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Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours in Vienna | Compare Tickets, Routes & Stops

Among city travelers, one of the most popular ways to explore a foreign city is through sightseeing on the Hop On Hop Off principle. This allows you to disembark at any stop during the tour and rejoin later at the same or a different stop.

In Vienna, two competing providers vie for the favor of tourists: Vienna Sightseeing with their yellow buses and Big Bus Vienna with their wine-red buses. These two companies offer similar tours.

To enjoy your Hop On Hop Off bus tour in Vienna with peace of mind and without stress, we recommend purchasing ticket s online in advance  of your planned visit.

In this article, you will find comprehensive information about the Hop On Hop Off bus tours in Vienna. We compare tickets, prices, route maps, stops, departure times, attractions , and more.

Let's embark on this adventure!

Ticket Options for Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours in Vienna

When it comes to purchasing tickets for Hop On Hop Off bus tours in Vienna, there are numerous internet portals available. With such a wide array of options, it can be challenging to determine the right choice for you .

That's where we step in! We have done the legwork to compare all the available tickets, making the decision-making process easier for you. Below, we have compiled a list of the best and most affordable ticket options for your convenience. Simply click on your preferred choice to purchase your tickets.

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tickets for Vienna Sightseeing:

• 24, 48 or 72-Hour Ticket

Hop On Hop Off Combo Tickets for Vienna Sightseeing:

• Combo: Vienna Sightseeing: 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Vienna + Danube Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Vienna: Roundtrip Airport Transfer & Hop-on Hop-off Bus 

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tickets for Big Bus Vienna:

• 24 or 48-Hour Ticket

Hop On Hop Off Combo Tickets for Big Bus Vienna:

• 24-Hour Ticket + Vienna City Pass
• Combo Ticket: Direct admission to the Upper Belvedere + Big Bus 24/48 hour hop-on hop-off tour through Vienna
• Combo Ticket: Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel Fast Admission Ticket + Big Bus 24/48 hour hop-on hop-off evening tour through Vienna
• City Card + Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Our Recommendation: Vienna Tourist Cards

Vienna offers several appealing city passes for travelers that can  help you save money and time.  We highly recommend purchasing one of these cards.

1. Vienna City Card

The  Vienna City Card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, providing discounts at 200 attractions, museums, restaurants, theaters, and stores. Additionally, it offers unlimited and free use of public transportation.

• Buy your Vienna City Card here!

2.  Vienna Pass

The  Vienna Pass  is available for 1, 2, 3, or 6 days and grants you free admission to over 60 attractions in Vienna. It often allows you to skip the queues.

• Buy your Vienna Pass here!

3.  Vienna Flexi Pass

The  Vienna Flexi Pass allows you to choose your favorite 2 to 5 attractions from a selection of over 40 options. You can visit them for free and, if available, enjoy fast-track admission.

• Buy your Vienna Flexi Pass here!

4.  Go City Explorer Pass

The  Go City Explorer Pass enables you to choose your favorite 2 to 7 attractions from over 40 options in Vienna. You can visit them for free and, if available, enjoy fast-track admission.

• Buy your Go City Explorer Pass here!
• To learn more about the popular tourist cards, including prices and included activities, check out our article " Best City Pass for Vienna: Compare Prices & Included Activities" . 

Comparison Table for Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours in Vienna

See below a handy comparison table providing a quick overview of the key features of the two hop on hop off tour providers: Vienna Sightseeing and Big Tours Vienna.

Detailed Overview of the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours in Vienna

1. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour with Vienna Sightseeing

Vienna Sightseeing's iconic yellow double-decker buses covers three routes and offering 41 convenient stops. On board, you'll find an audio guide available in 16 languages, including a special audio guide for children in German and English.

Disposable headphones are provided, and you can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi during your journey. Additionally, you have the option to download an app for a self-guided tour of the city.

Let's explore the details of the three routes:

• Timetable and Route Plan

The Red Route buses will take you to the most important sights in the city center along the Ringstrasse. Discover the State Opera, the Hofburg Palace, the Austrian Parliament, the Burgtheater and much more. Get off at any station to admire the attractions up close, and get on the next bus at any station.

