The Belvedere

Perched on a gentle slope overlooking Vienna, the Belvedere is less a single museum and more an exquisite masterclass in Baroque excess, home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings.

What to expect

The complex is divided into two distinct palaces, separated by a long, incline-based French formal garden. Upper Belvedere (Oberes Belvedere) is the crown jewel, designed for lavish entertainment. Here, you will find the museum’s permanent collection, tracing Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present. The main draw is the "Klimt Room," where The Kiss hangs in a dimly lit, reverent space; the gold leaf and intricate geometric patterns are far more luminescent in person than in print.

Lower Belvedere (Unteres Belvedere) and the Orangery are more intimate, focusing on temporary exhibitions and the residence’s original state rooms. Walking the gardens is essential; the tiered, gravel-lined pathways offer a symmetrical vista that culminates in a panoramic view of the Vienna skyline, with the spires of St. Stephen’s Cathedral visible in the distance.

History & significance

Commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 18th century as his summer residence, the Belvedere was designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. It stands as a testament to the Habsburg era’s power and artistic patronage. Notably, the Upper Belvedere served as the site for the signing of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955, which formally ended the post-WWII Allied occupation and restored Austrian sovereignty.

Practical tips

• Booking: Tickets are timed and frequently sell out, especially on weekends. Book online at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee entry to the Upper Belvedere.
• Arrival: Aim for the 9:00 AM opening or arrive after 4:00 PM to avoid the heaviest tour groups.
• Cloakroom: Backpacks and bags larger than an A4 sheet of paper must be left in the lockers; have a €1 or €2 coin ready for the deposit.
• Flow: Most visitors make the mistake of doing both palaces in one day. If you are short on time, prioritize the Upper Belvedere for the iconic Klimt collection.

Getting there

The Belvedere is located in the 3rd District (Landstraße). The most convenient public transport link is the Tram 71, which stops at "Unteres Belvedere." Alternatively, take the D Tram to "Schloss Belvedere" for a dramatic approach starting at the upper entrance. If you are coming from the city center, it is a pleasant 20-minute walk through the streets of the Wieden district.

Nearby

• Salm Bräu: Located just outside the gates at Rennweg 8, this massive, traditional monastery-style brewery is the best spot for pork knuckle and house-made beer after a long day of gallery-hopping.
• Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna: Tucked right behind the Belvedere’s eastern wall, this tranquil, free-entry garden is a lush, leafy refuge that most tourists bypass entirely.
• Karlskirche: A 15-minute walk brings you to this Baroque masterpiece on Karlsplatz, featuring one of the most magnificent domes in the city.