Sisi Museum | Discover the world of Empress Elisabeth
Take an enchanting journey into the extraordinary life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi. The Sisi Museum charts her remarkable transformation from a carefree young girl to a revered empress, and her life at the imperial court. Delve into her world through personal items such as her stunning gowns, letters, and even her death mask. Explore the grand Hofburg Imperial Apartments, the opulent Neo-Rococo Audience Chamber, and discover the Spanish Riding School. Uncover the captivating layers of one of Europe’s most fascinating figures.
If you want to know more about Sisi Museum tickets, the opening hours, how to get there, what to see, and more, you’ve come to the right place.
Why visit the Sisi Museum in Vienna
The woman beyond the crown: The Sisi Museum provides a rare glimpse into Empress Elisabeth’s private world, showcasing personal items like her beauty tools, workout equipment, and letters.
Empress Elisabeth’s complex legacy: Unlike typical royal museums, the Sisi Museum delves into Elisabeth’s struggles with depression, her obsession with beauty, and her search for freedom.
Rare personal artifacts: From her exquisite gowns to her death mask, the museum displays personal objects that bring you closer to Sisi’s life and provide a tangible connection to her story.
A woman ahead of her time: Sisi was a modern thinker, rebelling against rigid court life and championing causes like mental health and self-expression. Her story shows that even royalty faced struggles similar to our own today.
A close look at royal life: The museum’s setting within the Hofburg Palace’s Imperial Apartments adds to the experience, allowing you to walk through the very rooms where Sisi lived and explore the opulent world of the Habsburg Empire.
Your Sisi Museum tickets booking guide
Experience
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Languages
Tickets
Sisi Museum: Skip-the-Line Hofburg & Gardens Guided Tour
In-depth exploration of Sisi Museum and Hofburg Palace gardens with interesting insights and stories from a guide
Guided tours available in English, French, Italian, German
This room explores Elisabeth’s tragic death, displaying items related to her assassination, including her death mask. The atmosphere is somber, capturing the grief that spread across Europe after her untimely death in 1898 and the aftermath for the Habsburg family.
Exhibits: The death mask and commemorative objects, including mourning clothes and newspapers, immerse you in the sorrowful days following her assassination in Geneva.
The Sisi Myth
This room delves into how Elisabeth became a mythical figure over time. It showcases the romanticized and idealized images of Sisi, which were crafted by media and popular culture, often overshadowing her real, complex life.
Exhibits: Featuring iconic portraits, such as Franz Xaver Winterhalter’s paintings, and various posters, this room illustrates how Sisi’s beauty and mystery were magnified, creating a legend.
Girlhood
The Girlhood room highlights the early years of Elisabeth, before her marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph. It showcases her carefree childhood, filled with outdoor adventures and freedom, far from the rigid life she would later experience at court.
Exhibits: You can see Elisabeth's childhood memorabilia, including her handwritten poetry, drawings, and items from her family’s home in Bavaria.
At Court
This room reveals the challenges Elisabeth faced after becoming Empress. It portrays the strict court etiquette and the pressure she endured in her role, which starkly contrasted with her free-spirited nature.
Exhibits: Personal diaries, correspondence, and court dresses provide insight into Sisi’s struggles with court life. The displays emphasize her resistance to royal duties and her growing sense of isolation.
Flight
The Flight room emphasizes Elisabeth’s frequent escapes from the court, when she sought freedom from her royal responsibilities. It showcases her extensive travels across Europe, illustrating her desire to break free from the constraints of imperial life, her longing for adventure, and her constant search for peace.
Exhibits: Luggage, travel journals, and her famous riding gear highlight her love for travel and physical activity.
Assassination
This room details the fateful day of Elisabeth’s assassination in Geneva. You can learn about the events leading up to her death and the political implications of her assassination by Italian anarchist Luigi Lucheni.
Exhibits: The blood-stained silk blouse she wore, along with newspaper clippings and police reports, recreate the tragic incident. The room leaves a lasting impression, reflecting the shocking nature of her death and its impact on Europe.
Inside the Imperial Apartments of Hofburg
Emperor’s Staircase
The Emperor’s Staircase is a grand entrance, designed to impress from the moment you step into the Hofburg. Adorned with elegant marble, ornate stucco, and impressive ceiling frescoes, it offers a majestic introduction to the imperial grandeur that awaits beyond.
Trabant Guards Room
Once a waiting area for the Emperor’s personal guards, the Trabant Guards Room showcases military history within the palace. Lavishly decorated with elegant tapestries and imperial furnishings, it sets the tone for the prestigious world of the Habsburg court.
Audience Chamber
The Audience Chamber is where Emperor Franz Joseph held official meetings and diplomatic discussions. This lavishly decorated room features intricate woodwork, gold accents, and opulent chandeliers, reflecting the power and formality of the Habsburg monarchy.