• Stops: State Opera House - Kunsthistorisches Museum/Heldenplatz - Mariahilfer Strasse/ Shopping Street - Burgtheater/City Hall - University - Liebenberg Monument/University - Liechtensteinstrasse/Sigmund Freud Museum - Votivkirche - Vienna Airport Lines - DDSG City Cruises - MAK/Museum of Applied Arts - Stadtpark - Strauß Monument - State Opera House.
• Duration : A   complete tour without getting off takes about 60 minutes.
• Departure times: Buses depart daily from 9:20 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., including holidays.
• Frequency: Buses depart every 10 to 20 minutes.

Yellow Route:

This route takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace .

• Stops:  State Opera - Westbahnhof/Station - Schönbrunn Palace - Central Station - Museum of Contemporary Art - Belvedere Palace - Lower Belvedere - State Opera.
• Duration: A complete tour without getting off takes about 75 minutes.
• Departure times: Buses depart daily from 9:05 am to 5:00 pm, including holidays.
• Frequency: Buses depart every 15 to 30 minutes.

Blue Route:

This route takes you, among other things, to the Prater with the world-famous Ferris wheel, to various museums and to the city park.

• Stops: MAK/Museum of Applied Arts - City Park - Strauss Monument - State Opera - Kunsthistorisches Museum /Heldenplatz - Mariahilfer Strasse/Shopping Street - Burgtheater/City Hall - University - Liebenberg Monument/University - Liechtensteinstrasse/Sigmund Freud Museum -Votivkirche - Vienna Airport Lines - DDSG City Cruises - Kunst Haus/Museum Hundertwasser - Riesenrad/Giant Ferris Wheel - DDSG (Pier6 Imperial Bridge) - Danube Tower - Old Danube - Uno City - Danube Island - Praterstern/Bahnhof - Taborstraße/Museum of Crime - DDSG City Cruises - MAK
• Duration : A full tour without getting off takes about 120 minutes.
• Departure times: Buses depart daily from 9:10 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. , including holidays.
• Frequency : The buses depart every 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour with Big Bus Vienna 

Vienna Sightseeing's wine-red double-decker buses offer an exceptional sightseeing experience with two routes and 27 convenient stops . On board, you will find an audio guide available in 13 languages, disposable headphones , and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Additionally, you have the option to download an app for a self-guided walking tour of the city. Also, the Essential ticket includes a live guided city tour and the Explore ticket includes a boat ride on the Danube or a ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel . 

Let's delve into the details of the two routes:

• Timetable, Route and Stops Red Route
• Timetable, Route and Stops Blue Route
• Stops: Walfischgasse - Haus der Musik - Lower Belvedere - Mariahilferstraße - Hofburg - City Hall - Votivkirche - Schwedenplatz - Prater - Handelskai 265 - Danube Tower - Old Danube - DC Tower - Danube Island - City Park
• Duration : A complete tour without getting off takes about 110 minutes.
• Departure times: Buses depart daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm , including holidays.
• Frequency : The buses operate every 20 to 30 minutes.

• Stops: Albertina - Mariahilferstrasse - Hofburg - Haus des Meeres /Aqua Terra Zoo - Ibis Hotel - Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo - Central Station - Upper Belvedere - Lower Belvedere - Hundertwasser House - City Park
• Departure times: Buses depart daily from 9:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., including holidays.
• Frequency: The buses leave every 20 to 30 minutes.

How to Get to the two Hop On Hop Off Tour Providers?

While you can start your Hop On Hop Off at any stop, both providers have a central starting stop where you can also bring up any concerns you may have. See here several public transport options:

Vienna Sightseeing: Stop "State Opera House"

• By subway:  Lines U1 ,  U4 , station Karlsplatz and 2 minutes on foot
• By bus: Line 2A , station Oper/Karlsplatz and 1 minute on foot Line 4A , station Karlsplatz and 4 minutes on foot
• By tram:  Lines 1 ,  2 ,  62 ,  71 ,  D , station Oper/Karlsplatz and 1 minute on foot

Big Bus Vienna: Stop "Opera/Albertina, Albertinaplatz 2"

• By subway: Lines U1, U4, station Karlsplatz and 5 minutes on foot
• By bus: Line 2A, station Oper/Karlsplatz and 4 minutes walk Line 4A, station Karlsplatz and 7 minutes on foot
• By tram:  lines 1, 2, 62, 71, D, station Oper/Karlsplatz and 4 minutes on foot

Travelers' Tip: Protect Yourself Against Pickpockets!

