Austrian National Tourist Office

ViennaAustria 48° N · 16° E

Planning a visit to Vienna, Austria, offers travelers an enriching journey through centuries of cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and vibrant city life.

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What the Austrian National Tourist Office is

The Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) is an official source of travel guidance for Austria. The Vienna Visitor Center, at Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse in the city center, provides multilingual assistance, up-to-date travel information, personalized itinerary planning, accommodation bookings, accessibility support and digital resources. The center is also described as offering ticket sales for major attractions.

For current information, visit the official Austrian National Tourist Office website and the Vienna tourism portal.

History and role

Established in 1955 as “Österreichische Fremdenverkehrswerbung” and rebranded in 1989, ANTO has grown into Austria’s premier tourism authority (b2b.austria.info). Its headquarters at Vordere Zollamtsstraße 13, Vienna, coordinates a global network promoting Austria’s cultural and natural treasures, adapting to industry trends and emphasizing sustainable tourism (austriatourism.com).

ANTO’s “Vacation in Austria” brand highlights the nation’s culture and scenic beauty, using data-driven marketing strategies to attract travelers globally. Sustainability is a core value, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promoting eco-friendly travel options (b2b.austria.info).

Tourism is a pillar of Austria’s economy, driving GDP growth, employment and regional development. ANTO plays a role in fostering responsible travel that benefits communities and preserves heritage (transition-pathways.europa.eu).

What to see

Vienna’s top sights include Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina Museum.

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, known for its Baroque splendor and gardens.

  • Palace Daily, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM; last entry 5:00 PM.
  • Gardens Open from 6:30 AM until sunset.
  • Special events Schedules vary; check the official website for updates.
  • Tickets Options include the Classic Pass, Grand Tour and combo tickets with the zoo or an audio guide. Prices are €14–€30, depending on tour and age. Online booking in advance is recommended to skip queues.
  • Accessibility The palace and gardens provide wheelchair access; check the website for details.
  • Getting there Take the U4 metro to Schönbrunn Station. Free Wi-Fi is available at the main visitor center, and tourist SIM cards are available (Vienna Tourist Information).

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) is Vienna’s Gothic landmark and is central to the city’s heritage and spiritual life.

  • Main church 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; free entry.
  • Towers and catacombs Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM; Sunday from 12:00 PM. Tickets cost €6–€8 (official site).
  • Guided tours Offered daily in multiple languages; advance booking is recommended.
  • Accessibility The main church is wheelchair accessible; tower access may be limited.
  • Special events Regular organ concerts and religious ceremonies are listed in the event calendar.

Practical visiting information

Vienna Tourist Information Centers

  • City Center (Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse) Open daily 09:00–18:00. Offers city maps, ticket sales and multilingual support (wien.info).
  • Vienna International Airport (Arrivals Hall) Open daily 09:00–18:00. Provides hotel bookings and Vienna City Card purchases.
  • Vienna Main Station Open daily 09:00–19:00. Services are tailored to train travelers.

The phone line, +43-1-24 555, is open Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00. The email address is [email protected].

Tickets and visiting hours

ANTO does not directly sell attraction tickets, but maintains current details on visiting hours and prices for major sites. Tickets can be bought online from official attraction sites, at tourist centers or through authorized partners. The Vienna Visitor Center is also described as offering ticket sales for major attractions.

Online information and digital tools

The official ANTO website is Austria’s largest multilingual tourism portal and offers travel guides, event calendars and booking tools. The Vienna Tourist Board’s “ivie” app provides interactive maps and smart recommendations (wien.info). The guide also recommends downloading the “ivie” and “Audiala” apps.

Accessibility and inclusive services

Vienna’s visitor centers offer:

  • Physical access Step-free entrances, accessible restrooms and wide interiors.
  • Information access Braille and large-print materials, hearing loops and multilingual staff.
  • Transport access Proximity to accessible U-Bahn stations, trams and buses.

Most cultural venues offer barrier-free access (visitingvienna.com).

Contacts

Travel tips

Visit popular attractions early. The Vienna City Card can be used for public transport and attraction discounts. Sustainable options include walking tours, bike rentals and eco-certified hotels; visitors can also explore lesser-known photographic spots.

Nearby places

Near St. Stephen’s Cathedral are Mozarthaus Vienna, Graben and Kärntner Strasse, and Hofburg Palace.

Practical visitor FAQs

Where can I buy attraction tickets?
Online from official sites, tourist centers or authorized vendors.

What are Vienna Visitor Center’s opening hours?
Generally 9:00 AM–6:00 PM or 7:00 PM; check here for updates.

Does ANTO help with travel planning?
Yes, both online and in person.

Are sustainable travel options promoted?
Yes; see www.austria.info for details.

Is the Vienna City Card recommended?
Yes, for public transport and attraction discounts.