The Hofburg was the seat of Habsburg power for six centuries, from the 13th-century medieval fortress until the end of World War I, and today the sprawling complex spans 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and around 2,600 rooms in a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo architecture. It now houses several museums, state apartments, and the presidential offices of Austria.
The Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments are the biggest draw, tracing the life of Empress Elisabeth alongside the lavishly preserved private rooms of Emperor Franz Joseph. The Imperial Treasury holds the Habsburg crown jewels and the treasures of the Order of the Golden Fleece, while the vast Heldenplatz square out front is anchored by statues of Archduke Charles and Prince Eugene of Savoy.
A standard visit covering the main museums takes 2 to 4 hours. The Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments are open daily 9am to 5:30pm, with last admission at 4:30pm, and the palace sits a short walk from Vienna’s central Stephansplatz.
