Vienna Photo Spots 2026: Maria Theresia Square & MQ Free Views

Vienna Photo Spots

Maria-Theresien-Platz and

MuseumsQuartier Free Observation Deck

Text/Photos © Sunny

Hello, I'm Traveler Sunny!

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce some fantastic

free photo spots and a free observation deck in Vienna that are absolutely worth visiting.

Introduction to Vienna Photo Spots

Exploring Vienna's Cultural District

Maria-Theresien-Platz is conveniently located next to the Hofburg Palace.

You can easily explore several amazing sites on foot,

following a route from **St. Stephen's Cathedral → Hofburg Palace → right up to the square!**

However, if you're using a Vienna 24-hour public transport pass,

I highly recommend using the **Volkstheater or MuseumsQuartier stations.**

This way, you can get there with minimal walking!

Maria-Theresien-Platz Photo Spot

On both sides of Maria-Theresien-Platz, you'll find the

**Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum)**, facing each other like magnificent twins.

Their exteriors are strikingly identical, and this perfectly symmetrical arrangement on either side of the grand square makes it

**one of Vienna's most iconic photo spots!**

The **Naturhistorisches Museum** is home to **diverse exhibitions, including dinosaur fossils, minerals,

meteorites, and animal specimens**, making it a fantastic place to visit with children!

The **Kunsthistorisches Museum** showcases

**the incredible collections amassed by the Habsburg dynasty,**

As it showcases works by European masters,

I highly recommend it as a must-visit if you have an interest in art.

I'm not particularly interested in museums or art galleries,

so I only included the Belvedere Palace in my itinerary.

As for the Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum,

I just admired their exteriors from outside.

The walking paths outside the buildings are beautifully maintained,

and there are plenty of spots to rest, like benches, scattered along the way.

So, I was perfectly content with just exploring the exterior.

In the center of Maria Theresia Square,

there's a colossal statue nestled between the two magnificent buildings.

Maria Theresia, who led the Habsburg Monarchy in the 18th century,

was one of the most influential monarchs in the empire's history and remains

a beloved figure in Austria.

Perhaps that's why, even though other areas were relatively quiet,

the space in front of the statue was quite crowded

with people taking photos.

Personally, I recommend taking your photos from a slight angle

so that both the statue and the buildings are captured together!

If you're planning to visit Vienna's Art History Museum and Natural History Museum

I highly recommend preparing your admission tickets in advance!

A Stroll Through the Museumsquartier and a Free Observatory

The Museumsquartier is Vienna's iconic cultural and artistic complex,

bringing together various museums, art galleries,

performance venues, cafes, and more.

Even if you don't go inside,

it's wonderful to stroll through the square, admiring the unique architecture,

or simply sit at a cafe and soak in Vienna's vibrant atmosphere.

Among the prominent art museums is the Kunsthalle Wien,

renowned for its contemporary art.

Housed in a converted royal stable,

the museum's exterior is also famous for its distinctive ambiance.

The most striking building is MUMOK,

Austria's largest contemporary art museum.

Thanks to its unique dark gray exterior,

it's easily recognizable from afar.

It's a place that houses world-class contemporary art pieces

by artists such as Picasso and Andy Warhol.

The Leopold Museum, home to the largest collection of works by Austria's renowned artist Egon Schiele,

was also located right within the MuseumsQuartier.

​

Good to know: there's a free observation deck

above the Leopold Museum with its sleek exterior.

If you head to the opposite side of the Leopold Museum's entrance,

you'll find the entrance to the MQ Libelle Terrace.

The entrance looked like it might be restricted,

but I found out you can freely enter during operating hours!

​

Take the elevator up, and you'll emerge into a

viewing area where you can look out over

the entire MuseumsQuartier.

While it's not a super high-altitude viewpoint,

you can still get a great perspective of the many buildings you've passed by.

What's more, it's easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers,

and since it tends to be quiet, it's perfect for visiting with kids.

There's even a bar nearby where you can grab a light drink, so

you can sit back, sip, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.

If you're like me and prefer admiring building exteriors and strolling through Vienna's streets more than diving into museums,

I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the cultural district and checking out the MuseumsQuartier's free observation deck!​

Also, be sure to check out discounted tickets that allow you to visit both the Leopold Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum!

​

Traveler Sunny's Real-World Travel Review

Recommended For

• ​Those who prefer soaking in Vienna's atmosphere with a leisurely stroll rather than visiting museums and art galleries.

• Those who love budget-friendly travel, seeking out free observation decks and hidden photo spots.

Not Recommended For

• ​Those primarily interested in viewing indoor artworks.

• Those expecting a grand, high-altitude observation deck.

One-Line Review

• With Vienna's magnificent squares and even a free observation deck, this route is highly recommended for enjoying Vienna's ambiance without breaking the bank.

Don't forget to check out the Vienna Walking Tour

to explore the city center inside and out!