Austria
Discover Vienna’s Secret Palaces: Private Mansions with Rich Histories
Venture off the beaten path as you learn about the Austrian capital’s often-overlooked palaces and private mansions, each full of history, charm and majestic grandeur.
Schönbrunn might be Vienna’s crown jewel when it comes to palaces, but some of the city’s lesser-known “Palais” can give the Baroque beauty a run for its money. If you enjoy marvelling at ornate façades and gilded halls – but aren’t too keen on waiting in long queues – these quieter, timeless treasures are the perfect treat. Each one offers plenty of grand architecture, fascinating stories and lingering memories. They aren’t just buildings after all, they’re local guides that give you glimpses of the city’s glorious past.
Vienna palaces
1. Palais Daun-Kinsky
Your trip to Vienna will inevitably take in the historic city centre. It’s there that you find many of the top tourist attractions, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and right at the northern entrance is Palais Daun-Kinsky. This imposing High Baroque palace, with a façade inspired by Roman architecture, a principal floor adorned with ceiling frescoes, and a grand staircase you only ever see in period dramas, makes you feel like royalty. Note, however, that it’s an event venue and as such not open to the public. The oval banquet hall, with its red marble, gilded stucco and enchanting ceiling frescoes, is especially popular for weddings.
Good to know: Two of Vienna’s most popular cafés – Café Landtmann and Café Central – are both only about 100 metres away.
- Palais Daun-Kinsky, Freyung 4, 1010 Vienna
- How to get there: Line U2 (Schottentor), Line U3 (Herrengasse)
2. Palais Ferstel
Speaking of Café Central, this Viennese institution has had its home in Palais Ferstel since 1876. And what a home it is! This late Romantic building – Venetian-Florentine Trecento style – adds a touch of Italy to Vienna’s first district. It truly is a palazzo, with splendid rooms, magnificent chandeliers and a marvellous arcaded courtyard. To think that it was built as a bank and stock exchange! Imagine if von Ferstel, the architect, had given in to the central bank governor’s demand to “eschew worthless luxury”. There would be no stucco, no delicate paintwork, no intricately carved wood panelling. Vienna and all of us would be poorer for it. As with Palais Daun-Kinsky, however, entrance is only allowed to event guests, so we recommend stopping in Café Central for a hot drink and slice of cake before taking the short walk back to your charming, eco-certified Vienna hotel.
Fun fact: The large ballroom, which can seat over 400 people, is shaped like a ship’s bow.
- Palais Ferstel, Strauchgasse 4, 1010 Vienna
- How to get there: Line U2 (Schottentor), Line U3 (Herrengasse)
3. Palais Schönborn-Batthyány
Not to be confused with its world-famous namesake, Schönbrunn, this palace provides an equally fascinating glimpse into Vienna’s architectural heritage. Built in the classical Baroque style, Palais Schönborn has three impressive, elaborately designed staterooms with chandeliers, mirrors and wall panelling. They are now rented out as event venues while the other rooms are used as office space. The Palais is also home to Austria’s largest event agency, as well as a gallery that hosts exhibitions in the magnificent surroundings.
Pro tip: To see the interior, book a ticket for one of the Vienna Baroque Orchestra’s performances in the Red Room.
- Palais Schönborn-Batthyány, Renngasse 4, 1010 Vienna
- How to get there: Line U2 (Schottentor), Line U3 (Herrengasse)
4. Palais Pallavicini
Book lovers are likely to stop by the National Library, itself a majestic building with beautiful frescoes, and Palais Pallavicini, now a private events venue, is right across Josefsplatz square. It faces the statue of Kaiser Joseph II and is one of Vienna’s most intriguing palaces. An example of the transition from High Baroque to Classicism, it combines grandeur and simplicity, which sparked quite the controversy back in the day. Inside, you’ll find a staircase with classical lattice work, leading to opulent state rooms. Equally stunning is the ballroom, which is adorned with typically Baroque details, such as chandeliers and candelabra. Beethoven was often an honoured guest here.
Good to know: Stay in another building that typifies Viennese charm when you book a room at the four-star Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien.
- Palais Pallavicini, Josefsplatz 5, 1010 Vienna
- How to get there: Lines U1 and U3 (Stephansplatz)
5. Palais Palffy
No matter where you are in Vienna’s first district, you’ll find a palace sooner or later. In fact, sometimes you’ll find two right next to each other – Palais Palffy is about 20 metres away from Palais Pallavicini. Its Renaissance structure received classicist updates in the 19th century, while the façade features stucco-framed windows and the portal is flanked by fluted pilasters. Mozart was a frequent visitor here and The Marriage of Figaro is said to have been played here for the first time, much to the delight of the select audience present. Today, the three rooms can be booked for meetings, receptions and gala dinners.
Good to know: Connecting Figaro Room I and Figaro Room II, Haydn Salon has an exclusive bar area.
- Palais Palffy, Josefsplatz 6, 1010 Vienna
- How to get there: Lines U1 and U3 (Stephansplatz)
Stepping inside Vienna's palaces is like entering a living museum. Each one carries its own stories and charm, waiting for you to explore its interior and find a connection, not only to Vienna’s history but its cultural soul. Since most of them are not open to the public, be on the lookout for events such as concerts or exhibitions that you can book tickets for, so you can experience the beauty and wonder of these hidden gems too.
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