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!
Natural History Museum Vienna
Natural History Museum Vienna (Natural History Museum Vienna) is one of the most impressive science museums in Europe, with over 30 million items across 39 large exhibition halls. This is not a museum of endless glass cases and long texts. It feels like a well-structured journey through Earth’s story-from geology and meteorites to dinosaurs and modern wildlife.
The setting matters, too. The monumental building on Maria-Theresien-Platz makes an impact from the first moment: high ceilings, a massive dome, and grand staircases create a sense of scale that children react to instantly. For families with kids aged 5-18, the combination of visuals, size, and clear storytelling holds attention longer than most city museums.
Where is Natural History Museum Vienna located and how do you get there?
Natural History Museum Vienna is located in the historic center of Vienna on Maria-Theresien-Platz, directly opposite its twin building, the Kunsthistorisches Museum. This central position makes it easy to combine the visit with a relaxed city walk before or after the museum.
Reaching the museum is straightforward. From Vienna’s historic center, it is an easy and pleasant walk. Public transport is also very convenient: take the U3 metro line to Volkstheater, then continue on foot for about 5 minutes across the square. Tourist buses stop nearby, although there is no dedicated bus parking on the square itself.
Parking directly at Maria-Theresien-Platz is not available, and the entire area operates as a paid parking zone. Yes, renting a car is more convenient than not having one, especially for families combining several city stops in one day, even if the museum itself is best reached on foot or by metro.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itinerary
Tip from the Itinerary Expert (first-hand): Arriving early in the morning makes a noticeable difference. The surroundings are calmer, entry is smoother, and children stay focused during the most important first hours inside the museum.
When is Natural History Museum Vienna open and how much time is needed?
Natural History Museum Vienna is generally open until 18:00, with extended opening hours until 21:00 on Wednesdays. This later closing time works particularly well for families who prefer a slower pace or want to avoid peak morning hours.
A short visit takes 2-3 hours, but in reality many families spend half a day inside. The museum is large, and the variety of exhibitions makes it difficult to “just stop by.” Planning enough time in advance helps avoid rushing through sections and keeps the experience enjoyable rather than tiring.
One limitation families should be aware of is the indoor climate during warmer months. In summer, some halls can feel warm, as full air conditioning is not available throughout the entire building. This is most noticeable during busy midday hours.
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.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: During summer visits, planning short outdoor breaks on Maria-Theresien-Platz and returning inside later helps balance energy levels and keeps children more engaged.
How much does a visit to Natural History Museum Vienna cost?
Ticket pricing at Natural History Museum Vienna is straightforward and family-friendly. Adult tickets cost €15-€16, depending on the period, while children and teenagers up to 19 years old enter for free. This policy makes the museum especially attractive for families traveling with multiple children.
Tickets can usually be purchased directly on site, and advance booking is not required for standard visits. This flexibility is useful when traveling with children, as plans often change during the day and strict time slots can add unnecessary pressure.
From a family perspective, the value is clear. The combination of free entry for children and the amount of time spent inside makes this one of the most cost-effective indoor activities in Vienna.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: For families with several children, this museum offers one of the best price-to-time-spent ratios in the city, especially compared to other indoor attractions.
What can families see inside Natural History Museum Vienna?
The internal layout of Natural History Museum Vienna follows a clear and logical sequence, which helps families move through the exhibitions without feeling lost. Even younger visitors can understand the general flow of the story, which reduces fatigue and confusion during a long visit.
Architecture and atmosphere
Building highlights: dome, marble staircases, frescoes, statues
Before focusing on individual exhibits, the building itself makes a strong impression. A 60-meter-high dome, marble staircases, frescoes, and statues of scientists such as Newton and Linnaeus create a palace-like atmosphere. Many children stop here instinctively, simply looking up and absorbing the scale of the space. This architectural impact works without explanation. It creates emotional engagement from the start and sets the tone for the rest of the visit.
Minerals, crystals, and meteorites
Mineral halls: giant crystals, gemstones, moon rock samples
The mineral halls are among the largest in Europe. Visitors see giant crystals, gemstones, gold samples, and meteorites, including authentic moon rock samples. Bright colors and unusual shapes capture attention easily, even for younger children.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert (first-hand): When children start losing patience, this is a good place to move on quickly. It’s visually strong but easy to return to later if time allows.
Dinosaurs and Earth history
Family highlight: full-size skeletons, T-Rex skull, mammoths, moving models
For most families, this section is the clear highlight. Full-size Plateosaurus skeletons, a massive Tyrannosaurus rex skull, mammoths, fossilized trees, and ancient marine creatures fill several large halls. Moving models and selective interactive elements add energy and movement. It’s important to set expectations correctly. This is a museum, not a theme park. Interaction exists, but not everywhere, so pacing and guidance help children stay engaged.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Starting with dinosaurs early in the visit-before school groups arrive-keeps excitement high from the beginning.
