As someone who adores art, science, and history, Vienna stands out as the best city in Austria to experience it all. When we discovered the option to book a dinner at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, we knew we couldn’t miss the opportunity for the best date night in Vienna.
Located in the heart of the city, the museum shares a complex with the Natural History Museum Vienna, both connected by Maria-Theresien-Platz—a stunning garden adorned with historical statues.
Our plan is to begin the day at the Natural History Museum and then transition to the Kunsthistorisches Museum for an unforgettable dinner.
Here’s our ultimate guide to a perfect date night in Vienna, complete with tips on how to book, the best times to visit, and must-see highlights to enjoy with your partner.
Start the Day Exploring the Museum of Natural History Vienna
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📍 Location
Opening Hours: It is open from 9.00 am – 6.00 pm, and the opening hours are longer on Wednesdays until 8.00 pm. It closed on Tuesday.
There are several renowned Natural History Museums across the world, with some of the most iconic ones located in London, New York, and Washington, D.C. However, we have a special fondness for the Natural History Museum in Vienna.
Situated right beside our main date night destination, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, it’s conveniently connected by the beautiful Maria-Theresien-Platz in the center.
The Museum of Natural History Vienna has a unique charm, from its stunning architecture to its classic wooden display cases. While it may not be as grand or dramatic as some of the larger museums, it offers a sense of warmth, neatness, and convenience that makes it stand out.
We were particularly impressed by the central staircase, crowned by a breathtaking dome featuring a statue of Helios, the Greek sun god. Symbolizing the life-giving element, this centerpiece perfectly sets the tone for the incredible natural exhibits within the museum. The staircase area also features murals depicting Greek mythology, adding another layer of fascination to the space.
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Some highlights of the museum include the dinosaur exhibition in Hall 10 and the zoological collection spread across Halls 22 to 39. A personal favorite of ours was the ornithological collection, which showcases a dazzling array of bird specimens. The mineral collection in Halls 1 to 5 is equally captivating, featuring a historic rhinestone copy of the Florentine Diamond, crafted in 1865.
The general estimated duration to explore the museum is 2 hours at the very least. But we found ourselves spending almost half of the day, captivated by the sheer scale of the exhibits and the detail of each display.
🎟️ Book the entry ticket to the Museum of Natural History Vienna here!
Garden Sighting through Maria-Theresien-Platz on the Way to Kunsthistorisches
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Before our dinner at the museum, which started at 6:00 pm, we took a stroll out of the Natural History Museum to Maria-Theresien-Platz, a public square open 24 hours a day.
In addition to its beautifully arranged greenery, the square features several fountains and notable sculptures, including the Maria Theresa Memorial at the center, the Tritonbrunnen, and the Triton and Mermaid Fountain.
Maria-Theresien-Platz is the perfect spot for capturing stunning outdoor photos in Vienna. It also offers the best vantage point to admire the magnificent exteriors of both the Natural History Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Art Exhibition and Dinner at the Museum of Kunsthistorisches
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📍 Location
Opening Hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, 10.00 am to 9.00 pm only for Thursday and Saturday.
First, note that Dinner at the Museum is only available on Thursday evenings. The reservation fee is separate from the museum admission ticket, so you’ll need to plan for two bookings.
Important: Just in case you missed it, the admission ticket for the Natural History Museum is also purchased separately.
There are three dinner reservation options available:
- Dinner at the Window: €42 per person, with a choice between a classic 3-course menu or individual dishes.
- Dinner in the Dome Hall: €69 per person, featuring an exquisite 5-course menu.
- Deluxe Dinner in the Dome Hall: €82 per person, including a 5-course menu and a glass of champagne.
The dinner package includes a guided museum tour at 8:00 pm. However, we found it more enjoyable to explore the exhibitions on our own, and that’s absolutely allowed. This unique museum dining experience is quite popular, so we recommend booking several months in advance.
🥂 Make a reservation for Dinner at the Museum here!
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Despite its general architectural similarities to the Natural History Museum, the Kunsthistorisches Museum has its own unique charm as an art gallery, showcasing paintings, antiques, and sculptures.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum houses many famous paintings. The gallery begins on the second floor, where most visitors flock to see The Tower of Babel by Pieter Bruegel (in Hall X), along with many other works from Bruegel’s collection. Additionally, there’s a unique display of Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s creations.
However, we visited the Kunsthistorisches specifically for the Caravaggio collection. My personal favorite, Madonna of the Rosary, is displayed in Hall VI, along with other remarkable works by Caravaggio.
🎟️ Book the entry ticket to the Museum of Kunsthistorisches here!
Our day at the Natural History Museum, a relaxing stroll through Maria-Theresien-Platz, and a memorable dinner at the Kunsthistorisches Museum created an unforgettable experience. With its mix of culture, history, and romance, this truly is the best date night Vienna has to offer—a perfect blend of discovery and elegance that we’ll cherish forever.