Hello, I will be visiting Vienna for the first time this August for 2 days (1st day I arrive at noon, 2nd day is a full day). I would like to visit one of the Hapsburg palaces. For those travelers that have been to both can you please give me some advice on which is a better option. Initially I planned on the Imperial apartments at the Hofburg based on the location but I am indifferent towards the porcelain and sisi museum. I will mention that I will visit the treasury and perhaps the new burg museum at the Hofburg palace so I will have some exposure to it. If I do visit the Schonbrunn I would go on the second day as soon as it opens and try to return to the old center by noon. thanks
Posted by
Cupertino, CA, USA
38 posts
Mike I have been to both palaces and would choose Schonbrunn over Hofburg. Schonbrunn is more grander and is rated in the top among all the palaces in europe. We went there on the first entry in the morning and we were back at the city center by noon Sagar
Posted by
Missouri City
252 posts
I agree with Sagar in that I would choose Schoenbrunn. One of the advantages is the view looking out over Vienna from the Gloriette behind Schoenbrunn. That's something you won't get from the Hofburg. And, yes, do arrive early. It is a much better experience when it isn't as crowded.
Posted by
Lafayette, LA
224 posts
Schönbrunn. But certainly see the exteriors of the Hofburg! The Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg is worth visiting without having to take the actual palace tour. The Ecclesiatical treasury is absolutely amazing!
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
78 posts
Schonbrunn.
I went to both last year (on a 2.5 week trip that included a LOT of castles) and I can remember loving Schonbrunn, especially the grounds, but all I remember of the Hofburg is the treasury. The Sisi Museum wasn't my favorite though. I didn't need THAT MUCH detail about her.