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Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School is a centuries-old institution in Vienna as it was founded in the 16th century with the aim of giving riding lessons to Viennese nobles. The site is located within the large Hofburg complex , the palace that was for centuries the residence of the royal family and the administrative centre of the city.

The Vienna Riding School was founded around 1572 and its fame is due to the fact that the tradition of classical riding as it was practised in the Renaissance at the Haute École has been preserved here to this day. The value of the equestrian art practised at the Spanish Riding School is such that it has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Built from the 16th century onwards, however, the School was completed in 1729 during the reign of Emperor Charles VI with the construction of the White Riding Hall , designed by architect Fischer von Erlach. Today, this hall is still open to the public and here one can watch the training and exhibitions of stallions.

The name Spanish Riding School is connected with the pure-bred Spanish horses from which the Lipizzaner breed, which originated in the small Slovenian village of Lipica, is partly derived. In the mid-16th century, Austrian Archduke Charles II purchased the village of Lipica with the aim of establishing a stud farm for horses that would be trained to pull carriages and for riding. Those horses were then taken to Vienna to be used at the Riding School and today the Lipizzaner breed is the one still used at the School, although the horses are now bred in the Austrian town of Piber.

Things to do at the Spanish Riding School

Visiting the Spanish Riding School in Vienna is a must for horse lovers and not only, as here you can discover the history and traditions of this ancient art. The heart of the visit is the stables in the building known as the Stallburg, one of the city’s most important Renaissance palaces that houses the real stars of the place: the Lipizzaner horses.

The tour can then continue with the discovery of the Winter Riding School , considered a true jewel of Baroque architecture boasting a majestic and imposing structure with a unique and original design. By climbing to the highest part of the hall, you can also admire a beautiful view of the city of Vienna. The Summer Riding School , on the other hand, houses one of the largest oval tracks in the world, testifying to how popular this discipline has always been in the city.

You can also watch the wonderful equestrian performances that are always truly spectacular, or take part in the morning training , which is also very scenic! During the morning training, you can see various exercises performed, but also admire the relationship between the ‘trainers’, i.e. the riders, and their Lipizzaners, who are trained through a strict course to become elegant and refined specimens.

Once the training is over, you can also see the trainer handing over a treat to his horse as a prize! The education of each stallion usually consists of three levels: the First Riding, which begins when the horse arrives at the School around the age of four, the Schooling Campaign when the stallion is instructed in gaits, and finally, the High School where perfection takes place. At the same time, riders also have to follow a strict training course that usually starts at a young age.

Attending a show at the Spanish Riding School

There are several tickets to visit the Spanish Riding School and to watch the morning training of the Lipizzaners or the evening shows. It is an unmissable stop not only for horse lovers, but also for history buffs: Lipizzaners are in fact the oldest breed of horses in Europe.

Morning training ticket

The best-selling ticket is to attend the morning training of the Lipizzaners and their jockeys, performed by grey fillies and the ‘white stars’, the most experienced stallions.

Training ticket + guided tour

For a few extra euros you can also take part in a guided tour of the building that houses the Riding School, as well as attend the training sessions.

Ticket for the Lipizzaner horse show

The most complete experience is certainly the show, both the ‘standard’ version and the famous Gala Show ; however, tickets must be purchased months in advance, as demand is very high.

Opening hours of the Spanish Riding School

The opening hours of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna are as follows: Monday to Sunday 09:00 to 16:00

The School is closed on 22 May and 8, 28, 29, 30 June.

How to reach the Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is located in the city centre and can be easily reached on foot or by public transport. On foot the easiest way is across Michaelerplatz, while by public transport you can use trams, metro or buses.

By tram , take lines 1, 2 or D to the Kärtner Ring Oper stop or to the Burgring stop, and line 62 to the Kärntner Ring Oper stop.

Travelling by underground , the reference lines are U1 (Stephansplatz stop), U3 (Herrengasse stop) U2 and U4 (Karlsplatz stop).

Those wishing to travel by bus can use line 1A (Herrengasse stop), line 2A (Michaelerplatz stop), line 3A (Habsburgergasse stop).

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Entrance ticket.

• Monday: 09:00 - 16:00
• Tuesday: 09:00 - 16:00
• Wednesday: 09:00 - 16:00
• Thursday: 09:00 - 16:00
• Friday: 09:00 - 16:00
• Saturday: 09:00 - 16:00
• Sunday: 09:00 - 16:00

Where is located Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School is located within the Hofburg complex, the Austrian Imperial Palace in the very centre of Vienna.

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Guide to Spanish Riding School: Performance, Tickets & History

The traditional Spanish Riding School l invites you to witness the timeless riding skills of the Haute Ecole , presented by the world-famous dancing Lipizzaner horses.

A visit to the Spanish Riding School, one of Vienna's must-see sights , is an absolute must for every visitor to the city.

In this comprehensive guide to the Spanish Riding School, you will discover everything there is to know about this iconic attraction. We'll cover how to get there, popular ticket options, and guided tours.

Let's get started!

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Ticket Options for the Spanish Riding School

With numerous websites offering tickets for the Spanish Riding School, it can be difficult to choose the right tickets. That's why we've taken the initiative to compare all the available options for you.

Below, you'll find a curated list of the most popular tickets for the Spanish Riding School, including the cheapest options. Simply click on your preferred choice to purchase your tickets.

Most Popular Tickets:

• Overview of all Spanish Riding School Tickets
• Vienna Spanish Riding School Guided Tour
• Performance of The Lipizzans at Spanish Riding School
• Spanish Riding School morning training tickets
• Combo ticket: Spanish Riding School Vienna with music + tickets for the Upper Belvedere Palace

More Ticket Options:

• Tickets for Horse Training at the Spanish Riding School
• Tickets for Guided Tour at the Spanish Riding School
• Tickets for Lipizzaner Performance at the Spanish Riding School
• Spanish Riding School: From Stables to Attic Floors Tour
• Spanish Riding School Tour + Horse Training
• Kunsthistorisches Museum + Horse Training
• Vienna FLEXI Pass: Save 30% on Your Choice of 2-5 Top Attractions including Spanish Riding School

What Can I Do at the Spanish Riding School?

In the Spanish Riding School, you can experience   the magic and elegance of bygone times in the baroque atmosphere of the  Hofburg Palace.

As the only institution in the world, the Spanish Riding School preserves the old horsemanship tradition by devoting itself to the classic training and dressage of the elegant Lipizzaner horses, the oldest breed of horse in Europe , for over 450 years.  For this reason, the horsemanship of the Spanish Riding School has been part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2015.

Be enchanted by the unique performances   at the Spanish Riding School.  During a visit to the "morning work", the daily morning training of the Lipizzaners, you can see the dancing horses train to classical music.

A breathtaking equestrian spectacle is presented at the evening performances, which are extremely popular.  This is presented in the sensational, baroque winter riding school, the most beautiful riding hall in the world, accompanied by classical Viennese music.

As part of a guided tour, such as the Architectural Tour, those interested can gain an exclusive insight into the history, tradition and architecture of the Spanish Riding School.

How Do I Get to the Spanish Riding School?

