Welcome to Vienna, where you will discover the Emerald Cruises difference as you uncover the art-lover’s dream. Most of your river cruises along the magnificent Danube include a selection of EmeraldACTIVE and DiscoverMORE guided tours of the city, along with plenty of free time so you can explore at your own pace.

This guide will explore some of the best art museums Vienna has to offer, as well as key travel tips to help make the most of your time in this exciting city during your European river cruise. From the Belvedere Museum to the Museum of Modern Art, learn more about Vienna’s must-visit attractions.  

1. Kunsthistorisches Museum 
2. Belvedere Museum
3. Albertina Museum
4. Schönbrunn Palace
5. Leopold Museum
6. Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK)
7. Vienna art festivals
8. Tips for visiting art museums in Vienna
9. European River Cruises

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of the finest art museums across the globe, home to a variety of treasures from the Habsburg collection. Constructed in the 19th century by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary, it features fascinating artefacts that illustrate the legacy of the Habsburgs.

Head here to view the world’s largest Bruegel collection and spectacular artworks by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Rubens and Dürer. You can also witness magnificent sculptures like Madonna With Child and St John by Benedetto Cacciatori. Be sure to explore the Kunstkammer ‘chamber of wonders’, where you’ll find over 2,000 valuable objects that have been collected since the Middle Ages, including timepieces, carvings and wall-hangings. 

Many Emerald Cruises European river cruises, such as the Danube Delights and Christmas Markets on the Danube cruises, offer an included excursion to the Kunsthistorisches Museum. 

Discover 800 years of history at the Belvedere Art Gallery in Vienna. Housed in two magnificent palaces – the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere – this museum is an important symbol of Vienna’s artistic heritage. 

Inside the Upper Belvedere, you’ll find one of Austria’s most significant art collections, with notable pieces by Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and Gustav Klimt. Meanwhile, the Lower Belvedere features a range of temporary exhibitions, as well as fascinating works of Viennese Modernism. Visitors can also explore Belvedere 21, a museum that largely focuses on contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries.  

What’s more, the museum is home to beautiful Baroque gardens and architecture, making it well worth a visit. Audio guides and private guided tours are available, and visitors must have a valid time slot ticket to explore the Upper and Lower Belvedere.

In the heart of Vienna, the Albertina Museum is home to one of the world’s largest graphic art collections. Housed within the 19th-century Habsburg Palace – designed by architect Louis de Montoyer – is home to over 60,000 drawings and one million prints. Its permanent collection includes iconic masterpieces by artists like Monet and Beckmann, making it a must-visit attraction for art lovers. 

Step inside and marvel at the State Rooms, which feature original furniture that tells the tale of the palace’s inhabitants. The best way to explore the Albertina Museum is on a guided tour, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the works on display.  

Originally a summer residence for the Habsburg rulers, Schönbrunn Palace emerged as a prominent Vienna tourist attraction in the mid-1950s. Today, it stands as the city's most popular destination, drawing nearly 4 million visitors in 2017. 

The palace hosts concerts by local orchestras, an experience you can enjoy on many of our river cruises through the DiscoverMORE programme. It has also served as a filming location for various movies and TV series, including the James Bond film "The Living Daylights." 

This is also the destination for the popular art festival, ART Vienna - a must for contemporary art lovers. Held in the Schönbrunn Palace Orangery, ART Vienna brings together local galleries to display a range of contemporary artworks, typically created by globally renowned artists and up-and-coming talent.  

Located in the heart of Vienna’s Museums Quartier, the Leopold Museum holds one of the largest collections of Austrian art. It originated from the private collection of Austrian art collectors Rudolf and Elisabeth Leopold, and today features over 8,000 pieces of art.  

Along with major works by artists like Richard Gerstl, Oskar Kokoschka, and Albin Egger-Lienz, the Leopold Museum also has the largest Egon Schiele Collection in the world. With 44 paintings and over 200 watercolour works to explore, visitors can learn more about the life and artistic style of this Austrian Expressionist painter – one of the leading artists of Viennese Modernism.  

The museum holds various guided tours to help visitors learn more about the Leopold Collection.  

Stop by the Museum of Modern Art to view a variety of works from the 20th and 21st century. This is Vienna’s leading museum for modern and contemporary art, featuring artwork by celebrated artists like Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono and Pablo Picasso.

The museum is housed in a grey stone-clad building with a curved roof and is rather striking from the outside. Inside, it features over 9,000 installations, drawings, paintings, sculptures and more. Its collection focuses on Pop Art, Fluxus, Nouveau Réalisme and Photorealism, among others. It also has a cinema, which was designed by artist Heimo Zobernig to illustrate the importance of the moving image for contemporary artistic developments.

Between September and November each year, Vienna hosts various exciting art festivals that celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the top events include:  

• Vienna Art Week: Taking place each November, Vienna Art Week illustrates the huge variety of art galleries and institutions across Vienna and attracts around 35,000 visitors. It features around 200 events, including lectures and guided studio tours.  
• Art Advent Christmas Market: If you’re visiting Vienna at Christmas time, be sure to visit the Art Advent Christmas Market. Located in front of the spectacular Karlskirche church, this market is the perfect place to find charming arts and crafts created by local artists. It’s organised by Divina Art – an Austrian association that aims to promote contemporary art. 

Ready to explore Vienna’s art museums? Here are some handy tips to bear in mind:  

• Book your tickets in advance: To avoid long queues, we suggest booking your tickets online in advance if your visit to Vienna's museums isn't part of your Emerald Cruises itinerary. 
• Join a guided tour: If possible, join a guided tour to make the most of your visit. As part of your DiscoverMORE excursions, you can enjoy an enriching guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace. 
• Wear comfortable shoes: Vienna has many museums to explore, so you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, such as trainers.  
• Save money with a combination ticket: If you’re planning on visiting multiple museums, you could save money with a combination ticket.  
• Cameras: Before taking pictures in any of Vienna’s museums, check that cameras are allowed.

Get ready to experience the wonders of Vienna with award-winning Emerald Cruises. On our unforgettable Prague & Splendours of Europe cruise, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery along the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers. Among many highlights, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore five magnificent capital cities, drenched in rich history, elegant culture and fascinating local traditions.   
 
While sailing these classic waterways, you’ll also revel in the Emerald luxury river cruise experience. Each of our custom-designed, boutique Star-Ships are perfectly sized for navigating the continent’s rivers, docking in smaller ports and villages that larger vessels can’t access – taking you closer to the local action along the riverbanks of Europe. With no more than 180 guests on board, enjoy a more intimate cruising lifestyle and elevated level of personal service and comfort, as you take in the incredible sights and landscapes passing by.