Overview
The Prater is a vast 6-square-kilometer green space east of Vienna's center, once a Habsburg hunting ground. Inside, the Wurstelprater amusement park features the iconic 65m Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) built in 1897 and famously featured in the film 'The Third Man.' The wheel offers panoramic views of Vienna, and the park has roller coasters and rides for all ages. The 4.5km Hauptallee, lined with chestnut trees, is popular for jogging and strolling. Park free; Ferris wheel about EUR 15 (adult). U-Bahn U1/U2, Praterstern station.
Opening Hours
Park: 24 hours / Ferris wheel: 10:00-21:45 (varies by season).
Travel Tips
The night view from the Ferris wheel is especially beautiful, so ride around sunset. Amusement park entry is free — you pay per ride. Renting a bicycle to explore the Hauptallee is also recommended.
Hotels near Prater Park & Giant Ferris Wheel
Hotels and guesthouses in Vienna, Leopoldstadt, Vienna
Other attractions in Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace
The Habsburgs' summer palace, with 1,441 rooms and beautiful French-style gardens.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
The heart of Vienna. The view of the old town from the 137m south tower is breathtaking.
Belvedere Palace
A Baroque palace housing Klimt's 'The Kiss,' with stunning Vienna skyline views from its gardens.
Hofburg Palace
The Habsburgs' winter palace in the heart of Vienna, home to the Sisi Museum and the Spanish Riding School.
Vienna State Opera
One of the world's finest opera houses, a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece on the Ringstrasse.
Naschmarkt
Vienna's largest outdoor market — a food lovers' paradise with 120+ stalls serving global cuisine.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
A world-class museum housing the Habsburgs' art collection, including masterpieces by Bruegel, Rubens, and Velázquez.