Vienna is a bustling city filled with awe-inspiring landmarks and historical sites, making it the perfect destination for any photography enthusiast. From the majestic Schönbrunn Palace to the Ringstrasse and its gorgeous buildings to the vineyards overlooking the city. Vienna’s photographic spots leave you with lasting memories and stunning photos.
This blog post leads you through the most picturesque corners of the city. Find out where to take the best sunset or sunrise pictures in Vienna.
Best photo locations along the Ringstrasse in Vienna
The Ringstrasse is a circular road around the inner city of Vienna. Along this road are numerous historical buildings, including the Parliament, Hofburg, State Opera, City Hall, University of Vienna, Votivkirche, Art History, and Natural History Museum. The street has a length of 5.3 kilometers and should definitely be on your Vienna itinerary.
Photograph the Austrian Parliament by night
This city’s historical landmarks make this area a wonderful backdrop for beautiful photographs. But especially the Parliament is an ideal spot for nighttime photography. So prepare your tripod and set the timer for long exposure shots. If you prefer to have a picture without those long-time exposure lights, it’s advisable to visit the Parliament at night around 10-11 pm, the amount of traffic is less. Also, during a public holiday, it is less going on.
The picturesque Volksgarten – rose garden and Theseus Temple
A truly unique place to take pictures, a piece of nature in the middle of the city. The Volksgarten is a public park opposite the Parliament. At the park, you can find a beautiful rose garden and the Theseus Temple. Both are excellent photo scenery for portrait pictures. Ideally, you can come here before sunset to have fantastic lighting.
Capture the city from the distance at the vineyards
The next photo location is on the outskirts of Vienna. Kahlenberg is a hill in the north of the city. You can reach the 484-meter peak by taking the bus line 38A or by hiking up. The hike duration is 3 hours (including return) and is considered an easy hike. The views over Vienna from Kahlenberg are magnificent at any time of the day. The hill is suitable for a photo tour at sunrise. Pack some warm clothing and get ready early for an adventurous photographic sunrise hike. If you have limited time, you can hike up the vineyards at the Nussberg to have a view of Vienna from above.
Skyline pictures at the Old Danube
Some might get confused by the numerous Danube’s in Vienna. But it’s not so difficult. There is the main arm of the Danube, called the Danube River, and the side arm, which is separated by the Danube Island, called New Danube. The Old Danube is an urban lake. There is no current and therefore has warmer water. Lastly, there is the Danube canal which is in the city center.
The Old Danube is a popular recreational area of the city. Located in the so-called Donaustadt (Danube City). The Old Danube is an awesome photo setting any time of the year, especially with the skyline setting of the DC tower and Danube Tower.
Multiple photo spots around the Danube Island
The Danube Island is also a great getaway for sunset or night photography. From the metro station Donaustadtbrücke, Line U2 you can walk to the bridge Schleusenbrücke Wehr 1. From there, you can walk north on the island and have multiple photo stops. This map showcases of which approximate spots are ideal around the island for great captures.
Vienna palaces and gardens as a photo backdrop
Schönbrunn Palace and Park
The Schönbrunn Palace with its garden was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. The palace is for sure worth a visit, if you are interested in history and a Sissi fan, like me. Visiting the garden is free. It opens every morning at 6:30 and closes at dusk. If you are looking for special lighting, the sunrises illuminate the Palace, and the sun sets behind the Gloriette. The Garden is huge with lots of flowers, springs, and sculptures. Great setting for portrait or landscape photography.
Vienna has a lot of green areas, parks or gardens in case you have enough from the city or want to see something else.
Belvedere Palace and Park
The Belvedere Palace is less popular than the Schönbrunn Palace. The palace and garden are considerably smaller. Nevertheless, it is worth a visit. The garden again is free of commission. It opens in summer at 6.30 am and in winter at 7 am and closes at dusk. With the pond in the foreground and the castle in the background, it provides a spectacular picture backdrop.
The Prater – ideal spot for funky night light photography
The Viennese Prater is an amusement park, recreational park, and event location. The amusement park with its lights is ideal for nighttime photography. The Prater can get busy on summer nights, but it’s only open until 10 pm. For female solo travelers, be aware the Prater can be a sketchy place. I’ve been there multiple times during the night. I saw some bizarre things, also at the metro station Prater you can encounter sketchy people. However, there is also a high police presence.
If you want to discover something unique, not many people know that there is an old trotting track at Prater Park (Trabrennbahn Krieau).
Actually, Vienna has two Praters. The other one less known and smaller is called Bohemian Prater and is in another city part.
Mystical photos at the Central Cemetery of Vienna
The central cemetery is huge, located on the outskirts of the city, and open from 6 am to 7 pm. Go stroll around and spot some deer or graves of someone famous. Vienna Central Cemetery is not a photo spot for everyone, but those interested in cemetery photography should not miss it!
The author of the blog
Lisi is an adventurous, mostly solo traveler from Austria. She likes to travel slowly, discover underrated countries/regions, and of course, learn about cultures. She has been traveling the world and creating travel content since 2016. With a degree in tourism management and a passion for travel and cultures, she wants to tell stories that inspire her readers and help them travel more consciously.
