15 best museums in Vienna that are worth your time

Vienna is a city of timeless elegance, unveiling its rich history through some of the best museums in the world. Among the best things to do in Vienna, its museums take travelers through the city’s iconic history. From the Hofburg Palace’s Sisi Museum to the world-renowned artistic treasures at the Museum of Art History or the intersection of tradition and innovation at the Museum of Applied Arts, Austria’s capital city is home to museums that make it one of Europe’s most dynamic and fascinating.

Vienna’s best museums at a glance

Best museum for art: Museum of Art History

Best museum for history: Sisi Museum

Best museum for families: Vienna Natural History Museum

1. Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace

Best for history lovers

Why should I visit the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace?

Living within the opulent 13th-century walls of the Hofburg Palace — the former home of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth — the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace ranks among the most famous museums in Vienna. Within its exhibits are secular and ecclesiastical treasures, most notably the 10th-century Imperial Crown, encrusted with precious stones, and the Vienna Coronation Gospels. This eighth-century manuscript tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ.

How long can I spend at the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace?

Visitors should spend one to two hours at the Imperial Treasury, though Hofburg Palace is one of the best landmarks in Vienna, so you may want extra time to explore.

Insider tip

Make sure to leave time to see the museum’s intriguing mythological artifacts, like the Holy Grail and the horn of a unicorn.

Address and opening hours

Hofburg, Schweizerhof, 1010 Vienna. Open daily 9:00 AM-5:30 PM.

2. Museum of Military History

Best for history lovers

Why should I visit the Museum of Military History?

The Museum of Military History is where you can learn more about Austria’s military past. Housed in the historic Arsenal building, the museum retells the gripping stories of Austrian warfare from the 16th century to the end of World War II. The museum’s extensive collection of military aircraft and tanks provides a peek into the impressive technology that once ruled the battlefields.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Military History?

The museum’s impressive collection has exhibits dedicated to uniforms, artillery, aircraft, and model ships. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, so it is recommended to budget at least two hours.

Insider tip

The museum building is a work of art in itself, so be sure to look up and take it all in. It dates back to the mid-19th century and draws on Byzantine, Gothic, and Moorish designs. Don’t miss the Hall of Glory, which consists of three vaulted, marble-clad halls with a giant central dome.

Address and opening hours

Arsenal 1, 1030 Vienna. Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

3. Imperial Carriage Museum

Best for history lovers

Why should I visit the Imperial Carriage Museum?

Vienna’s 1,441-room Baroque Schonbrunn Palace is a must-see attraction on its own. But within the former Habsburg summer home is the impressive Imperial Carriage Museum. Regally roll through Austria’s royal past with this exquisite collection of carriages and sleighs once used by the imperial family.

How long can I spend at the Imperial Carriage Museum?

Plan to spend one to two hours at the Imperial Carriage Museum.

Insider tip

Immerse yourself in the “Sisi Trail” exhibit to view Empress Elisabeth’s personal carriages.

Address and opening hours

Schonbrunner Schlossstrasse 47, 1130 Vienna. Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

4. Jewish Museum

Best for history lovers

Why should I visit the Jewish Museum?

The Jewish Museum Vienna pays homage to the Viennese Jewish community and its significant contributions to Austria’s culture and history. This hidden gem in Vienna has a collection that spans from the Middle Ages to today, showcasing artifacts, documents, and personal items that bring Vienna’s Jewish history to life.

How long can I spend at the Jewish Museum?

It can take two to three hours to explore both branches of the Jewish Museum.

Insider tip

The museum contains remnants of a Medieval synagogue, brought to life through a fascinating 3D reconstruction.

Address and opening hours

Dorotheergasse 11, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Open Sunday-Friday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

5. Ephesos Museum

Best for history lovers

Why should I visit the Ephesos Museum?

Ephesus was an ancient city located on the western shores of modern-day Turkey. One of the most important Mediterranean cities of its era, it became the capital of Asia Minor in 27 BCE. Vienna’s Ephesos Museum transports visitors into this ancient world, displaying impressive artifacts excavated from the former city. From sculptures and architectural fragments to everyday objects, each exhibit provides a snapshot into life in one of the ancient world’s most important cities.

How long can I spend at the Ephesos Museum?

The museum is small, but visitors interested in history may want to explore it all. Depending on the number of exhibits you want to see, you can spend anywhere from one to three hours in the museum.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the monumental facade of the Ephesian Parthian monument, one of the most impressive pieces of architecture to come out of the ancient city.