The Spanish Riding School is located in the Vienna Imperial Palace in the heart of the city.  The easiest way to reach it on foot is via Michaelerplatz or Heldenplatz.

For the most convenient public transportation options to reach the Spanish Riding School, consider the following:

• By Subway (U-Bahn): Lines U1 and U3 to Stephansplatz and 5 minutes walk Line U3: to Herrengasse and 3 minutes on foot Line U4 to Karlsplatz and 11 minutes on foot
• By Tram: Lines 1, 2, 71 and D to stations Oper/Karlsplatz, Burgring or Ring/Volkstheater and 8 minutes on foot Line 62 to Karlsplatz and 9 minutes on foo t
• By Bus: Lines 1A and 2A to Michaelerplatz or Habsburgergasse and 1 minute on foot

Timetables:

• Subway lines U1 ,  U3 ,  U4
• Tram lines  1 ,  2 ,  D ,  62 ,  71
• Bus lines  1A ,  2A

Vienna Roadwork Maps:

High-Speed Connections Inner Core Zone Vienna

The most popular and best-selling tickets for Vienna on GetYourGuide, Headout & Tiqets

Planning to stay a bit longer in Vienna and explore more of the Austrian capital? We have compiled a  list of the most sought-after tickets   according to the popular ticket portals GetYourGuide, Headout and Tiqets.  Simply click on the description of the ticket that interests you to secure your favorites.

• Skip-the-Line Ticket for Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens + 2-hour Guided Tour in English, Spanish or Italian
• Tickets for the Training at the Spanish Riding School
• Skip-the-Cashier-Desk-Line Ticket for a Ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
• Tickets for Vivaldi's Four Seasons concert in Karlskirche
• Tickets for a Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: 24, 48 or 72 hours

Most Popular Ticket Options:

• Skip-the-Line Ticket for Schönbrunn Zoo
• Ticket for the Upper Belvedere, including Klimt's Kiss and the Permanent Collection
• Tickets for Belvedere Palace: Lower Belvedere and other Ticket Options
• Albertina: State Rooms, Permanent Collection Batliner, Temporary Exhibitions
• Entrance Ticket to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna
• Tickets for the Museum of Illusions

History of the Spanish Riding School

The tradition of the Spanish Riding School goes back to the 16th century , when an open riding and tournament arena was built on today's Josefplatz, near the Hofburg Imperial Palace.  This Spanish Riding Stable was officially mentioned in 1565, making the Spanish Riding School the oldest classical riding school in the world.

From 1565 to 1569, during the reign of Ferdinand I, the stable castle was built by converting a residence intended for Ferdinand I into stables.  From then on, these housed the personal horses of the Habsburgs .  Today, the Riding School is one of the  most visited sights in Vienna .

Lipizzaner Horses

The breeding of Andalusian horses began under Archduke Charles II.  For this purpose he had them build a stud farm in Lipica, today's Slovenia, in 1580. In the centuries that followed, the Habsburg kings devoted themselves to breeding a breed that met the requirements of the classical ideal of horsemanship.  The best of them were sent to the  Hofburg Imperial Palace .  The name of the Lipizzaner horses was later derived from this Lipica stud farm.

New Riding Arena

After the riding arena was severely damaged during the second Turkish siege of Vienna, Emperor Charles IV had a winter riding school built in the Michael Wing of the Hofburg Palace from 1729 to 1735.  The magnificent winter riding school, which is now considered a baroque jewel, was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and built by his son Emanuel Fischer von Erlach.

Since then, almost exclusively the breeding horses from the Lipica court stud farm have been used at the court riding school.

Traveler's Tip: City Passes for Vienna

Vienna offers several appealing city passes for travelers that can  help you save money and time.  We highly recommend purchasing one of these cards.

To learn more about the popular tourist cards, including prices and included activities, check out our article " Best City Pass for Vienna: Compare Prices & Included Activities" .  Alternatively, you can easily compare and purchase the card of your choice  by clicking on one of the buttons below  the following brief descriptions.

1. Vienna City Card

The  Vienna City Card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, providing discounts at 200 attractions, museums, restaurants, theaters, and stores. Additionally, it offers unlimited and free use of public transportation.

• Buy your Vienna City Card here!

2.  Vienna Pass

The  Vienna Pass is available for 1, 2, 3, or 6 days and grants you free admission to over 60 attractions in Vienna. It often allows you to skip the queues.

• Buy your Vienna Pass here!

3.  Vienna Flexi Pass

The  Vienna Flexi Pass allows you to choose your favorite 2 to 5 attractions from a selection of over 40 options. You can visit them for free and, if available, enjoy fast-track admission.

• Buy your Vienna Flexi Pass here!

4.  Go City Explorer Pass

The  Go City Explorer Pass enables you to choose your favorite 2 to 7 attractions from over 40 options in Vienna. You can visit them for free and, if available, enjoy fast-track admission.

• Buy your Go City Explorer Pass here!

Address & Map

Address:  Michaelerplatz 1 (visitor center), 1010 Vienna

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WELCOME TO THE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL TOUR

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The Lipizzaner Stallions

The famous Spanish Riding School features the Lipizzaner horses (often called Lipizzan in North America), who trace their lineage back to the 1500s. The school only uses the stallions for performances.

Here’s how to see the horses in Vienna, together with a brief history of the breed’s association with the riding school, Austria and the Habsburg court.

• Book a Spanish Riding School experience *
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How to see the Lipizzaners

(A Lipizzaner stallion in Vienna; photo taken with the kind permission of the SRS during a press tour)

Once in Vienna, you have a couple of options for actually viewing the stallions…

Ticketed options

The most frequent opportunity is the one-hour public training with commentary that takes place most weekdays in the same winter arena used for actual performances.

The riding school also offers a guided tour through the stables and arena, with an occasional special architectural tour that also goes up into the arena’s roof.

Both alternatives get you up close to the stallions.

And, of course, you have the (gala) performances themselves. ( More info on paid options)

Outdoor options

Chance (and rare) encounters with the Lipizzaners are possible in Vienna without going on a tour, watching a training session, or attending a performance.

Either wait near the entrance to the stables for horses to cross to and from the arena. Or see if they’re enjoying some outdoor air in the Burggarten. Both locations are extremely central. ( More info on these outdoor options)

The story of the horses

(Karl II Franz, founder of the original Lipizzaner stud farm, in an anonymous and less than flattering early 18th-century painting, Wien Museum Inv.-Nr. W 2690, excerpt reproduced with permission under the terms of the CC0 licence)

So how did the white horses come to be associated with Vienna?

Cast your mind back to the occupation of Spain by the Moors, which began in the early 8th century and ended in full with the fall of Grenada in 1492.

One of the consequences of this long exposure to Moorish influence was cross-breeding of Arabic and Iberian horses.

The resultant “Spanish” horses proved particularly well suited to the needs of the classical horse rider’s art, combining elegance and strength with a noted ability to pick up the moves required.

Karl II Franz (1540-1590), a Habsburg Archduke and ruler of a collection of lands known as Inner Austria, must have been an admirer, since he decided to establish a stud farm in the late 16th century for breeding his own Spanish horses.

