Best Time to Visit Belvedere Palace

Planning your visit to Belvedere Palace, Vienna? Great choice! The Belvedere is more than just one palace – it’s a whole complex with stunning gardens, world-famous art (Klimt’s The Kiss), and beautiful Baroque architecture.

But like many popular places in Europe, timing matters. 

This article will guide you through the best times to visit each part of the Belvedere complex—Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and the Gardens—plus smart tips to make your visit smooth and crowd-free.

Belvedere Palace welcomes thousands daily, so booking your tickets in advance is a smart move. The Upper Belvedere ticket includes Klimt’s “The Kiss, while the Lower Belvedere ticket grants access to temporary exhibitions. Modern art lovers? Book Belvedere 21. Want to learn more? Join a guided tour for expert insights and stories.

Opening Hours of the Belvedere Palace

The opening hours of each section of the Belvedere Palace is mentioned below:

Tip: Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time at each venue.

Best Time of Day to Visit the Belvedere Palace

Upper Belvedere Palace

The most famous section of the Belvedere Palace is home to Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss and many other masterpieces.

• The best time to visit is between 9 am and 10.30 am.
  
• Visiting during this time helps you beat the crowd and enjoy popular artworks in a calmer setting.
  
• You should avoid visiting between 11 am and 2 pm, as this is the peak time for tour groups and general visitors.
  
• Another good time to visit is after 4 pm, when many visitors have already left the museum.

When to See Klimt’s The Kiss in Peace? The painting draws a huge crowd daily. For an unhurried view, be among the first to enter Upper Belvedere at 9 am. Avoid late mornings and early afternoons—it’s nearly always packed then. If you’re visiting late in the day, aim to reach the Klimt Room (Vienna 1900″ section) by 5 pm.

Lower Belvedere Palace

The Lower Belvedere is often less crowded than the Upper Belvedere and usually hosts rotating exhibitions.

• The best time to visit the Lower Belvedere is around 10 to 11 am, right when it opens.
  
• If you plan to visit both the Upper and Lower Belvedere, it’s best to start with the Upper at 9 am.
  
• After exploring the Upper Belvedere, you can enjoy a relaxing garden walk.
  
• Then, make your way to the Lower Belvedere by around 11 am to continue your visit.

Belvedere Gardens

The Belvedere gardens are open-air and free to enter, making them ideal for a relaxing stroll.

• The best time to visit the gardens (in summer) is early morning between 7 am and 9 am or in the evening between 6 pm and 8 pm.
  
• Mornings are especially quiet and peaceful, which makes them perfect for taking photos.
  
• You should avoid visiting around midday on sunny days, as it tends to get hot and crowded.

Best Time of the Week to Visit the Belvedere Palace

• Tuesday to Thursday are the best days to visit the Belvedere Palace if you want to avoid crowds.
  
• Monday is also a good option, but keep in mind that Belvedere 21 is closed on this day.
  
• Weekends tend to be more crowded, especially on sunny Saturdays.
  
• Sunday mornings can be quieter compared to the busier Sunday afternoons.

Best Season to Visit the Belvedere Palace

December note: The Belvedere Christmas Market outside Upper Belvedere is magical but very crowded. Go early in the day.

Helpful Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

• Buy tickets online in advance to skip queues. Choose combo tickets if you plan to visit Upper + Lower Belvedere + Belvedere 21.
  
• Arrive early – especially if you want to see The Kiss with fewer people around.
  
• Wear comfy shoes. There’s a lot of walking between the Upper and Lower sections and through the garden.
  
• Photography is allowed in most areas, but without flash.
  
• Don’t rush. Set aside 2 to 3 hours to enjoy both palaces and the gardens.
  
• Enjoy a break at the cafés near the gardens or inside Upper Belvedere—great views and Viennese coffee!