What it is
Schönbrunn took its present form under Maria Theresa in the mid-18th century and was the favourite home of Emperor Franz Joseph, who was born and died here. A selection of the state rooms and private apartments can be visited, and the palace and gardens together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park is open to walk through and is a sight in itself: the Neptune Fountain, the Roman Ruin, the Palm House and, at the top of the hill, the Gloriette colonnade with a view back over the palace and the city. Tiergarten Schönbrunn, founded in 1752, lies inside the grounds.
Getting there by bus
Trams 10 and 60 and bus 10A stop at Schloss Schönbrunn, close to the main gate. The U4 metro station Schönbrunn is about 500 metres to the east, and Hietzing on the same line is closer to the west side of the park and the zoo entrance.
The grounds are large, so it is worth deciding in advance whether to start with the palace or with the Gloriette and the zoo.