The chosen location was near Lipizza (aha!), the Italian name for Lipica (now in modern-day Slovenia).

Doors opened to the first influx of mares and stallions in the 1580s, and so began the long history of the Lipizzaner horse breed and its close association with the Habsburgs.

The Lipizza stud farm remained the breeding home of the horses for well over 300 years and a supplier of Lipizzaner horses to the court (and court riding school) in Vienna. But not without a few breaks; the authorities evacuated the animals to other Habsburg lands on occasion to avoid foreign armies and occupiers.

Then, in 1915, Italy joined the other side in WWI. This left the Lipizza farm perilously close to enemy territory.

As a result, the horses moved to Laxenburg in Austria and Kladrub in what is now Czechia. They never returned, since the land on which the Lipizza stud farm lay passed to Italy through the post-WWI Treaty of Versailles.

Austria (now a republic ) gave back some of the evacuated horses to the Italians, but used the rest to open a new stud farm at Piber: about 220km outside Vienna in the west of the Austrian province of Styria.

The Lipizzaners remained in Piber until WWII, when they relocated to Hostau in Czechoslovakia for safety reasons.

(Young stallions at Piber. Each year, they spend the summer on a mountain pasture with the staff staying in an adjoining mountain cabin; image courtesy of and © the SRS; photo by Harry Schiffer)

In April 1945, the fate of the horses hung somewhat in the balance when Hostau came under threat from the advancing Red Army.

Fortunately for the Lipizzaners (and us), some American units got wind of the situation. They staged a relatively daring advance into the area and transferred the entire stock to safer territory.

The horses returned to Austria and eventually Piber, where they still have their home today (which you can visit).

Disney even made a film of the rescue incident in 1963…The Miracle of the White Stallions starring Robert Taylor.

The Wiener Kurier newspaper described the US mission in their edition of November 3rd, 1945 (my translation):

The area around Pilsen is still being fought over so the area remains unsafe. A US unit received the order to save 250 mares with the aid of tanks […] The horses started their journey protected by the tanks. Their route took them through turbulent bandit territory into Bavaria and then on to Upper Austria.

(Photo licensed from and © iStock.com/bririemoments)

The Piber stud still provides the stallions that live, train and perform as part of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna (the two institutions are part of the same organisation). The stables in Austria’s capital are right in the centre, just a trot across the road from the arena that hosts the training sessions and performances.

You also find the horses in Heldenberg in Lower Austria, which serves, for example, as a training centre, holiday location, and retirement home for the Spanish Riding School’s stallions. As with Piber, you can also visit Heldenberg.

The original stud at Lipica breeds its own Lipizzaners and a few thousand can be found worldwide: North America has a Lipizzan association , for example. You can even buy a Lipizzaner from the Piber Stud farm, but it’ll typically cost you several thousand Euro.

P.S. The Lipizzaner stallions are not born with the famous white coat, but turn that colour after six to nine years. Only a very few retain a dark coat.

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Spanish Riding School Vienna – Video, Shows And Tickets On Offer

Every classical city guide harps on about the Spanish Riding School Vienna as a Must-See. Should you spend  two hours to experience baroque horses performing to classical music in a baroque riding hall? For 30 years I wasn't convinced. See a video and read my  first-hand review  of watching a show. You will also get a quick overview of shows and tickets  on offer.

Why Visit The Spanish Riding School Vienna?

• Forming part of the UNESCO Ranking of Immaterial Cultural Heritage the  Spanische Hofreitschule ranks in Austria's List of National Cultural Assets.
• Since it is the oldest classical horse riding school in the world the place is packed with history. In fact, the school was first mentioned in writing in 1565, during the reign of Archduke Maximilian II.
• At the Riding School's almost daily Morning Exercises the public can observe the white baroque horses exercise to beautiful classical music. They take place in the 18th century baroque winter riding hall.
• Living in the  Stallburg  right in the city-centre the 72 Lipizzaner stallions train next to the winter riding hall where they perform. During guided tours, guests learn about breeding and training traditions that survived almost 500 years.
• Fun fact: When a Lipizzaner stallion finishes his training, he acquires the title Professor, and is addressed as such by his trainers.

Why Is The Spanish Riding School in Vienna?

To populate his new Court stud 'am Karst' in what is Slovenia today,  Archduke Charles II imported Spanish horses. Based on these, the Habsburg Emperors then bred a new horse race that was ideally suited for the art of classical horse riding. Because the Court stud was near the town of Lipica, the new horse breed was called Lipizzaner . Only the best young stallions from the stud would be selected for the Spanish Riding School every year. Hence, the Riding School does not have Spanish origins, but the horses do.

Which Shows Are On?

There are four ways to see the Spanish Riding School Vienna and the Lipizzaner: Morning Exercises, Performances, Guided Tours, and the Programme 'Piber Meets Vienna'.

Children  between 3 and 6 years go free, children between 6 and 12 years pay a reduced fee. Children under three years are not allowed to visit the events.

Performances

Watching a group of Lipizzaner stallions at an official performance is a bit like watching ballet dancers and graceful athletes. Except that the horses show off distinct exercises, such as the delicate  Pas de Deux , the  Big School Quadrille , and what is called the  School Above The Earth : lifting their front legs, or both their front and back legs, in figures such as the  levade , the  capriole , or the  courbette . Each performance takes about 70 minutes.

Watch a  video of a performance of the Spanish Riding School Vienna  below. 

Bookings : Get  tickets for a Performance.

Morning Exercises

The Morning Exercises let you participate in the  daily gymnastics  of the  Lipizzaner Stallions . The exercises are performed with classical music in the winter riding hall. They take around two hours (10 am to 12 noon) and feature different horses which perform light exercises. The event itself is quite relaxed. You can wander along the galleries to see the horses, leave and re-enter as long as you do not make noise.

Bookings: Get tickets for a Morning Exercise

A Tribute To Vienna

Since both institutions rank among the world's top classical performers expect the outcome to be utterly harmonic and very enjoyable.

A Tribute To Vienna: 5th, 19th, 26th May; 3rd June, 19th and 26th August, 29th September, 21st and 27th October, 24th November, 8th and 15th December 2023 Location: Spanische Hofreitschule Wien, Michaelerplatz, 1010 Vienna; Tickets: from EUR 60; Bookings:   Get tickets.

Piber Meets Vienna

What Are The Best Seats At The Spanish Riding School Vienna?

Out of the 10 seating categories the best seats at the Spanish Riding School  are the Royal Box, first row, on the first floor gallery, and the Ground Floor Box, first row. Both are located at the upper end of the rectangular winter riding hall. In the Ground Floor Box you sit directly in the arena, at one level with the horses. The Royal Box is set back above the Ground Floor Box.

Guided Tours

If you love horses, you may want to learn more about the Lipizzaner stallions at the Spanish Riding School Vienna, how they are bred at the Federal Stud in Piber, how their diet looks like and their training schedule and performances. You will learn about the career of a Lipizzan horse trainer ( Bereiter ) and what their daily routine looks like. During the guided tour, you will also see the horses in their stables, the training facilities, saddles and other equipment used.

