How to Skip the Line at St. Stephen's Cathedral
The entrance area of St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is free, but the main nave, towers and catacombs need tickets. Buy the All-Inclusive ticket online on the official shop to skip the cash-only desks inside, and go early in the morning on a weekday. Climb the South Tower (343 steps) before mid-morning, or take the lift up the North Tower if you'd rather not climb.
- All-Inclusive
- About €25-29 adults: nave tour, both towers, catacombs, museum
- Book on
- shop.stephanskirche.at. Desks in the cathedral may be cash only
- South Tower
- 343 steps, no lift
- North Tower
- Lift up to the Pummerin bell
- Catacombs
- Guided tours at set times
- Best time
- Early morning on a weekday
- Busiest
- Late morning to afternoon, weekends and Advent
How busy is St. Stephen's Cathedral?
Stephansdom stands at the centre of Vienna, so it's busy from late morning onwards. The free entrance area gets crowded, the queue at the ticket desks can be slow because they may only take cash, and the narrow South Tower stairway gets congested. Catacomb tours run at fixed times and can fill up.
Before you go, check how busy St. Stephen's Cathedral is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for Austrian holidays, school breaks and weather.
Check today’s crowds at St. Stephen's Cathedral →