Dressing and Exercise Room
The Dressing and exercise room offers an intimate glimpse into Elisabeth’s daily life. Here, you can see where she followed her strict beauty regimen and fitness routines, including the exercise equipment she used to maintain her famed figure.
Plan your visit to the Sisi Museum
Timings: Daily from 9am to 5pm
Last admission: 4.30pm
Duration of visit: 2 hours
Best time to visit: It's best to plan your visit to the Sisi Museum during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). You'll get to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid the crowds that flock to the museum during the busy summer months. Weekdays are your best bet for a calmer experience compared to the weekends, no matter the time of year. For an even more serene visit, aim to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
By train: U3 (orange underground line), U6 (brown underground line) via Westbahnhof
Nearest train stop: Herrengasse
By car: The distance between Vienna International Airport and the Sisi Museum is about 22 km.
Nearest parking: Paid parking is available at BOE Garage Franz Josefs Kai and BOE Garage Cobdengasse. Parking in the First District is limited due to the short-stay parking zone from Monday to Friday.
Wheelchair access: The Sisi Museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with elevators and ramps in place throughout the museum, the café, and the Hofburg Palace complex.
Accessible parking: Designated parking spaces for visitors with disabilities are available near the museum. Check with the museum staff for exact parking locations.
Accessible restrooms: Fully accessible restrooms are available within the museum complex for visitors with mobility needs.
Companion tickets: Visitors with disabilities can bring one companion free of charge to assist them during their tour, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the exhibits comfortably.
Audio guides: Enhance your visit with an audio guide available in multiple languages. You can explore the museum at your own pace and dive deeper into the life of Empress Elisabeth.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available on-site, and conveniently located for visitors throughout their tour of the museum and surrounding areas.
Gift shop: Take home a piece of history by visiting the museum’s gift shop. You’ll find a variety of souvenirs, from books and postcards to themed merchandise inspired by Sisi and the Habsburgs.
Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum but flash photography, selfie sticks, and tripods are strictly prohibited. Respect signs indicating no-photography zones.
No large bags: Large backpacks and bags aren’t permitted inside the museum. Lockers are available for storage at the entrance.
Food and drinks: Consuming food or drinks inside the museum is not allowed. You have to finish your snacks before entering the exhibition spaces.
Respect the exhibits: Don’t touch the exhibits or the display cases. This will help to preserve these precious historical items for future generations.
Keep mobile phones silent: To maintain a peaceful atmosphere, keep mobile phones on silent mode, and avoid phone calls inside the exhibition rooms.
Buy tickets online: Save time by purchasing tickets online in advance. This will help you skip the queue and make the most of your visit.
Visit early or late: To avoid large crowds, plan your visit during the early morning hours or late in the afternoon, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Audio guides are a must: The museum’s audio guides offer rich context and details that greatly enhance the experience. They’re available in multiple languages and are well worth using.
Allow extra time: The Sisi Museum is part of the larger Hofburg complex. Allocate extra time to explore the Imperial Apartments and the Silver Collection.
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking through several rooms and exhibits. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear to fully enjoy your experience.
Café Hofburg (0.1 km): Located within the Hofburg complex, Café Hofburg serves traditional Viennese pastries, coffee, and light meals. It’s an ideal spot for a quick snack or a leisurely coffee after your museum visit.
Palmenhaus Brasserie (0.3 km): Just a short stroll from the Hofburg Palace, Palmenhaus Brasserie is a beautiful glasshouse restaurant that offers a mix of Austrian and Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh salads, pasta, and classic Viennese dishes.
Demel (0.4 km): Famous for its historic atmosphere and incredible desserts, Demel is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. It’s a 5-minute walk from the museum and offers an array of cakes, pastries, and traditional Austrian coffee.
Plachutta Wollzeile (0.8 km): A bit further away but well worth the walk, Plachutta Wollzeile is renowned for its Tafelspitz, a classic Austrian dish of boiled beef. It’s perfect for those wanting a hearty meal after a day of exploration.
Vestibül (0.5 km): Located in the Burgtheater, Restaurant Vestibül offers upscale Austrian cuisine with a modern twist. It’s a 6-minute walk from the museum and is a great choice for those seeking a refined dining experience.
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the Belvedere Palace houses an impressive art collection, including the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings. Visitors You can enjoy both the art and the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Distance: 2.5 km
By car: 10 minutes
By metro: 15 minutes
Walking: 30 minutes
Schönbrunn Palace
The former summer residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Austria's most iconic attractions. It boasts 1,441 rooms, lavish interiors, and extensive gardens.
