Vienna · Austria · Things to do
5 things to do in Vienna with kids
The five best things to do in Vienna with kids are Schonbrunn Palace and its gardens, St Stephen's Cathedral, the Belvedere gardens, a horse-carriage ride through the old centre, and a day trip to Hallstatt. The first four are in the city and easy by metro, and Hallstatt is a long day, so many families make it an overnight.
What to do, in order
- 1
Explore Schonbrunn Palace
Schonbrunn was the summer residence of the Habsburgs, and it is a World Heritage site. The palace tour shows the imperial rooms. The gardens are free to enter and have lawns, fountains and a hill topped by the Gloriette, so children can run while adults rest. Schonbrunn Zoo, in the same grounds, is the oldest zoo in the world. A maze and a children's museum are also on site. Book palace tickets ahead in summer, and go early to avoid tour groups.
- 2
See St Stephen's Cathedral
St Stephen's, called Stephansdom, is the Gothic cathedral at the centre of the old town. Its steep roof is covered in coloured glazed tiles in a zigzag pattern, best seen from the square outside. You can enter the nave for a small fee, or climb the south tower, which is a spiral of several hundred steps with a view over the city. Children who enjoy climbing will like it, but the stairs are narrow. Visit in the morning, then walk the pedestrian streets nearby.
- 3
Wander the Belvedere gardens
The Belvedere is a pair of baroque palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, joined by formal gardens with fountains, sculptures and a long axis towards the city. The gardens are free to walk and a pleasant place for children to run and for parents to sit. Inside the Upper Belvedere, the art collection includes Klimt's The Kiss, which requires a ticket. Pair the gardens with a short walk to the nearby Naschmarkt for lunch.
- 4
Take a horse-carriage ride
Fiaker, horse-drawn carriages, wait around Stephansplatz and Heldenplatz and take passengers on short tours of the historic centre, with the driver commenting on the sights. It is a tourist ride, but children usually love the horses. Agree the route and the price before you board, as costs vary by length. Choose a morning or evening trip, when it is cooler for the horses and quieter on the streets. Skip it in summer heat.
- 5
Day trip to Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a lake village in the Salzkammergut, in the Austrian Alps, with houses stacked on a steep shore beneath the mountains. It is roughly three to four hours each way from Vienna by car or train, which makes it a long day. Many families stay a night instead. The village is small and very busy in summer, so arrive early or late. The train station is across the lake, and a short ferry connects it to the village.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to September has the best weather for gardens and day trips. December is popular for the Christmas markets. July and August can be hot, and winter is cold, though the museums and cafes remain good.
- How long
- Three days covers the city sights. Add a night or two for Hallstatt and the lakes.
- Getting around
- Vienna's U-Bahn, trams and buses are fast and cover the whole city. Young children generally travel free, but check the current age limits. The old town is compact and walkable.
Good to know
- Most shops close on Sundays. Plan Sunday around parks, museums and cafes.
- Visit a traditional coffee house for hot chocolate and cake. Staff are happy to let children sit for a while.
- Buy palace and museum tickets online. Queues are long in summer.
Frequently asked
Is Vienna good for kids? +
Yes. It is safe and easy to move around, with palaces, parks, a zoo and a good public transport system. Museums are often free or reduced for children. Cafe culture is relaxed, and winter has Christmas markets.
How many days do you need in Vienna with kids? +
Three days covers Schonbrunn, the old town and the Belvedere. Add a fourth day for the zoo, the Prater amusement park or another museum, and extra nights if you want Hallstatt.
Can you visit Hallstatt as a day trip from Vienna? +
Yes, but it is long: about three to four hours each way. Many families prefer to stay overnight in Hallstatt or nearby, so they can see the village early or late, when it is quiet.
Is Schonbrunn Zoo worth visiting? +
Yes. It is the oldest zoo in the world and sits in the palace grounds, so you can combine both on one day. It suits children well, and it makes a good break from the palace interiors.