Dates : Monday to Saturday at 2.00 pm, 3.00 pm, and 4.00 pm; Sundays: 10.00 am, 11.00 am, 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm, and 3.00 pm; tours are also taking place in July and August Tickets : EUR 18; Bookings : You can buy tickets for a guided afternoon tour onsite, for example when you arrive for the performance.

What Is A Morning Exercise Like At The Spanish Riding School?

My Austrian family and I had never visited the Spanish Riding School Vienna before. It was rather something for a Vienna tourist, we thought. My non-Austrian husband was the first to set foot in the  Hofreitschule  a couple of years ago. He and my daughter loved it and eventually we all visited the place together to watch a Morning Exercise.

We bought Morning Exercise tickets and a guided tour through the school and stables in the afternoon. I was quite impressed with the large white baroque winter riding hall with visitors' galleries on two levels, the historically dressed trainers, the delicate trots and dances of the Lipizzaner stallions, and the classical music. Horse trainings couldn't get more elegant than this.

There were four to six horses training at one time. After about 20 minutes of exercise, new horses entered while the others left to relax. I liked the fact that we were observing part of the daily routine of these athletes. My five year old daughter was fascinated, while my three year old son was happy to be able to move around the galleries and see the horses from different angles.

What I took from this event: You do not need to be crazy about horses to be truly intrigued by the Spanish Riding School Vienna. It is about classical cultural events rather than horse shows.

How To Get To The Spanish Riding School

Being part of Hofburg Imperial Palace , the Spanish Riding School's entrance is right off Michaelerplatz in the Michaeler Dome, opposite the entrance of the Imperial Apartments and the Sissi Museum. The nearest metro station is U3 Herrengasse, at a five minutes walk. Alternatively, take tramway lines 1,2, or D to Burgring stop and walk across Heldenplatz. On most weekdays, city bus 2A will drop you right at Michaelerplatz, and 1A at nearby Herrengasse.

Address: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna

Opening Hours:  Monday to Thursday and Saturday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm; Friday 9.00 am to 7.00 pm; August - Monday to Saturday 11.00 am bis 4.00 pm Sunday 9.30 am bis 4.30 pm

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Spanish Riding School

Visit the spanish riding school with it's famous lipizzan ballet.

The Spanish Riding School in Vienna with it's famous Lipizzan ballet can be experienced live in the baroque ambiance of the Imperial Palace. Admire riding skills of the highest order - from pirouettes to caprioles.

• Guided Tours Spanish Horse Riding School
• Gala Performance
• Morning Exercise with music
• Summer program "Piber meets Vienna"

The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the only institution in the world where the classic equestrian skills (haute école) has been preserved and is still practiced in its original form. Many years of training fuse horse and rider into an inseparable unit. The audience is treated to an unforgettable experience by the precision of movement of the Lipizzan horses in perfect harmony with the music.

In the course of gala performances, visitors experience unique presentations of the Lipizzans in the most beautiful riding hall in the world, which was impressively outfitted by baroque architect Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach between 1729 and 1735. It was originally built to provide aristocratic youths with the opportunity to take riding instruction.

Morning training with music gives a good impression into the training program of the White Stallions; the guided tour include visits to the stables.

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• Events in Vienna

Spanish Riding School - Guided Tours

Take a look behind the scenes of the Spanish Riding School

In the Guided Tour through the Spanish Riding School you will visit the baroque Winter Riding School, the Summer Riding School with one of the world’s largest oval horse walkers and the stables of the Lipizzan stallions, which have been located in the Stallburg (one of Vienna’s most prominent Renaissance buildings) for more than 450 years. You will visit the most important areas of our historic institution and will learn about our history, equestrian traditions and about the stars – the Lipizzan stallions!

Meeting point for the guided tour: directly at the Visitor Centre, 5 minutes before the guided tour starts.

Guided tours will take place on the indicated dates at 13.00, 14.00, 15.00 and 16.00.   Duration: about 60 minutes

Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule)

Tickets & info.

• +43 1 533 90 31
• Dates & ticket prices

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• School Trips to Austria

School Trips to Vienna

Whether your focus is music, psychology or history (or all three!), Vienna ignites a passion for learning that will stay with your students far beyond the duration of their trip.

One of the oldest major cities in Central Europe, Vienna has a storied and tragic history that covers so much ground – from its position at the heart of a thriving empire, to its role as part of the Nazi ‘Anschluss’ later in the 20th century. 

This makes the city a fascinating case study from a social and psychological perspective. Of course, it is also the birthplace of the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, who developed his remarkably original theories at the University of Vienna. 

For keen musical students, few other cities have played such a tremendous part in the development of the Classical era. Vienna’s range of beautiful concert venues make it a perfect choice for music school tours of all abilities.

If you’re looking for more information on designing your ideal school trip to Vienna, get in touch with one of our dedicated educational travel advisors today – or take a look at some of our most popular options below.

Browse our curriculum-linked trips to Vienna 

History - 20th century history.

Vienna is a city steeped in a rich historical and vibrant history. A history school trip to Vienna will help to bring learning to life for your pupils.

Learn more about our history trips to Vienna here

Music 

The City of Vienna has a historic musical tradition and always provides our music groups with an enthusiastic reception.

Learn more about our music tours to Vienna here

Psychology & Sociology

Vienna’s social history, coupled with it being the birthplace of Sigmund Freud, makes it a fascinating psychology trip for students.

Learn more about our Psychology & Sociology trips to Vienna here

Vienna highlights - our groups love...

Narrenturm (fool’s tower).

Built in 1784, Narrenturm is Europe’s oldest building for the accommodation of mental patients. Its construction pointed to a new attitude towards the mentally ill – who began to be distinguished from the rest of society.

Enjoy a fascinating one-hour guided tour covering the history of the Narrenturm, now home to the Federal Pathologic-Anatomical Museum. The guided tour consists of information about the building’s time as a mental hospital and a walk through the fascinating pathological exhibits.

Sigmund Freud Museum

Take a guided tour of Sigmund Freud’s former apartment and office, where you will see an exhibition documenting the life and work of the founder of psychoanalysis, as well as original furnishings, articles of daily use and antiquities from Freud’s collection. You will enter the rooms where new science was created and where Freud and his family spent 47 years from 1891 until 1938, when on 4th June, he was forced by the National Socialists to flee with his family into exile in England.

Original furnishings, including the waiting room, a selection from Freud’s collection of antiquities, and signed copies and first editions of his works provide a glimpse into Freud's biography, his cultural environment and the development of psychoanalysis. Unique film material showing the Freud family in the 1930s, is shown in a video room with a commentary by his daughter, Anna Freud.

Judenplatz Museum & Synagogue Jewish Museum 

The Judenplatz Museum provides visitors with an insight into Jewish life in medieval Vienna. Contained within the museum are the remains of a synagogue destroyed by fire in the 15th century, plus other exhibits relating to the Jewish religious and cultural life of the period.   

Mauthausen Concentration Camp

Travelling by coach, groups can make the two-hour journey to visit this camp that was established August 1938 and where 100,000 people lost their lives. It was built by the SS to establish a concentration camp for men, in preparation for the impending war. The camp fulfilled two functions: to restrain opponents of Nazism by interning, torturing and killing them and also to exploit their labour to the utmost. Mauthausen was the only category III concentration camp in Austria, the classification with the most brutal detention conditions.