When traveling, it's crucial to stay vigilant and guard against pickpockets, especially in crowded trains, trams, and buses. Avoid leaving your camera hanging loosely from your shoulder, as the cord can be swiftly cut without your knowledge. Instead, keep your backpack or bag securely positioned in front of your body. Additionally, be cautious about lingering near doorways, as thieves often target purses and handbags right before the doors close. Stay alert and keep your belongings safe!

FAQ - Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours in Vienna

HOW MUCH DO HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOURS IN VIENNA COST?

The current prices for Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours in Vienna can be found in this section.

ARE HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOURS IN VIENNA WORTH IT?

If you're visiting Vienna for the first time and looking for a convenient and efficient way to explore the city's top attractions, Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours in Vienna are highly recommended. Among travelers, sightseeing based on the Hop On Hop Off principle has become increasingly popular. The significant advantage of Hop On Hop Off tours over regular sightseeing tours is clear. While regular tours often only allow you to pass by the sights while accompanied by live or audio commentary, Hop On Hop Off tours give you the freedom to hop on and off at any stop along the route.

HOW LONG ARE HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOURS IN VIENNA VALID?

When buying a ticket for a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour in Vienna, you can choose between 24, 48 or 72 hours. And 24 hours really means 24 hours. That means, for example, if you activate your ticket at 2pm, it will be valid until 2pm the next day.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOUR IN VIENNA?

The tickets of the two providers for Hop On Hop Off Bus tours in Vienna include, along with the routes themselves, a multilingual on-board audio guide with commentary on the sights along the routes, plus a disposable headset and free on-board Wi-Fi. Depending on the provider and the ticket purchased, a city tour, a boat ride or a ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel are also included.

Address & Map

Vienna sightseeing tours.

• Address : Vienna Sightseeing, Opernring 3-5/Top 17-24, 1010 Vienna 

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Big Bus Vienna

• Address: Big Bus Vienna, Walfischgasse 5/4, A, 1010 Vienna

Related Articles:

Public transport in vienna: tickets, prices, tips & transport types, top 10 things to do in vienna: with online tickets & tours, best sim card in austria for tourists, best city pass for vienna | compare prices & included activities.

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THE 5 BEST Vienna Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop-on hop-off tours in vienna.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Big Bus Vienna Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

2. 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off with Guided Walking Tour and River Cruise

3. Panoramabahn Schoenbrunn

4. Vienna Hop On Hop Off City Tour

5. Big Day Out in Vienna: Big Bus, Giant Ferris Wheel & River Cruise

6. Vienna: 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour & City Airport Train

7. Vienna Fast-track Giant Ferris Wheel ticket with Big Bus Tour

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What travelers are saying.

Vienna Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours – Sightseeing Bus Tours

Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by gregor

Taking a Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour is an excellent way to explore Vienna. You can witness Vienna’s stunning imperial architecture including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Schönbrunn Palace , Belvedere Palace & Gardens , and many more top sights.

In this Blog Post, I will compare the two Sightseeing Bus Tour options in detail, so you can easily decide which is the best option for you. As I live in Vienna and have taken both tours I can give you my first handed true experience .

There are two Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Options in Vienna

• Option #1 – The Vienna Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Option #2 – The Big Bus Tour
• Both take you around the main sites
• Both offer audio guides, free Wi-Fi, etc.
• Book a  Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Ticket for Vienna

Best Vienna Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours – Vienna Sightseeing Bus Tours

Option #1 – the vienna hop on hop off sightseeing bus tour.

• Choose between 3 routes , each of which takes you to a different part of Vienna.
• See the State Opera, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History), Heldenplatz (Heroes Square), Parliament, the Burgtheater, and the magnificent Hilton Hotel. Or, be driven to Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace before visiting the Kunst Haus Wien museum or the UNO City – the choice is yours!
• Bus Tour Routes which can be combined as you wish

Red Route – Ring Boulevard

Admire the sights along the Ring Road, such as the State Opera, Hofburg Palace, the Parliament, and the Burgtheater.

State Opera – Museum of Art History/Heroes’ Square – Burgtheater/CityHall – University – Sigmund Freud Museum – Votiv Church – Vienna Airport Lines – DDSG City Cruises – MAK – City Park – Strauss Monument – State Opera

Buses arrive every 60 minutes

Mondays – Sundays, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Yellow Route – Imperial Route

Discover the famous Schönbrunn Palace, Schwarzenberg Platz, and Belvedere Palace.

