Vienna Private Full Day Tour Tickets to Schönbrunn & Lunch

Experience Vienna’s best in one full day with this private guided tour, visiting iconic sites like Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Schönbrunn Palace. For $317 per person, you’ll spend around 7 hours exploring the city’s royal past, vibrant markets, and beautiful gardens, all with a knowledgeable guide. The tour includes skip-the-line tickets to Schönbrunn Palace, a traditional Viennese lunch, and a relaxing coffee break at the Gloriette.

What we love about this experience are the personalized attention from your private guide, who makes the history come alive, and the chance to enjoy authentic Viennese cuisine at Naschmarkt, a lively market filled with local flavors. A second highlight is the breathtaking view from the Gloriette, perfect for a coffee break and some photo opportunities.

A possible consideration is the tour’s length—7 hours of walking and sightseeing may be a bit demanding for travelers with mobility issues. Still, it’s ideal for those eager to see Vienna’s highlights in a single day without feeling rushed. This tour suits history buffs, culture lovers, and anyone wanting a comprehensive, authentic taste of Vienna with a local touch.

  • Highly personalized: Private guide ensures tailored attention and detailed storytelling.
  • Skip-the-line access: Fast entry to Schönbrunn Palace saves time and hassle.
  • Authentic dining: Lunch at Naschmarkt offers a true Viennese market experience.
  • Diverse sites: From imperial palaces to ancient Roman ruins and vibrant markets.
  • Cultural insights: Learn about Vienna’s Jewish heritage, musical legends, and Habsburg monarchy.
  • Scenic views: Relax at the Gloriette with panoramic city vistas.

Starting at Heldenplatz, you’ll immediately get a sense of Vienna’s grandeur. This large square, named after Austria’s heroes, sets the tone for the day. It’s a spot that combines history with pomp—perfect for those who enjoy a sense of imperial pride. Right nearby, the Heldenplatz leads us to the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial winter residence. With a 20-minute guided tour, you’ll walk through the lavish rooms and learn about the lives of the Habsburgs, especially Empress Sissi, whose story is both romantic and dramatic.

What makes this part of the tour special is the detailed storytelling. Our guide, Jakob, was praised for his warmth, humor, and extensive knowledge—making the history of the Habsburgs feel personal and engaging. You’ll appreciate the way he brings the palace’s rooms to life, helping you picture court life centuries ago.

Next, we explore ancient Roman ruins and visit the Plague Column. These sites serve as stark reminders of Vienna’s resilience through tough times. The Plague Column, in particular, is a striking Baroque monument commemorating the city’s survival. It’s a quiet moment, reflecting on how Vienna has overcome crises, and offers a different perspective from the palace’s opulence.

From there, we head to St. Peter’s Church, a jewel of Baroque architecture. The guided tour highlights its ornate interior and its significance in Vienna’s religious life. Walking through the city’s historic streets afterward, you’ll visit Höher Markt, a lively area with a fascinating Jewish heritage story. This adds layers to Vienna’s cultural tapestry, enriching your understanding of the city’s diverse history.

The Anker Clock is next—a charming, animated clock that features historical figures in a moving display. Even those not typically interested in clocks find it captivating, thanks to its storytelling charm. Nearby, the Stadttempel Synagogue provides insight into Vienna’s Jewish community, adding depth to your cultural experience. Although the interior visit isn’t specified, the guided overview offers context and appreciation for Vienna’s diverse spiritual history.

St. Rupert’s Church, Vienna’s oldest church, impresses with its stained glass windows and Gothic beauty. It’s a peaceful stop that gives you a glimpse into medieval Vienna. Our guide pointed out details that you might otherwise miss, making it a highlight for architecture lovers.

The Griechenbeisl, Vienna’s oldest restaurant, offers a glimpse into the city’s culinary history. Once frequented by Beethoven and Mozart, it’s a cozy place that connects Vienna’s musical past with its present. You’ll enjoy hearing stories about these great composers and their time in the city.

At the Mozart House, we get an intimate look into the life of one of Vienna’s most famous residents. The guided tour provides insight into Mozart’s personal and professional life, making his music even more meaningful when you see where he lived and composed.

Moving on to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the tour’s most iconic landmark, you’ll step inside and marvel at its Gothic grandeur. The guided 30-minute visit covers the history and architecture of the cathedral, giving you a sense of Vienna’s medieval soul.

Albertinaplatz offers a brief stop to appreciate the city’s vibrant street life before heading to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous open-air market. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional Viennese lunch, a highlight for many. The market buzzes with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to local delicacies—perfect for those looking to sample authentic flavors and observe Viennese life in action.

Post-lunch, we stroll through the Schönbrunn Gardens, a peaceful walk among lush greenery and historical statues. The highlight here is the Gloriette, perched on a hill with sweeping views of Vienna. A coffee break at this elegant café is a perfect way to relax and take in the scenery—many reviewers loved this moment, describing it as a picturesque pause amid sightseeing.

