The 8 most stunning gardens in Vienna to explore

From Habsburg hunting grounds to rose-filled oases, explore the most beautiful Viennese gardens where imperial history meets natural splendor.
The 8 most stunning gardens in Vienna to explore

Beyond waltzes and wiener schnitzel lies a greener side of Austria’s capital, where imperial vision and horticulture combine. The best gardens in Vienna are a welcome break between museum visits and concert halls, rounding out your Vienna itinerary.

Whether breathing in the roses perfume at Volksgarten or admiring the views from the gardens at Schönbrunn Palace, you’re sure to find a green space that suits your vibe. Visiting these lush garden escapes is one of the most rewarding things to do in Vienna, giving you a chance to see local life while you explore the city.

1. Schönbrunn Gardens

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Schönbrunn Palace: Vienna's grandest imperial gardens.

Best garden to appreciate Habsburg grandeur

Behind the imperial summer palace, Schönbrunn Gardens cover 435 acres (176 hectares) of manicured outdoor spaces that once hosted Mozart performances and royal hunts. Gravel pathways lead between flower beds and hidden statues to spectacular focal points like the Neptune Fountain, where mythological figures seem ready to spring to life. History lovers and photographers will find endless inspiration in one of the most famous gardens in Vienna, which maintains its 18th-century layout virtually unchanged since Habsburg rulers strolled these same paths.

Highlights

Use the less busy Hietzinger Tor gate instead of the main entrance to avoid lines, and visit before 9:00 AM to enjoy the gardens before the large crowds arrive.

Address

Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien

Opening hours

Open daily, 6:30 AM–7:00 PM

Get your entry tickets for Schönbrunn Gardens

2. Belvedere Palace Gardens

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Belvedere's baroque gardens showcase timeless Austrian elegance.

A Baroque masterpiece with artistic heritage

Cascading water connects Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces through three terraced garden levels that exemplify French design. Prince Eugene of Savoy created these gardens in Vienna to celebrate his military success, with each section offering picturesque views of the opposing Belvedere Palace. Stone sphinxes guard elegant staircases, and precise boxwood patterns create geometric designs across the lawns. Art lovers appreciate how these outdoor spaces complement the palace galleries housing Klimt’s masterpieces with sculptures throughout the grounds.

Highlights

The southeastern corner near the alpine garden has gorgeous sunset views with St. Stephen’s Cathedral visible in the distance.

Address

Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien

Opening hours

Open daily, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Buy Belvedere Palace entry tickets

3. Volksgarten

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Photo: Yevheniia

Volksgarten: Vienna's beloved rose garden in the heart of the city.

A central oasis with hundreds of roses

In the heart of Ringstrasse, the Volksgarten fills with the scent of over 200 rose varieties during summer in Vienna. This public park opened in 1823 as the city’s first garden for everyday citizens, breaking tradition by welcoming all people to see spaces once reserved for nobility. The classical Temple of Theseus stands among colorful flower beds, while shady chestnut trees offer a cool place to take a break from exploring the nearby museums.

Highlights

Roses reach their peak from late May through June when these gardens of Vienna become truly spectacular. During hot days, head to the shade of the garden’s trees to catch a break from the scorching sun.

Address

Volksgarten, 1010 Vienna

Opening hours

Open daily, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM

Book a private tour of Volksgarten to make the most of your time

4. Burggarten

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The Palm House anchors the artistic Burggarten landscape.

Best garden for music lovers

Once the private playground of Habsburg emperors, the Burggarten now welcomes picnickers who relax on lawns facing its famous Mozart statue. Palm trees and exotic plants fill the Art Nouveau glass pavilion nearby, creating a tropical escape in the city center. Musicians appreciate the garden’s connection to Mozart, with the former imperial greenhouse now housing a Mozart-themed café. Keep your ears peeled as you walk through the garden, as you may run into musicians practicing their craft under a tree.

Highlights

The best gardens in Vienna include this peaceful retreat where locals gather for lunch on sunny days. Visit around noon to grab a bite to eat and catch outdoor piano performances near the Mozart monument.