Riesenrad 'Prater Park'

An ideal way to end a day! The ‘Prater Park’ is home to many rides, including the Reisenrad, which was once the largest Ferris wheel in the world. The park is open for visitors and all the rides and attractions are individually priced. A ride on the Reisenrad is highly recommended for unique views of Vienna.

St Stephen’s Cathedral 

St stephen’s cathedral - ideal for music groups .

This impressive cathedral, with its multi-coloured tiled roof is one of the city’s most recognisable symbols. Groups can perform at midday or morning mass, followed by a short recital.

Votivkirche 

Votivkirche - ideal for music groups .

One of Vienna’s most prestigious churches and a fabulous example of neo-gothic architecture. Performances at mass or concerts can be arranged.

St Peter’s Church

St peter’s church - ideal for music groups .

Choirs and small instrumental groups can perform a concert or sing during a mass service in this beautiful Baroque church located in the heart of the city.

Schönbrunn Palace 

Schönbrunn palace - ideal for music groups .

Groups can give a 45-minute performance on the steps of the main entrance to this famous palace as part of ‘Voices of the World’ festival.

Mozarthaus Vienna

Take either an English audio tour or a tailored guided tour of the ‘genius’ Mozart’s apartment in Vienna and four exhibition floors. Student groups are provided with comprehensive information on Mozart’s years in Vienna, which marked the high point in his creativity. Visitors can find out about the times in which Mozart lived and his most important works. Inside the apartment they may get an impression of how the Mozart family spent their lives.

Vienna school trip experts

Hundreds of students travel with NST to Vienna every year, and members of our team regularly visit the area to really get to know the ins-and-outs of the area, from logistics and visits to our range of student-friendly accommodation.

Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will use their knowledge of Vienna to create an itinerary that’s tailor-made, perfectly timed and meets your exact school travel needs. They’ll be able to share their first-hand experience, suggest options you might not have considered and give you insight into the feedback other teachers have given us too.

On-tour support for music groups 

For music groups we can offer support from a  Tour Manager who will assist you throughout the duration of your tour in Vienna including at your concerts where they will be on-hand to provide extra support. 

Planning your first school trip?

If you're planning your first school trip, our essential guide will take you through each step of the process.

• Choosing your destination
• Gaining approval from your Local Authority and/or your Head
• Promoting your tour in school
• Confirming your booking
• Tailor-make your tour
• Completing your risk assessments (including a sample risk assessment)
• Quick reference timeline
• Pre-tour checklist

Additional support, resources & information:

Tour planning service

With NST, you’ll get your own dedicated, knowledgeable Tour Co-ordinator who’ll work with you from start to finish. You’ll benefit from their unrivalled destination knowledge, and their experience gained from working with many other groups too. They’ll tailor-make your itinerary from scratch and take care of everything for you:

• Pulling together an itinerary that runs smoothly
• Planning the right balance of visits every day with realistic timings
• Pre-arranging and pre-booking your visits, entrance tickets, passes and meals

You’ll receive your final itinerary a full 4-weeks before you travel too.

FREE school trip promotion pack

We’ll support you and provide everything you need to advertise your school trip around school and to parents. Our free school trip promotion pack consists of:

• Parents’ letter & permission slip template for you to complete
• A3 posters to promote your trip around school
• PowerPoint presentation templates which you can tailor to your own needs
• Parents’ leaflets covering how NST manage safety, financial protection and details of our travel insurance
• Online parents’ video which showcases the benefits of taking a school trip

For selected destinations, we’ll provide a trip launch web page using video footage and imagery. This web page is provided by a weblink and can be shared with pupils and parents in many ways.

Risk assessment support including preview visits

Risk assessment plays a vitally important part in the planning and organisation on any school tour. Our risk assessment guide aims to help you understand more about your obligations and how you can more effectively manage group safety on your next educational visit and provide you with risk assessments for your trip.

Planning first school trip

Organising your first school trip can appear to be a daunting process.  If you're planning your first school trip, our guide will help to take you through each step of the planning process, answering frequently asked questions and providing tips and support along the way.  Our helpful guide covers the following: 

• Choosing your destination 
• Gaining approval from your Local Authority and/or your Head 
• Promoting your tour in school 
• Completing your risk assessments (including a sample risk assessment) 
• Quick reference timeline 
• Pre-tour checklist 

View our essential guide to a successful school trip here

Get live updates on your group's tour location

Locate My Trip uses GPS technology and is the easy, convenient way for your school to follow your location whilst on tour. Specifically designed to provide reassurance to both parents and teachers, NST will know where your group are 24/7. If your schedule needs to change, we’ll put plans in place to keep your tour on track. 

With Locate My Trip your group can also share photos and videos with the school and parents, via a secure link, to keep them updated on your experience whilst you’re away.

Watch our short Locate My Trip video here .

Your online school trip organiser - My Tour Manager

Save time and stay on track with your school trip admin with our online orgnaniser - designed to help busy teachers like you.  With My Tour Manager, you'll be able to download FREE resources and access trip paperwork online and in one place. Your personalised checklist details what you need to do and by when, plus you'll receive fortnightly reminders too.  What's more, you can take all your trip documents on the go whilst on your tour with our app, My Tour Manager-On-the-Go.  Find out more and watch out short My Tour Manager video here

Free classroom resources

We've created a range of free resources and educational posters to brighten up your classroom!  Take a look at our downloadable posters here

Brexit & your school trip 

How will Brexit affect my school trip?

Following the end of the transition period there are several changes that will affect groups travelling with us to the EU.

For more information on these changes, visit our dedicated Brexit page here .

If you're travelling with NST and have any specific questions. please contact your Educational Travel Advisor.

Why choose NST...

Here's why thousands of teachers choose NST each year...

• Unrivalled knowledge

Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will use their unrivalled local knowledge and expertise of Vienna to create a tailor-made, curriculum-linked itinerary to meet your group’s exact needs.

• Making it easier for you

With our online school trip organiser , travel app , free classroom posters and trip launch resources to support your in-school promotion.

• Free group leader inspection visits

We offer a free inspection visit to your chosen destination to support your risk assessment planning. 

• Value for money

We’re committed to bringing you the best possible value trips to help make every penny count.

• More than 50 years’ experience

With over 50 years’ experience , with NST you can rest assured that your group is in safe hands.

• Risk assessment guidance

Our risk assessment guidance will help you to manage group safety on your next educational trip.

• Peace of mind

Your group’s location can be followed with our trip tracking device - Locate My Trip - plus you’ll have 24/7 support from us whilst you’re away. ​

• Offsetting carbon emissions

For every trip taken, we'll plant a Maya nut tree in Peru to support reforestation, local communities & biodiversity. Plus, we'll offset an additional tonne of CO2 to guarantee carbon emission reductions. 

Looking for protection on your next school trip? 

Booking with a school travel company is the best way for you to protect parents’ money and give yourself peace of mind.  

