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.  

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.