Address and opening hours

Heldenplatz, Neue Burg, 1010 Vienna. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday, 10:AM-9:00 PM Thursday.

6. Sisi Museum

Best for history lovers

Why should I visit the Sisi Museum?

It’s fitting that the Hofburg Palace would have a museum dedicated to the life of one of its most famous residents, Empress Elisabeth, a.k.a. ‘Sisi.’ The Sisi Museum sheds light on the fascinating life of this enigmatic empress through exhibits on her beauty rituals, fitness obsession, and purported melancholy. Artifacts, including her personal exercise gear and reconstructed death mask, help to illuminate her peculiar persona. Stepping into the shoes of royalty and walking back through time at the Sisi Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Vienna.

How long can I spend at the Sisi Museum?

It will take about two hours to see the highlights of the Sisi Museum.

Insider tip

From September to June, you can hear the famous Vienna Boys Choir perform at Sunday morning mass at the Hofburg Chapel.

Address and opening hours

Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna, Austria. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

7. Museum of Modern Art

Best for art lovers

Why should I visit the Museum of Modern Art?

Among the best museums in Vienna, the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK) is the largest museum of its kind in central Europe. Housed in an imposing basalt lava building, MUMOK is a must for art lovers for its eclectic modern and contemporary art collection. More than 9,000 works from the 20th and 21st centuries include pop art, Fluxus, and nouveau réalisme. Aside from a few installations, nothing at Mumok is permanent. This means that every visit will be different. Explore all the floors carefully because sometimes exhibitions are spread across multiple levels.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Modern Art?

As the largest contemporary art museum in Central Europe, it is easily worth three hours of your time.

Insider tip

The museum is practically windowless. However, a rare window on the fourth floor has beautiful views over the Hofburg Palace and the Natural History Museum. You can even see St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Address and opening hours

Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

8. Museum of Art History

Best for art lovers

Why should I visit the Museum of Art History?

With its sumptuous, over-the-top interior, the Museum of Art History is a testament to the Habsburgs’ love for art — and extravagance. Housing one of the largest collections of fine art in the world, this museum displays an array of masterpieces from ancient Egyptian art to the late 18th century.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Art History?

If you want to see everything in the museum, you can spend three to five hours. If you’re more pressed for time, you can see the highlights in about two hours.

Insider tip

The galleries of paintings are among the most intriguing exhibits, which feature numerous works by European masters from before the 19th century. The museum even has genuine Gustav Klimt frescoes decorating its stairwell.

Address and opening hours

Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

9. Belvedere Museum

Best for art lovers

Why should I visit the Belvedere Museum?

The Belvedere Museum, one of the best places to visit in Vienna, is a stunning Baroque complex comprising two palaces and beautiful gardens. The museum houses a diverse collection from the Middle Ages to the present, though the star attraction is undoubtedly Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting, The Kiss.

How long can I spend at the Belvedere Museum?

You can spend as long as you want in the Belvedere Museum. Exploring all its exhibits in-depth can take five hours, including its gardens and palace stables. Or, you can stay two hours to see the highlights.

Insider tip

If you visit in November or December, you’ll be treated to the delightful Christmas Market on the grounds.

Address and opening hours

Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

10. Albertina Museum

Best for art lovers

Why should I visit the Albertina Museum?

Even the most prolific art lovers may be overwhelmed by Vienna’s impressive Albertina Museum. With more than one million prints and 60,000 drawings, the Albertina Museum is a dizzying display of one of the largest art collections in the world and one of the best art museums in Vienna. Although, to be honest, much of its collection is not actually on display. However, what is on view is still more art than you can shake a paintbrush at. The museum’s permanent exhibition presents an array of modernist artworks, photography, and architectural drawings. Pablo Picasso has an entire gallery all to himself here.

How long can I spend at the Albertina Museum?

You can spend an entire day wandering the palace’s many galleries and staterooms. But three hours should be more than enough time to see the highlights.

Insider tip

Walk along the front of the museum for a stunning view of the State Opera House and across Burggarten Park to the Neue Burg wing of the Hofburg Palace complex.

Address and opening hours

Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna. Open Wednesday-Monday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

11. Leopold Museum

Best for art lovers

Why should I visit the Leopold Museum?

Part of Vienna’s iconic MuseumsQuartier, the Leopold Museum is dedicated to modern Austrian art. Celebrated as one of the best museums in Vienna, it features works from the Vienna Secession, Wiener Werkstätte, and Expressionism. It also houses the world’s most extensive Egon Schiele collection.

