Belvedere Palace

Schloss Belvedere

This stunning Baroque palace complex features two palaces connected by formal gardens and houses the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including The Kiss. The Upper and Lower Belvedere offer different artistic periods and perspectives.

Things to do

• View The Kiss in the Upper Belvedere — Stand before Gustav Klimt's masterpiece 'The Kiss' in the Austrian Gallery, one of the most iconic paintings of the Art Nouveau movement.
• Stroll the Formal Gardens — Walk through the geometric Baroque gardens connecting the Upper and Lower Belvedere, featuring sculptured hedges, fountains, and seasonal plantings.
• Explore the Lower Belvedere — Visit the ornate Lower Belvedere palace to see medieval art, Austrian Gothic works, and temporary exhibitions in intimate Baroque rooms.
• Climb the Grand Staircase — Experience the theatrical Baroque architecture by ascending the spectacular marble staircase in the Upper Belvedere adorned with frescoes and sculptures.
• Admire the Sala Terrena — Discover the stunning vaulted hall in the Lower Belvedere with Baroque sculptural decoration and dramatic architectural details.
• View Medieval Art Collection — Survey one of Austria's finest collections of medieval panel paintings and sculptures, including works from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Food to try

• Wiener Schnitzel — A crispy breaded and fried veal cutlet, quintessentially Viennese, available at cafés near the palace or nearby Rennweg district restaurants.
• Sachertorte with Coffee — Rich chocolate layer cake with apricot jam, traditionally served with a small cup of strong Viennese coffee at the palace's café.
• Tafelspitz — Boiled beef with horseradish and apple-potato purée, a traditional Austro-Hungarian dish served at nearby Südtirol-style establishments.
• Kaiserschmarrn — Shredded pancake with plum compote and powdered sugar, a light Viennese dessert found in palace-area cafés and traditional restaurants.
• Apfelstrudel — Warm pastry filled with spiced apples and raisins, often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream at local bakeries near the palace.

Local customs & good to know

• Allow 2–3 hours minimum for each palace — The Upper and Lower Belvedere are separate buildings requiring dedicated time; plan a full day to see both collections thoroughly.
• Purchase a combined ticket for both palaces — A single ticket grants access to both the Upper and Lower Belvedere plus the gardens, offering better value than purchasing separately.
• Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds — Belvedere is one of Vienna's most popular attractions; arriving early on a weekday ensures shorter queues and a more peaceful experience with the artwork.
• Dress formally to match the venue's elegance — The palace's Baroque grandeur and artistic significance make business casual or smart-casual dress appropriate for a respectful visit.

Nearby

• St. Charles Church — 1 km
• Vienna State Opera — 1 km
• Naschmarkt — 2 km
• St. Stephen's Cathedral — 2 km