Schönbrunn Palace: One Of The Most Beautiful Places In Vienna

Why Schönbrunn Palace should be at the top of your list when you visit Vienna

Whether you’re visiting Vienna for the first time or the twentieth, you’re probably on the lookout to fill your itinerary to the brim with the most beautiful places in Vienna. And I’m here to tell you that whether you’re visiting Vienna for the first time or the twentieth, Schönbrunn Palace should be on your list! 

Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning Baroque palace located in Vienna, Austria. It is one of the most significant cultural and historical landmarks in the country, known for its opulent architecture, extensive gardens, and its association with the Habsburg monarchy. It is also one of the most nature-filled, diverse parks in Vienna. 

This makes it perfect for your summer picnic, your spring flower instagram backdrops, your autumn leaves photography, and your snow-capped Disney-inspired palace shots. It is loved by tourists and locals alike, and you’ll get to experience the magic of Baroque architecture while also getting a peek into Viennese life.

This shows Schönbrunn Palace from the side view from Schönbrunn Palace Park.
Schönbrunn Palace Park.

What you will find here

Here you’ll find some of my favourite things to do when visiting Schönbrunn Palace. From art to architecture to nature, Schönbrunn Palace has you covered! At this stage you’re probably thinking “Jeez, Sara why don’t you just marry Vienna if you love it that much?” and to that I would say I wish I could. If you enjoy my over-the-top infatuation with Vienna, or you think Vienna can’t be as fabulous as I make it out to be and need some convincing, I highly recommend you read my post Why You Need To Visit Vienna: A Love Story. You’re welcome.

This shows a woman standing next to wisteria at Schönbrunn Palace Park.
Schönbrunn Palace Park.

What Is there to do at Schönbrunn Palace?

See inside Schönbrunn Palace

This is the main event, and so worth the entry ticket. You’ll get to see so many beautifully staged rooms where you can imagine what it must have been like for the likes of Maria Theresa. The official website for Schönbrunn Palace offers tickets and lists the opening times so that is the best spot to check. I also highly recommend you check Get Your Guide as they often have deals where you get tours or lunch added for really good prices! Just as a note, you aren’t actually allowed to take photos in Schönbrunn Palace and it can get really busy, so a guided tour is a great way to give yourself some space and time to get immersed.

This shows a woman in a rose print vintage dress standing outside Schönbrunn Palace.
Schönbrunn Palace from the entrance.

Walk through Schönbrunn Palace Park

In the park they have a Japanese garden, a greenhouse, a rose garden, ruins, and a maze. There are also various statues that are worth seeing such as the Neptune Fountain (Neptunbrunnen) and the Najadenbassin (Östlicher Najadenbrunnen). These are all great places to take photos or just sit down and enjoy. It also means that no matter what season you come you will be able to enjoy the Palace Park as there are just so many things to see. I did actually get lost in the maze though, even though it is supposed to be for children. So, just keep that in mind…

This shows the Najadenbassin (Östlicher Najadenbrunnen) fountain with the Roman Ruin (Römische Ruine) in the background.
Najadenbassin (Östlicher Najadenbrunnen) fountain with the with the Roman Ruin (Römische Ruine) in the background.
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See the views from Gloriette Schönbrunn

Gloriette Schönbrunn is a historical landmark at the top of the park. It is a slight incline and some steps to get up to the top but the views of the palace are spectacular. I highly recommend doing this as this is more of a local spot and you can see the locals meeting up for a  coffee at Café Gloriette to enjoy the views.

Views from Gloriette Schönbrunn.
The views from Gloriette Schönbrunn.
This shows the Gloriette Schönbrunn historical landmark.
Gloriette Schönbrunn.

Visit the grave of Gustav Klimt

If you’re an Austrian art fan or just have a bit of morbid curiosity you can also visit the grave of Gustav Klimt on your trip to Schönbrunn Palace. Gustav Klimt’s grave is located in Hietzing Cemetery, which runs parallel to the park (but may as well be part of the park). I’ve included a map below to show you exactly where it is, but the easiest way to get there is to visit it after you go to the Gloriette or heritage museum Tirolerhof Schönbrunn. P.S I don’t have photos of his grave because, well, that would be too weird.

This shows the hedges at Schönbrunn Palace Park.
Even on a rainy day the palace’s park is a mood.

VERDICT

Is Schönbrunn Palace really one of the most beautiful places in Vienna?

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the best places you will lay your eyes on in Vienna. It is one of the most well-kept palaces in the world. The reason why Schönbrunn Palace is so special is because it is popular with tourists and locals alike. You’ll get a real stab of jealousy as you watch the locals enjoy an afternoon jog around one of the best palaces in the world. Like, rub it in our face, much?

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I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’re on Instagram, you can find me over here: @apicturesquelife so feel free to reach out or use #apicturesquelife and I’d be happy to connect!

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