How long can I spend at the Leopold Museum?

Two to three hours is plenty of time to explore the Leopold Museum.

Insider tip

Perched atop the museum is the nearly 1,000-square-meter MQ Libelle terrace. The sprawling space has lovely views over Vienna’s Old Town.

Address and opening hours

Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna. Open Wednesday-Monday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

12. Vienna Museum of Technology

Best for science buffs

Why should I visit the Vienna Museum of Science & Technology?

The Vienna Museum of Science & Technology is one of Europe’s most comprehensive science museums. Its numerous interactive stations and experiences bring the history of human invention to life. The exhibits trace technology development across centuries, from the early days of industrialization to the warp-speed digital world of today.

How long can I spend at the Vienna Museum of Technology?

You should plan to spend at least two hours at the Vienna Museum of Technology.

Insider tip

Locomotive lovers will want to look at the 12.10 steam locomotive, the largest ever produced in Austria.

Address and opening hours

Mariahilfer Strasse 212, 1140 Vienna. Open 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturday-Monday.

13. Museum of Applied Arts

Best for history lovers

Why should I visit the Museum of Applied Arts?

MAK is a little of everything: design, art, and history. Focusing on applied art across a variety of different disciplines, this is a museum that will really make you think about how things work. Its three areas are divided among the permanent collections, the design lab, and the special exhibitions. Its collections, dating back to medieval times, give a unique perspective on the intersection of art and daily life. The historic Viennese furnishings, glassware, china, and textiles are a must-see.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Applied Arts?

You can spend one to two hours at the Museum of Applied Arts.

Insider tip

After leaving the MAK, visit the Stadtpark to see the golden statue of Johann Strauss II. The park also has monuments to Schubert and Lehár.

Address and opening hours

Stubenring 5, 1010 Vienna. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM Tuesday.

14. Vienna Natural History Museum

Best for families

Why should I visit the Vienna Natural History Museum?

The Vienna Natural History Museum is a treat for anyone interested in the evolution of life on Earth. Families will love the collections of fascinating displays of prehistoric and marine life. The 19th-century palatial building is an outstanding example of traditional Viennese architecture, while the collection houses more than a staggering 30 million specimens. The collection includes everything from dinosaur fossils to precious gemstones.

How long can I spend at the Vienna Natural History Museum?

Plan to spend at least three hours at the museum.

Insider tip

If you want to see the highlights, pay attention to the exhibits that feature large numbers. The numbers are put on the attractions that are part of the museum’s Top 100 exhibits. You can get an accompanying guidebook in the gift shop.

Address and opening hours

Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna. Open 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Thursday-Monday, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM Wednesday.

15. Swarovski House

Design lovers

Why should I visit the Swarovski House?

Vienna’s most sparkly museum is undoubtedly the Swarovski House. This dazzling showcase highlights the iconic brand’s legendary crystal creations, from installations and jewelry to crystal art pieces.

How long can I spend at the Swarovski House?

Plan to spend about an hour at Vienna’s Swarovski House.

Insider tip

You’ll get the best experience of the Swarovski House on a guided tour. If the breathtaking crystal exhibits aren’t enough, your visit will include a glass of Champagne at the Moët & Chandon Bar.

Address and opening hours

Karntner Strasse 24, 1010 Vienna. Open 9:00 AM-7:00 PM Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM Saturday.

FAQs

1. What are the most famous museums in Vienna?

Key museums in Vienna are the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), the Sisi Museum, the Leopold Museum, the Vienna Museum of Technology, the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK), and the Natural History Museum.

2. Are there any free museums in Vienna?

Many museums in Vienna, such as the Wien Museum and the Museum of Military History, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. The Money Museum is always free to explore.

3. What’s the most interesting museum in Vienna if I only have time for one?

Vienna’s Museum of Art History is one of the world’s most impressive fine art museums. If you only have time for one museum in Vienna, this is the one to visit.

4. Are there any fun museums in Vienna for families and children?

The Technical Museum, Natural History Museum, and Zoom Children’s Museum offer interactive exhibits suitable for children.

5. For which museums in Vienna are guided tours recommended?

Guided tours at the Sisi Museum, Leopold Museum, and MAK enable you to explore their collections more deeply.

6. Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Vienna?

The Vienna Pass provides free entry to over 70 attractions, while the Vienna City Card offers discounts on various attractions and museums.