Vienna, Austria2-3 hoursMorning
Schönbrunn Palace
Habsburg summer palace with gardens and Gloriette views.
Ideal: Ideal for history, architecture, and classic Vienna atmosphere.
This 1,441-room Habsburg summer palace took its present form under Maria Theresa's 1740s renovation, and only about 40 rooms are open to visitors. Six-year-old Mozart performed for the empress in the Hall of Mirrors in 1762, and the Great Gallery hosted the Kennedy–Khrushchev summit in 1961. The Gloriette was added as a viewpoint pavilion in 1775; the Tiergarten inside the gardens has been the world's oldest operating zoo since 1752.
Why go?
- To experience Habsburg palace life up close
- For the broad gardens, fountains, and Gloriette views
- Because it is one of Vienna's most iconic photo stops
Travel tip
Leave extra time for the gardens — the outdoor grounds are as much a part of the visit as the palace interiors.
