Schönbrunn Palace exclusive after-hours tickets
Key details, highlights, and what to expect
More than 4 million people visit Schönbrunn Palace every year, which often means long lines and crowded halls during the day.
For those who prefer a calmer and more personal experience, after-hours tickets are the ideal choice.
Once the palace doors close to the public, you can wander through the grand imperial rooms in peace, with the option to add a classical concert or a three-course dinner to your evening.
This guide covers every after-hours ticket option in detail, explains who each one is best for, and shares practical tips so you can plan with confidence.
Top Schönbrunn Palace after-hours ticket options
Choosing the right ticket can feel confusing because each one offers something slightly different.
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular after-hours options to help you decide:
| Ticket name | Duration | Highlights |
| Exclusive evening (tour + dinner + concert) | 5 hours | After-hours palace tour, 3-course dinner, Mozart & Strauss concert |
| After-hours palace entry & concert | 3.5 hours | 22 palace rooms, audio guide, classical concert at Orangery |
| Imperial after-hours tour | 40 minutes | Access to Franz Joseph & Sisi’s apartments, Great Gallery, Hall of Ceremonies |
| After-hours entry & concert (VIP options) | 3 to 4 hours | Palace highlights, concert with VIP lounge, sparkling wine, and priority seating |
Each of these tickets is designed for different kinds of travelers, whether you’re short on time, a music lover, or someone seeking the full evening royal treatment.
Detailed breakdown of each after-hours ticket
Each after-hours ticket offers a different way to enjoy Schönbrunn Palace. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s included in every option, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
Exclusive evening at Schönbrunn Palace: tour, dinner, concert
From €142 per person | Approx. 5 hours
If you want the complete package, this ticket has it all. You’ll begin with a self-guided audio tour of Schönbrunn Palace after closing hours, when the rooms are silent and crowd-free. Then, enjoy a three-course dinner at a nearby restaurant within walking distance of the palace. Finally, end your night with a Mozart and Strauss concert at the historic Orangery Schönbrunn.
What makes it unique
- Combines culture, cuisine, and music in one evening.
- Only Category VIP tickets include two free drinks, priority concert seating, and a program.
- Perfect for couples or those wanting a special night out in Vienna.
Tip: Arrive hungry and allow extra time after the dinner to reach the Orangery.
After-hours Schönbrunn Palace entry & concert ticket
From €97 per person | Approx. 3.5 hours
This option is great if you want the palace experience plus a concert, but prefer to skip the dinner. Starting at 6.45 pm, you’ll explore 22 imperial rooms at your own pace with an audio guide in 17 languages. At 8 pm, take your seat for a classical concert featuring Mozart and Strauss in the Orangery.
What makes it unique
- Explore the palace privately, with rooms all to yourself.
- Multiple seating categories available; Category A includes a glass of sparkling wine.
- Category VIP includes priority access, bar service, a welcome drink, and free cloakroom.
Tip: Head to the left side wing of the palace for the meeting point. Arrive 15 minutes early.
Schönbrunn Palace after-hours entry & concert at the Orangery
From €97 per person | Approx. 3 to 4 hours
Similar to the above ticket, but with added flexibility. After your audio-guided palace highlights tour, you’ll enjoy a concert that can take place in the Orangery, White-and-Gold Room, or Great Gallery. VIP guests gain lounge access, sparkling wine, and a separate cloakroom to skip queues.
What makes it unique
- Concert venue may vary, adding a surprise element.
- VIP lounge provides comfort and exclusive service.
- Great for those who value a premium, stress-free experience.
Tip: Double-check the venue for your concert upon collecting tickets; this helps avoid last-minute confusion.
Schönbrunn Palace Exclusive imperial tour after closing hours
From €36 per person | Approx. 40 minutes
Short on time? This ticket is perfect if you want just the palace experience without extras. Beginning at 5.30 pm, you’ll explore the private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi, the Great Gallery, and the Hall of Ceremonies.
What makes it unique
- Intimate tour of the most important imperial spaces.
- Audio guide in 17 languages included.
- Serene, unhurried atmosphere with fewer people around.
Tip: Since this ticket is shorter, combine it with your own dinner reservation nearby to extend the evening.
Why choose an after-hours ticket?
Visiting Schönbrunn during the day often means navigating through long queues and crowds of tourists, sometimes waiting up to 45 minutes just to enter.
With after-hours tickets, you skip the stress and step straight into a calmer, more exclusive atmosphere.
The palace looks even more magical in the evening, with chandeliers glowing and corridors echoing with quiet footsteps instead of chatter.
You’ll see 22 imperial rooms, including Franz Joseph’s private apartments, without rushing or struggling for space.
And if you add a concert or dinner, it turns into a complete royal night out in Vienna.
Practical tips before booking
Before you finalize your ticket, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Arrive early: Plan to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start.
- Languages covered: Audio guides are available in up to 17 languages.
- Accessibility: Many tours are wheelchair accessible.
- Refund flexibility: Cancel free up to 24 hours in advance.
- Seating choices: Standard, Category A, and VIP concert tickets offer different perks — VIP includes sparkling wine, lounge access, and priority entry.
Frequently asked questions about after-hours tickets
Still have questions before booking your after-hours Schönbrunn Palace ticket? Here are the most common doubts tourists face, answered simply to help you plan without confusion.
Do after-hours tickets let me skip the daytime queues at Schönbrunn Palace?
Yes. After-hours tickets give access once the palace is closed to the public, so you completely avoid the long daytime queues and crowded rooms, enjoying a relaxed and private experience instead.
Are after-hours Schönbrunn Palace tours suitable for children?
They are family-friendly, but the 40-minute imperial tour is easier for younger children. Concert evenings may suit older children or teens who can enjoy classical music and longer activities.
What languages are available with after-hours audio guides?
The audio guides for after-hours tours are available in up to 17 languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and more. This makes it easy for international visitors to enjoy the tour.
Where exactly is the concert venue for after-hours tickets?
Concerts usually take place at the Schönbrunn Orangery, but depending on the evening, they may also be held in the White-and-Gold Room or the Great Gallery. You’ll be informed when collecting your ticket.
Do after-hours tickets include access to Schönbrunn Gardens?
No. After-hours tickets cover the palace interiors only. The gardens close earlier, so if you wish to visit them, plan a separate daytime visit before your evening tour or concert.
What should I wear for an after-hours evening at Schönbrunn Palace?
There is no strict dress code, but smart-casual is recommended, especially for concerts or dinner packages. Comfortable shoes are advised as you’ll still be walking through palace corridors and halls.
Can I cancel or reschedule my Schönbrunn Palace after-hours ticket?
Yes. Most after-hours tickets offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility. If you need to reschedule, you’ll usually need to cancel first and rebook a new date.
How early should I arrive for an after-hours tour or concert?
It’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes before the starting time. This ensures smooth entry, gives you time to find the meeting point, and avoids missing any part of the tour or concert.
Schönbrunn Palace shines brightest after dark. Treat yourself to an evening of culture, history, and music. Pick your ticket, plan your night, and book with confidence now!