Address

Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Wien

Opening hours

Open daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Go on a sightseeing tour in Burggarten

5. Augarten

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Baroque beauty meets wartime history in Vienna's oldest public garden.

Vienna’s oldest Baroque garden

Morning mist curls around dozens of chestnut trees in Augarten, Vienna’s oldest garden, where perfectly straight paths meet at right angles between flower beds and lawns. Two massive World War II flak towers create a jarring contrast against the garden’s peaceful Baroque design, serving as stark reminders of the city’s complicated history. This park is the perfect escape for history lovers and families, thanks to its massive grounds and playground areas away from tourist crowds.

Highlights

The Augarten Porcelain Manufactory welcomes visitors to watch artisans create delicate pottery using traditional techniques.

Address

Augarten, 1020 Vienna

Opening hours

Open daily, 7:30 AM–7:00 PM

See the best of Vienna’s parks and gardens

6. Stadtpark

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Photo: By Antimuonium - Own work

Elegant architecture meets nature in Vienna's beloved Stadtpark.

Vienna’s musical heart in green

Golden notes from Johann Strauss’ violin catch sunlight in the Stadtpark, where the composer’s famous gilt statue draws musicians from all around the world. The Vienna River winds through this English-style landscape garden with graceful footbridges that cross its gentle blue-green waters. Nature photographers will find perfect subjects in the park’s exceptional variety of trees labeled with botanical information.

Highlights

Among the best gardens in Vienna to see flowers, Stadtpark has outstanding seasonal displays, from spring bulbs to summer roses and fall foliage. This garden is worth visiting each time you come to Vienna, as you’ll find a different floral wonderland each time.

Address

Parkring 1, 1010 Wien

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

Explore outdoor activities in Vienna’s Stadtpark

7. Donau Park

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Photo: KM Photography

Modern landmark meets verdant parkland at Vienna's Donaupark.

A modern escape with great views of the riverside

Created for the 1964 Vienna International Garden Show, Donau Park blends contemporary design with plenty of recreational space along the Danube. Climb the 826-foot (252-meter) Donauturm (Danube Tower), which rises from the garden’s center, for panoramic views of the city and river below. This is a great park for jogging and cycling, thanks to its extensive network of paths.

Highlights

The park’s northern section includes a miniature train that’s popular with families, while sunbathers claim spots around the small bathing lake during the summer. Visit at dusk when the tower’s lights begin to glow, and locals gather at the waterside paths to watch boats sailing the Danube.

Address

Wallenberggasse, Am Donaupark, 1220 Wien

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

Visit the best viewing points in Vienna

8. Lainzer Tiergarten

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Photo: By C.Stadler/Bwag - Own work

Imperial splendor at Hermesvilla in Vienna's Lainzer Tiergarten.

Former imperial hunting grounds turned nature reserve

Oak trees and beech forests cover rolling hills on Vienna’s edge in Lainzer Tiergarten, where wild deer roam free through the protected woodland. Once the private hunting estate of Emperor Franz Joseph I, this massive natural area now offers over 50 miles (80 kilometers) of marked trails through the Vienna woods.

Highlights

For those looking for things to do outdoors in Vienna, Hermesvilla is the old palace of Empress Elisabeth that’s worth hiking to. The Hubertuswarte observation tower is just an hour’s hike away and will reward you with sweeping views of the Vienna Basin toward the distant Alps.

Address

Lainzer Tor, 1130 Wien

Opening hours

Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 AM–6:30 PM

Sunday-Monday. 8:00 AM-8:00 PM

Go on one of the best walking tours in Vienna

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FAQs: best gardens in Vienna

1. Are there botanical gardens in Vienna?
Yes, Vienna boasts the Botanical Garden next to Belvedere Park. Founded in 1754 by Empress Maria Theresa, it now operates as part of the University of Vienna.

2. What is special about Schönbrunn Palace?

3. What is the famous park in Vienna?

4. Can I find any themed gardens in Vienna?

5. Are there any gardens in Vienna that offer guided tours?

6. What are some hidden gem gardens in Vienna?

7. Are there any gardens in Vienna suitable for children?

8. Do any Vienna gardens have historical significance?