The Hofburg Palace was the residence of the Habsburg family for over 600 years! Besides the palace’s use for the Empire’s official needs, it also served as their winter residence.
Each family member lived in their own apartment or suite in one of the palace’s many wings. Most of the palace wings are used for various museums and, of course, for the President’s offices, but a small section where Franz Joseph and Sisi lived is open to the public.
The rooms displayed to the public include the Emperor’s staircase, bedrooms, study rooms, the living room, reception rooms, the guards’ room, the dining room, and more. The furniture and household items on display are from the second half of the 19th century, but there are also exhibits from the 18th century, such as the heating stoves.
The Imperial Apartments are part of the expanded Sisi Museum and are located inside the palace in Vienna’s 1st district, right in the center of the heart of the Old City.
This is what some of the Palace Rooms look like
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Opening Hours:
Opening hours are identical to those of the Sisi Museum, as the Imperial Apartments are located within the same complex.
- Every day (including holidays) from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Last entry at 4:30 PM. Visitors may remain in the Imperial Apartments until 5:30 PM.
- Opening hours may change. Click for the updated opening hours on the official museum website.
Tickets:
The entrance ticket also includes admission to the Sisi Museum. Due to high demand, the museum recommends booking tickets in advance and arriving at the scheduled time. The basic ticket also includes an audio guide for the tour inside the museum, as well as the option for printed explanations in English. The duration of the self-guided tour of the museum and the Imperial Apartments is approximately 75 minutes. You can also download the explanations to your phone in advance to avoid waiting in line. Download the audio guide (available in 13 languages).
- On the official museum website, you can purchase an entrance ticket at a cost of €20 per adult and €12 per child from age 6.
- The ticket also includes entry to the Sisi Museum.
Purchase tickets for the Imperial Apartments via the official Sisi Museum website
Alternatively, you can participate in a guided tour of the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum. The guided tour in English departs at 2:00 PM and lasts about two hours.
Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to get to the Palace by Public Transport?
The palace complex can be entered via the Ring Road or from the direction of the Old City.
- Subway: Orange line, U3. Exit at Herrengasse station.
- Tram: Lines 1, 2, D, and 71. Exit at Burgring station.
- Bus: Lines 1A and 2A. Exit at Hofburg station.
Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien
Map:
You can read additional information about the Hofburg Palace and the variety of museums within it in the comprehensive article we have prepared regarding the Hofburg Palace complex and its attractions.
