What to bring

• For the hop-on-hop-off bus tour, ensure that you have either a printed or digital ticket along with a valid photo ID. Some tickets require scanning a QR code for boarding.
• Consider carrying a power bank since live tracking and map apps can quickly drain your phone battery during the journey.

An umbrella or raincoat is advisable as many buses feature open-top seating, making you susceptible to sudden weather changes.

For Schönbrunn Palace:

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the expansive grounds and lengthy exploration time required for areas like the State Rooms.
• Dress according to the season: opt for lightweight layers in summer, or warm clothing with waterproofs, hats, and gloves during winter months.

In summer, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen when exploring the gardens under direct sunlight.

For Belvedere Palace:

• Wear comfortable closed shoes for navigating through the gardens, terraces, and walking between buildings.
• Use a smartphone with apps like Smartify to gain additional insights on artworks during your visit.

Carry cash or cards if you plan to enjoy refreshments at cafés such as Menagerie Café.

What’s not allowed

On the hop-on-hop-off bus tour:

• Pets are generally prohibited, except for small leashed and muzzled dogs under knee height (one per bus).
• Luggage, bicycles, and large items cannot be taken onboard.

Avoid using personal speakers or making loud calls to ensure the enjoyment of commentary by all passengers.

At Schönbrunn Palace:

• Drones, selfie sticks, tripods, flash photography, and lighting equipment are banned. Mobile phones may be used for non-commercial photos only.
• No storage is available for large bags or umbrellas—travel light.
• Pets are not permitted on the tour.

Bicycles and personal vehicles must remain outside of the palace park area.

At Belvedere Palace:

• Photography is restricted to private use without flash, tripods, or selfie sticks. Some exhibits may prohibit photos entirely.
• Large bags and umbrellas need to be checked in at the cloakroom.

Food and beverages are not allowed inside exhibition rooms; however, refreshments can be purchased at Schlosscafé, Parkcafé, or Lucy Bar.

Accessibility

For the hop-on-hop-off bus tour:

• Most buses are wheelchair accessible but availability is limited and may require prior arrangement with the provider.

Use mobile app tracking for locating accessible boarding stops to plan a more comfortable route.

At Schönbrunn Palace:

This tour isn't suitable for wheelchair users, as parts of the palace can only be accessed via staircases with no step-free routes to some historic State Rooms.

For Belvedere Palace:

• The palace is accessible by wheelchair with ramps and elevators available at Upper and Lower Belvedere.
• Wheelchairs are provided free of charge at cloakrooms or ticket offices.
• Accessible toilets can be found in all main buildings, along with seating options and folding stools.
• Service dogs are welcome when registered on a Disability Card.

The gardens offer step-free paths; however, assistance is recommended for the sloped terrace between Upper and Lower Belvedere as it isn't fully barrier-free.

Additional information

About the hop-on-hop-off bus tour:

• The Red, Blue, and Yellow routes cover up to 50 stops including Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere, Prater, and Ringstrasse.
• Buses typically run from around 9:30am until 5pm with departures every 15-30 minutes. This schedule may vary based on the route and season.
• Seating is first-come-first-served; early arrival in summer or during Christmas markets increases chances for upper-deck seating.

Use live bus tracking and downloadable maps to optimize your journey's timing and connections.

About Schönbrunn Palace:

• Depending on chosen tickets, meet-ups with guides occur at the Group Center, Ehrenhof Fountain (green umbrella), or Arrival Center at HOHO Bus Stop 30. Confirm your meeting point in booking confirmation.
• Arrive 10-15 minutes before tour start time; latecomers won't be accommodated.
• Tours are conducted in a single language selected during booking, so choose carefully according to preference.
• Each group is limited to 25 participants for an intimate experience.

In extreme weather conditions like snow, garden tours might be skipped; instead, visits to local Christmas Markets from November 8 to January 6 are offered as alternatives.

About Belvedere Palace:

• Visiting early in the day or after 3pm helps avoid peak crowds typically seen between 11am and 2pm.

Cafés such as Menagerie Café and Lucy Bar offer a relaxing spot for refreshments with scenic views before continuing your tour.