Belvedere Palace Vienna: Complete Visitor Guide

Author

Sudarshona

Updated Date

December 19, 2025

Read

8 minutes

Belvedere Palace Vienna: Complete Visitor Guide

Belvedere Palace in Vienna is one of the greatest cultural sites in Austria, inviting over 1.5 million visitors yearly. It is a historic palace complex comprising the Upper and Lower Belvedere and contains the most significant art of Austria, including the famous painting by Gustav Klimt called The Kiss. Being a royal summer palace in the past, Belvedere Palace is a great place to experience the art, history, and city views all at the same time. This guide will take you through its artworks, the best time to explore, how to reach and tips for a memorable experience in 2026.

Read more: Vienna Tourism

Why Belvedere Palace Is a Must-Visit in Vienna

Belvedere Palace in Vienna is among the most important cultural attractions in Austria, with its grand Baroque architecture, exquisitely designed landscaped gardens and globally acclaimed art.

Built in the early 18th century, the palace complex reflects Vienna’s transformation from an imperial power to a modern European capital.
Home to the world’s largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt
The palace gardens offer a rare sense of calm within the city
Houses Gustav Klimt’s world-famous painting, The Kiss
One of Europe’s finest Baroque palace complexes
UNESCO-recognised cultural significance
Ideal blend of art, architecture, and history

Belvedere Palace History: From Prince Eugene’s Residence to Austrian Art Museum

The Belvedere Palace was ordered by Prince Eugene of Savoy, who was one of the most successful military leaders in Austria. The complex was initially a summer palace, but later, it became an imperial property of the Habsburgs. The Upper Belvedere became of world significance in 1955 when the Austrian State Treaty was signed there, reinstating the independence of Austria. The building is now occupied by the Austrian Gallery Belvedere, which exhibits centuries of national and international art. This is also among the most beautiful places to visit in Vienna in 2026.

Upper Belvedere vs Lower Belvedere: Which Palace Should You Visit?

Upper Belvedere Palace Vienna: Klimt’s The Kiss, Tickets & Highlights

The most renowned location in the Belvedere Palace is the Upper Belvedere. Its elaborate halls and marble staircases bring one to one of the greatest art museums of Europe. The best thing is that the Gustav Klimt painting, The Kiss, attracts people worldwide. Visitors will also find works by Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Its grand façade and reflective pools make it one of Vienna’s most photographed landmarks.

Entry Ticket Price: Approximately INR 1,600 per adult
Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
Best For: Art enthusiasts and first-time visitors

Lower Belvedere Palace Vienna: Architecture, Exhibitions & Visitor Guide

Lower Belvedere was the palace of Prince Eugene. It specialises in temporary exhibitions, medieval art, and baroque interiors like the Marble Hall, the Grotesque Hall and provides a more intimate and quiet experience in the museum.

Entry Ticket Price: Approximately INR 1,300 per adult
Time Needed: 1 to 1.5 hours
Best For: Architecture lovers and repeat visitors

Belvedere Palace Art Collection: Klimt, Schiele & Austrian Masterpieces

Gustav Klimt and Austrian Modernism

The Belvedere Palace in Vienna is world-famous for its collection of works by Gustav Klimt. The Kiss is the undisputed highlight, drawing visitors from around the globe. Enjoying its other Klimt paintings, are of the best things to do in Austria’s Vienna.

Other Notable Artists

In addition to Klimt, the Belvedere collection includes masterpieces by:

Egon Schiele
Oskar Kokoschka
Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller
Medieval and Baroque artists

The collection spans over 800 years of art history, making it one of the most comprehensive in Austria.

Belvedere Palace Gardens Vienna: Layout, Entry, Best Views & Photography Tips

The gardens connect the Upper and Lower Belvedere and are free to enter. Their layout is in classic French style, laid out on three terraces with fountains, sculptures and hedges in a straight line in the middle. Walking through the gardens gives Visitors a visual narrative of power and balance, with the Upper Belvedere rising dramatically at one end. Spring and early summer bring blooming flowers, while autumn offers golden hues that feel especially romantic, making it one of the most romantic places to visit in Vienna.

Time Needed: 30 to 45 minutes
Best For: Photography, relaxed walks, and sunset views

Belvedere Palace Tickets & Entry Fees

Ticket Type	Price (INR)	What’s Included
Upper Belvedere	₹1,850	Entry to Upper Palace & main art collection (The Kiss by Klimt)
Lower Belvedere	₹1,570	Entry to Lower Palace & temporary exhibitions
2-in-1 Ticket	₹2,755	Upper + Lower Belvedere entry (same day)
3-in-1 Ticket	₹3,040	Upper + Lower + Belvedere 21 Museum
Children (<19)	Free	Free museum entry
Gardens	Free	Access to Belvedere Palace gardens

Tips: Online booking is strongly recommended to avoid queues.

