Free Vienna Walk: Parliament, City Hall & Votive Church

Vienna Free Walking Tour Itinerary

Austrian Parliament Building,

Vienna City Hall, and Votivkirche Walking Tour

Text/Photos ©Sunny

Hello, I'm Traveler Sunny.

Today, I'm excited to introduce a walking tour itinerary located in Vienna, Austria.

All three locations offer free admission, and there are even free guided tours available, so keep that in mind!

Vienna Walking Tour Itinerary: From the Austrian Parliament Building to Votivkirche

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How to Get to the Vienna Parliament Building - Vienna City Hall - Votivkirche

After exploring the MuseumsQuartier, I made my way to the Austrian Parliament Building.

It's not far from the city center, near St. Stephen's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace, so it was easily accessible on foot.

From the Parliament Building to Vienna City Hall, it was a leisurely 10-minute walk, and the path itself offered such beautiful scenery that it felt like a delightful stroll.

From Vienna City Hall to Votivkirche, it was also a comfortable 10-minute walk, allowing me to explore the nearby park as well.

Moving between these three spots, I got to see streets and buildings with varying atmospheres, making the journey itself feel like an integral part of the trip.

This itinerary is mostly by foot,

but if you prefer a more comfortable way to get around,

you might want to check out the city tour buses!

Austrian Parliament Building: Beautiful Exterior and Central Fountain

Parliament Building

Parlamentsgebäude

As I walked towards the Austrian Parliament Building, I spotted a unique monument featuring several busts.

It's called the Vienna Republic Monument, commemorating the establishment of the First Austrian Republic. It features busts of the first mayors and politicians who greatly influenced democracy.

Even from a distance, the Parliament Building stands out, appearing to be inspired by a Greek temple.

The classical style of the exterior was truly impressive!

In front of the building, magnificent columns line up,

and above them, delicate sculptural decorations are added,

making it feel like an ancient Greek temple has been built here.

In front of the Parliament Building, there was a lavishly sculpted fountain,

centered around a statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom,

and it's known as the Pallas Athena Fountain.

Centered around the magnificent and splendid statue,

with the entire Parliament Building visible beyond the fountain,

this spot is famous as a photo zone!

The central spot was bustling with too many people,

so I quickly snapped a photo from a bit to the side and moved on.

But photos taken from the very center definitely turn out prettier!

The Parliament Building isn't just stunning from the front view;

by walking around the building,

you can also discover a variety of sculptures and decorations.

Notably, on the side, you can see unique features like female statues appearing to support parts of the architecture.

Throughout the building, from columns and reliefs to decorations with vibrant colors,

the characteristics of the Parliament Building, clearly influenced by ancient Greek architecture,

are evident everywhere.

The Parliament Building offers free guided tours of its interior,

but advance reservation is essential.

Since I hadn't looked up the tour information beforehand,

I regrettably only explored the exterior before moving on.

If you wish to see the interior, make sure to reserve in advance

and enjoy the free guided tour!

Vienna City Hall: A Grand Neo-Gothic Marvel Discovered on My Vienna Trip

Vienna City Hall

Wiener Rathaus

After exploring the Austrian Parliament Building,

As I made my way towards Vienna City Hall,

I got to soak in the vibrant cityscape of Vienna.

It wasn't a long walk before

suddenly, a magnificent building with towering spires emerged,

and that, my friends, was none other than the Vienna City Hall!

Its official name is the Rathaus,

and it stands as a prime example of Neo-Gothic architecture.

With its soaring central tower and intricate pointed spires,

complemented by exquisite exterior decorations,

it's truly a building that captivates you at first sight.

The sheer size of the building is breathtaking,

so much so that you can't even take it all in from up close!

Right in front of the City Hall lies the grand Rathausplatz,

a spacious square.

I had hoped to get a perfect frontal view from there,

but alas, during my visit, it was temporarily restricted due to an event.

This square is a hub of activity, hosting everything from film festivals and Christmas markets,

to various concerts and vibrant festivals.

