Best time to visit Vienna

Prater in Vienna

One of the oldest amusement parks in the world!

Best time: March 15 – October 31

Prater
Prater
Prater
Prater
Prater

The Vienna Prater is a large public park located in the Leopoldstadt area. It consists of the Wurstelprater which is considered to be the oldest amusement park in the world, also including is the Hauptallee, the Krieau, and the Prater stadium which hosts sports events.

The Viennese take pride in the fact that the park was first mentioned back in 1162. Part of it used to be hunting grounds for the Habsburg dynasty but in 1766 the park was made public. Shortly after that, it got merry-go-rounds and other attractions. Nowadays, the park offers all sorts of rides—bumper cars, roller coasters, carousels, shooting galleries, a Madame Tussaud's waxworks cabinet, ghost trains, and much more. The best-known and a symbol attraction is a Ferris wheel—Wiener Riesenrad. Apart from the rides, the park welcomes its visitors with various traditional Viennese restaurants and souvenir shops.

The majority of attractions operate from mid-March till the end of October. Some rides including the Ferris wheel operate year round. There are also seasonal events like Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz (Christmas market).

In the shadow of a roller-coaster, in the western section of the park visitors can see a peculiar spherical house. It was built by an Austrian artist Edwin Lipburger. In 1984 Lipburger declared it an independent country—the Republic of Kugelmugel. The artist even faced a lawsuit for refusing to pay taxes and printing stamps. Kugelmugel ended up in Prater park, where it has become a kind of tourist attraction.

Practical info

What is the history behind Vienna Prater?

Originally a hunting ground for the Habsburg dynasty, Vienna Prater first opened to the public in 1766 and has since become a popular amusement park with various rides, traditional Viennese restaurants, and souvenir shops. Wurstelprater, located within the park, is the oldest amusement park in the world, with its first rides introduced in the late 19th century. Show more

What are the most popular attractions in Vienna Prater?

Vienna Prater's most popular attractions include Wiener Riesenrad, a famous Ferris wheel; ghost trains; shooting galleries; Madame Tussaud's waxworks cabinet; carousels; bumper cars; and roller coasters. Traditional Viennese restaurants and souvenir shops are also available. In winter, visitors can experience the seasonal Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz. Show more

When is the best time to visit the park?

Vienna Prater operates from March 15 to October 31, though the Ferris wheel stays open all year. While summer is peak tourist season, spring and fall offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and moderate prices. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events like Christmas markets at the park in winter. Show more

Where can visitors find traditional Viennese restaurants?

Throughout Vienna Prater, which is home to various traditional Viennese restaurants, such as those located around Wiener Riesenrad. These restaurants offer anything from casual dining to high-end experiences, with popular dishes including Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Sachertorte. Show more

Ask a question

Find hotels and airbnbs near Prater (Map)

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin