---
title: What’s the best way to tour the Ringstrasse?
description: "The **Ringstrasse** is one of Vienna’s most iconic and scenic boulevards — circling the historic city center and lined with grand palaces, museums, and monuments. Touring it properly lets you see much of *Imperial Vienna* in one go. Here are…"
url: "https://allaboutvienna.com/docs/whats-the-best-way-to-tour-the-ringstrasse/"
updated: "2025-10-19"
category: Attractions and landmarks
tags:
  - Itinerary Tips
---

# What’s the best way to tour the Ringstrasse?

The **Ringstrasse** is one of Vienna’s most iconic and scenic boulevards — circling the historic city center and lined with grand palaces, museums, and monuments. Touring it properly lets you see much of *Imperial Vienna* in one go. Here are the best ways to explore it, depending on your time and style:

## 🚋 1. Take the Historic Tram “Ring Tram”

**Easiest and most classic option**

- 🟡 **Route:** The *Vienna Ring Tram* runs the full circle around the Ringstrasse.
- 🕒 **Duration:** About **25–30 minutes** for the full loop.
- 🎧 **Extras:** Comes with an **audio guide** (available in multiple languages) explaining major landmarks.
- 💶 **Cost:** Around **€12 for adults**, **€6 for children**.
- 🚏 **Start Point:** Schwedenplatz (near the city center).
- 🔗 viennarenttram.at

**Why it’s great:** You get a comfortable overview without walking, ideal in [bad weather or limited time](https://allaboutvienna.com/docs/best-time-of-year-to-visit-vienna/).

## 🚶 2. Walk or Bike the Ringstrasse

**Best for sightseeing and photography**

- 🕒 **Duration:**

  - Walking: about **1.5–2 hours** (5.3 km loop)
  - Biking: about **30–40 minutes** leisurely
- 🚴 **Tip:** [Vienna’s bike lanes](https://allaboutvienna.com/item/vienna-bike-tour/) are excellent — use **Citybike Wien** or **Lime e-bikes**.
- 🏛️ **Major stops along the way:**

  1. **[State Opera House](https://allaboutvienna.com/item/vienna-state-opera-house-mozart-concert-in-historical-costumes/) (Opernring)**
  2. **Hofburg Palace**
  3. [**Austrian Parliament Building**](https://allaboutvienna.com/item/austrian-parliament-building/)
  4. **Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)**
  5. **Burgtheater**
  6. **University of Vienna**
  7. **Votivkirche**
  8. **Stock Exchange (Börse)**
  9. **Schottenring** → back toward the Opera

💡 *Best photo spots:* Between the **Parliament and Rathaus**, and near the **Burgtheater gardens**.

## 🚌 3. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

**Good for first-time visitors**

- 🚏 Covers all major Ringstrasse landmarks and connects to other attractions (like Schönbrunn).
- 🎧 Includes multi-language audio commentary.
- 💶 Prices range from **€30–€40/day pass**, depending on the company (Big Bus Vienna, Vienna Sightseeing, etc.).

**Why it’s useful:** Lets you combine the Ringstrasse with other must-sees — you can hop off for photos and continue later.

## 🐎 4. Horse-Drawn Carriage (Fiaker) Ride

**Most romantic and old-world option**

- 🕒 Short rides (20 min) or full tours (40–60 min).
- 💶 From **€55–€120**, depending on duration.
- 🚏 Can be hired outside the **Stephansplatz** or **Heldenplatz**.

**Why it’s special:** It’s the same way nobles toured the Ring 150 years ago — perfect if you want a nostalgic experience.

## 🕍 5. Guided Walking or E-Bike Tour

**For deeper insight into the architecture and history**

- 🕐 Small-group walking tours last 2–3 hours.
- 💶 Around **€25–€40 per person**.
- 🚴 E-bike tours cover more ground comfortably, usually €45–€60.
- 📍 Bookable on platforms like **GetYourGuide**, **Viator**, or **wien.info**.

**Why it’s great:** A local guide explains the stories behind each building — the Parliament, Opera, and University all have fascinating backstories.

## 💡 Bonus Tip: Nighttime Ringstrasse

- Buildings like the **Rathaus**, **Opera**, and **Parliament** are beautifully illuminated at night.
- A **night tram ride or evening walk** offers a totally different, more romantic view.
- You can also dine nearby — **Café Landtmann** or **Palmenhaus** make great stops.

## ✅ Summary — Best Ringstrasse Tour Options

| Mode | Duration | Cost | Best For |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 🚋 Vienna Ring Tram | 25–30 min | €12 | Quick, easy overview |
| 🚶 Walking | 1.5–2 h | Free | Photography, flexibility |
| 🚴 Biking | 30–40 min | €5–€10 (rental) | Active sightseeing |
| 🚌 Hop-On Bus | 1 day | €30–€40 | First-time visitors |
| 🐎 Fiaker Carriage | 20–60 min | €55–€120 | Romantic experience |
| 👩‍🏫 Guided Tour | 2–3 h | €25–€60 | Historical insight |