Vienna enchants with imperial palaces, timeless music, and cutting-edge culture — and the world keeps flocking to it.
In 2024, the city recorded a record 8.17 million arrivals, resulting in 18.9 million overnight stays, the highest figures in its history.
From the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace to the charm of Prater’s ferris wheels, the Austrian capital tells its story not just in snapshots, but in striking numbers.
Dive into 30 powerful statistics that reveal the true scale of Vienna’s tourism success.
How Many Tourists Visit Vienna Each Year?
- Vienna saw a record 8.17 million arrivals in 2024—an 11% jump on 2023.
- These resulted in 18.9 million overnight stays, up 9% from 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
- Revenue from overnight stays grew by approximately 12%, reaching around €1.2 billion by November 2024.
Monthly Tourism in Vienna (2024)
| Month | Overnight Stays (Millions) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1.18 | Winter low season, but strong conference activity |
| February | 1.25 | Carnival season events |
| March | 1.45 | Easter markets start |
| April | 1.65 | Spring tourism rise |
| May | 1.85 | High season start, Vienna Festival |
| June | 1.72 | Summer events begin |
| July | 1.68 | Tourist peak, warmer weather |
| August | 1.78 | Peak holiday season |
| September | 1.62 | Congress season begins |
| October | 1.55 | Stable cultural tourism |
| November | 1.40 | Pre-Christmas build-up |
| December | 1.79 | Christmas markets & New Year’s Eve |
Which Countries Deliver the Most Visitors to Vienna?
Countries with the highest number of overnight stays (2024):
- Germany: 3.46 million (up 4%)
- Austria: 3.35 million (up 6%)
- USA: 1.22 million (up 17%)
| Country | Overnight Stays (2024) |
|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 3.46M |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 3.35M |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 1.22M |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 0.78M |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 0.65M |
| 🇨🇳 China | 0.60M |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 0.58M |
| 🇫🇷 France | 0.55M |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 0.52M |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 0.50M |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Vienna?
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (latest available) |
|---|---|
| Schönbrunn Palace (incl. zoo & gardens) | 3.80M |
| St. Stephen’s Cathedral | 3.00M |
| Prater (Wurstelprater park) | 6.60M |
| Belvedere Palace & Museum | 1.42M |
| Kunsthistorisches Museum | 1.40M |
| Albertina Museum | 1.00M |
| Naturhistorisches Museum | 0.79M |
| Vienna State Opera (guided tours & performances) | 0.60M |
| Leopold Museum | 0.36M |
| Mozarthaus Vienna | 0.215M |
What Are the Key Tourism Trends & Forecasts for Vienna?
Data shows a remarkable recovery and growth after the pandemic:
- 2024 was the most successful year in tourism for Vienna since records began, surpassing 2019 metrics.
- Revenue increased even more sharply than overnight stays — up ~12%.
- Forecast: Vienna continues focusing on attracting high-value leisure, cultural, and business travelers to drive spending per visitor.
How Much Does Business Tourism Contribute?
In 2024 Vienna hosted 781 international congresses and 1,412 domestic events, totaling 6,619 meetings.
These generated €1.32 billion in economic impact, with international congresses accounting for €956 million (78%).
Special Attractions & Cultural Highlights
- Vienna’s Christmas market in front of City Hall welcomed over 3 million visitors during the festive season.
- The Donauinselfest — the world’s largest open-air music festival — attracts around 3 million visitors over a weekend every June.
