Belvedere Palace: A Beautiful View of Vienna!
There can be no doubt that standing at the top of the Belvedere palace one has a ‘beautiful view’ of the city of Vienna. It says so right there in the name, after all, and who could argue with the Italian translation of an Austrian palace built by a French Prince/General?
The convoluted origins of the palace’s name are just the beginning, as the palace itself continues this mixed-message trend. Split into two parts, the Upper and Lower Belvedere are connected by a manicured garden the runs downhill between the two. This 1700’s palace is now home to both an impressive permanent collection of medieval, classical, expressionist, and more artwork (including the world’s largest Gustav Klimt collection) in the Upper Belvedere as well as a rotating selection of traveling exhibitions in the Lower.
Added to these two main gallerys are the small Palace Stables and Orangery on the Belvedere grounds and the nearby Winter Palace and 21er House (both within walking distance); all of which are included on the Belvedere’s combined ticket.
I’ve been to Belvedere Palace twice, though the first visit I only visited the Lower Palace and Orangery while the second was part of a group tour I was working on that just walked through the gardens. I would happily go back next time I’m in Vienna, and this is the kind of place where between museums/gardens/coffee shops one could very easily spend an entire day. What can I say, there’s a pretty beautiful view!
Essential Info:
Address:
Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27
1030 WienTo get here, take the U1 to ‘Sudtirolerplatz’ (from where the palace is a 5-10 minute walk) or the Tram D to the ‘Schloss Belvedere’ stop. Otherwise, the palace is an easy walk from Schwarzenbergplatz and the sweet little cafe there.
Opening Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 for all of the museums and palace grounds, with the Stables and Orangery open until 21:00 on wednesdays.
Admission: Varies depending on what you want to see. The gardens are free, but each of the galleries charge admission. For the combined Upper/Lower/Orangery ticket expect €19.00, or €16.50 with a Vienna 72hr City Card (which also covers your tram/metro trip). For these plus the 21er House and Winter Palace, prices are €30/€27.00.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Vienna, I really enjoyed the Hostel Ruthensteiner for a chill hangout while Wombats was an interesting party hostel if you’re so inclined.
