6 Best proposal locations in Vienna: Romantic Spots for Your Big Moment
Vienna is a city that feels like it was made for romance. From its historic buildings to its gorgeous parks, there’s something magical around every corner. When we think about the best proposal locations in Vienna, we can’t help but imagine how these spots can make that big moment even more unforgettable. Let us take you through some of our personal favourites—places that we believe could be perfect for popping the question. Each is beautiful in its own way and offers enough privacy for such a special moment. Additionally, we discuss logistics and timing considerations of each of these proposal locations in Vienna.
1. Belvedere Gardens
The gardens of this 18th-century palace were designed in a formal French style, featuring numerous water basins, shaped greenery and mythical sculptures. The gardens consist of a lower and a higher part, and the upper part offers great views over the historical centre and surrounding hills. Both palaces are now famous art galleries, but the gardens are expansive enough to never get crowded.
You can pick a more quiet and hidden spot in the greenery of the lower part or enjoy the view at the wide pathway going down directly from the Upper Palace. The expansive area of Belvedere Gardens makes it one of the most versatile proposal locations in Vienna. It’s usually easy to find an intimate spot there even during the busiest times.
Getting There
- Exact location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X82sMWiFuMxPfB397
- Nearest stops: tram stop Schloss Belvedere (1, D), overground station Quartier Belvedere, underground station Südtiroler Platz (U1)
- How to reach: due to the large size of Belvedere Gardens, the best public transport route might vary depending on the exact spot you choose. It is easiest to reach the palace gardens by tram and use one of the entrances next to the Belvedere Palace.
Best Time
The gardens are open between 06:30 and 20:00 all year long. The best time to propose there is during the golden hour on a weekday, when there are fewer people and the light is just perfect. Looks better in warmer seasons when the flowers are in bloom and the fountains are in operation.
2. Kaiserin-Elisabeth-Denkmal in Volksgarten
One of the most romantic proposal locations in Vienna, this hidden gem is located in one of the city’s central parks. Hidden away by the trees, the memorial for Empress Elisabeth features a beautiful duck pond with water lilies and lots of flower beds, making it a perfect place to propose. The place is almost completely surrounded by beautifully cut hedges. Serene and quiet, easily accessible but not crowded. Volksgarten Park is beautiful as a whole, especially in the summer. Another nice spot for proposals in this park is the Temple of Theseus.
Getting there
- Exact location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SPfhZAqfikE9EjuW7
- Nearest stops: tram stop Rathausplatz/Burgtheater (trams 1, 71, D), underground stations Shottentor (U2) and Herrengasse (U3)
- How to reach: enter the park from the side of Burgtheater and turn left right away.
Best time
Morning or afternoon, as it might get a bit dark in the evening because of all the shade from the greenery. In terms of seasons, this one looks best in spring and summer when the greenery is lush.
3. Gloriette in Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
One of the top attractions in Vienna, the royal Schönbrunn palace has expansive gardens in French style that offer many great spots for a proposal. Additionally, you can combine this visit with exploring the many attractions of the area. The palace itself can be visited, as well as its botanical gardens, zoo and labyrinths. Note that there is a separate entry ticket to each of these places.
To propose, we recommend going up to the Gloriette and enjoy the amazing views over Vienna from up high. The walk from the U4 Schönbrunn station through the gardens and up the hill takes around 30 minutes, letting you enjoy the gardens on the way. Some other options include picking a spot on one of the many romantic pathways in the lower part of the park and inside the beautiful 19-th century greenhouse.
Getting there
- Exact location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AAqGuY3uCHWhwBGC9
- Nearest stops: U4 Schönbrunn is usually the quickest option, but there is also a bus stop called Stranitzkygasse (63A, 8A busses) if you don’t want to walk far.
- How to reach: If arriving with U4, you’ll need to walk through the lower part of the park and then up the hill to the Gloriette. From the bus stop, it’s just a short walk along Gloriettestraße.
Best time
The palace park is open from 6:30am until 7pm on most days. In the touristy season it might get crowded during the day, so we recommend getting there in the morning or in the evening. However, note that if you want to combine your engagement with a visit to the palace, orangery or zoo, these usually close earlier than the park.
In terms of seasons, Scönbrunn is among the most universal proposal locations in Vienna. It looks great and has something to offer all year round. In warmer seasons Schönbrunn boasts with lush greenery and nice sunlight, while the colder ones are great for a more mysterious foggy atmosphere. Our personal favourite is the peak of Autumn, when the whole park turns intro a burning yellow-orange wonderland.