Don’t forget – if your school arranges transport, accommodation and other services directly, you’ll be liable under the Package Travel Regulations – meaning you’ll have all the responsibilities of a travel company, both legal and financial. 

Financial protection from the moment you book

NST are fully bonded:

Managing safety on school trips

For your protection, NST's independently audited Safety Management System covers:

• 24-hour emergency cover
• Audited accommodation & transport
• Excursions & school visit assessment
• Group leader preview visits to assist with risk assessment planning

We're LOtC Council’s Quality Badge assured

The Department for Education advises schools to always look for the LOtC Quality Badge when choosing a school travel provider.

Best Things to Do in Vienna with Kids – Family Holidays in Vienna

Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by gregor

Have you ever thought about traveling to Vienna with your family? If so, then it’s definitely important to start out with the right travel plan in place – which is where our experts can help!

With this thought in mind, today, we’re looking at some of the key things you should know when planning your family holidays in Vienna. Hopefully, these 16 Kids’ activities in Vienna will help you keep everyone happy, and you’ll soon be able to make memories that will surely last a lifetime!

Planning Your Vienna Family Holidays: The Best Things to Do in Vienna with Kids

The Best Things to Do In Vienna with Kids

If you’ve been planning your holidays, there are countless amazing things to see and do in Vienna , Austria. However, if the kids are coming along for the journey, it’s important to plan plenty of things to do for them, as well.

Because, after all, visiting some of the most breathtaking Vienna tourist attractions may not always enthrall the little ones quite as much as the rest of the family.

With a well-planned schedule , you’ll still be able to see a lot of these amazing sights during your stay in Vienna.

TOP TIP: Rent Your Kids Essentials in Vienna!

It’s important to consider your mode of transportation when exploring Vienna with your children. A full day of sightseeing can be tiring for kids, particularly toddlers and smaller kids. To ensure their comfort, bringing a stroller is advisable, providing them with a resting option whenever necessary. For added convenience, you have the option to rent various kid-friendly equipment from Toddle.

What is Toddle and how you can use it? Toddle is a specialized rental company in Vienna. With Toddle you can rent a stroller, baby shoulder carrier, scooter, and other refurbished baby gear. Thanks to Toddle , enjoying Vienna with your kids has never been this hassle-free and enjoyable.

For more information and rental possibilities please take a look at the Toddle Website: www.toddle.at

#1 Children’s Zoom Museum

(Zoom Kindemuseum) If your little ones are creative, a visit to the Zoom Children’s Museum might be ideal.

Offering numerous amazing creative classes and activities for children, this museum might be less appealing to the adults at the party but will undeniably attract younger audiences.

Bonus: Your children can take their masterpieces home with them once the day is up, giving them something to cherish for a lifetime from your Vienna holiday.

Highlights: (sorted by Children’s age)

• Ocean (0-6 years)
• Studio (3-12 years)
• Hands-on Exhibition (6-12 years),
• Animated Film Studio (8-14 years)

Address:  ZOOM Children’s Museum

1070 Vienna, Museumsplatz 1

Opening Hours: Core opening times are 9.45 am to 4.00 pm daily; the museum is closed on Mondays, 24-26th December, 31st December, 1st January; Tickets:  EUR 5 to 7

More Information and Entry Tickets: ZOOM Museum Website

Top Tip: Please be aware that there is high demand, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.

#2 Discover the Dinosaurs at the Viennese Natural History Museum

Did you know that it’s not only the UK that has a Natural History Museum? In fact, many countries around the world have such museums, but the Viennese Natural History Museum really blows it out of the water for the kids with the massive collection of dinosaurs and taxidermied animals.

Highlight: The meteorite hall. Here, your children will be amazed by the world’s largest collection of meteorites

Address: Naturhistorisches Museum Wien

  Burgring 7, 1010 Wien, Austria

Visit Website

#3 House of Sea – Haus des Meeres – See the Sharks!

Did you know that there are sharks in Vienna? If you think we’re joking – okay, we kind of are.

Highlights: The breathtaking Haus des Meeres public aquarium offers countless exceptional opportunities to marvel at the wonders of aquatic life, which includes the potential to see countless breathtaking sharks and numerous other incredible species, such as poisonous snakes, crocodiles, boa constrictors, sea turtles , and so much more! In short, there’s truly something for all the family!

Address:   Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz 1, 1060 Wien

Opening Times: Daily from 9 am – 6 pm / Thursday until 9 pm.

#4 Vienna Museum of Technology – visit the Mini Explore Exhibition

The Tech Museum in Vienna is full of excellent exhibitions and amazing activities for the whole family. This includes some genuinely amazing special effects exhibitions that bring the magic of cinema to life in front of you.

Highlights for Kids: 

Mini Explore Exhibition: The new interactive exhibition for families with children from age 3 stimulates the joy of experimentation and activity because the versatile and artistic adventure playground holds numerous stations in store for curious explorers!

Address:  Mariahilfer Str. 212, 1140 Wien, Austria

#5 The Butterfly House – Discover Nature’s Beauty

The Butterfly House in the heart of Vienna, known as the Schmetterling Haus, is a perfect destination to head to if you’ve been looking to show your little ones some of the incredible delights of the natural world! Though it’s not necessarily big, the expansive collection of breathtaking butterflies within the Butterfly House is undeniably a great place to visit for children of any age.

Address:   Hofburg, 1010 Wien, Austria

Opening Times:  Summer (April – October): Monday – Friday  10.00 – 16.45 / Sat, Sun & Holidays:  10.00 – 18.15

Winter (November – March): Monday – Sunday (incl. Holidays):  10.00 – 15.45

#6 Schönbrunn Palace – Become a Prince or Princess

Undeniably one of the best things to see and do in the very heart of Vienna, Austria, your little one can become a prince or princess for the day at a real-life palace!

The Schonbrunn Palace is renowned for putting on events for families, and the ability to dress up as royalty and decorate the breathtaking imperial dining table is something that will surely enrapture their imagination.

Plus, they’ll learn about the Habsburg family’s life along the way, making it a great learning opportunity.

Here is a quick Travel Guide to Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna

A QUICK TRAVEL GUIDE TO VIENNA’S SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE, VIENNA AUSTRIA

#7 Visit Vienna Christmas Market at the Vienna City Hall

Okay, so this amazing opportunity is only something you’ll be able to make the most of during the festive months.

However, the Christmas Market on Rathausplatz offers a vast amount of opportunities, and there’s so much to love about this incredible experience.

Top Tip: It’s always important to consider that the Christmas Market can be pretty busy, sometimes. So, be sure to keep a close eye on your kids at all times during this, as chances are they could get incredibly excited by all of the amazing sights and sounds at the Christmas Market.

More about the Vienna Christmas Market (Full Christmas Market Guide + Food Guide)

VIENNA TOP 10 CHRISTMAS MARKET GUIDE

#8 Delight Yourself with Delicious Viennese Gelato

It might not be what Austria is best known for, but delicious Viennese gelato could be the perfect sweet, cooling treat for those hot days while you’re away.

Luckily, Vienna has countless exceptional gelaterias, such as the highly-rated Zazoni & Zazoni Gelateria, which offer countless delicious flavors that are sure to impress even the fussiest of travelers!

