Hofburg Imperial Palace
The Hofburg Imperial Palace is Vienna's grandest landmark and former Habsburg winter residence — a sprawling complex of 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and 2,600 rooms dating to the 13th century. Today it houses the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, Spanish Riding School, Austrian National Library, and the office of Austria's Federal President.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 09:00–17:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | U3 Herrengasse (5-min walk); trams 1, 2, D at Burgring; buses 1A & 2A stop at Hofburg |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours for Sisi Museum + Imperial Apartments; half a day with the Sisi Pass (adds Schönbrunn) |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings (before 11:00) or after 15:00; spring (Apr–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct) for smaller crowds |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value6.5
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity7.0
- Accessibility9.0
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter the Hofburg?
- The standard Sisi Museum + Imperial Apartments day ticket costs €20 for adults, €18 for students (19–25 with valid ID), and €12 for children aged 6–18; under-6s enter free. An audio guide in 13 languages is included. The outer courtyards, Heldenplatz, and Burggarten are free to enter.
- How do I get to the Hofburg by public transport?
- The easiest route is U3 (orange line) to Herrengasse, then a 5-minute walk to the Michaelerplatz entrance. Trams 1, 2, and D stop at Burgring, directly adjacent to the palace. Buses 1A and 2A stop at Hofburg itself.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance?
- Advance online booking is strongly recommended, especially in peak season (June–August and December), as the palace attracts thousands of visitors daily and queues can run 30–60 minutes. Timed-entry tickets are available via the official Sisi Museum website; walk-up tickets without a time slot are sold on-site only.
- What else is inside the Hofburg complex besides the Sisi Museum?
- The Hofburg complex also contains the Imperial Treasury (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer) with the Habsburg crown jewels, the Spanish Riding School, the Austrian National Library, the Augustinian Church, the Burggarten and Heldenplatz (both free), and the official office and residence of the President of Austria.
- What is the Sisi Pass and is it worth it?
- The Sisi Pass (also called the Sisi Ticket) bundles the Sisi Museum + Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg with the Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna Furniture Museum, offering roughly 25% savings versus buying separately. It costs €57 for adults and €37 for children (6–18). It's worth it if you plan to visit Schönbrunn on the same trip.
- Is the Hofburg accessible for wheelchair users?
- Yes. All exhibition areas in the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments are accessible via ramps and a lift. Staff at the Michaelerkuppel entrance can direct visitors to the barrier-free route. Selfie sticks over 30 cm, tripods, and flash photography are prohibited inside.
- Is the Imperial Silver Collection currently open?
- No. The Silver Collection (Silberkammer) has been closed for renovation since April 2023 and is not expected to reopen until around November 2026. The standard ticket price remains unchanged, covering the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments.
- What are the Hofburg Palace opening hours?
- The Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments are open daily, including public holidays, from 9:00 to 17:30. Last admission and ticket sales close at 16:30. Note: hours may be temporarily revised during renovation periods, so check the official site before visiting.
Nearby in Ask Vienna
- Hofburg (Imperial Palace)Attraction0.1 km · 1 min walk
- BurggartenPark0.26 km · 3 min walk
- VolksgartenPark0.28 km · 4 min walk
- Café BräunerhofCafé0.32 km · 4 min walk
- Albertina MuseumAttraction0.34 km · 4 min walk
Where to stay near Hofburg Imperial Palace
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