St. Stephen's Cathedral — Attraction in Vienna

I ended up buying the 25 euro pass on my second day in Vienna. I normally try to go up a tower which costs 5 to 10 euros anyway.

I'd ordinarily swerve a tower with an elevator in favour of taking on a big spiral staircase but the ticket covered both - 7 euros each normally.

The elevator accessed tower feels exposed as it has a good sized outdoor area and the wind really blows through! You are also able to see the huge bell, albeit behind glass. Don't quote me but I think this is the bell that replaced the one that fell 50m and smashed and had been made from smelted ottoman cannons left behind when they retreated in the 1700s.

The second tower is accessed by something like 350 steps so is a fun work out but basically just has a gift shop at the top with some fairly narrow small not particularly clean windows as such the experience is quite different.

The catacombs tour turned out to be the gem in this multi pass experience. I arrived at the tour start point perhaps 20 minutes early as it wasn't worth going elsewhere and gradually it became very busy, I was worried we weren't all going to get in so positioned tactically to avoid disappointment. Our guide was, incredible, a giant of a man that delivered everything in perfect English and also in his mother tongue. It's difficult to say how many people went down with him but I wouldn't be surprised if it was 50+. You cannot take photos in the catacombs out of respect - there are something like 16 Archbishops in closed casks down there in the "old" but better maintained catacombs and many thousands of more normal people in the plainer "new" catacombs. In total I think he said there are 15 rooms in the upper new chamber and 20 in the lower but obviously you don't see everything - you see enough. It's an amazing experience made all the more incredible by the tour guide - he showed genuine passion and whilst waiting for people to assemble we spoke about an enormous bell clapper that was in one of the holding areas you find yourself in - I asked if it was from the bell that fell and he said it wasn't but was old as it had got hard - we spoke about materials work hardening - he's a fascinating chap.

After the catacombs I went to the museum and found it to be fairly small and so it only takes a couple hours at most.

It's also worth noting that even this institution requires you to pay cash and doesn't...

Review of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), Vienna 🏰 Overview: A Gothic masterpiece and the symbol of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) dominates the city skyline with its colorful tiled roof and 137-meter-tall South Tower. This 12th-century cathedral is a must-visit for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and panoramic views.

⭐ Highlights: The Exterior & Rooftop 🟢 Iconic Tiled Roof – The 250,000 glazed tiles form the Habsburg double-headed eagle and Vienna’s coat of arms. ⛪ Gothic & Romanesque Architecture – Marvel at the Giant’s Door (Riesentor) and intricate stone carvings.

The Interior (Free to Enter Main Area) ✝️ Grand Nave & Altars – Soaring vaulted ceilings, stained glass, and the Wiener Neustädter Altar. 🕯️ Catacombs & Imperial Tombs – Burial site of Habsburg royals (including Rudolf IV) and bone crypts (guided tour only).

South Tower (Steffl) – Panoramic View 🔝 343 Steps Up – No elevator, but the view over Vienna is worth the climb! 🔔 Pummerin Bell (North Tower) – Austria’s largest bell (20,000 kg), accessible by elevator.

Guided Tours & Special Access 🎤 Catacombs Tour – Eerie but fascinating (€7-10). 🌙 Evening Concerts – Often featuring Mozart or Vivaldi.

💰 Pricing (2024): Main Cathedral: Free (donations welcome).

South Tower (Steffl): €6 (adults).

North Tower (Pummerin Bell): €6 (adults).

Catacombs Tour: €7-10.

All-inclusive Ticket: ~€20 (varies).

⏳ Time Needed: Quick Visit (Interior Only): 30-45 mins.

Full Experience (Towers + Catacombs): 2-3 hours.

👍 Pros: ✔ Free entry to the main cathedral. ✔ One of Vienna’s best viewpoints (South Tower). ✔ Stunning Gothic details inside and out. ✔ Active place of worship with a living history.

👎 Cons: ✖ Crowded (especially midday). ✖ No elevator in South Tower (steep climb). ✖ Catacombs tour not for claustrophobics.

🚇 Getting There: U-Bahn (U1/U3): Stop "Stephansplatz" (directly in front).

Parking: Limited; public transport recommended.

⭐ Verdict: 5/5 An unmissable Vienna landmark—whether you climb the tower for views, explore the catacombs, or simply admire its Gothic grandeur.

Best for: History lovers, architecture fans, photographers, and first-time visitors. Skip if: You dislike stairs or crowded spaces (but try visiting early morning!).

Pro Tip: Visit at sunset for golden-hour views...

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or Stephansdom, is an iconic symbol of Vienna’s rich history and architectural grandeur. Its stunning Gothic design, characterized by intricate details and towering spires, makes it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring the city.

Visiting Information: • Opening Hours: The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.  • Visiting Times: For independent tours, visitors are welcome Monday to Saturday between 9:00 am and 11:30 am, and from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. On Sundays and public holidays, visiting hours are from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. 

Ticket Prices: • Cathedral Visit: Adults: €7.00; Children (up to 14 years): €3.00. • All-Inclusive Ticket: This comprehensive ticket, priced at €25.00 for adults and €7.00 for children (ages 6 to 14), includes an audio-guided tour of the cathedral, access to both the south and north towers, participation in a public catacomb tour, and entry to the cathedral museum. Additionally, it grants free admission to the Treasury of the Teutonic Order. 

Highlights and Interesting Facts: • Architectural Marvel: The cathedral’s south tower stands at an impressive 136 meters, offering panoramic views of Vienna for those who climb its 343 steps.  • Historic Bells: St. Stephen’s houses 22 bells, including the renowned “Pummerin,” the largest in Austria and the second-largest swinging bell in Europe.  • Cultural Significance: Beyond its architectural beauty, the cathedral has been a central figure in Vienna’s history, witnessing numerous significant events over the centuries.

Visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral offers a profound glimpse into Vienna’s past and its enduring cultural heritage. Whether you’re captivated by history, architecture, or panoramic city views, the cathedral provides an enriching experience that...