Read more about the Best Ice Cream in Vienna on my Blog here:

https://www.theviennablog.com/2022/06/07/best-ice-cream-parlors-vienna-austria-2/

#9 Tiergarten Schönbrunn – Vienna Zoo

The Schönbrunn Zoo is a must-see, especially if you’re visiting Vienna with kids.

Highlights: More than 750 animal species live here, some of which are highly endangered. (Pandas, Koalas, Siberian tigers, hippos, and many more species)

Address:   Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria .

Zoo Opening hours: daily, 09:00 – 17:30 (varies depending on the season)

Regular Entry ticket: €24 Children (6-18):  €14

Book your tickets here:   Vienna: Skip-the-line Tickets for Schönbrunn Zoo

Google Maps  |  Official website

If you’re looking for a great day out in Vienna with the kids, a visit to the Tiergarten Schoenbrunn is absolutely on the cards!

#10 Giant Ferris Wheel – Visit the Prater Amusement Park

If your little ones love the adrenaline rush, a visit to the Prater Amusement Park is something you absolutely cannot miss out on!

This excellent theme park is located in the heart of Vienna and is an amazing destination that’s not to be missed out on.

Even better yet, the park has free entry admission, which means you won’t need to worry about paying for a ticket that’s not used; simply choose the most appropriate booths and rides for your little ones at the time!

Highlights: With a whopping 200+ booths on offer, this prestigious theme park is something that really takes the concept of great family activity in Vienna to the next level

Top Tip: Vienna’s Giant Ferris Wheel

Just as the London Eye is renowned for its magical sights out over the city, the Giant Ferris Wheel is absolutely a destination that’s well worth visiting in its own right. While it’s located within the Prater theme park, we really think this attraction deserves its very own spot, since it’s one of Vienna’s most well-loved and best-known locations.

Address:  1020 Vienna, Austria

Opening Times: Free entry 24 / 7, all year round. However, individual attractions may have different opening hours and fees.

#11 Kids will love The Circus and Clown Museum in Vienna

Then this museum is perfect for families. You’ll get to see all the inner workings of a circus, and be shown around a museum full of props and clown-based fun.

Highlight: Your kids get to dress up and learn how to be a clown. Overall, it’s great and enjoyable for your children

Address:  Ilgpl. 7, 1020 Wien, Austria

#12 View the City by Horse Carriage – Wiener Fiaker

If you have a horse lover in your family, a city tour by carriage might just be the ideal way to give them an unforgettable experience! Undoubtedly, a carriage ride tour around this breathtaking city, taking in the beautiful sights and architecture, is something even young children can enjoy.

Highlights:

• A carriage ride around Vienna during your holiday will usually be steady, gentle, and peaceful, making it an excellent option to consider if you’ve been looking for ways to take the pressure off tired little legs!
• The elegant carriages are a symbol of the city itself. They are lined with plush seats and the coachmen wear period costumes, making the ride through Vienna very authentic.

Top Tip: The Fiaker rides usually start at St. Stephen’s Cathedral or at Michaelerplatz, where you can choose between shorter and longer routes.

#13 Stop at the Spanish Riding School at the Hofburg Palace

If your little ones loved a carriage ride around Vienna, they’ll absolutely adore the chance to see the breathtaking performances and stunning horses of the Spanish Riding School.

Naturally, the Spanish Riding School is only open for children over the age of four – screaming babies and flighty horses aren’t a good mix! – but if you’re planning Vienna holidays for older toddlers and children, this could definitely be a trip you’ll never forget.

Top Tip: However, it’s one of the most popular destinations in Vienna and can book up exceptionally quickly, so it’s definitely something you will want to book in advance.

Address:   Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

The school opens at 10 am, and can even watch teen boys take on rides, and on Sunday there is a service as well.

Book your tickets here:   Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School

Another option is to book the  Vienna Spanish Riding School Guided Tour.   You will enjoy a look behind the scenes of the Spanish Riding School on this guided tour. Admire the stunning architecture of the centuries-old institution.

#14 Haus der Musik – House of Music

If your little ones are passionate about music and writing their own performances and songs, then a trip to the iconic Haus der Musik is definitely an option to consider.

• The amazing Haus der Musik offers countless amazing family-friendly activities, such as a virtual orchestra that your little one will be able to lead completely on their own – a great way to keep them busy.
• Plus, there are also numerous interactive opportunities throughout the Haus der Musik to help inspire new musical talent, making it a highly attractive and appealing destination for any music lover.

Address:   Seilerstätte 30, 1010 Wien, Austria

#15 Vienna Opera for Kids

Vienna Opera House  makes sure your kids can enjoy some of the most beautifully put-together pieces. These are designed keeping kids in mind and help offer parents a way to introduce their little ones to opera.

The performances usually last an hour and are adaptations of bespoken or classical operas written for children.

Address:  Wiener Staatsoper GmbH, Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna

Opening Times: Check the website for up-to-date performances.

Book your Vienna Opera House tickets here:   Operas for Children at the Vienna State Opera

#16 Take a Vienna Time Travel History Tour

Did you know that you can actually get your little ones excited about learning about the amazing and rich history of Vienna by bringing them along for a Time Travel Vienna tour?

The Time Travel History Tour implements cutting-edge virtual reality to really bring things to life; as such, it’s potentially unlike anything your little one will have experienced before.

This amazing and innovative feature helps make it a great option to consider if you’ve been looking for new ways to keep them engaged and active. It’ll help encourage them to learn more during the holiday, too, so it’s really a win-win destination to visit.

Website & Tickets: https://www.timetravel-vienna.at/en/

Address: Time Travel Vienna

Habsburgergasse 10A 1010 Vienna

Opening Hours:

Daily from 9:30 – 19:00 Tour starts every 20 minutes (´00, ´20, ´40)

We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before the Tour start

Duration: about 50 minutes Last admission: at 19:00

#17 Head Up Danube Tower – Donauturm

Before we go any further, we should first point out here that you’ll absolutely want to check that your little ones aren’t likely to be afraid of heights before booking the Danube tower!

Highlight: However, if you’d love the chance to see some truly breathtaking Viennese views, and your little ones are mature and brave enough to see the sights, you’ll be in for a real treat when you scale the Danube tower. Indeed, not only is it Vienna’s highest tower, but it’s also the tallest building in all of Austria .

Top Tip: Don’t worry if trekking isn’t your thing – there’s an elevator that heads right to the top. Plus, it’s the perfect location to see all of the amazing things to do in Vienna – you’ll feel like you can see all of Austria from the top.

How do I get to the Donauturm?

• Option 1: Subway – Take the U1 line to the Alte Donau station or the U6 line to the Neue Donau station.
• Option 2: Subway & bus line 20A

Take the U1 line to the VIC/Kaisermühlen station or to the Alte Donau station or the U6 line to the Neue Donau station. From both stations, you can take the bus line 20A to the station Donauturm.

What is the entrance fee to the Donauturm in Vienna?

