Vienna City Center Guided Walking Tour
See and learn about the Hofburg Palace, opera house, and St. Stephen's Cathedral with a local expert
Picture yourself walking through Vienna’s City Center, admiring the Baroque and Gothic architecture of the city’s most famous sites. A local expert guides your small group past the Albertina and the massive Heldenplatz, offering historical intrigue and insider details. View the imposing facades of the Hofburg Palace and the Vienna State Opera before ending at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This two-hour walking tour is excellent for travelers seeking a concise introduction to historic, central Vienna.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Guided walking tour
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Entrance to the Last Supper Mosaic
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Guide tips
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Interior admission tickets
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide near the Minoriten Church
You’ll meet your guide at Minoritenplatz 2 to begin your exploration of the historic Innere Stadt. Start with an introduction to Vienna’s imperial past. Then, step inside the Gothic church to view the mosaic copy of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. -
2
Explore Michaelerplatz and the Hofburg Palace
Next, follow your guide into Michaelerplatz to admire the exterior of the immense Hofburg Palace. Learn about the centuries of power held within this complex, which served as the winter residence of the Habsburg emperors. -
3
View the Spanish Riding School and Heldenplatz
As you walk through the palace grounds, pass the renowned Spanish Riding School. Then, step onto Heroes’ Square, or Heldenplatz, a massive plaza constructed under Emperor Franz Joseph. View the grand equestrian statue and learn the square’s significance. -
4
See the exterior of the Austrian National Library
From Heldenplatz, you can admire the impressive Baroque facade of the Austrian National Library. Hear about its historical significance as a major collection of Habsburg holdings, once known as the Imperial Court Library. -
5
Admire the Albertina and the Vienna State Opera
Then the tour leads you toward the Albertina, a historic palace now housing a prestigious art collection. Next, absorb the neo-Renaissance grandeur of the Vienna State Opera exterior. -
6
Your tour finishes near St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Finally, stroll to the towering St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Your guide will provide an explanation of the cathedral's Gothic architecture and history from the exterior. This ending location leaves you perfectly positioned to enter for free on your own.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour involves ancient ground and uneven terrain. It is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.
Please Note: This tour focuses on the exteriors of landmarks and does not include interior visits to any museums, Hofburg Palace, or St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The entrance to St. Stephen’s Cathedral is free.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Expert English -speaking tour guide
Two-hour guided walking tour of Vienna
Visit to the Minoriten Church to view the Last Supper Mosaic
Maximum group size of 15
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Camera
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
You’ll meet your guide at Minoritenplatz 2, outside the Minoriten Church in Vienna's city center. Look for your guide holding a designated company sign. The tour will conclude near the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the Innere Stadt.
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this is a family-friendly walking tour and a great way to introduce the city's history to younger visitors. Note that the itinerary is fast-paced, and interior visits are not included, which can help keep things moving for children.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This two-hour tour is a walking tour and involves standing and covering uneven, ancient ground across the city center. It is not wheelchair accessible or suitable for standard strollers due to the terrain.
Does the tour include interior visits?
No, this tour focuses on the exteriors of Vienna's main landmarks, including the Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School, and Vienna State Opera, to provide a concise, efficient overview. The only interior visit is to see the Last Supper mosaic inside the Minoriten Church.
How do I enter St. Stephen's Cathedral?
The entrance to St. Stephen's Cathedral is free, just join the general admission line at the front of the Cathedral. If you would like to climb the tower, the is an small entrance fee and a different entrance on the side of the cathedral. Feel free to ask your guide for directions to this separate entrance if you're interested.
