Posted by The Prater Vienna is one of the city’s most popular recreational areas.
It combines a large public park with the famous amusement area known as the Wurstelprater.
Visitors can enjoy green spaces, walking paths, classic attractions,
and landmarks such as the Giant Ferris Wheel.
Vienna Travel Guides – Useful Before Your Visit
What Is the Prater?
The Prater is a large public area in Vienna’s 2nd district.
It consists of two main parts:
the Green Prater, a vast park with meadows and tree-lined paths,
and the Wurstelprater, the historic amusement park.
Entrance to the Prater itself is free,
while individual rides and attractions require tickets.
The Green Prater
The Green Prater is one of Vienna’s most important green spaces.
It is popular with locals for walking, jogging, cycling,
and relaxing away from traffic.
- Wide walking and cycling paths
- Large meadows and wooded areas
- Quiet spots close to the Danube
The main axis is the Hauptallee,
a long, straight avenue lined with chestnut trees.
The Wurstelprater (Amusement Park)
The Wurstelprater is Vienna’s traditional amusement park
and dates back several centuries.
It offers a mix of classic rides, modern attractions,
food stands, and entertainment.
- Roller coasters and thrill rides
- Family-friendly attractions
- Traditional games and carousels
- Street food and snack stands
The atmosphere is lively, especially in the afternoon and evening.
The Giant Ferris Wheel
The Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad)
is the most famous landmark of the Prater
and one of Vienna’s best-known symbols.
A ride offers panoramic views over Vienna,
the Danube, and the Prater park.
It is popular during the day and especially at sunset.
More details can be found in the
Giant Ferris Wheel Vienna guide.
Other Popular Attractions
- Madame Tussauds Vienna
- Prater Museum
- Planetarium Vienna
- Mini trains and classic carousels
How Much Time Should You Plan?
Time needed depends on your interests:
- Short visit: 1–2 hours (walk + Ferris wheel)
- Amusement park focus: 3–4 hours
- Relaxed park visit: Half a day
How to Get to the Prater
The Prater is easy to reach by public transport.
- Metro: U1 or U2 to Praterstern
- Train: S-Bahn to Praterstern
- Tram: Lines serving the Prater area
For detailed route planning, see the
Vienna local transport guide.
Best Time to Visit
Spring to early autumn is ideal for visiting the Prater.
The Green Prater is pleasant during the day,
while the Wurstelprater is most lively in the late afternoon and evening.
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
Vienna Prater & City Experiences
Combine your Prater visit with other attractions
and experiences across Vienna.
Who Is the Prater Best For?
- Families with children
- First-time visitors to Vienna
- Travelers looking for green spaces
- Visitors who enjoy amusement parks
Combine the Prater with Other Sights
Because of its size and location,
the Prater can easily be combined with:
- A walk along the Danube Canal
- Danube Tower Vienna
- City-center sightseeing later in the day
Hotels Near Prater or City Center
Staying near Praterstern or the inner city
offers quick access to the Prater and public transport.
Conclusion
The Prater Vienna is a unique mix of nature, entertainment,
and iconic landmarks.
Whether you come for a relaxed walk,
family-friendly attractions,
or a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel,
the Prater is one of Vienna’s most versatile places to visit.