The entrance fee to the Donauturm is starting from Euro 16.-

Book your Tickets here:  Vienna: Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket to the Danube Tower

What are the Opening Hours of the Donauturm

• Monday to Sunday: 10.00 a.m. until 11.30 p.m.
• Last Ascent 11.00 p.m. / Last Descent 11.15 p.m.
• Due to weather conditions, the opening hours may change at short notice.

#18 Visit the City Cent er of Vienna

No trip to Vienna would be complete without visiting the iconic and majestic city center! Now, this might be one activity that’s a little less enthralling for the kids at the party. With that being said, you really won’t want to miss out on the chance to marvel at all of the astounding Viennese culture and architectural feats.

After all, a holiday to Vienna is a truly amazing opportunity, but it’s important to consider everyone while on holiday.

So, treat yourself a little too – and don’t worry! There are countless great shops and opportunities to see around the city center that should help keep the kids engaged during your time there.

If you ask us, it’s undeniably a must-do activity in Vienna, Austria on your next holidays – don’t leave Vienna without taking in the sights of the city center first!

VIENNA – TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN 4 HOURS IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA (UPDATE 2022)

Planning your Austria Family Holidays – Be Sure to Book In Advance!

At this point, we’ve outlined some of the sixteen best things to see and do in Vienna, Austria, with the kids.

However, this could all be ruined still if you arrive at your chosen destination late and without the necessary plans in place! With this in mind, don’t put your perfect Vienna holiday at risk – you know the kids will never let you live it down, after all!

Instead, wherever possible, try to book attractions in advance.

Even if it’s something that you can book once you arrive, booking in advance can be a good way to fast-track your time there and bypass the queues, helping ensure you don’t end up missing out on all of the amazing sights and opportunities.

Plus, certain activities – such as the Zoom Children’s Museum – are often highly popular destinations both for those on a Vienna holiday and the local residents. As such, they often get booked up incredibly quickly, so it’s potentially important to book these in advance to ensure it goes to plan!

Simple Tips to Keep Your Next Vienna Holiday on Track

At this point, we’ve outlined some of the most amazing opportunities and Vienna tourist attractions that will undoubtedly make your family holidays all the more memorable. However, even with the best plans in place, things can unfortunately still go wrong. We’ve only got to think about those temper tantrums in the middle of a busy public area to know just how badly wrong things can go when bringing kids along for the holiday!

But that shouldn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. With this thought in mind, we recommend considering the following extra-simple tips to keep your next Vienna holiday on track. By making a few simple changes, you’ll keep all the family happy, and ensure you can visit every one of these amazing attractions in peace.

Look Out for Toilets As You Go

Let’s face it – one of the most frustrating lines to hear as a parent has to be dreaded: “ I need the toilet !” Of course, this usually seems to happen right when you’re in the middle of a crowded and bustling space where you know for a fact you won’t be able to leave for another 30 minutes at best! With this thought in mind, try to keep an eye out for toilets continually during your exploration of Vienna’s incredible sights and attractions.

Encourage your child to go to the toilet, even if they don’t think they need to, to reduce the risk of being caught out. And, wherever possible, try to work out an escape plan – so, if you need to run quickly to the toilet with them, it won’t be an impossible sprint.

Bring a Few Surprise Snacks With You

Kids can easily get fidgety and antsy. And, if it’s not because they need the toilet, another exceptionally common issue is that the hunger pangs have struck! As such, we recommend keeping a few healthy but tasty snacks and drinks with you as you wander around Vienna; this help satisfy your little one’s cravings for super tasty treats until you can get to your next meal. Hopefully, these may also help stop them from grumbling, so you can all enjoy the holiday a little more!

Don’t Stay Too Long in One Area

There’s so much to see and do in Vienna – and while your ideal holidays might be spending all day at the museum, your children probably won’t want to. In short, kids get bored very quickly. As such, when planning some of the best things to see and do in Vienna, Austria, don’t stay too long in one place. Your little ones will often be much easier to engage if they’re always kept active. They’ll probably sleep better that night, too, if they’ve been on the go all day!

Keep moving and seeing new things to ensure your little ones are always engaged with the trip, rather than allowing them to get bored (which will only usually result in cheeky behavior!)

Try to choose activities that are relatively close to one another, too. This simple change definitely helps cut down on the amount of travel time. With fuel prices only getting higher, that’s always a win. Plus, you’ll reduce the chances of facing that inevitable question: “ Are we there yet?”

Add in Some Surprises

If you really want to keep your kids on their toes and excited about what the holiday will bring next, don’t tell them about everything they’ll be seeing – for example, keep the “big event” quiet, but let them know there’s something big coming up.

There’s nothing quite like the excitement little kids will feel while anticipating a big surprise or exciting event, so this will definitely keep them engaged with the holiday – even during the duller moments, such as while traveling. Just remember to balance the number of activities your kids know about with the number of surprises, so they never quite know what’s around the corner.

Final Thoughts on Kids in Vienna

If you’ve been planning a new holiday to Vienna, it’s well worth visiting some of the best tourist attractions and things to do in the area.

Of course, creating a fun family holiday comes with new challenges and requirements compared to a typical holiday, and keeping the kids happy may not always be quite as easy as keeping adult guests entertained.

Still, with today’s top destination ideas, you’ll hopefully be able to make your next family vacation in Austria the best it can possibly be. But remember, be sure to involve your kids in the discussions to make sure there’s plenty for them to see and do, as well.

So hope you could benefit from this list of the great things you could do in Vienna with your Kids. Let me know in the comments below if you discover anything I can add to the list. Many thanks!

Is Vienna kid friendly?

Vienna has a lot to offer for kids like the Zoom Museum, the Prater Amusement Park, Schönbrunn Zoo, Kids Opera, and Spanish Horse Riding School. Kids will love Viennese food like Sacher Torte and Wiener Schnitzel.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Vienna

If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Vienna, look no further than the Best Western Hotel Wien West. This hotel offers a variety of amenities that are perfect for families, including a children’s play area, babysitting services, and a kids’ menu. Additionally, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, making it easy to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Here is a Selection of the Best Family-Friends Hotels in Vienna (Based on real Family Traveler recommendations)

Kid-friendly food in Vienna

Try taking them to one of the famous Viennese Coffee Houses in Vienna. Children will love the Viennese cakes and pastries. Like the world-famous Sacher Cake

BEST COFFEEHOUSES IN THE CITY CENTER OF VIENNA, AUSTRIA

PS: If your kids prefer Fast Food, Vienna has plenty of McDonald’s, Burger Kings, and similar Burger restaurants. 😉

Try a Wiener Schnitzel. Most Viennese Restaurants also have “Kinderschnitzel” smaller Schnitzel portions available for kids. (with fries)

WHERE TO EAT THE BEST WIENER SCHNITZEL IN VIENNA (RESTAURANT TIPS + PRICES!)

The main supermarkets also tend to have takeaway sections with sandwiches, or you can simply ask them to make up a filled cheese or ham roll at the delicatessen counters.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT VIENNA?

Please read my Blog Post here:

https://www.theviennablog.com/2022/07/05/when-is-the-best-time-to-visit-vienna/

Vienna City Walks – 11 Sightseeing Routes (Free Video Tour Guides)

Google my maps trip planner – how to plan a trip [easy guide].