My introduction to Austria happened by chance — and turned into a true love. The Alpine landscapes, silence, and powerful energy of nature completely changed my plans. For more than ten years, I have explored Austria dozens of times: on foot, by bicycle, and even from the air — discovering routes for travelers of all ages and travel styles. Today I help people experience the real Austria and create personalized itineraries that make each journey deeper, more comfortable, and more inspiring. Let Austria become your next unforgettable destination!
Prater
Prater is much more than a classic amusement park. It is a large leisure area in the heart of Vienna that combines adrenaline rides, a vast green park, colorful street food, and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Families can mix rides, open space, relaxed walks, and photo-friendly corners without feeling like they are “doing another museum.”
For parents traveling with children aged 5-18, Prater works because it offers choice instead of a fixed program. Some family members can go for thrills, others can slow down, and everyone stays in the same area. That flexibility makes Prater a reliable stop during a family trip to Vienna.
Prater (Wiener Prater): Key Information
Address:
Vienna’s Leopoldstadt district, between the Danube River and the Danube Canal.
How to Get There
Prater is located in Vienna’s Leopoldstadt district, between the Danube River and the Danube Canal. The amusement zone is known as Wurstelprater, while the large green area is called Grüner Prater.
How to get to Prater:
- Metro U1 or U2 to Praterstern – the fastest and clearest option.
- S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S3, S7 also stop at Praterstern.
Take metro U1 or U2 to Praterstern. The station offers direct, step-free access. From there, it is a pleasant 5-minute walk to Wurstelprater, the amusement area.
Is a rental car necessary? Yes. Traveling with a car is more convenient than without one, especially for families with strollers, backpacks, and a flexible schedule, even though Prater itself is easy to reach by public transport.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itinerary
Parking
By car – several parking areas are available nearby, typically €3-€4 per hour.
Opening Hours
Most attractions operate from mid-March to late October, and opening times depend on weather. Many rides begin operating between 10:00 and 13:00. Restaurants and key attractions remain open year-round.
Tickets
Prater has no entrance fee. Each attraction is paid separately, which allows families to control both pace and budget without committing to a full-day pass. Typical prices: Family rides and carousels: €4-€6 per ride; Extreme rides: €7-€12; Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel): €14; Prater Tower (Praterturm): €10; Ride photos: €5. A practical limitation is payment: many ticket booths accept cash only.
Duration
A realistic minimum for Prater is 3-4 hours. A full day only makes sense when combining Wurstelprater with extended time in Grüner Prater.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon and evening are the most visually impressive, when lights and music make the park feel more alive. Weekends, holidays, and Halloween periods can be noticeably crowded.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires.
Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation.
During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp.
Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation.
Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Which Attractions in Prater Should Not Be Missed?
Wiener Riesenrad – The Iconic Ferris Wheel
Built in 1897 and rising about 65 meters, the Ferris Wheel offers a slow 10-15 minute rotation with wide views over Vienna. It is calm, photogenic, and suitable for all ages, including visitors who avoid fast rides.
VIP cabins exist, but the standard cabins already deliver the full experience for families.
Prater Tower – The Tallest Swing Ride in the World
Prater Tower rises to approximately 117 meters and offers a rotating swing ride with open views across Vienna and the Danube. It delivers excitement without being overwhelming.
One clear drawback is temperature. Even in summer, wind and cooler air are noticeable at the top.
Roller Coasters and Extreme Rides in Prater
Prater includes more than 250 attractions, with several high-intensity rides popular among teenagers:
- Boomerang – forward and backward looping coaster
- Olympia Looping – five consecutive loops
- Megablitz – fast, classic roller coaster
- Gesengte Sau – sharp turns and sudden drops
Height restrictions apply, and not every child will enjoy these rides.
Which Prater Attractions Are Best for Younger Children?
Prater offers many gentle, family-friendly options that allow younger children to enjoy the park without entering extreme zones. Popular choices include Autodrom (bumper cars), Dizzy Maus spinning coaster, water-based rides such as Aqua Gaudi, classic carousels, and a small children’s train.
These areas are calmer and easier to manage with children aged 5-8. Some rides are older in design, which may be noticeable, but they remain engaging and accessible.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itinerary
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: For younger children, alternating rides with food and rest breaks works far better than chasing the biggest attraction.
