Gloriette

The viewing point of Schönbrunn. When you did a tour in the palace you can go for free upstairs here.

It's a good place to relax after the walk across the garden and up the hill, and to absorb the skyline of Vienna. You can see most of the city, of course including the Danube river. Remember not to forget your sunscreen.. Also there's a pump downstairs behind the building to fill your water bottles. Just what you need, because you've probably drank at least one normal sized water bottle once you're here.

The Gloriette is a sort of baroque viewing point at the top of the hill behind the Schonbrunn palace. It is absolutely magnificent and has a fantastic view of the city.

Access to the gardens are free, so you can get to teh foot of the Gloriette without spending any money at all. Around the back, there is apleasant, average priced cafe that faces away from the city, and given the climb up, then I think stopping for a beer is a great idea. The Gloriette itself costs about 2 Euros, adn I think there is a small discount for Vienna Card holders. The view from the top is well worth paying the extra for. You can see the hills beyond the city, all the major landmarks, and the wonderful palace gardens.

Access is up a narrow staircase; it would be hard to come up if you had any difficulties with your mobility and I'd hesitate to take very small children up for the same reason. But as soon as they can walk reliably then this would be a great place to take children - as long as they aren't silly about heights!