Venus of Willendorf
Prehistoric icon: small object, big story
One of the most famous archaeological objects in the world, the Venus of Willendorf (Venus of Willendorf), is physically small but culturally significant. Dating back approximately 29,500 years, this figurine offers a compact yet powerful moment within the visit. For families, it works best as a brief stop rather than a long explanation. Presenting this exhibit as a short story about early human life helps children connect without losing interest. Its placement within the museum allows for a natural pause between larger, more visually intense halls.
The animal world
Zoological sections: Smilodon, sharks, horseshoe crab
The zoological sections present a broad overview of life on Earth, from preserved mammals and birds to insects and marine creatures. Highlights include the Smilodon (saber-toothed cat) skeleton, sharks with multiple rows of teeth, and the horseshoe crab with its distinctive blue blood. The scale of this area is impressive and can feel overwhelming if approached without a plan. Selecting specific sections helps maintain focus and energy.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: With children, choosing two or three main themes works far better than trying to see everything in one visit.
Is Natural History Museum Vienna suitable for younger children? Food, facilities, and breaks
Natural History Museum Vienna can work well for younger children, with realistic expectations. Children aged 6 and older tend to benefit the most, especially from the dinosaur halls, large skeletons, and moving models. These elements are visual, intuitive, and do not require long explanations.
For younger children, the main challenge is the size of the museum. Long walking distances, multiple floors, and the sheer number of exhibits can feel tiring. While there are interactive areas and child-friendly displays, the visit is still relatively long and demands planning.
Shorter visits, frequent pauses, and limiting the number of sections make a noticeable difference. Choosing only the most visually engaging halls helps younger children enjoy the experience without becoming overwhelmed.
Natural History Museum Vienna offers basic facilities that are important for families planning a longer visit. A café-restaurant operates on the second floor, overlooking the central atrium. It is convenient, especially with children, but prices are relatively high and queues tend to form around lunchtime.
Restrooms are available on multiple levels, and lockers and cloakroom services are provided near the entrance. Some of these services are free of charge and are particularly useful for families carrying water, jackets, or backpacks.
Planning breaks in advance plays a key role in how the day feels overall. Sitting down briefly or stepping outside can reset energy levels and prevent fatigue from building up too early.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itinerary
Suitable For
- ✓ Families
- ✗ Seniors
- ✗ Limited Mobility
Amenities
- ✓ Toilets
- ✓ Cafe
- ✗ Elevator
- ✗ Kids Zone
- ✓ Stroller Friendly
- ✗ Wheelchair Accessible
Pros and cons of visiting Natural History Museum Vienna with family
Pros
- The museum offers a massive and diverse collection that works well for a wide age range, from early school years through teenagers. Dinosaurs, large skeletons, and visual displays hold attention without requiring constant explanations.
- Free entry for children and teenagers under 19 significantly reduces costs for families, making this one of the most budget-friendly major attractions in Vienna.
- The central location on Maria-Theresien-Platz also makes logistics simple and allows easy combination with walking routes and other city areas.
Cons
- During summer months, some halls feel warm due to limited air conditioning, especially at peak midday hours.
- Crowds can build up quickly, particularly when school groups are present, which increases noise levels.
- This museum is also less suitable for children who need constant physical activity. It works best for families comfortable with walking, standing, and focusing on visual content rather than hands-on play.
1-Day Family Itinerary - Natural History Museum Vienna
Trip Duration: 1 days
Family day around Natural History Museum Vienna
Morning | 10:00-13:00
Natural History Museum Vienna (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien)
10:00-10:15 – Arrival
Arrive on foot from Vienna’s historic center or take the U3 metro to Volkstheater, followed by a 5-minute walk to Maria-Theresien-Platz. The elegant square and the twin museum buildings immediately set an impressive tone for the day.
10:15-12:45 – Museum visit
Plan 2.5-3 hours inside the museum at a relaxed, family-friendly pace.
Tickets: €15-€16 per adult; children and teenagers under 19 enter free.
Lunch | 13:00-14:30
13:00-14:00 – Lunch
Option 1: Café-Restaurant im NHM (inside the museum) – convenient but relatively expensive.
Option 2 (recommended): walk 5-7 minutes toward Burgring for simpler, more relaxed cafés suitable for families.
14:00-14:30 – Break at Maria-Theresien-Platz
An open, spacious area ideal for resting, taking photos, and letting children move after time indoors.
Afternoon & Evening | 14:30-18:00
14:30-15:30 – Optional return to the museum
Same-day re-entry is allowed. Use this hour to revisit a favorite section or see something missed earlier.
15:30-16:30 – Walk along Ringstraße
A relaxed 15-20-minute walk for atmosphere, photos, and ice-cream stops.
Public transport alternative: a single ride costs about €2.40.
16:30-18:00 – Early dinner
Choose a casual, family-friendly restaurant in the city center with a short, clear menu.
Traveler reviews about Natural History Museum Vienna
Daniel Cooper
August 2019
We visited with two children aged 7 and 11 and expected a short stop. Instead, we spent nearly half a day inside. The dinosaur halls were the clear highlight, while the mineral rooms impressed us with their size and colors. By midday it became warmer and busier, so starting early made a real difference.
