Cafes near Schönbrunn Palace
Elegant cafe atop Schönbrunn gardens, offering imperial ambiance & panoramic Vienna views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Less crowded, serene atmosphere
Cafes near Schönbrunn Palace
Best Time
Less crowded, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Elegant cafe atop Schönbrunn gardens, offering imperial ambiance & panoramic Vienna views.
"A must visit place in Vienna with a view over Schönbrunn palace."
Free Entry to Cafe
No palace ticket needed to enjoy the cafe! Access is free, but rooftop access has a fee.
Book Sisi Breakfast
Experience live classical music with your meal for a truly special occasion.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gloriette View
Terrace
Soak in breathtaking panoramic views of Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna skyline from this iconic hilltop cafe.
Viennese Specialties
Cafe Menu
Indulge in classic Austrian treats like apple strudel with vanilla sauce or Sisi breakfast.
Imperial Ambiance
Interior
Experience the grandeur of the Habsburg era in this elegant cafe with high ceilings and historic charm.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Café Gloriette
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry to Cafe
No palace ticket needed to enjoy the cafe! Access is free, but rooftop access has a fee.
Book Sisi Breakfast
Experience live classical music with your meal for a truly special occasion.
Strudel with Sauce
The apple strudel with vanilla sauce is a must-try, balancing sweetness perfectly.
Expect Higher Prices
Prices are a bit higher due to the prime location and unique experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry to Cafe
No palace ticket needed to enjoy the cafe! Access is free, but rooftop access has a fee.
Book Sisi Breakfast
Experience live classical music with your meal for a truly special occasion.
Strudel with Sauce
The apple strudel with vanilla sauce is a must-try, balancing sweetness perfectly.
Expect Higher Prices
Prices are a bit higher due to the prime location and unique experience.
Service Can Vary
While many praise the service, some reviews mention rude staff.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café Gloriette is celebrated for its stunning imperial ambiance and breathtaking panoramic views of Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna. Visitors praise the delicious Viennese specialties, particularly the apple strudel, and the unique historical setting. However, some guests have reported instances of rude service and higher-than-average prices, which can detract from the otherwise magical experience.
"Café Gloriette is such a cool and elegant place to visit! The atmosphere is unique, with its beautiful historic setting that makes the experience special. The food is really delicious, everything was fresh and well-prepared. On top of that, the service was excellent: friendly, attentive, and welcoming.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy great food while soaking in the charm of Vienna. Highly recommended"
Andri Senjaya
"RUDE! RUDE! RUDE!
They have a captive audience and that’s the issue
That’s the only word I can use to describe this place
Firstly, when I asked whether I could use the charger to charge my dying mobile phone they told me that it was not possible due their insurance which limited their ability to offer me the service. I’ve never heard of anything so ridiculous in my life.
And secondly, my husband sat at one of the tables outside waiting for me whilst I went to the bathroom and an extremely rude waiter told him that he could not wait there given there were many people waiting for tables. As you can see from the photos there were both vacant tables and no queues waiting.
Needless to say we did not stay to spend a euro in this place because it didn’t deserve it. And as for any response from the owners, yes we did enjoy our stay in the area. It was just your cafe which is appalling. No need to respond. Just train some of your staff in customer real service"
Kef Ka
"We visited this place on a weekday morning, and it was truly a special experience. During their famous “Sisi breakfast,” live classical music is played, and being there in that moment is absolutely worth it. The interior is elegant and refined, full of Viennese charm, and the view of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace makes it even more memorable. The prices are a bit higher, but the atmosphere, attentive service, and overall experience fully justify it.
Highly recommended — a unique experience you shouldn’t miss while in Vienna!"
Ica Ica
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Café Gloriette is located at the top of the hill in the Schönbrunn Palace gardens. You can walk up through the beautiful gardens to reach it. Some TikTok videos show the walk up, highlighting its scenic nature. +1
No, you do not need a ticket for Schönbrunn Palace to visit Café Gloriette. The cafe is accessible for free.
While there isn't direct parking at the cafe itself, there are parking facilities available at Schönbrunn Palace. From there, you can walk up to the cafe.
Yes, you can take public transport to Schönbrunn Palace (e.g., U-Bahn U4 to Schönbrunn station) and then walk through the gardens to the cafe.
The walk is uphill but generally manageable for most visitors. It's a pleasant stroll through the palace gardens.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Café Gloriette itself is free. However, if you wish to access the Gloriette's rooftop for elevated views, a separate admission fee applies.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Schönbrunn Palace website or their social media for the most up-to-date information.
Reservations are generally not taken, especially for the outdoor seating. It's often a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended.
There is no strict dress code, but many visitors dress smart-casual to match the elegant, imperial atmosphere of the cafe.
The 'Sisi breakfast' is a special breakfast offering that sometimes includes live classical music, creating a regal dining experience.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
The cafe serves traditional Viennese specialties, including cakes like Sachertorte and apple strudel, as well as breakfast and light meals. They also offer a variety of coffees and other beverages. +1
The cafe offers stunning panoramic views over the Schönbrunn Palace gardens, the palace itself, and the city of Vienna. It's a major highlight for visitors. +1
Yes, families can enjoy the experience, especially the beautiful gardens surrounding the cafe. However, the prices might be a consideration for larger families.
According to one review, charging a phone might not be possible due to insurance policies, so it's best to come with a charged device.
The apple strudel with vanilla sauce is highly recommended, and the Sachertorte is also a popular choice.
📸 📸 Photography
The terrace offers the most iconic views for photos. Don't miss capturing the palace from above and the charming cafe architecture. +1
Photography is generally allowed inside the cafe, but it's always respectful to be mindful of other patrons.
Late afternoon or early evening during the 'golden hour' provides beautiful lighting for photos, especially with the sunset over the city.
Drone photography is typically not permitted in palace gardens or around historic buildings. Always check local regulations.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing details of the palace from the Gloriette, while a wide-angle lens is great for the panoramic vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that while the cafe itself is free to enter, the prices for food and drinks can add up, especially for larger families. Consider it a special treat rather than a budget meal. The outdoor seating offers space for children to move around a bit more, but supervision is always key in such a historic and elevated location.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to capture the elegant interior of the cafe, with its high ceilings and imperial decor, for a different perspective. If you opt to pay for rooftop access, you'll get even more elevated views, perfect for sweeping landscape shots.
💖 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Consider booking the 'Sisi breakfast' if available, as the live classical music adds an extra layer of romance. It's a perfect place for a leisurely chat and to soak in the imperial charm of Vienna together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gloriette: A Historical Gem
From its elevated position, the Gloriette provides unparalleled panoramic views of the palace, the sprawling gardens, and the city of Vienna. This vantage point was strategically chosen to offer a commanding perspective, and it continues to be a major draw for tourists. The cafe itself maintains an imperial ambiance, with high ceilings and elegant decor that transports visitors back to the era of Empress Sisi.
While the cafe is free to enter, accessing the rooftop terrace of the Gloriette itself requires a separate ticket. This rooftop offers an even more expansive vista, making it a worthwhile addition for photography enthusiasts and those seeking the ultimate view.
Culinary Delights at Café Gloriette
For a truly memorable experience, consider the 'Sisi breakfast', which often features live classical music, adding a touch of imperial grandeur to your meal. Other breakfast and light meal options are available, catering to various tastes. The cafe also serves a selection of Viennese coffees and other beverages, perfect for a relaxing break.
While the food and atmosphere are generally praised, it's worth noting that prices at Café Gloriette tend to be on the higher side, reflecting its prime location and unique historical context. Some reviews also mention inconsistencies in service, so managing expectations regarding staff interactions is advisable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit