Exploring the iconic Belvedere Palace in Vienna is a must-do experience for art enthusiasts and history buffs. The Upper Belvedere Tour offers a unique opportunity to bypass the lines and explore the world-famous art collection, guided by an expert who provides invaluable insights. From the Baroque splendor of the palace interiors to the meticulously landscaped gardens, this tour promises to transport visitors back in time and immerse them in the grandeur of Vienna’s cultural heritage. But the real highlight lies in the stunning masterpieces by renowned artists like Klimt, van Gogh, and Schiele that await discovery.
Key Points
• The Upper Belvedere Tour offers skip-the-line access to Belvedere Palace’s art gallery and gardens, showcasing renowned artworks by Klimt, van Gogh, Schiele, and others.
• The guided tour, lasting approximately 2 hours, provides live commentary from a licensed guide using headsets, offering valuable insights into the masterpieces.
• Visitors can marvel at the world-famous artworks, wander through the Baroque gardens of the Belvedere Palace, and explore the opulent gold-accented interiors.
• The tour is ideal for art enthusiasts and history buffs, with convenient skip-the-line tickets and the opportunity to see artworks by renowned artists.
• The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and prohibited items include luggage, umbrellas, scooters, and pets.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Overview of the Tour
The Upper Belvedere tour offers visitors the opportunity to skip the ticket lines and explore the art gallery and Baroque gardens of the Belvedere Palace with the guidance of a licensed expert.
During the 2-hour tour, guests will marvel at world-renowned works by renowned artists like Klimt, van Gogh, Schiele, Funke, and Messerschmidt.
After admiring the impressive art collection, the tour continues through the stunning Belvedere Palace Gardens, where visitors can wander through the Baroque landscape.
With the use of provided headsets, guests can enjoy the live commentary from the guide in their chosen language.
This tour is a must-do for art enthusiasts and history buffs visiting Vienna.
Highlights of the Experience
Visitors can skip the ticket lines and explore the art gallery of Upper Belvedere, where they’ll marvel at world-famous works by renowned artists like Klimt, van Gogh, Schiele, Funke, and Messerschmidt.
The guided tour provides valuable insights into these masterpieces, bringing the art to life.
After admiring the impressive collection, visitors can wander through the Baroque gardens of the Belvedere Palace, seeing the serene and picturesque surroundings.
With live commentary from a licensed guide and the convenience of skip-the-line tickets, this experience offers a seamless and enriching way to discover the artistic and architectural wonders of Upper Belvedere.
What’s Included in the Tour
This guided tour of Upper Belvedere includes skip-the-line tickets to the main exhibition, allowing visitors to bypass the ticket lines and gain direct access to the art gallery.
Plus, the tour provides a licensed guide who offers live commentary, giving valuable insights into the world-famous works on display.
The tour also includes:
- Exploration of the Baroque gardens surrounding the Belvedere Palace.
- Headsets to ensure clear audio from the guide throughout the experience.
- The opportunity to see masterpieces by renowned artists such as Klimt, van Gogh, Schiele, Funke, and Messerschmidt.
Meeting Point Details
Guests will meet the guide in front of the Art Corner Restaurant, located at Prinz-Eugen-Straße 56, 1040 Vienna. Travelers should arrive 10 minutes early, as latecomers won’t be able to join the tour. The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users, and no luggage, umbrellas, scooters, or pets are allowed.
| Meeting Point Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Art Corner Restaurant, Prinz-Eugen-Straße 56, 1040 Vienna |
| Arrival Time | 10 minutes early |
| Late Arrivals | Not permitted to join the tour |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users |
| Prohibited Items | Luggage, umbrellas, scooters, pets |
Important Information to Note
Latecomers typically can’t join the tour, as it starts promptly at the scheduled time. The tour also isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Plus, visitors mustn’t bring luggage, umbrellas, scooters, or pets.
The admission includes timed entry, allowing you to skip the line at the ticket counter. However, this doesn’t mean you can bypass the entrance and security lines.
Arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Be prepared to go through security checks at the entrance.
Note that the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible.
Exploring the Upper Belvedere
Once visitors have passed through security, they’ll find themselves in the stunning halls of the Upper Belvedere, ready to explore its rich artistic treasures.
The impressive Baroque palace houses an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures, including some of the most famous works of Austrian art. Visitors can admire the mesmerizing gold-accented interiors as they stroll through the opulent rooms, taking in masterpieces by renowned artists like Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka.
Outside, the meticulously landscaped Belvedere Palace Gardens offer a serene escape, with their symmetrical pathways, manicured hedges, and stunning fountains.
This guided tour provides an in-depth look at the Upper Belvedere’s renowned artworks and architectural grandeur.
Wandering the Belvedere Gardens
After exploring the opulent interiors of the Upper Belvedere, visitors can meander through the meticulously landscaped Belvedere Palace Gardens, where symmetrical pathways wind past manicured hedges and stunning fountains.
Designed in the Baroque style, the gardens offer a serene respite from the bustling city. Visitors can stroll along the main avenue, admiring the ornate statues and admiring the view of the Lower Belvedere.
Some key features include:
- The Orangery, a grand greenhouse showcasing a collection of exotic plants.
- The Neptunbrunnen, a magnificent fountain adorned with mythological figures.
- The Alpengarten, a tranquil alpine garden featuring diverse flora.
These beautifully maintained gardens provide a captivating counterpoint to the grandeur of the Belvedere Palace, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the elegance of 18th-century Baroque design.
Masterpieces at the Art Gallery
Within the opulent halls of Upper Belvedere, visitors are treated to a dazzling array of world-renowned masterpieces, including seminal works by Gustav Klimt, Vincent van Gogh, and Egon Schiele.
The gallery’s collection boasts Klimt’s iconic ‘The Kiss,’ a shimmering depiction of two lovers entwined in a golden embrace.
Van Gogh’s vibrant ‘Church at Auvers‘ and Schiele’s hauntingly expressive self-portraits also grace the museum’s walls, offering a glimpse into the creative genius of these pioneering artists.
With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors can explore the stories and techniques that birthed these celebrated paintings, seeing the artistic legacy of Vienna.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Concert in St. Annes Church Vienna: Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Schubert
- Viennas Highlights: Food, Coffee and Market Walking Experience
- Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Bike Tour From Vienna
- Hallstatt Day Trip From Vienna With Skywalk
- Poverty & Homelessness – on the Trail of Poverty & Homelessness
- Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting From Vienna
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside the Upper Belvedere?
Yes, visitors can take photos inside the Upper Belvedere. However, flash photography is typically not allowed to protect the artwork. Guests should check with staff for any specific photography policies or restrictions during their visit.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no strict dress code for the tour, but visitors are advised to dress comfortably and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Casual attire is generally acceptable, though visitors should avoid overly casual or revealing outfits out of respect for the cultural institution.
Do the Tour Guides Accept Tips?
Tour guides generally appreciate tips, as they provide excellent service. However, tipping is not mandatory on this tour. Visitors should tip at their own discretion based on the quality of the tour and their satisfaction with the guide’s performance.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, visitors are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks into the Upper Belvedere Art Gallery or Belvedere Palace Gardens. The tour rules prohibit any outside food, beverages, or containers to maintain the cleanliness and preserve the artwork on display.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour is not recommended for young children. It involves extensive walking and standing, and the artwork and subject matter may not be engaging for younger visitors. The guided experience is better suited for older children and adults.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Vienna: Private One-Way Transfer to Cesky Krumlov
- Vienna: Winery and Wine Tasting Tour With a Wine Expert
- Vienna: Example Internet Data Plan Austria High-Speed 4G/5G
- Private Day Trip to Croatian Capital Zagreb Inc. Local Guide
- From Vienna: 2 Castles and Melk Abbey Private Guided Tour
- Exclusive Vienna Photography Session and City Tour
- Vienna Hofburg Orchestra Concert at the Vienna State Opera
- Vienna: Cruise and Schnitzel Tour
- Historical Citywalk – Highlights of the Old Town
- Vienna: in the Shadow of the Hofburg (Tour)
- Private Schönbrunn Palace Tour: Entrance Included
- Concert Show and Museum Ticket in House of Strauss
- Vienna: Private Walking Tour to The Hofburg & Graben Street
- Salzburg Day Trip From Vienna
- 4 Castles Private Day Trip From Vienna to South Moravia
Recap
The Upper Belvedere Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Vienna’s iconic palace and its renowned art collection. Bypass the lines and explore world-famous works, led by a knowledgeable guide.
The tour showcases the Baroque splendor of the palace’s interiors and meticulously landscaped gardens, making it a must-visit experience for art enthusiasts and history buffs visiting the Austrian capital.