Laura Mitchell
May 2023
I usually don’t enjoy museums, but this one felt different. The building looks like a palace, and the layout is easy to follow even for children. My 10-year-old stayed focused much longer than expected, especially in the dinosaur and Earth history sections. The café is convenient but overpriced, so we preferred a break outside.
James Walker
December 2018
We visited on a cold winter day, and it was an ideal indoor plan. The halls are spacious, the displays are clear, and there is no pressure to follow a fixed route. The kids loved the moving models and meteorites. The main challenge is choosing what to see, as everything doesn’t fit into one visit.
Emily Roberts
July 2024
The museum is impressive, but summer visits need planning. It was warm and busy, and we needed several breaks. On the positive side, the animal world exhibits and sharks kept even our teenager engaged. Bringing water and using the lockers helped a lot during the long visit.
Michael Turner
March 2022
I came with a 16-year-old who expected to be bored. Instead, he spent almost an hour in the evolution and skeleton halls. What stood out most was the scale-this is not a small museum. Free entry for children makes it excellent value for families.
Sarah Bennett
September 2025
This is one of the few places in Vienna that works equally well for adults and children. The content has depth but doesn’t feel overwhelming. We appreciated being able to leave for a short break and return later. The café was fine, though service slowed down during busy hours.
Oliver Harris
November 2021
We spent about three hours inside and still felt it was only an introduction. The mineral and meteorite halls were fascinating, even for our 8-year-old. The architecture adds a lot to the experience-you constantly look up at ceilings and details. During peak hours, it can get noisy.
Tips from the Itinerary Expert
I always enter the museum right at opening time. Arriving around 10:00 allows me to start with the dinosaur halls before school groups arrive. The first hour is noticeably calmer and makes it much easier for children to stay focused.
I never try to see everything in one visit. The museum is very large, so I choose three core areas in advance-Dinosaurs, Minerals, and Earth History. This approach prevents overload and keeps the experience enjoyable for both children and adults.
During summer visits, I plan outdoor breaks intentionally. Some halls become warm, so I step outside to Maria-Theresien-Platz halfway through the visit and return later. Same-day re-entry makes this strategy very effective.
I use the lockers immediately after entering. Leaving backpacks, jackets, and extra items at the entrance makes walking for several hours much easier, especially with children who tire quickly when carrying things.
I avoid the museum café at peak lunchtime. Although it is convenient, it becomes crowded. I either eat earlier or leave the museum for lunch nearby and return afterward.
With children, I always start with the “wow factor.” Dinosaurs and large skeletons come first, followed by minerals and quieter halls. This order keeps excitement high throughout the visit.
I bring water from outside. Inside the museum it’s easy to forget to drink, especially during warm months, and having water prevents unnecessary fatigue.
When traveling with teenagers, I allow short independence. Older kids choose one hall that interests them and meet again later. This makes the visit feel less forced and more engaging.
Whenever possible, I choose a weekday morning. The atmosphere is noticeably calmer than on weekends, with fewer groups and more space to move comfortably.
Insights from the Itinerary Expert
I visited Natural History Museum Vienna (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien) in July 2024 with a family that included school-age children, and it turned out to be one of the most balanced urban days of the trip. On one hand, this is a museum of global importance, with serious depth and enormous collections. On the other, it feels surprisingly clear, visual, and accessible-even for children who usually lose interest quickly.
What works especially well for families is the combination of dinosaurs, massive skeletons, moving models, and colorful mineral halls. The children stayed engaged for long periods without constant explanations or pressure to move faster. The building itself plays a major role as well: it feels like a palace, and that sense of scale creates a strong “wow” effect from the very first steps inside.
At the same time, it’s important to be honest about the challenges. In summer, some halls feel warm, and peak hours bring noticeable crowds. This is not a place for a rushed visit. Planning breaks, choosing priority sections in advance, and stepping outside to Maria-Theresien-Platz makes a real difference. The café is visually appealing but expensive, so meal timing matters.
Overall, this museum succeeds in combining learning, atmosphere, and family travel better than most urban attractions. It is far more than just another museum stop-it is a meaningful part of the Vienna experience. We invite you to create a personalized family itinerary together, here and across Austria, tailored to your pace, interests, and travel style.
Price Table
| Name | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hotels (for a couple) | €30-€80 per night EUR | Hostels or budget hotels, basic room |
| Mid-range hotels (for a couple) | €100-€180 per night EUR | 3★ hotels, good comfort level |
| Luxury hotels (for a couple) | €200+ per night EUR | 4-5★ hotels, prices rise in high season |
| Apartment for a family of 5 | €150-€250 per night EUR | Depends on location and period |
| Car rental per day | €55-€90 EUR | Compact or family-size car |
| Public transport | €2.40 per ride EUR | Metro / tram / bus |
| Restaurant (meal per person) | €15-€30 EUR | Mid-range restaurant |
| Parking | €3.5 per hour EUR | Underground parking in the city center |
| Basic supermarket shopping (for 2 people) | €30-€50 EUR | Basic daily grocery basket |
Frequently asked questions about Natural History Museum Vienna
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
