Belvedere Palace
Vienna, Austria · Museum
About Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace is a stunning 18th-century Baroque complex in Vienna built as the summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. It consists of two palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, set within magnificent landscaped gardens. Today, it is famous worldwide for housing an extraordinary art collection, most notably Gustav Klimt's iconic painting The Kiss.
Don't miss
- Marvel at Gustav Klimt's dazzling golden masterpiece, The Kiss, located in the Upper Belvedere.
- Admire the opulent Marble Hall featuring grand ceiling frescoes and sweeping views over Vienna.
- Stroll through the tiered French-style Baroque gardens connecting the two palace buildings.
- Explore special exhibitions and decorative staterooms in the historic Lower Belvedere.
Plan your visit
Visit early in the morning on a weekday to see the art before tour groups arrive. Spring and summer are especially lovely because the palace gardens and fountains are in full bloom.
Access to the gardens is free, but palace entry requires a paid ticket. It is strongly recommended to book timed-entry tickets online in advance to skip ticket lines and guarantee admission.
From central Vienna, take tram D directly to the Schloss Belvedere stop right outside the Upper Belvedere. Alternatively, take the U-Bahn line U1 to Hauptbahnhof and walk about ten minutes to the entrance.
Tips for visiting
- If you have limited time, prioritize the Upper Belvedere where Gustav Klimt's key works are displayed.
- Enter through the Upper Belvedere and stroll downhill through the gardens toward the Lower Belvedere to save energy.
- Large backpacks and umbrellas must be stored in the on-site lockers before entering the galleries.
- Photography is permitted without flash, but selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed inside.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes because the grounds and cobblestone paths cover a large area.
Belvedere Palace FAQ
Where is Gustav Klimt's The Kiss located?
The Kiss is displayed inside the permanent collection at the Upper Belvedere. The Lower Belvedere primarily hosts temporary exhibitions and historic residential rooms.
Is Belvedere Palace wheelchair accessible?
Yes, both the Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces offer barrier-free access with ramps and elevators. Accessible restrooms and loaner wheelchairs are also available on site.
Do I need a ticket to visit the gardens?
No, the main Baroque gardens connecting the Upper and Lower Belvedere are free and open to the public during daytime hours. You only need to purchase tickets to enter the palace museums.
Can I buy a combined ticket for both palaces?
Yes, combo tickets are available that grant entry to both Upper and Lower Belvedere, as well as the nearby Belvedere 21 contemporary art museum. Be sure to reserve your entry time slot for the Upper Belvedere when purchasing.
More things to do in Vienna
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Explore the magnificent former summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs and wander its vast sculpted gardens.
St. Stephen's Cathedral Landmark
Admire the colorful tiled roof of this iconic Gothic cathedral located right in the center of the old town.
The Hofburg Landmark
Tour the sprawling imperial palace complex that housed Austrian rulers for over six centuries.
Vienna State Opera Activity
Catch a world-class opera performance or take a guided architectural tour of this storied music hall.
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Spend an afternoon exploring contemporary art galleries, lively courtyards, and trendy cafes in this cultural hub.
Naschmarkt Food
Sample local cheeses, falafel, and Austrian snacks at Vienna's most famous open-air food market.
Prater and Giant Ferris Wheel Activity
Ride the historic 1897 Ferris wheel for sweeping panoramic views across the city skyline.
AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: lapping on Pixabay.