Distance: 5.5 km
By car: 18 minutes
By metro: 25 minutes
Walking: 1 hour 15 minutes
Albertina Museum
Renowned for its vast collection of graphic art, including works by Dürer, Picasso, and Monet, the Albertina Museum offers a deep dive into artistic masterpieces and hosts various temporary exhibitions.
Distance: 1 km
By car: 5 minutes
By metro: 7 minutes
Walking: 12 minutes
Frequently asked questions about Sisi Museum tickets
How to skip the line at the Sisi Museum?
To skip the line at the Sisi Museum, it’s best to book your tickets online in advance. This allows you to bypass the long queues at the ticket counter. Consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon when crowds are lighter.
How much is a ticket to the Sisi Museum?
Sisi Museum tickets start from €48. They include guided tours of the museum, the Imperial Apartments, and Hofburg Museum.
What do Sisi Museum tickets include?
Sisi Museum Vienna tickets include guided tours of the museum, the Imperial Apartments, the gardens, and prominent landmarks around the Hofburg Palace complex.
Are discounts available on these tickets?
Yes, discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups. Children under the age of 6 usually enjoy free entry.
How long does it take to complete a tour of the Sisi Museum?
A typical tour of the Sisi Museum takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. If you plan to explore the Imperial Apartments and other locations within Hofburg Palace in detail, you might want to allocate 2 to 2.5 hours to fully enjoy your visit.
Is the Sisi Museum wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, the Sisi Museum is wheelchair-accessible. Elevators and ramps are available throughout the museum, ensuring easy access to all rooms and exhibits. The museum also offers accessible restrooms and nearby parking spaces designated for visitors with disabilities.
Enjoy skip-the-line access with this 2.5-hour guided tour of the Sisi Museum and Imperial apartments to learn about the Habsburgs, perfect for history buffs.
Discover Hofburg's secrets in a small group of just 25 people and choose between tours in English, German, Italian, French, or Spanish to customize your experience.
Visit the Sisi Museum which showcases the life, personality, and interests of "Sisi", the Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
The Imperial apartments, former residence of the Hofburg Royal family, take you through their private chambers, and Empress Sisi's famous exercise room.
Go through the inner courtyards where you can see the Spanish Riding School and the statues and fountains of Heldenplatz and Burggarten. Visit Heroes' Square and Augustinian Church too.
Skip-the-line entry to Sisi Museum and Imperial apartments at Hofburg
Visit to Hofburg Courtyards, Heroes' Square and Augustinian Church
Exclusions
Headsets
Tip: For fashion enthusiasts, you can find replicas of Empress Elisabeth's collection like brooches, earrings, and other jewelry pieces. So, don't forget to stop by.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for mobility issues.
Nobody likes a crowd. A single group has a maximum of 25 people.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Your tour will proceed as planned, even if extreme weather restricts access to the free outdoor areas including the courtyards, Heldenplatz, and Burggarten.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Stroll through Vienna in Empress Sisi’s shoes visiting prominent landmarks in her life on a 2-hour 30-minute guided walking tour.
Visit the site where Sisi married Emperor Franz Josef at the Augustinian Church and see Imperial Apartments where she spent her life with him and their children.
Explore some of her favorite retailers in the city with your English, German or Spanish-peaking guide who will reveal interesting stories about her life.
Enjoy flexible duration and flexible entry on your tour to avoid the discomfort of a strict itinerary.
Inclusions
Guided walking tour
Expert English, Spanish or German-speaking guide (based on option selected)
Entry to Hofburg Imperial Palace
Entry to Imperial Apartments
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be doing a fair bit of walking on this tour!
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Explore the Hofburg your way with a single all-inclusive ticket, including the palace, three museums, and a multilingual audio guide.
Everything you get: Entry to Hofburg Palace, House of Habsburg audio-guided tour in 10 languages, access to Weltmuseum Wien, the Collection of Old Musical Instruments, and the Imperial Armory.
Why choose this: Visit multiple Hofburg attractions at your own pace, save time and money, and dive into Habsburg history with expert insights in your preferred language.
Inclusions
Entry to
Hofburg Palace
Weltmuseum Wien
Collection of Old Musical Instruments
Imperial Armory
House of Habsburg self-guided tour
Audio guide available in 10 languages: Spanish, German, English, French, Italian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Hungarian, and Czech
Exclusions
Live guide
Food and drinks
What to bring
Carry a valid photo ID, especially if you booked your tickets online, as some staff may request it at entry.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, as you’ll be covering a lot of ground across marble floors, cobblestones, and courtyards.
Consider bringing your own headphones for a clearer, more immersive audio-guided tour; choose wired over Bluetooth or wireless for the most reliable connection.
Bring a lightweight scarf or sweater if visiting between March and May or September and November, as the courtyards can feel breezy even on sunny days.
Carry a compact umbrella or rain jacket if you’re visiting during Vienna’s wetter months (April, May, September, and October).