So keep in mind that access to the square might be limited depending on the time of year,

it's a good idea to check for ongoing events before you plan your visit!

Good news! Vienna City Hall also offers free interior tours,

though their operating hours are limited, and tours are primarily in German.

But don't worry, they do provide English audio guides,

so if you're keen to explore inside, I recommend booking in advance!

As I wandered around Vienna City Hall, I stumbled upon a museum called MUSA.

It's a captivating space that showcases artworks owned by the City of Vienna,

featuring a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and videos.

And the best part? It's an art museum you can explore for free!

I didn't have the luxury of time, so I simply passed it by,

but if contemporary art sparks your interest,

it's definitely worth checking out!

A little further on, and you'll discover the impressive University of Vienna.

This historic building, which opened its doors in 1884,

boasts a truly grand and unforgettable exterior.

It's still an active university building today,

and I hear there are some fantastic photo opportunities inside the building,

but I only caught a glimpse of the exterior as I walked past from the back.

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If you have the time, they even offer interior tours and visits,

so I highly recommend checking their schedule and making a visit!

Votive Church: A Stunning Neo-Gothic Cathedral in Vienna

Votive Church

Votivkirche

The Votive Church truly stands out, with its soaring spires visible even from afar.

The Votive Church is also a Neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece,

and its two towering spires were the first thing I saw.

Its grand scale meant that from the park across the street,

I could capture its full facade.

Inside the park, there were small sculptures and benches

scattered around, offering a much-needed break

for my tired legs after all that walking.

The park is also a fantastic photo spot

for capturing memories with the Votive Church, so definitely keep that in mind.

The front exterior is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations,

making it fun to admire every single detail.

The spires reaching high into the sky and the overall silhouette of the cathedral

made it a truly impressive sight.

The Votive Church is also naturally connected along the route,

making it a great final stop after exploring the Parliament Building and Vienna City Hall.

On weekdays, the cathedral's operating hours are a bit shorter,

so if you want to see the interior, a route starting with the Votive Church

and then moving on to the Parliament Building might be a good idea.

Unfortunately, I arrived after closing hours,

so I could only admire the exterior on this visit.

Besides seeing the church from the front,

I carefully explored its exterior from all angles.

Admission to the church interior is free,

but the museum operated by the church requires a paid ticket.

[Votive Church Museum Operating Information]

Tue-Fri: 1 PM - 3 PM / Sat: 2 PM - 5 PM

Admission: General 8 euros / Discounted 7 euros (seniors, students)

Children under 14 years old free

※ Museum access requires using a spiral staircase

What's unique is that in the evening, there's a light show inside the cathedral.

It sounded so magical, and I really wanted to see it,

but advance booking is essential, so I sadly missed out.

[Votive Church Night Light Show - Light of Creation]

Advance reservation required (usually runs 8 PM - 9 PM)

Admission: General 27 euros

Children under 6 years old not permitted

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

If you want to experience the Votive Church night light show,

make sure to book your tickets in advance!

[Book your tickets now → ]

Right next to the Votive Church, you'll find a charming small park,

where beautiful sculptures are also on display.

We rounded off our visit by enjoying the outdoor views and a leisurely stroll before heading off.

Instead of just focusing on museums and art galleries in Vienna,

you can explore the city at a relaxed yet efficient pace by soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of its streets and historic buildings.

I highly recommend this route for its fantastic photo opportunities, too!

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Traveler Sunny's Real-Life Travel Review Scorecard

Recommended for:

• ​Those who want to see Vienna's iconic architectural masterpieces grouped together.

• Those who wish to leisurely enjoy the photogenic exteriors and surrounding landscapes of historical buildings.

Not Recommended for:

• ​Those who prefer travel itineraries with less walking.

• Those traveling by car.

One-Line Review:

• A fantastic walking tour that allows you to explore Vienna's representative architectural wonders all at once, from the Austrian Parliament Building to Vienna City Hall and the Votive Church!

Also, check out city tour buses for convenient travel!