St. Stephen's Cathedral Tours

St. Stephen\'s Cathedral showing a sunset, heritage architecture and landscape views
St. Stephen\'s Cathedral which includes landscape views, a sunset and a city
St. Stephen\'s Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and a city
St. Stephen\'s Cathedral featuring landscape views, night scenes and a city
St. Stephen\'s Cathedral showing landscape views, heritage architecture and a city


Inspiring designs, religious artworks, intriguing legends and great views are featured in the city’s prominent Gothic building, the seat of Vienna’s archbishop.

A prominent feature in the Vienna skyline is the needle-like South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. As you approach it, the cathedral’s glazed-tiled roof reveals its many colors. Inside you’ll find a fabulous array of religious artworks.

There has been a church dedicated to St. Stephen on this site since 1147. Numerous renovations, additions and rebuilds reflect several centuries of architectural taste in Vienna. The oldest part of the church, the west wall, dates back to 1237. The predominantly Gothic elements of the building, such as the tower, were built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Fires during World War II damaged parts of the cathedral, but a swift and successful renovation effort has meant that you can still see the building in all its glory.

The cathedral is the seat of the archbishop of Vienna and serves as the most important religious structure in Austria. You can enter the building when there is no state occasion or service planned.

Make your way around the many impressive religious sculptures, reliefs and pictures. The 17th-century Maria Pötsch icon is said to have shed real tears. Make sure you inspect the Wiener Neustadter, a tall, gilded altar adorned with religious figures, one of 18 altars in the cathedral. Another must-see section is the ornately carved Gothic Pulpit.

Descend into the catacombs and see the spectacular tomb of Emperor Frederick III located on the aisle. Climb the 343 steps up the South Tower to be rewarded with great city views. You can also take a closer look at the cathedral's roof, which is made of over 230,000 glazed tiles and features a mosaic of a double-headed eagle. In the North Tower take the elevator to see the huge, 44,380-pound (20,130-kilogram) bell known as "Pummerin."

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is located in central Stephansplatz and accessible by public transportation. Admission to the cathedral is free but there is a small fee to enter the towers. The cathedral is open daily, with slightly shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays. Tours of the catacombs, as well as other behind-the-scenes areas, are available for a small charge.

Plan a trip to see St. Stephen's Cathedral

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel MOTTO
The Leo Grand
Hotel Kaiserhof Wien

Browse tours and tickets to explore St. Stephen's Cathedral

Tours & day trips

See all 492 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 204 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 83 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 35 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near St. Stephen's Cathedral

Jaz in the City Vienna

Jaz in the City Vienna

4 out of 5
WINDMUEHLGASSE 28, Vienna
Jaz in the City Vienna
Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien

Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien

4 out of 5
Kaerntner Strasse 18, Entrance in Neuer Markt 3, Vienna, Vienna
Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien
Vienna Marriott Hotel

Vienna Marriott Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Parkring 12 A, Vienna, Vienna
Vienna Marriott Hotel
The Leo Grand

The Leo Grand

5 out of 5
Bauernmarkt 1, Vienna, Wien
The Leo Grand
Hotel Topazz & Lamée

Hotel Topazz & Lamée

4 out of 5
Lichtensteg 3, Vienna, Vienna
Hotel Topazz & Lamée
Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth

Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth

4 out of 5
Weihburggasse 3, Vienna, Vienna
Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth
elaya hotel vienna city center

elaya hotel vienna city center

4 out of 5
Wildpretmarkt 5, Vienna
elaya hotel vienna city center
Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna

Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna

4 out of 5
Fleischmarkt 19, Vienna
Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna
Le Méridien Wien

Le Méridien Wien

5 out of 5
Robert-Stolz-Platz 1, Vienna, Vienna
Le Méridien Wien
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. Stephen's Cathedral

Near St. Stephen's Cathedral, visitors can enjoy a vibrant cultural scene that includes captivating theater performances and world-class opera. The surrounding area is rich in history and offers a variety of dining and shopping options, making it an ideal spot for tourists looking to immerse themselves in Vienna's artistic atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to experience the lively ambiance while exploring this iconic landmark.

Food and drinks

Visit Haas Haus for a romantic dining experience right by St. Stephen's Cathedral, offering local dishes with city vibes. For a unique drink, head to Ottakringer Brewery, about 2 miles away. Don't miss the historic cafés in Vienna and consider dining at Steirereck for a memorable meal.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near St. Stephen's Cathedral, check out Naschmarkt, just 1 mile away, offering vibrant local goods. Landstraßer Hauptstraße, 2 miles away, has family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, Donau Zentrum, located 4 miles away, offers a variety of entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Golf Club Wienerberg offers a beautiful outdoor golfing experience just 3 miles from St. Stephen's Cathedral, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Stadionbad, located 2 miles away, features a family-friendly pool for relaxation and fun. For a lively atmosphere, visit the Rapid Vienna Gerhard-Hanappi-Stadion, 5 miles away, showcasing thrilling sports events.

Adventure

The Vienna Ring Tram offers a scenic ride around the city, providing stunning views of historic architecture, located 0.3 miles from St. Stephen's Cathedral. For climbing enthusiasts, Kletterwand am Flakturm, 1 mile away, features thrilling outdoor climbing. Experience adventure at Lazerfun Vienna, situated 6 miles from the cathedral.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near St. Stephen's Cathedral by catching a performance at the Burgtheater, just 0.6 miles away, or try your luck at Casino Wien, only 0.3 miles from the cathedral. For a fun night out, head to Brunswick Bowling, located 1 mile away.

Find the best attractions near St. Stephen's Cathedral

When visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, explore nearby museums, the stunning Gothic architecture of the cathedral, and the lively St. Stephansplatz square. This area offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and city explorers alike. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this iconic landmark and its surroundings, making it a memorable part of your vacation.

  • Vienna State Opera: Experience the grandeur of one of the world's leading opera houses, where you can enjoy breathtaking performances in a stunning historic setting. The enchanting atmosphere and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit for any arts enthusiast.
  • Hofburg Imperial Palace: Explore the magnificent former imperial palace that showcases the opulence of Austria's royal history. With its impressive architecture and fascinating museums, this site offers a deep dive into the cultural past of Vienna.
  • Stephansplatz: This vibrant square is the heart of Vienna, nestled right next to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, surrounded by shops and cafes, perfect for soaking in the city's culture and energy.

Best time to go to St. Stephen's Cathedral

Visitor numbers around St. Stephen's Cathedral is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit St. Stephen's Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St. Stephen's Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around St. Stephen's Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January33.1°F (0.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February35.6°F (2.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.2°F (6.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.6°F (10.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December35.6°F (2.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Stephen's Cathedral

When visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, you can save money by taking advantage of free entry to the cathedral and nearby attractions like the Vienna Christmas Market and Stephansplatz. Plan your trip between January and March for lower hotel prices, and consider booking about a month in advance or looking for last-minute deals on Expedia. Use their search tool to find eco-friendly options and package deals that combine hotels with flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and help you earn cash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Stephen's Cathedral are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June, September and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around St. Stephen's Cathedral is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and hotel style. For instance, if you select the "Eco-certified" option, you'll find a list of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at St. Stephen's Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.