The grand finale is the visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. Thanks to skip-the-line tickets, we bypass long queues and head straight inside to explore the imperial rooms with audioguides. The opulence of these rooms, with their ornate decor and historical significance, offers a tangible connection to Austria’s royal past.

Heldenplatz & Hofburg Palace
Starting here, you’re immersed in Vienna’s imperial history. The guided tour within the Hofburg takes about 20 minutes, but the atmosphere lasts much longer. You’ll learn about the Habsburg dynasty’s influence on Vienna, from royal ceremonies to court life. The guide’s storytelling makes these historic rooms come alive, which is particularly appreciated by those keen on history and architecture.

Ancient Roman Ruins & the Plague Column
These stops add a layer of historical depth. Walking among Roman remnants gives you a sense of Vienna’s ancient roots, while the Plague Column offers a powerful symbol of resilience. The guided overview ensures that even fleeting moments are meaningful, and you leave with a richer understanding of the city’s endurance through centuries.

St. Peter’s Church and Höher Markt
Expect to appreciate the intricate baroque design inside St. Peter’s, with the guide pointing out details you might overlook on your own. Höher Markt introduces you to Vienna’s Jewish heritage, adding cultural depth.

The Anker Clock & Stadttempel Synagogue
Both sites are engaging, with the clock’s animated storytelling appealing to all ages. The synagogue visit provides a respectful insight into Vienna’s Jewish community, emphasizing Vienna’s diverse history.

St. Rupert’s Church & Griechenbeisl
These spots are about connecting with Vienna’s medieval past and its musical legends. The Griechenbeisl, in particular, offers a tangible link to composers like Beethoven and Mozart, making history feel alive in the present.

Mozarthaus & St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Mozarthaus reveals the composer’s life, while St. Stephen’s offers a visual and spiritual marvel. Both are essential Vienna experiences, with the guided tours enhancing your appreciation.

Naschmarkt & Schönbrunn
The market is a lively, sensory experience, perfect for sampling local flavors. The walk through Schönbrunn Gardens and coffee at the Gloriette provide a peaceful contrast to the busy city, with stunning views giving you a true sense of Vienna’s beauty.

Schönbrunn Palace
The grand finale provides a chance to step inside Austria’s most famous palace, with skip-the-line access making the wait manageable. The imperial rooms are breathtaking, and the audioguides ensure you don’t miss details about the Habsburg legacy.

This experience offers a rundown of Vienna’s past and present, all tailored to your interests. The private guide means your questions are answered directly, and the flexibility allows for a customized experience. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets is particularly valuable during peak seasons, saving hours of waiting. The balance of cultural, historical, and culinary stops ensures you get a well-rounded impression of Vienna.

Pricing at $317 might seem steep, but considering the personalized attention, skip-the-line access, and inclusion of lunch and coffee, it offers good value for a full day of curated sightseeing. The tour is especially appealing for those who want a thorough, insider’s perspective without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

However, for travelers with limited mobility or those who prefer a more leisurely pace, this tour’s length and walking demands might be challenging. Also, if you’re particularly interested in art or museums beyond the highlights, you might want to supplement this experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy history, architecture, and local culture in one package. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad yet personalized overview of Vienna. History buffs will appreciate the detailed narrations, while food lovers can enjoy the authentic market lunch. If you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or family who want a flexible, guided experience that covers everything in a single day, this tour hits the mark.

  • Is this tour suitable for children?
    It’s primarily a walking tour designed for adults, but older children who enjoy history and culture would likely find it engaging.

  • Can I customize the tour?
    Being private, it offers some flexibility—your guide can adjust the pace or focus on certain sites if requested beforehand.

  • Are the entrances to Schönbrunn Palace included?
    Yes, you get skip-the-line tickets to the palace and access to the imperial rooms with audioguides.

  • Is lunch included in the price?
    Yes, you’ll enjoy a traditional Viennese lunch at Naschmarkt.

  • What should I wear?
    Comfortable shoes are a must as the tour involves a fair amount of walking; dress for the weather.

  • Are there any options for vegetarians?
    Yes, a vegetarian option is available for the schnitzel, and veal is offered upon request for an extra fee.

  • Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
    It’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the walking involved and some uphill walks.

  • What languages are available?
    Tours are conducted in English and Italian.

  • Do I need to pay upfront?
    You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

  • Can I cancel if my plans change?
    Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this Vienna private tour offers a rich, well-rounded experience packed into a single day. Its combination of historical landmarks, cultural insights, and authentic food makes it a smart choice for travelers eager to explore Vienna with a knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of classical music, or simply want to see the city’s highlights comfortably and efficiently, this tour delivers a memorable, inspiring day.