Vienna is the kind of city I’ll never get tired of visiting. Even though February 2025 marked my third time in the Austrian capital, I still felt like there were new exhibitions, openings, and hidden spots to discover. In facts, Vienna is a city you can continuously learn about, day after day, trip after trip, and I find that amazing.
During my visit, I discovered three palaces in the heart of the city that I had never even heard of before.
Let me introduce them to you: Palais Equitable, Palais Kinsky, and Palais Ferstel.
If you’re not a local – and even if you are – chances are you’ve never noticed them. That’s because they are housed within private-function buildings, yet they remain open to the public on the weekdays. And good new, they are all 3 free !
Today, I invite you to explore them with me!
1. THE PALAIS EQUITABLE
Its intricate façade is often remarked due to its prime location just steps away from the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. And yet, if you don’t take the chance to push open its heavy wooden door, you might only ever see its exterior. But the inside of this palace is a true hidden gem.
Built in the late 19th century for an American insurance company, its interior was designed to be opulent, reflecting the financial power of the firm that occupied it. Over a century later, that grandeur is still remarkable. Black and red marble columns support a complex network of staircases leading to various floors, while a plush red velvet carpet invites you to walk through this architectural masterpiece, embodying the late 19th-century Viennese Baroque style.
However, keep in mind that this is a private palace—so while you’re welcome to step inside for a quick look, it’s best not to linger too long out of respect for those working there.
Palais Equitable – Stock-im-Eisen-Platz 3, Vienna, Austria | Open 24h
2. THE PALAIS KINSKY
This is the kind of place that will leave you in awe. A true masterpiece of Austrian Baroque, built in the early 18th century. As you climb the stairs, you’ll be increasingly impressed by the richness of the space – from the marble statues, to the lush vegetation surrounding them, and the ornate lighting that adds the final baroque touch to the atmosphere.
Then, when you look up at the ceiling, you will have the impression that an open sky is above you, with celestial and Greco-Roman figures moving in an allegorical scene to the glory of the Kinsky family, owners of the residence. This ceiling fresco, attributed to the Italian artist Carlo Carlone is in itself the reason why you should add the palais to your must-see places in Vienna.
Today, Palais Kinsky is no longer a private residence but houses one of the most prestigious auction houses in Vienna. (They sold a Klimt painting for over €34 million in 2024, just to give you an idea of its prestige.) Imagine for a second if this were your everyday workplace. What a life!
Palais Kinsky – Freyung 4, Vienna, Austria | Closed on Sunday, opened during the regular working hours
3. THE PALAIS FERSTEL
Built between 1856 and 1860 by architect Heinrich von Ferstel, the same mind behind the University of Vienna and the Votivkirche (which is extremely underrated, by the way), it was originally meant to house the Vienna Stock Exchange and the Austro-Hungarian National Bank.
Its majestic façade combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, leading into an elegant courtyard with a stunning fountain. At the center stands a Danube nymph (Donaunixe) holding a fish in her right hand, her flowing hair dancing around her face.
Keep walking, and you’ll find the Ferstel Passage, a charming arcade lined with boutiques and cafés, including Café Central, a true Viennese institution. Over the years, this café has welcomed the most illustrious intellectuals and politicians of the last century. And it’s a good stop to get a coffee as well !
Palais Ferstel – Strauchgasse 4, Vienna, Austria | Open 24h
What the most beautiful palace you ever saw ?
If you are looking for some inspiration to your future trip to Austria, I can recommend you getting inspired as well on my other post, about another beautiful city in Austria, Salzburg.