Belvedere Palace Vienna: Ultimate Guide to Austria’s Baroque Treasure

Set amidst cascading gardens and majestic fountains, Belvedere Palace stands as one of Vienna’s most iconic and elegant landmarks. Once the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, today the Belvedere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, world-renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture, spectacular Austrian art collections, and the internationally celebrated painting: Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.”
 

Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or simply a traveler in search of Vienna’s finest experiences, the Belvedere is a must-visit destination.

📍 1. Where Is Belvedere Palace?

Location: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna, Austria

🚇 Nearest stations: Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station), or U1 to Südtiroler Platz

🚶 A scenic 10–15-minute walk from the Vienna State Opera or the Ringstrasse

The palace complex consists of two main buildings—the Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere—connected by a stunning Baroque garden that flows down the hill.

🏛️ 2. A Brief History of the Belvedere

👑 The Vision of Prince Eugene

Built in the early 18th century by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, the Belvedere served as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a brilliant general and art patron.

Its name, “Belvedere,” means “beautiful view”—and it delivers exactly that with sweeping vistas of Vienna.

🇦🇹 A Royal and Revolutionary Past

After Eugene’s death, the palace became part of the Habsburg holdings.

In 1955, the Austrian State Treaty was signed in the Marble Hall of the Upper Belvedere, re-establishing Austria’s independence after WWII.

Today, the Belvedere houses one of Austria’s most important art museums, featuring medieval to modern Austrian art.

🖼️ 3. The Art Collections

🎨 Upper Belvedere

Home of “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt, the most famous painting in Austria.

Masterpieces by Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller.

Features Austrian Romanticism, Biedermeier, Baroque, and Realism.

The palace itself is a work of art—check out the Marble Hall, ceiling frescoes, and gold-leaf accents.

🖼️ Lower Belvedere

Houses temporary exhibitions, early Baroque art, and the ornate Gold Cabinet and Grotesque Hall.

Formerly Prince Eugene’s actual living quarters.

🖼️ Belvedere 21 (Modern Art Annex)

A separate building near the main complex focused on contemporary art, film, and performance.

Formerly known as the 20er Haus.

🌳 4. Belvedere Gardens: A Masterpiece of Landscape Design

Stretching between the two palaces, the Baroque-style gardens are among the most beautiful in Europe.

Garden Highlights:

Tiered landscaping in formal French style

Fountains, sculptures, and mythological statues

Manicured hedges, flowerbeds, and gravel walkways

Orangery and Alpine Garden, Austria’s oldest

Perfect for leisurely strolls and Instagram-worthy photos.

📸 Tip: For the best photos of the Upper Belvedere and its reflection, stand at the center axis of the garden fountain.

🕰️ 5. Opening Hours & Tickets (2025)

🕒 Opening Hours:

Upper Belvedere: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Lower Belvedere: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on some holidays)

Belvedere 21: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays)

🎟️ Tickets & Prices:

🎧 Audio guides available in multiple languages
🎫 Online reservations recommended during peak seasons

👀 6. Highlights You Can’t Miss

The Kiss (Klimt): Perhaps Austria’s most beloved artwork, shimmering with gold and sensual beauty.

Marble Hall (Upper Belvedere): Where Austria regained independence in 1955.

Winter Garden (Lower Belvedere): A glass-ceilinged room filled with light and historic elegance.

Gold Cabinet: Gilded walls, mirrors, and rococo flair.

Sphinx Sculptures: Guarding the terraces with mythological grace.

📷 7. Best Photo Spots

Reflection Pool in front of Upper Belvedere

Central axis in the formal gardens

Baroque staircases inside the palaces

Ceiling frescoes of the Marble Hall

Golden hour garden views (sunrise or sunset)

📸 Tip: Visit early morning or close to closing time to avoid crowds.

🛍️ 8. Souvenirs and Museum Shops

Belvedere Shops: Located at Upper and Lower Belvedere

Items include Klimt prints, postcards, art books, Viennese porcelain, and locally made jewelry

🎁 Ideal place to pick up exclusive Klimt memorabilia

☕ 9. Where to Eat Nearby

On-Site:

Café Menagerie (Upper Belvedere): Elegant café with pastries, coffee, and light meals

Lucy Bar (Belvedere 21): Stylish spot with a modern menu and art crowd vibe

Nearby Dining:

Salm Bräu: Austrian brewery and restaurant with local charm

Café Goldegg: Viennese café with authentic ambiance and delicious cakes

Hotel Daniel Bakery: Trendy brunch and snack option within walking distance

🎉 10. Events and Seasonal Activities

Summer Garden Concerts: Classical music in the Baroque setting

Temporary Exhibitions: Rotating themes of Austrian and European art

Christmas Market (Advent Season): Cozy stalls with handcrafted gifts and mulled wine in the Belvedere courtyard

🗓️ Check the official Belvedere website for current and upcoming exhibitions

🧠 11. Fun Facts About Belvedere Palace

Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss was acquired just a few years after its creation in 1908.

The Belvedere has Austria’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt artworks.

The Marble Hall was used as a filming location for historical dramas.

Prince Eugene was buried in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, not in the Belvedere.

Belvedere means “beautiful view” in Italian—a nod to the palace’s elevated location.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 12. Travel Tips

🧥 Bring layers: palaces are cool even in summer.

🎧 Use audio guides or download the official app for deeper insights.

📷 Tripods are not allowed inside exhibits—use mobile stabilization for low light.

🧒 Children under 18 often enter free—check for family ticket options.

🕰️ Allow at least 2–3 hours to fully enjoy Upper Belvedere and the gardens.

🧳 13. Sample Itinerary (Half Day)

🎟️ Extend your visit by adding Belvedere 21 for a full day of Viennese art exploration.

💬 Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace is a dazzling combination of art, architecture, and aristocracy. Its beautifully preserved Baroque design, exceptional art collections, and serene gardens make it a perfect cultural escape in the heart of Vienna. Whether you're admiring Klimt’s golden kiss, strolling through manicured lawns, or simply soaking up royal history, a visit to the Belvedere is nothing short of magical.