The Hofburg

The Hofburg was the winter residence of the Habsburgs for over six centuries and the centre of their empire, a sprawling complex of palaces, courtyards, churches and museums in the heart of Vienna. Within it lie the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Treasury with the crown jewels, the Spanish Riding School and the national library's magnificent hall.

The main sights

• The Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum - the rooms and story of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth.
• The Imperial Treasury - the crown jewels and Habsburg regalia.
• The Spanish Riding School - the famous Lipizzaner horses and their performances.
• The State Hall - the baroque grand hall of the national library.

When to go

Year-round; a set of indoor sights good in any weather. The Spanish Riding School performances and morning training run to a schedule, so check and book ahead.

Practical notes

It is a vast complex of many separate ticketed attractions, so choose what you want rather than trying to see all. The Spanish Riding School shows are expensive and book up. The courtyards are free to wander.

Nearby

St Stephen's Cathedral, the museums and the Ringstrasse are all a short walk in central Vienna.