.

    • In summer, carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect from strong sunlight in the gardens.

    • Photography enthusiasts may want a zoom or telephoto lens to capture sculptures and architectural details from a distance.

    What’s not allowed

    • Drones, selfie sticks, tripods, flash photography, and lighting equipment are banned. Photography is limited to non-commercial use with mobile phones.

    • There is no storage for luggage, large bags, umbrellas, or extra clothing, so bring only essential items.

    • Pets are not permitted. Make suitable arrangements before your visit.

    • Bicycles and private vehicles are not allowed inside the palace park.

    Accessibility

    • This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Some historic State Rooms can only be accessed by stairs, and step-free routes are not available.

    Additional information

    • Book tickets online 2 to 3 weeks ahead to avoid long waits, especially during peak seasons such as summer, Easter, and Christmas.

    • Your meeting point will depend on your ticket type and will be stated in your booking confirmation. It will be either the Group Center, the Ehrenhof Fountain (look for the green umbrella), or the Arrival Center at HOHO Bus Stop 30.

    • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the start time, as late arrivals cannot join.

    • Tours operate in a single language chosen at the time of booking.

    • Group sizes are capped at 25 guests to ensure a more personal experience.

    • Personal audio devices with headphones are provided, though you may bring your own with a 3.5 mm jack.

    • The gardens, main courtyard, fountains, Great Parterre, Roman Ruin, and public paths are open to visitors during park hours.

    • In extreme weather, the garden visit may be replaced. Between November 8 and January 6, a local Christmas Market visit is offered instead.

    • The Privy Garden, Orangery Garden, Maze, Labyrinth, and Gloriette viewing terrace require separate tickets and close 30 to 45 minutes before the palace (between 3:30 pm and 6 pm depending on the season).

    • The Group Center near the main gate offers free lockers, baby changing facilities, accessible toilets, and an ATM.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    Meeting point

    • Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

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