Top 10 Places to Take Photos in Vienna

Photo Spots Vienna

Vienna, located in eastern Austria, is a city of grandeur, culture, and rich history. With iconic landmarks and picturesque streets, Vienna offers a variety of things to see and do. The city’s architecture and historical sites, such as grand palaces and historic cathedrals, are must-see. The city also boasts a vibrant energy throughout, with charming traditional coffee houses, trendy restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene. Locally known as Wien, the Austrian capital is perfect for history buffs, art lovers and anyone who wishes to explore beautiful places — and we’ve got a list of the best locations to take photos in Vienna ready for you!

Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers in Vienna to show us around all the very best spots for pictures. 📸

Photo: Florentina in Vienna for Flytographer. Elizabeth and partner celebrates their birthday in Vienna with a couple photoshoot at St. Charles Church & Karlsplatz.

1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Located in the heart of the city, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Vienna. Within the beautiful Stephansplatz, the cathedral is known for its Gothic architecture and intricate spire towering 137 metres over the city.

Construction of St. Stephen’s Cathedral began in the 12th century and took several centuries to complete. The cathedral has a rich history, including serving as a coronation site for several Austrian kings and queens. 👑 The cathedral remains a cultural and religious center for the city and country. It has hosted many important events, like music concerts and religious ceremonies.

Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire ornate decorations and artworks. The highlight of the interior is the colourful stained-glass windows, which date back to the Middle Ages and were restored in the 20th century. For an incredible panoramic view of Vienna, climb to the top of the South Tower. 🏙️

Photo: Ihsan in Vienna for Flytographer. Kerry and partner celebrate their honeymoon with a couple photoshoot at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

2. Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is an 18th-century Baroque palace and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace’s grandeur and beauty are perfect reflections of the opulence of the era it was built in.

The palace’s facade features striking details, such as ornate sculptures, grand balconies, and grand arched windows. The roofline is adorned with statues and sculptures, and an impressive central dome towers overhead. The palace’s interiors are equally impressive, as Schönbrunn Palace boasts a total of 1441 rooms, namely the famous Hall of Mirrors, which is decorated with crystal chandeliers. 🪞

Visitors can also walk through the palace’s beautiful gardens, home to a variety of flowers, fountains, and sculptures. Be sure to visit Palm House, an airy greenhouse that houses many species of exotic plants. The palace’s famous Cafè Gloriette offers incredible views of the city — a lovely place to enjoy Viennese specialties and Viennese views! 😍 With so much beauty around, Schönbrunn Palace is seriously Instagrammable and one of the best places to take photos in Vienna.

Photo: Florentina in Vienna for Flytographer. Tatiana and partner capture memories with a couple photoshoot at Schönbrunn Palace.

3. Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera is a world-renowned opera house and has hosted many of the world’s most famous operas and ballets. In fact, many celebrated composers, (Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, to name two) have conducted performances at Vienna State Opera. It is considered one of the most important opera houses in the world and is a must-see destination for classical music lovers visiting Vienna. 🎼

With its large white marble facade, grand staircases, and impressive archways, the opera house is a magnificent sight. The interior is equally grand and elegant, with beautiful golden decor and gigantic chandeliers. 

💡Travel tip: Visitors can attend performances or take guided tours to see the theatre’s impressive interior and learn more about its history.

Photo: Natascha in Vienna for Flytographer. Marlyn and family capture memories with a family photoshoot at Vienna State Opera.

4. Belvedere Palace

Belvedere is a historic Baroque palace built in the 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. With its impressive setting and gorgeous architecture, the palace is considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe and is one of the best places to take photos in Vienna.

Belvedere is set in a beautiful park, with a grand entrance and a wide central courtyard. It consists of two separate buildings: the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere. The Upper Belvedere is the main palace, featuring beautiful staterooms decorated with frescoes. The palace is also home to the Austrian Gallery, which features a wide range of artworks from the Middle Ages to the present day. 🖼️

The palace’s beautiful gardens are highly worth visiting, offering a serene and peaceful place to explore and admire the palace’s stunning architecture — and plentiful photo opportunities!

Photo: Natascha in Vienna for Flytographer. Stacy and partner celebrate their engagement with a couple photoshoot at Belvedere Palace.

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5. Karlskirche

Karlskirche — also known as St. Charles Church — is considered one of Vienna’s most important religious and architectural landmarks. The Baroque church was built with the intention of symbolizing the glory of the Habsburg Empire and of the Catholic Church. ⛪

Karlskirche is one of Vienna’s top tourist attractions, and once you see it, you’ll quickly understand why! This architectural marvel draws attention with grand arched windows, rows of marble columns, and a copper-covered dome. The church’s twin towers reach up to 81 metres high, featuring two statues of the Four Saints considered one of the most striking features of the church. 

