Prater & Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad)

4.5 (47,230 reviews)

Ferris WheelHistorical LandmarkTourist AttractionHistorical PlacePoint of Interest

Best time to visit

Visit at sunset for warm light and the city turning on, or early weekday mornings for short queues and quieter cabins.

Budget tips

Standard single-ride tickets are around €12–€15, children and seniors have reduced fares and private cabin bookings cost more; the wheel is rarely free, so check the Vienna Pass or combo offers before buying and book online to avoid on-site surcharges.

Recommended for

Couples, Families with children, Photography enthusiasts, Fans of historic attractions

Plan your visit

30-60 min

About

Quick facts: Nighttime rides offer visitors sparkling views and slow-moving gondolas, perfect for enjoying skyline sights while photographers capture the golden glow. Each circuit lasts about ten minutes, and the wooden cabins have appeared in several films, giving each ride a surprising burst of cinematic nostalgia amid the gentle creak and breeze.

Highlights: Perched 64.75 meters above the park, the 15 timber-clad gondolas have been turning slowly since 1897, built to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph I's golden jubilee. Their wooden benches still softly creak underfoot. Couples often rent private cabins for candlelit proposals, while film fans point out the exact seat where the Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten confrontation was filmed in Carol Reed's 1949 noir The Third Man.

Insider tips

Dress in layers, cabins can be chilly and windy especially after dark.
Reserve a forward-facing spot for the best summit photos of the Ring and Danube.
Skip private cabin upgrades on weekdays, single-cabin boarding is usually quick.
Buy tickets online and arrive 10–15 minutes before your slot to avoid last-minute lines.

Practical info

Opening hours

Directions

Official website

Book tours & tickets

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