- The Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) draws about 100,000 visitors annually during its run in May–June.
| Event | Annual Visitors | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna Christmas Markets (Christkindlmarkt) | ~3M | A collection of festive markets, the largest at Rathausplatz, featuring traditional crafts, food, and lights throughout November–December. |
| Donauinselfest (Danube Island Festival) | ~3M | The world’s largest free open-air music festival, held every June, offering hundreds of concerts over three days. |
| Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) | ~100K | A multi-week arts festival in May–June, showcasing theater, music, dance, and visual arts. |
| Vienna New Year’s Concert | ~50K (in-person) & millions via TV | A world-famous classical concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, broadcast to over 90 countries. |
| Vienna Opera Ball | ~5K | A glamorous February event in the Vienna State Opera, attracting celebrities, politicians, and tourists. |
| ImPulsTanz Vienna International Dance Festival | ~120K | One of the largest contemporary dance festivals in the world, held in July–August. |
| Vienna Marathon | ~45K (runners + spectators) | An April sports highlight drawing participants and viewers from over 120 countries. |
| Film Festival at Rathausplatz | ~700K | A summer outdoor film and concert event combining music performances and culinary stalls. |
| Vienna Pride & Rainbow Parade | ~300K | One of Europe’s biggest LGBTQ+ pride events, held in June. |
| Eistraum (Vienna Ice Dream) | ~650K | A large outdoor ice rink in front of City Hall, operating January–March. |
FAQ
How many tourists visit Vienna each year?
In 2024, Vienna had 8.17 million arrivals and 18.9 million overnight stays — a new record.
Which attraction in Vienna gets the most visitors?
Schönbrunn Palace (including its zoo and gardens) is the top draw with about 3.8 million annual visits.
How much revenue does tourism generate in Vienna?
By November 2024, revenue from overnight stays reached around €1.2 billion, a 12% rise compared to 2023.
What role do business events play in Vienna’s tourism economy?
International and domestic congresses in 2024 generated a total economic impact of €1.32 billion, largely driven by international events.
How is Vienna for tourism?
Vienna is consistently ranked among the world’s top tourist destinations, known for its imperial palaces, music heritage, vibrant café culture, and high quality of life.
Is Vienna overcrowded with tourists?
Vienna does not face overtourism on the scale of cities like Venice or Barcelona, but major attractions such as Schönbrunn Palace and the historic center can be crowded in summer and during Christmas markets.
What is the most touristic city in Austria?
Vienna is Austria’s most visited city, followed by Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Why do so many people go to Vienna?
Visitors are drawn by Vienna’s blend of history, art, and music — from the Habsburg palaces and world-class museums to its opera houses and cozy coffeehouses.
Why is Vienna so famous?
Vienna is famous for its imperial heritage, being the home of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, and its UNESCO-listed historic center.
Is Vienna very expensive for tourists?
Vienna is moderately priced compared to other Western European capitals. Accommodation can be pricey in peak season, but public transport and café culture remain affordable.
Is Vienna safe for LGBTQ?
Yes — Vienna is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in Europe, hosting annual Pride events and offering a welcoming atmosphere.
Who visits Vienna the most?
Germany is the largest source of international visitors, followed by Austria’s neighboring countries such as Italy, Switzerland, and Hungary.
Is it okay to speak English in Vienna?
Yes — English is widely spoken in the tourism sector, especially in hotels, restaurants, and museums.
Where do the rich go in Vienna?
High-end travelers often stay in luxury hotels like Hotel Sacher or The Ritz-Carlton, shop on Kärntner Strasse and Kohlmarkt, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants.
How much is a cup of coffee in Vienna?
A traditional Viennese coffee in a historic café costs around €4–€5, depending on the location.
Is Vienna walkable?
Yes — the historic center is compact and easy to explore on foot, with most landmarks within short walking distance.
Is Vienna good for singles?
Yes — Vienna offers a lively nightlife, cultural events, and social opportunities, making it enjoyable for solo travelers and singles alike.
Sources
- Vienna Tourist Board – Visitor Statistics
- Statista – Overnight Stays in Vienna by Country of Origin
- Statista – Most Visited Attractions in Vienna
- Prater Wien – Annual Visitor Numbers
- Schönbrunn Group – Visitor Figures for Schönbrunn, Zoo, and Gardens
- Belvedere Museum – Annual Report
- Albertina Museum – Press & Facts
- Vienna International Airport – Passenger Traffic Statistics
- Statista – Monthly Overnight Stays in Vienna
- ImPulsTanz Festival – Visitor Numbers
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