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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

(2,129)

Kitty H

Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Thanks to Christian’s (Guide/Tour Guide (official title)) stories, we were able to get a vivid picture of the Habsburgs, particularly the life of Maria Theresa and her family. Christian’s ability to weave together the most diverse aspects of the history of Schönbrunn and Vienna was truly impressive. I highly recommend a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace and the palace gardens with Christian.

Leonetti R

Group
Verified booking
6 days ago
Aside from the guide’s proverbial punctuality, kindness, and meticulous organization of the various stages of the tour, the tour itself went beyond a mere historical account of the life and times of Maria Theresa of Habsburg, offering interesting anecdotes and details about both architectural and natural features (the park, the zoo, the Palmenhaus, etc.). Our assessment of the guide is, therefore, highly positive.

Clay S

Group
Verified booking
Last week
The tour of Schönbrunn Palace was exceptional! Our Guide Michael was very knowledgeable and provided interesting facts that kept everyone in our group engaged. He was one of the best tour guides we've ever had!

Marion H

Group
Verified booking
Last week
Our guide, Michael, shared some interesting facts. He’s very clear and explains everything well! It was a great tour; he knows a lot and turns it into an engaging story!

Ionela V

Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
I had a great guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace with Ivan. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and made the history come alive with interesting stories rather than just facts. The tour was well-paced, and Ivan was friendly, attentive, and happy to answer questions. His enthusiasm really enhanced the whole experience. I’d highly recommend touring Schönbrunn with him!

Truteau F

Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Our guide was very knowledgeable. His explanations were precise, clear, and full of interesting anecdotes, delivered with a great sense of humor. We really enjoyed the tour. The rooms are magnificent and lavishly decorated. A wonderful tour
    • 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.

  • 2,129 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.

    1.3K
    502
    115
    36
    95
    Germany
    United States
    Italy
    Romania
    France
    United Kingdom
    Switzerland
    Canada
    Spain
    India
    Germany
    United States
    Italy
    Romania
    France
    United Kingdom
    Switzerland
    Canada
    Spain
    India
    Guests from Germany, United States, Italy and over 57 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Clay S

    Group
    Verified booking
    Last week
    The tour of Schönbrunn Palace was exceptional! Our Guide Michael was very knowledgeable and provided interesting facts that kept everyone in our group engaged. He was one of the best tour guides we've ever had!

    Marion H

    Group
    Verified booking
    Last week
    Our guide, Michael, shared some interesting facts. He’s very clear and explains everything well! It was a great tour; he knows a lot and turns it into an engaging story!

    Kitty H

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Last week
    Thanks to Christian’s (Guide/Tour Guide (official title)) stories, we were able to get a vivid picture of the Habsburgs, particularly the life of Maria Theresa and her family. Christian’s ability to weave together the most diverse aspects of the history of Schönbrunn and Vienna was truly impressive. I highly recommend a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace and the palace gardens with Christian.

    Leonetti R

    Group
    Verified booking
    6 days ago
    Aside from the guide’s proverbial punctuality, kindness, and meticulous organization of the various stages of the tour, the tour itself went beyond a mere historical account of the life and times of Maria Theresa of Habsburg, offering interesting anecdotes and details about both architectural and natural features (the park, the zoo, the Palmenhaus, etc.). Our assessment of the guide is, therefore, highly positive.

    Inga N

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Today
    Michael has been a lovely guide, telling us so many interesting things about the castle and it's history in such a short time. Would totally recommend :)
  • 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.

  • Schönbrunn Palace

    Monday8:30am - 5:30pm
    Tuesday8:30am - 5:30pm
    Wednesday8:30am - 5:30pm
    Thursday8:30am - 5:30pm
    Friday8:30am - 5:30pm
    Saturday8:30am - 5:30pm
    Sunday8:30am - 5:30pm

    Schönbrunn Palace Park

    Monday6:30am - 8:00pmlast entry 7:15pm
    Tuesday6:30am - 8:00pmlast entry 7:15pm
    Wednesday6:30am - 8:00pmlast entry 7:15pm
    Thursday6:30am - 8:00pmlast entry 7:15pm
    Friday6:30am - 8:00pmlast entry 7:15pm
    Saturday6:30am - 8:00pmlast entry 7:15pm
    Sunday6:30am - 8:00pmlast entry 7:15pm
  • 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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