Belvedere Palace Opening Hours & Best Visiting Time Slots

Upper Belvedere: Daily, usually 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Lower Belvedere: Daily, usually 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Gardens: Open daily, daylight hours
(Exact timings may vary seasonally)

Best Time to Visit Belvedere Palace Vienna: Season-Wise Guide

The best time to visit Vienna’s Belvedere Palace is from April through June and September through October because the weather is pleasant and the gardens are in good condition. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid peak crowds, especially at the Upper Belvedere.

Season	Weather	Crowd Level	Best For
Spring (Mar–May)	Mild, 10–20°C; blooming gardens	High	Gardens, photography, and comfortable sightseeing
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Warm to hot, 20–30°C	Very High	Festivals, long daylight, outdoor exploring
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	Cool, 10–20°C; fall colours	Moderate	Fewer crowds, cultural visits, pleasant walks
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Cold, 0–5°C; occasional snow	Low	Museums, budget travel, Christmas markets

How to Reach Belvedere Palace Vienna: Tram, Metro, Bus & Walking Routes

Belvedere Palace is easily accessible by tram, public transport and on foot. Its central location makes it convenient for first-time visitors. Whether Visitors are coming from the hotel, the airport, or another attraction, reaching the palace is simple and convenient.

By Tram: Trams offer one of the most scenic ways to arrive at the palace.

Tram Line D- Get off at Schloss Belvedere for Upper Belvedere or Quartier Belvedere for the gardens.
Tram Line O- Stops close to the Belvedere complex and is useful if Visitors are coming from other parts of the city.

By Metro (U-Bahn): This option is ideal if Visitors are travelling from the city centre or major transport hubs.

Take U1 (Red Line)
Get down at Südtiroler Platz–Hauptbahnhof
Walk 10–15 minutes to the palace

By Bus: Take Bus Line 69A and stop at Unteres Belvedere, making it the best choice if Visitors plan to visit Lower Belvedere first.

By foot: The Belvedere Palace in Vienna is very close to Vienna’s main railway station. It is just about a 10–12-minute walk to the Belvedere Palace.

Best Things to Do & Attractions Near Belvedere Palace Vienna

Karlskirche: It is one of Vienna’s most impressive Baroque churches, known for its grand dome, detailed frescoes, and panoramic terrace views over the city.
Vienna Museum: It offers a deeper understanding of the city’s history, art, and urban development, making it a meaningful cultural stop after exploring Belvedere Palace.
Schwarzenbergplatz: It is a beautiful outdoor area that has a fountain and monuments. It is an ideal place to have a walk or a short rest between places of sightseeing.
Naschmarkt: It is among the most popular destinations in Austria. This open-air market in Vienna is an ideal place to taste the local delicacies and the international cuisine.

Tips for Visiting Belvedere Palace Vienna For First-Time Visitors Guide

Plan at least 2–3 hours for the full visit
Photography is allowed in some areas, but without flash
Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the gardens
Audio guides are available and highly recommended
The palace is largely wheelchair accessible

Conclusion: Is Belvedere Palace in Vienna Worth Visiting?

The Belvedere Palace in Vienna is an everlasting art, power, and cultural pride. From the pictures of Klimt have an emotional aspect, to the silence of its gardens speaks volumes about hundreds of years of history. Going to the Belvedere will not be simply sightseeing. It is about understanding Vienna’s rhythm, where beauty and meaning coexist effortlessly. Whether an art lover or curious traveller, this palace leaves Visitors with memories that feel both grand and personal. If Belvedere Palace is part of a visitor’s dream European journey, Visitors can explore Austria tour packages from Pickyourtrail that seamlessly combine Vienna’s art, palaces, alpine landscapes, and cultural highlights into one personalised trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belvedere Palace Vienna

Is the Belvedere Palace in Vienna worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Vienna’s top attractions, combining art, history, and architecture in one location.

How long does it take to visit Belvedere Palace in Vienna?

Most visitors spend around three to four hours covering the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and gardens comfortably.

What is the entry fee for Belvedere Palace in Vienna?

Upper Belvedere tickets cost approximately INR 1,600 per adult, while Lower Belvedere tickets are around INR 1,300. Prices may vary slightly based on exhibitions.

Can you visit Belvedere Palace gardens without a ticket?

Yes, the gardens are free to enter and open to the public throughout the year.

Which is better, Upper or Lower Belvedere?

Upper Belvedere is better for iconic art like Klimt’s The Kiss. Lower Belvedere is ideal for architecture lovers and temporary exhibitions. Visiting both gives a complete experience.