About
The Hofburg Palace stands in the centre of Vienna, Austria, and served for centuries as the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. Today it is the official residence of the Austrian President, and much of it is open to visitors who want to see how the court once lived and governed.
What you can see
The palace is best approached as a collection of places rather than a single building. Visitors can walk through its opulent state rooms and the Imperial Apartments, where the rooms reflect the tastes and routines of the imperial household. Several museums within the complex show Austria's royal heritage, so the visit can be as short or as full as you choose.
Planning your visit
- Allow time for more than one part of the complex, since the state rooms and the museums are quite different in character.
- Check opening times and tickets before you go, as these can change and are not set out here.
- Combine the visit with a walk through the surrounding inner city, which is easy to reach on foot from the palace.
For anyone interested in the Habsburgs or in European royal history, the Hofburg offers a direct look at the setting in which that history unfolded. It makes a rewarding half day or full day in Vienna.