Vienna questions

In answer to your first question, I think the gardens at Schonbrun would be interesting in April. There's the Gloriette (nice cafe in there, BTW) with beautiful views. There's the labyrinth. There are beautiful statues and fountains (although note that the fountains don't operate in the winter, restarting in mid-April). We didn't go to the zoo, but there is one.

You might find this page helpful regarding entry to Schonbrun, also: https://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/visitor-information/opening-times/

Regarding the Hofburg Palace, I don't think you have to go through all of the sections, if I recall correctly. We were interested in the living quarters and the Sisi Museum, so we did see those, but I don't remember having to do so.

Have you checked which days the various museums are closed? As I remember, it can be like putting a puzzle together. I was impressed with the Schonbrun and its vast grounds, but you could skip the Hofburg. I know RS recommends the opposite, but I respectfully disagree. Regarding the gardens, it was pretty winter- like when we were there, a few years back , the first week of April. No leaves on the trees or gardens in bloom. I really missed the spring colors, but did love the city. Maybe the Forum's Emily in Vienna will see this post and chime in.

For our visit, we purchased one of those comprehensive three day tickets, but that was before COVID and timed entry. That was a good decision for us, as we could just visit small areas of one museum/ art palace, which I would have been hesitant to do if I purchased a ticket separately.
Have a wonderful time in this beautiful city!
Safe travels!

Our first time in Vienna, we bought tickets to the Riding School rehearsal right before it began. We enjoyed it a lot.
We ALSO walked in the gardens of the Schonbrun and found there is a zoo too.

1) To some degree , April is on the cusp of spring . not at its zenith
2) Yes , you can skip that ( especially since you are visiting Schönbrunn, the interiors there are better )
3) Not sure about the riding school , but there is a combination ticket for The Schatzkammer ( treasury ) and Kunsthistoriches As I recall The Prunksaal ( State Library ) is a separate ticket
4) Timed tickets for Schönbrunn are a good idea , not necessary for the two art museums
5) I buy tickets directly from the issuing institution , I don't find any advantage buying from third parties

You can buy the Spanish Riding School tickets on their website https://www.srs.at/en/. There is no schooling on the weekends and most Mondays.

Performances are on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for those are expensive. Regardless I already bought mine for June. It’s on the top of my Vienna to-do list.

1. Yes, if you are lucky there many be the famous wisteria arbor. The gardens are free so why not?
2. Skip the Sisi Museum and enjoy the interior of Schönbrunn.
3. Yes, except for the Riding School where you purchase a ticket for a performance, the tickets for the treasury and library can be purchased at the door with no line. As the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Imperial Treasury are part of the same family, you can buy a combined ticket for both for 27 Euro. Again, can be bought at the door.
4. No. Again, just buy your tickets at the door. The only place where there may be a line is Schönbrunn so you might want to buy that ticket online from the palace website.
5. Why would you do that when the websites of these places are so clear?

Note - Why the Academy of Fine Arts? Not a typical choice. I would definitely work in the Belvedere, the best palace and art museum in Vienna.

Thanks everyone. Any additional suggestions are welcome.

Emily, the Academy of Fine Arts has Bosch's Last Judgement triptych.

When you visit The Academy , be sure to have a look at the statue of Schiller in the park ( Schillerplatz ) in front of the building . Notably there is a circular relief on one side eerily depicting Comedy and Tragedy . Tragedy stands out , you'll have to look a little to see Comedy .

Yes, I know about the Bosch but just asking as it is not usually a top choice here so making sure we were talking about the right place.

Thanks, Emily. I've read several of your posts, all very helpful. It's my 7th trip to Europe, but first to Vienna. Your insight is really a plus.

Your short time frame and the fact that there is a Monday during your stay limits somewhat your flexibility.

The KHM (Kunsthistorisches Museum) and the Gallery at the Akademie der bildenden Künste are both closed on Mondays. I would use that day for the Schönbrunn palace and gardens, including the rooftop of the Gloriette which provides a wonderful view over the premises and the city.

In the Hofburg complex which is not a consistent palace, but an assembly of several buildings erected during a period of about 400 years, the most interesting items - at least for me - are the Treasury (combo ticket with KHM) and the State Hall (Prunksaal) of the National Library. (I am not interested in horses, i.e. the Spanish Riding School.)

Timed tickets, although available, are not required. The times when tourists were standing in a line for a considerable time are gone, mostly because travelling from East Asia (China, Japan) has become much more complicated due to the no-fly zone over Russia for a lot of airlines.