4. Hohe Brücke
This bridge is a unique location in the heart of the first district, being both a lovely spot in itself and an elevated point to enjoy the views over the nearby streets. Surrounded by beautiful old buildings, this place is very romantic at any time of the day. During sunset, golden light fills the view, making it especially magical. Note that if you seek total privacy for your proposal, this might not be the best pick because this is a sidewalk of a regular street (although small). Pedestrians and cars pass by most of the time and though the place is not nearly as crowded as some more well-known streets in Vienna, most likely you won’t be completely alone there.
You can surprise your loved one with the views by coming there from the upper side (Wipplingerstraße). It looks like any other street and you cannot tell that part of it is a bridge until you end up on it. If it’s easier for you to arrive from below, there are two staircases on both sides of Tiefer Graben at the foot of the bridge.
Getting there
- Exact location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uctERxA7Q75B1QsL7
- Nearest stops: all central U-Bahn stations (U1/U3 Stephansplatz, U1/U4 Schwedenplatz, U2 Shottentor and U3 Herrengasse) are all a short walk away. If you want to walk less, another great option is taking a tram to Börse (1, 71, D) or Salztorbrücke (1, 2). Nearest bus stops are Schwertgasse (1A, 3A) and Tiefer Graben (2A), although note that during peak hours they might take longer than going by foot.
- How to reach: very centrally located and easily reachable by foot from anywhere in the first district. If walking, it’s best to arrive from the upper side
Best time
Good any time of the day and season if you don’t mind some passers by, but maybe avoid high traffic hours around 4-5pm. The quietest time is early afternoon on a weekday.
5. Mölker Bastei
This one might not be quite as stunning-looking as the other options, but it is certainly one of the most private proposal locations in Vienna. It’s always super quiet on top of Mölker Bastei, as no cars are around and almost no pedestrians. There are a couple of cute pedestrian-only walkways where you can have a romantic walk before or after proposing.
The spot we like the most is in front of the Beethoven Pasqualatihaus museum, at the turn of the walkway, where a beautiful view over the University of Vienna opens up. You can even see the Town Hall from there if you look to the left. This place is a true hidden gem next to some of the main attractions of Vienna, as it’s close to everything and offers nice views, but is also hidden enough to feel like you’re in a parallel reality away from the crowds.
Getting there
- Exact location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/co7h4Du2rdmuV1Ly6
- Nearest stops: U2 Shottentor is very close, which is one of the biggest transport hubs in the first district. Trams that go there: 1, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 71, D.
- How to reach: as this is also within the first district, the place is super easy to reach by foot.
Best time
Great and equally quiet at any time of the day. Note that there aren’t many streetlights, so it might get a bit dark after sunset. In summer, when the trees are full of leaves the view might not be fully seen, but walking uphill in this small jungle is also something magical.
6. Rathaus Colonnade Gallery
Vienna City Hall or Rathaus is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and one of the best proposal locations in Vienna in our opinion. The neo-gothic architecture of it is truly romantic and makes for a great proposal location at any time of the day. Not many people know that the outside colonnade at the front of the City Hall building is open to the public, so it’s usually quiet there.
Bonus tip: if you are visiting Vienna in December and love Christmas markets, this is a great place to enjoy a unique view over Christkindlmarkt.
Getting there
- Exact location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/a1qbvHHvaqxPZuHX8
- Nearest stops: tram stop Rathausplatz/Burgtheater (1, 71, D) is the most convenient option if arriving by public transport. The nearest underground station is again U2 Shottentor.
- How to reach: just walk up the stairs and you’ll end up right there. If there’s an event on the square, the colonnade is usually accessible via two small stairs at both front corers of the building.
Best Time
Generally accessible all day long and all year round, but might be crowded or blocked if there is an event going on at Rathausplatz. In terms of looks, the place is at its finest during the blue hour, when the warm lights are already on they make a nice contrast with the cold ambient light. If you like the illumination of Vienna after dark, this place is great at night as well.
If you’re planning your own engagement and are looking for an experienced proposal photographer in Vienna, we’d love to help you create a cinematic couple photography experience in this inspiring city and around it. Feel free to get in touch to start planning your personalised proposal photoshoot today! We offer extensive location support to help you plan everything before arriving to Austria and know all the right spots to take the best photos of your big moment.
Pin for Later
