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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

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

Guided tour

4.4/5

(1,739)

Iskra Georgieva Petrova

Iskra

Jul 2025
Verified booking
5/5
I liked very much the easy way we bought the tickets. Most of all, I enjoyed the way our guide - Yuliya Pavlovska Jilch - carried out our tour. I really liked the way she told the story of the royal family, I liked her subtle sense of humour and the care she took of us all. She is one gentle woman. I would recommend her to everyone! Thanks, Yuliya! :-)
Pirvu Emilian Andrei

Pirvu

May 2025
Verified booking
4/5
The palace and also the gardens is beautiful, Alexandra the guide was awesome very enthuziastic and it was a pleasure to listen her. The only remark is that there can be visitied only 5 rooms which is not enough, the tour in the Palace is only 1.5 hour. My expectation was to stay 4-5 hours in the Palace.
Fiona Hajas

Fiona

May 2025
Verified booking
4/5
We enjoyed the guided tour of the palace and appreciated our guide's insights and stories. She was very soft spoken though but once we had the headset, it was much better. Walking through the gardens was very nice and seeing the Schönbrunn fountain was also special.
    • 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 2.5-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+, ensuring crystal-clear audio in every room.

    • Skip-the-line entry to Schönbrunn Palace

    • 2.5-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.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.4
    1,739 ratings
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    1.1K
    4/5
    459
    3/5
    100
    2/5
    31
    1/5
    78
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    • United Kingdom
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    • Greece
    Guests from United States, Germany, France and over 60 countries have loved this experience

    Mona Schönbeck

    Mona

    Aug, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    I had ordered the tickets online! It was super easy and quick to register! Our group was nice and small! The guided tour by Franz Joseph was great and very interesting! It was really a lot of fun!
    Alexandre Martins Pastore

    Alexandre

    Aug, 2025Verified booking

    4/5
    Very organized and signposted, with excellent conservation of historical objects, but the guide left a little to be desired because during the tour he spoke German and got lost in the translation into English
    Arnold Fiala

    Arnold

    Jun, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    I have to say that I have rarely had such a good and, above all, competent tour guide. We were very impressed as a family!
    Robert Zielmann

    Robert

    Aug, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Punctual admission, very good and pleasant tour.
    Juergen Huber

    Juergen

    Aug, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    The guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace led by Lisa was very informative and well worth seeing.
  • Immerse yourself in Austria’s imperial legacy

    Skip the queues and step straight into Vienna’s grand imperial past on a 3.5-hour 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

    Monday08:30am - 05:30pm
    Tuesday08:30am - 05:30pm
    Wednesday08:30am - 05:30pm
    Thursday08:30am - 05:30pm
    Friday08:30am - 05:30pm
    Saturday08:30am - 05:30pm
    Sunday08:30am - 05:30pm

    Schönbrunn Palace Park

    Monday06:30am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:15pm
    Tuesday06:30am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:15pm
    Wednesday06:30am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:15pm
    Thursday06:30am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:15pm
    Friday06:30am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:15pm
    Saturday06:30am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:15pm
    Sunday06:30am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:15pm
  • 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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