Bus Tour Stops

State Opera – Schönbrunn Palace – Main Station – Belvedere Palace – Lower Belvedere – State Opera

Mondays – Sundays, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

The ride from the State Opera to Schönbrunn Palace takes approximately 25 minutes.

Blue Route – Prater Area, Danube

Visit the famous “Prater area” where you can get acquainted with all the masterpieces of the Museum of Applied Arts, Museum of Fine Arts, or even the Kunsthaus/Hundertwasser Museum. You can meet with the greatest Austrian composer, Johann Strauss, in the Stadtpark.

State Opera – National Theatre/City Hall – Schwedenplatz – Hundertwasser – Prater/Giant Ferris Wheel – Danube Tower – Old Danube – Uno City – Train Station – Museum of Crime – DDSG City Cruises – – Museum of Applied Arts – City Park – Strauss Monument – State Opera

Buses arrive every 90 minutes

Mondays – Sundays, 10:30 AM – 2:45 PM

Your ticket also includes a self-guided walking tour with an app to discover the musical heritage of the city. Cross the city at your own pace and get acquainted with the most important music halls in Vienna. See the Vienna State Opera, Beethoven Statue, Vienna Concert House, House of Music and the Beethoven Museum. Pick up your headphones and a map from the local partner’s service center and follow the instructions of the QuietVox Guiding App to travel from sight to sight. You will scan the QR codes at each stop to learn more about them.

TICKET OPTIONS: The Vienna Sightseeing Bus Tour

The Vienna Sightseeing Bus Tour ticket includes onboard Wi-Fi and an audio guide.

You choose between 24, 48, and 72-hour tickets: all include the red, yellow, and blue routes.

The 48 and 72-hour tickets typically also cover the green route when it’s available.

Option #2 – The Big Bus Tours Vienna

• Tour Guides: The tour also includes a tour guide who will provide information on the history and culture of Vienna.
• Optional Extras : You can also choose to take optional extras such as a bike tour or Segway tour to get even closer to the city.

The buses of the Big Bus Tour follow two routes

Red Route – Ring Boulevard, Belvedere Palace, Danube Island

This Red Tour Bus Tour takes you around the Ring boulevard , but also out to the Belvedere Palaces and the Danube Island

This is a great option if you’re stuck for time since you see many landmark sights in one go.

Number of Stops: 16

Operates: 09:30 – 17:00

Frequency: 20-30min

Blue Route – Imperial Route

This is the Imperial route, bordering the Hofburg Palace, then bringing you out to the Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palaces (but also to Hundertwasserhaus)

Number of Stops: 11

Operates: 09:45 – 17:15

Frequency: 30min

TICKET OPTIONS: Big Bus Tours Vienna

All tickets cover both routes, and you choose between 24, 48, and 72-hour options.

The 48-hour and 72-hour choices add an increasing number of bonuses, such as, for example, a walking tour, evening tour, and short river cruise.

More Helpful Information on Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Vienna

What is a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Flexibility – Explore the sights at your own pace

It is a flexible way of sightseeing as it allows you to get on and off the bus at various stops throughout the city, giving you the freedom to explore different attractions, landmarks, monuments, and districts at your own pace.

Audio Commentary & Guides in several languages

This type of tour usually includes audio commentary in several languages, providing an overview of each attraction and district. Some tours also have onboard guides that can provide more detailed information about the sites you are visiting.

Guided Tours

Hop on hop off bus tours are popular among tourists because they offer the convenience of a guided tour with the flexibility to customize your itinerary.

Benefits of Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Vienna

Hop on hop off bus tours in Vienna offer a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city. Tourists can get an overview of the city from the comfort of a double-decker bus, with stops at all of Vienna’s top attractions.

This allows visitors to explore each area of interest in more detail without having to worry about expensive transportation costs or navigating the unfamiliar public transport system.

The buses provide audio commentary to give tourists an insight into the history and culture of Vienna as they travel, and there are often discounts available for multi-day passes.

Great for families

Additionally, hop on hop off buses are great for families with young children since they can stay comfortable on the open-top deck while taking in the sights.

All in all, hop-on hop-off bus tours in Vienna provide an enjoyable and informative experience that is sure to make your trip even more memorable!

