Frequently asked questions
What is the Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Palace?
The Grand Tour is the fullest palace route: 40 rooms along the piano nobile, including the private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth ('Sisi'), the great state rooms — the Great Gallery, Millions Room and Vieux-Laque Room — and the private chambers of Maria Theresa. It comes with an immersive history presentation and an audio guide.
How does the timed entry work?
Schönbrunn admits visitors at reserved 15-minute time slots. You choose an available entry time when you book; we secure that slot and email your ticket. Arrive a few minutes before your time and walk in past the ticket-desk queue. The slot is for entry — once inside you tour at your own pace.
What's the difference between the Grand Tour and the Imperial Tour?
The Imperial Tour covers 22 rooms; the Grand Tour adds a further 18, including the dazzling Maria Theresa-era state rooms such as the Millions Room and the Vieux-Laque Room. For a first visit that does the palace justice, the Grand Tour is the one to book.
What are the must-see rooms?
The Great Gallery, the palace's ceremonial centrepiece; the Hall of Mirrors, where a six-year-old Mozart played for Maria Theresa; the lavish Millions Room and the black-lacquered Vieux-Laque Room; and the private apartments of Franz Joseph and Sisi, preserved much as the imperial couple left them.
What are the opening hours?
Schönbrunn Palace is open daily, year-round, including public holidays. Hours are generally 08:30–17:30 (to 18:00 in July and August, and to 17:00 in winter), with last admission 45 minutes before closing. Your reserved time slot falls within these hours.
How do I get to Schönbrunn Palace?
Take U-Bahn line U4 (green) to Schönbrunn station — about 10–15 minutes from Stephansplatz in the centre of Vienna — then a short walk to the gates. Trams 10 and 60 and several buses also stop nearby. The gardens, Gloriette and grounds are free to enter.
How long should I allow?
The Grand Tour itself takes around an hour to an hour and a half at an unhurried pace. Give yourself extra time to explore the vast formal gardens, walk up to the Gloriette for the view over Vienna, and see the grounds — all free to enter.
Do I need to show ID or is my name on the ticket?
No — a standard adult Grand Tour ticket carries no name and no ID is checked at entry. You simply show your e-ticket at your reserved time. (ID is only relevant for discounted categories, which we don't sell.)
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Your ticket is a digital e-ticket — show the code on your phone at the entrance. We email it to you after you book, usually within a few hours, so it's ready well before your visit.
What's the best time of day to visit?
Early-morning slots, soon after the 08:30 opening, are the calmest and coolest. Late afternoon is quieter again as the tour groups thin out. Midday in summer is busiest — and those slots sell out first, so book ahead if you want a specific time.
Is Schönbrunn a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, recognised as an outstanding example of a Baroque princely residence and a symbol of Habsburg power.
Are the gardens included?
The formal gardens, the Great Parterre, the Gloriette hill and the palace grounds are free to enter and open to all — your Grand Tour ticket is for the palace interior. Some separate garden attractions (such as the Privy Garden, maze and Gloriette viewing terrace) have their own tickets.
What happens if I can't make my booked time?
Get in touch as early as you can and we'll do what we can to help. Changes depend on availability, and Schönbrunn tickets are non-refundable once issued, so please double-check your date and time before booking — our full terms set out the conditions.
Can I visit with children?
Yes — Schönbrunn is very family-friendly, with the gardens, the Children's Museum and the famous Tiergarten (zoo, separate ticket) alongside the palace. The Grand Tour suits older children who enjoy the rooms and stories; the gardens are perfect for younger ones to run.
How is your price made up?
The price you see is an all-in concierge price covering your official Grand Tour ticket, our work reserving your timed slot, a free audio guide, English-language support and instant delivery to your inbox. There is nothing extra to pay at the gate.