📸 Photography tip: Karlskirche is also a great place to get a panoramic view of Vienna. Visitors can go up the towers and enjoy the stunning view of the city. Time your visit with the sunset to capture the city bathed in a golden glow. 🌆

Photo: Florentina in Vienna for Flytographer. Johnae and family capture memories with a family photoshoot at Karlskirche.

6. Prater

The Prater is a large public park located in Vienna, along the banks of the Danube River. It is known for its amusement park, the Wurstelprater, home to a variety of rides and attractions, including the famous Riesenrad, a giant Ferris wheel built in 1897. 🎡

The park is also home to many other attractions, like a playground for children, a botanical garden, and a variety of sports facilities. It’s a perfect place for a family-friendly day out and a great way to spend an afternoon in Vienna.

The Prater is also known for its green areas, and it has many walking paths and quiet places to relax, offering a peaceful escape from the busy city center. Visitors can also take a boat ride on the small lake in the park or rent a bike and ride around the park. 🚲

Photo: Florentina in Vienna for Flytographer. Dunia and family capture memories with a family photoshoot at Prater.

7. Karlsplatz

Karlsplatz, also known as Charles Square, is a public square located in the heart of Vienna. The square was designed in the 19th century in neo-classical style and is considered one of the most important squares in the city, as it is surrounded by many important landmarks and cultural institutions. 🏛️

One of the most notable features of Karlsplatz is the Karlskirche, a Baroque church that towers over the square. The square is also surrounded by several museums and art galleries, including the Vienna Museum and the Leopold Museum, both renowned for their collections of Austrian art. 🎨

Karlsplatz is a popular place for events and cultural activities, like concerts, festivals, and one of Vienna’s famous Christmas markets. No matter what time of year you visit, there is sure to be something happening at Karlsplatz! A fabulous place to experience the vibrant energy of this city.

Photo: Florentina in Vienna for Flytographer. Laura and partner capture memories with a couple photoshoot at Karlsplatz.

8. Rathaus

Located in the central district of Innere Stadt, the Rathaus is an impressive building that serves as Vienna’s city hall. It one of the most visited tourist attractions in Vienna — and for good reason! Between its grandiose architecture, historical significance, and the tower’s panoramic views, the Rathaus has a lot to offer.

The Rathaus is a popular cultural event hub, especially during the Christmas season when it hosts Vienna’s top Christmas market. 🎄 Twinkling lights, charming wooden booths, and warming winter treats create a fairy tale-like experience you won’t want to miss. And provides a chance to capture a classic Vienna Instagram shot!

The building’s location in the city center also makes it a great starting point for exploring other nearby tourist attractions, notably St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Vienna State Opera House, and the Hofburg palace.

Photo: Florentina in Vienna for Flytographer. Kendal and partner capture memories with a couple photoshoot at Rathaus.

9. MuseumsQuartier

The MuseumsQuartier is a unique blend of art, culture, and architecture and an essential destination when visiting Vienna. Whether you’re an art lover, architecture enthusiast, or just looking for an entertaining day out, you can find something that interests you in the MuseumsQuartier. 🤩

Covering an area of 60,000 square metres, the MuseumsQuartier is home to some of the most important museums and cultural institutions in the city, including the Leopold Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (Mumok), Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Museum of Natural History, and the Architekturzentrum Wien.

The MuseumsQuartier also features a variety of outdoor spaces, such as courtyards and gardens, making it a great place for a picnic or to relax and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the complex. 🌳 Cozy cafes, trendy restaurants, and interesting shops are scattered throughout the complex, making it an ideal destination for a day out in Vienna.

Photo: Florentina in Vienna for Flytographer. Erica and partner celebrate their engagement with an engagement shoot at Museumsquartier.

10. Volkstheater & Volksgarten

The Volkstheater and the Volksgarten are two of Vienna’s most iconic and treasured landmarks. The Volkstheater, which has been in operation since 1889, is a historic and renowned theatre known for its productions of plays, operas, and operettas, and also for being a platform for political satire and critical works. It is a cultural hub that attracts acclaimed directors and actors and brings to the stage socially relevant and contemporary plays. 🎭

The Volksgarten, located next to the Volkstheater, is a picturesque and serene public park that is one of the oldest and one of the best places to take photos in Vienna. The park boasts sprawling gardens, elaborate fountains, and impressive monuments, making it an oasis of beauty and tranquility in the heart of the city.

Together, the Volkstheater and the Volksgarten offer a unique cultural and leisure experience for visitors to Vienna, while remaining a beloved destination for locals. The combination of the cultural and natural beauty makes these two landmarks an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Vienna. ✨

Photo: Florentina in Vienna for Flytographer. Olga and partner capture memories with a couple photoshoot at Volkstheater & Volksgarten.

Capturing memories in Vienna

There’s no denying that Vienna is one of the most charming European cities out there! From grand palaces to charming coffee houses and a vibrant cultural scene, Vienna is a perfect destination for those looking to explore and create lasting memories. Connect with a local photographer to capture your memories with beautiful photos you can look back on for years to come. 💖