What’s not allowed
Flash photography is prohibited in most indoor exhibition areas to protect delicate artworks and furnishings.
Tripods, selfie sticks, and large camera equipment are not permitted inside.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the museum and exhibition spaces.
Large backpacks, suitcases, or bulky bags must be left in the cloakroom or storage lockers before entry.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere within the palace buildings.
Pets are not permitted, except for certified service animals.
Accessibility
The Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments have a step-free main entrance with double swinging doors, and all exhibition areas are accessible via ramps or an elevator (cabin width 129 cm, door width 78.5 cm).
The Imperial Treasury also offers a step-free main entrance with wide double-swinging doors (200 cm) and an elevator (door width 80 cm) to reach the upstairs exhibition rooms.
Most other museums, like the Weltmuseum and Arms and Armor Collections, provide step-free access via a platform lift or ramp from Heldenplatz, automatic or Euro-Key-operated gates, and elevators to reach different floors.
You can rent a wheelchair for free by reserving at least one day in advance.
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available near ticket areas and exhibitions, with seating throughout and folding stools at special exhibit entrances.
If you use a wheelchair or have vision impairment, you may bring a companion at no extra charge, provided they’re included on your ID.
Contact the chapel’s office at least one week in advance to reserve barrier-free seating for Sunday High Mass.
The wheelchair rails may not suit heavy or three-wheeled models, so be sure to check with staff before purchasing tickets.
Additional information
If you’re visiting between June and August, book your tickets at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead, as summer draws the largest crowds in Vienna. For milder weather and fewer visitors, plan your trip between March and May or September and November.
Arrive by 9:30am or later in the afternoon to enjoy a calmer atmosphere; midday tends to draw the heaviest crowds.
The main visitor entrance to the Hofburg Palace is at the Weltmuseum Wien on Heldenplatz, next to the large equestrian statue of Archduke Charles and opposite the Burgtor gate.
If you’re hoping to catch the Spanish Riding School's famed morning exercises, plan to be there by 10am to secure the best views.
For a special cultural treat, visit on a Sunday between mid-September and June and arrive by about 9:15am to attend the High Mass at the Hofburg Chapel.
Set aside a full hour or up to 90 minutes for the Treasury’s regalia and treasures.
Take advantage of the Hofburg’s free-to-explore spaces, from the Swiss Courtyard and Michaelerplatz to the Burggarten and Volksgarten parks, and stroll past architectural gems like the Loos House and Mozart’s monument.
When exploring the Imperial Treasury, don’t miss the Agate Bowl, a massive stone bowl carved from a single piece of agate dating to the 4th century, long thought to be the Holy Grail due to the natural inclusion of XRISTO in the veining.
Look out for the Herzgruft, a discreet crypt behind the Loreto Chapel containing 54 urns holding the hearts of Habsburg family members, a unique tribute often missed even by locals.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tours
NaN
Sisi Museum: Skip-the-Line Hofburg & Gardens Guided Tour
Enjoy skip-the-line access with this 2.5-hour guided tour of the Sisi Museum and Imperial apartments to learn about the Habsburgs, perfect for history buffs.
Discover Hofburg's secrets in a small group of just 25 people and choose between tours in English, German, Italian, French, or Spanish to customize your experience.
Visit the Sisi Museum which showcases the life, personality, and interests of "Sisi", the Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
The Imperial apartments, former residence of the Hofburg Royal family, take you through their private chambers, and Empress Sisi's famous exercise room.
Go through the inner courtyards where you can see the Spanish Riding School and the statues and fountains of Heldenplatz and Burggarten. Visit Heroes' Square and Augustinian Church too.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
2 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tours
NEW
Sisi Museum: Skip-the-Line Imperial Apartments & City Guided Walking Tour
Stroll through Vienna in Empress Sisi’s shoes visiting prominent landmarks in her life on a 2-hour 30-minute guided walking tour.
Visit the site where Sisi married Emperor Franz Josef at the Augustinian Church and see Imperial Apartments where she spent her life with him and their children.
Explore some of her favorite retailers in the city with your English, German or Spanish-peaking guide who will reveal interesting stories about her life.
Enjoy flexible duration and flexible entry on your tour to avoid the discomfort of a strict itinerary.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
2 hr. 30 min.
Tickets
NEW
New Hofburg Palace Tour: House of Habsburg
Explore the Hofburg your way with a single all-inclusive ticket, including the palace, three museums, and a multilingual audio guide.
Everything you get: Entry to Hofburg Palace, House of Habsburg audio-guided tour in 10 languages, access to Weltmuseum Wien, the Collection of Old Musical Instruments, and the Imperial Armory.
Why choose this: Visit multiple Hofburg attractions at your own pace, save time and money, and dive into Habsburg history with expert insights in your preferred language.