You need no introduction from me, given the long history of Madame Tussauds all over the world. Cavort with personalities of the past and current celebrities in a wax-filled selfie heaven.
- A mix of national and international icons (so tourists and locals both get value)
- Surrounded by a huge entertainment park (the Prater)
- Adult ticket* €24 at the time of writing
- See also: What to do with kids
From Beethoven to Beyoncé
(Press photo © Madame Tussauds Wien)
Various information displays (in English, too), interactive screens, and similar round out the Madame Tussauds experience, but I imagine what any visitor really wants to know is just who you can meet and grab a photograph with.
Fortunately, Vienna offers rich territory for an attraction like this, given that many local celebrities also serve as international celebrities. Think Mozart or Sigmund Freud.
So if you’re concerned that only locals would recognise the figures within, then fear not. The Vienna Madame Tussauds does a nice job of catering to all-comers. Yes, some figures you may not recognise, but most you will.
To the details…
You pass through various themed areas, such as sport, entertainment, World War II, and politics. Figures of the past rub shoulders with those of the present. So you find Mandela and Marx close enough to swap stories. And the British Queen’s audience includes the likes of Barack Obama, Gandhi, and Angela Merkel.
Talking queens, right at the start you might take a photograph of yourself enjoying a tête-à-tête with Marie Antoinette of France or Empress Maria Theresa of Austria (actually mother and daughter!).
The settings obviously make for memorable photos.
Recline on a couch while Sigmund Freud takes notes about your childhood.
Or accompany Schubert on the piano.
Or remind the world that the hills are alive with the sound of music in the company of Maria (Julie Andrews) with an Alpine background.
Or slip through war-torn Vienna with Harry Lime (Orson Welles).
Or solve equations with Einstein.
And much more.
(Press photo © Madame Tussauds Wien / Christoph Kleinsasser)
The music and entertainment sections, particularly, offer plenty of iconic fun. Alongside classical music greats like Haydn, Beethoven, and Strauss (this is Vienna, after all), you might share a tune with Madonna, Freddy Mercury, Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. Or share anecdotes with Benedict Cumberbatch and Sandra Bullock.
I particularly enjoyed sitting for a cup of coffee with my historical crush, the great Audrey Hepburn, who sadly proved remarkably disinterested in my attempts to make conversation.
The final part of Madame Tussauds focuses on Vienna’s most famous imperial pair (Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph), with a chance to dress up and experience more detailed displays than is the case for other personalities.
Will you come away with a detailed understanding of the geopolitical impact of the Habsburg empire and the role of Haydn in developing the Viennese classical music tradition? No.
Will you have a bunch of photos to bring smiles to the faces of friends and family? Definitely.
Tickets & visitor tips
At the time of writing, an adult ticket* costs €24.
The Prater forms a huge entertainment and park complex just to the east of the city centre. Madame Tussauds sits on the entrance square to the fun park, with neighbours that include the famous Riesenrad, a chocolate museum, 5G experiences, and dodgems.
Wander further into the complex for the rides and delights, both hi-tech and traditional.
How to get to Madame Tussauds
The Riesenrad giant Ferris wheel dominates the skyline from afar and that’s what you head for from the Praterstern station that feeds people through into the main entrance to the Prater.
Subway/tram: Take the U1 or U2 subway to reach Praterstern or tram lines O or 5. Both subway lines leave from the city centre.
Address: Riesenradplatz, 1020 Vienna | Website