What Can You Do in Grüner Prater?
Grüner Prater is a large green park with walking paths, cycling routes, shaded areas, and picnic spots. It provides a quiet counterbalance to the noise and movement of the amusement zone.
Families can walk, sit in the shade, rent bikes, or simply allow children space to move freely. This section is especially valuable on hot days or when energy levels drop.
Twisting colorful loops weave together like a living sculpture, capturing the playful energy of the Prater amusement park.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert (first-hand experience): One hour in Grüner Prater after rides helps children reset and keeps the rest of the day enjoyable.
What Is Near Prater Worth Combining with the Visit?
Within walking distance or a short ride, Prater can be combined with:
- Madame Tussauds Vienna
- Vienna Planetarium
- Prater Museum
- Walks along the Danube
- Wide, family-friendly cycling paths
These additions work well as flexible backups if weather or energy changes during the day.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: The Planetarium is a low-effort option that fits well at the end of a busy day.
How Much Time Should Be Planned and What Are the Limitations?
Key limitations to consider:
- Long ticket lines during peak hours
- Cash-only payment at many points
- Paid restrooms (€1, usually coins only)
- Reduced operations during winter
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Choose 2-3 priority attractions and treat everything else as optional. This keeps the visit structured without pressure.
Who Is Prater Best Suited For?
Prater is especially well suited for families with children aged 5-18 who are looking for a mix of nature, excitement, visual variety, and informal food options. It works well for travelers who want to break up a dense city itinerary with something lighter and more flexible.
Prater is less suitable for visitors seeking silence or a very short stop. The area is lively, colorful, and intentionally unstructured, allowing each family to shape the visit according to its own rhythm rather than follow a fixed route.
Bright tracks and cheerful entrances invite visitors to step into a world where childhood excitement never fades.
1-Day Family Route in Prater (Wiener Prater) | 10:00-18:00
Trip Duration: 1 days
10:00-18:00
Morning | 10:00-13:00 – Easy Start & Classic Attractions
10:00-10:20 – Orientation walk
Walk along the main avenue, check height requirements, and agree with the children on priorities. This early coordination helps avoid pressure later in the day.
10:20-11:00 – Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel)
A calm 10-15 minute ride with panoramic views over Vienna.
Morning light is ideal for photos, and queues are usually shorter.
11:00-13:00 – Family rides near the Ferris Wheel
Focus on classic attractions such as Autodrom, traditional carousels, and Dizzy Maus.
Lunch | 13:00-14:00 – Simple & Central
Where to eat:
Schweizerhaus – traditional Viennese food in a relaxed setting.
Alternative:
Nearby street-food stands offering sausages and fries.
Afternoon | 14:00-16:30 – Thrills and Nature Balance
14:00-15:00 – Thrill rides for teenagers
This is the best time for higher-intensity attractions such as Boomerang and Megablitz.
This block works best for older children and teenagers looking for a stronger adrenaline element.
15:00-16:30 – Grüner Prater (Green Prater)
A 10-minute walk leads into the open green park. Shift the pace completely: walking paths, shaded areas, optional cycling, and space to rest. This break helps balance the stimulation from rides earlier in the day.
Evening | 16:30-18:00 – Views and Lights
16:30-17:00 – Prater Tower (Praterturm)
A rotating swing ride rising to 117 meters, offering wide views across Vienna.
Wind and cooler temperatures are common at the top.
17:15-18:00 – Light dinner and evening stroll
Choose a simple dinner near the park-burgers, pasta, or casual food options.
Afterward, walk through the illuminated amusement area as Prater becomes more atmospheric at night.
Traveler Experiences in Prater (Wiener Prater)
Michael Turner
August 2019
We visited Prater with our two children, aged 7 and 11, and it turned out to be a perfect break from classic city sightseeing. The fact that there is no entrance fee made everything feel relaxed. The Ferris Wheel was an ideal starting point-slow, scenic, and comfortable for kids. One thing to plan for in advance is cash; without it, you lose time looking for ATMs.
Laura Bennett
July 2021
We came to Prater in the evening, and the lights completely changed the atmosphere. The kids enjoyed bumper cars and spinning rides, while we liked simply walking around. Food options are simple but practical for families. The only annoyance was paid restrooms that require coins, which is inconvenient if you are not prepared
Daniel Moore
September 2018
I did not expect to enjoy an amusement park this much, but Prater surprised me. It feels slightly old-fashioned, not overly modern, which adds character. Prater Tower was the highlight for me, with impressive views. For families, setting a clear ride budget beforehand is essential, otherwise expenses add up quickly.
Emma Collins
June 2022
Arriving around midday felt noisy and overwhelming at first. Taking a break in Grüner Prater changed the entire experience. The green space allowed everyone to slow down before returning to the rides. That balance between excitement and nature worked extremely well with children.
Tips from the Itinerary Expert
I always arrive at Prater either early in the morning or closer to evening. Midday tends to be the most crowded, while mornings feel calmer and evenings become visually impressive thanks to the lights around Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel).
From my experience, starting with calmer attractions works best. Beginning with the Ferris Wheel and family rides helps everyone ease into the day before moving on to faster or higher-intensity attractions later.
I never enter Prater without cash. Many ride ticket booths, food stands, and even restrooms do not accept cards. Searching for an ATM with children quickly drains time and patience.
When the noise and stimulation become too much, I deliberately change pace and walk into Grüner Prater (Green Prater). One quiet hour surrounded by green space resets children and keeps the rest of the visit enjoyable.
I plan food breaks carefully and avoid eating right before extreme rides such as Boomerang or Megablitz. Light snacks first and a proper meal afterward make a noticeable difference in comfort.
I always agree on a ride budget with the children before starting. Paying per attraction offers flexibility, but without limits, costs rise faster than expected.
For Prater Tower (Praterturm), I bring a light jacket even in summer. At 117 meters, wind and temperature feel very different, especially for children.
If we are using a rental car, I park nearby and combine Prater with other plans. Yes, the area is easy to reach by metro, but with children and bags, a car makes the day smoother.
Insights from the Itinerary Expert
I visited Prater (Wiener Prater) in August 2022, traveling with a family that included school-age children. What stood out immediately was how flexible the experience felt. This is not a place with a single “correct” route. You choose the rhythm, and that freedom removes a lot of pressure from a family day.
From my experience, the real strength of Prater lies in balance. The contrast between the movement and color around Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) and the open space of Grüner Prater (Green Prater) makes a noticeable difference for children. After fast rides, that green pause helps everyone reset. Prater Tower (Praterturm) delivers the strongest visual impact, but it also highlights the need to plan ahead, as wind and temperature change quickly at that height.
There are limitations worth acknowledging. Costs add up if no boundaries are set, peak hours can feel crowded, and relying only on cards instead of cash slows the day. With realistic expectations and a loose structure, Prater works extremely well for families.
In the end, Prater is not just an amusement park. It is a lively, colorful Vienna experience that fits naturally into a family trip. We invite you to create a personalized itinerary for Prater and for Austria as a whole-one that matches your pace, interests, and travel style.
Spinning carnival rides glow with color and motion, filling the Prater with music, lights, and carefree joy.
Price Table
| Name | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hotels (double room) | €60-€90 per night EUR | Hostels and budget hotels, Prater area / Vienna city center |
| Mid-range hotels (double room) | €100-€140 per night EUR | 3★ hotels, suitable for family travel |
| High-end hotels (double room) | €250-€400 per night EUR | 5★ hotels, prices increase during Christmas and New Year |
| Apartment for a family of 5 | €90-€180 per night EUR | Apartments / Airbnb, Leopoldstadt is especially convenient |
| Car rental per day | No data in the files | Price files do not include car rental information |
| Public transportation | €2.40-€17.10 EUR | Single ticket €2.40, 24-72 hour tickets €8.60-€17.10 |
| Restaurant | €18-€35 per person EUR | Average restaurant €18-€30, Schweizerhaus €20-€35 |
Common questions about Prater (Wiener Prater)
What we propose
Emma Heidi
Customer Experience Manager
Take all the stress out of planning your trip!
With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs.
We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey.
We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients.
Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary.
A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide.
Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars.
We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time.
Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go.
Service cost: from only $420. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.
Want to know if it’s really worth it?
Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us.
Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection.
Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever.
How it works
- You are welcome to contact us
- We discuss your trip
- You fill out a special form
- We create your itinerary
- You get it with all useful tips
- We are in touch with you all the time