See Vienna in one day – The overall experience

Seeing a city in one day can be an exhilarating experience! Depending on what city you are visiting, there will be plenty of things to do and sights to see. Start by waking up early and planning your day out. Make sure you make note of the must-see attractions as well as any popular restaurants or cafés that you would like to visit. Explore the city on foot or use public transportation to get around quickly. Pack a lunch so that you don’t have to spend time looking for food, and bring along a camera so that you can capture all the memorable moments. At night, take a walk around the city and admire its nightlife. Make sure you head back in time for some rest before your journey home!

Flexibility and convenience of Hop on hop off bus tours

Hop on hop off bus tours are a great way to explore a city. They offer flexibility and convenience that traditional tours don’t.

With hop on hop off bus tours, you can hop off at any of the designated stops along the route to explore an area, then simply reboard the next bus when you’re ready to continue. This eliminates the need for long walks or waiting for another tour group.

You can also choose which areas you want to explore and spend more time in particular places if desired. Furthermore, these tours often provide narration about the area and its history, allowing visitors to gain insight into their destination as they travel around it.

With their flexibility and convenience, hop-on hop-off bus tours are a great way to see a city in an efficient and enjoyable manner.

Affordable and economical way to explore the city

Hop on hop off bus tours are an affordable and economical way to explore the city.

These types of tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of different attractions around the city without having to worry about getting lost or trying to find their way back. They also provide convenient transportation from one place to another, allowing travelers to easily get from one destination to the next.

Furthermore, most tours offer discounts for large groups and typically have audio guides in various languages so that everyone can enjoy their experience. With a Hop-on hop-off bus tour, you’ll be able to explore all the best sights in the city while saving time and money!

Sightseeing stops at popular attractions with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop on hop off bus tours are a great way to explore the sights of any city. You can plan your own sightseeing stops at popular attractions and make the most of your time. The tour buses offer an audio guide in multiple languages, allowing you to learn more about each destination along the way. The buses also have regular stops at major landmarks, giving you plenty of chances to get off and explore further. Plus, the tickets are usually valid for 24 hours or more, so you can take your time while traveling between destinations. With hop on hop off tours, you can be sure to get the best out of any city and its attractions.

Commentary from experienced Tour Guides

Experienced guides on bus tours provide a unique and informative experience. These guides can give travelers insight into the local culture, history, and architecture of the area. They are knowledgeable about what makes the city special and can offer commentary on specific attractions or points of interest.

Experienced guides can also provide tips on where to eat and drink, as well as give their opinion on where to get the best value for money when shopping. Overall, having an experienced guide along for the ride makes Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours even more enjoyable and educational.

Great for families or groups of friends on the Hop on hop off bus tours

Hop on hop off bus tours are great for families or groups of friends who want to explore a city and its attractions. The tours offer flexibility, allowing passengers to choose which points they’d like to see and when they’d like to get off the bus. Plus, the tour guides provide interesting stories and facts about each stop along the way.

Air Condition & Wi-Fi Access

The buses are usually equipped with air-conditioning, comfortable seating, audio systems, and even Wi-Fi access for added convenience. Tour companies often offer discounts for large groups, so it’s possible to save money while touring around a new city. With these convenient tours, it’s easy to explore a city at your own pace without worrying about transportation or parking fees.

Recap of the benefits of taking a Hop on hop off bus tour when visiting Vienna

Taking a Hop on hop off bus tour is an ideal way to explore Vienna. Not only are they affordable and convenient, but they also offer the chance to view some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The tour will allow visitors to hop on and off at any of the many stops along the route which can be used to explore Vienna in much greater detail.

Moreover, travelers can benefit from a comprehensive audio guide that provides useful information about all the attractions along the route. This makes it easy for guests to learn more about Vienna without having to worry about researching or planning anything themselves. Overall, taking a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is an excellent way for visitors to gain an insight into Vienna and its culture in a cost-effective and enjoyable manner.

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HOP ON HOP OFF Bus Tours

YOUR VIENNA PASS ADVANTAGE

Free HOP ON HOP OFF ticket for the period of validity of your pass

Normal Price for 24h: Adult: €37,00 ; Child: €20,00  

YOUR VIENNA FLEXI PASS ADVANTAGE

Free HOP ON HOP OFF tours for 24h as one attraction

Normal Price for 24h: Adult: €37,00 ; Child: €20,00

Valid for the entire duration of your pass!

Discover Vienna from a different perspective with a VIENNA SIGHTSEEING HOP ON HOP OFF tour. A comprehensive tour of the city, you’ll be driven around the top sights, monuments and landmarks in a double decker bus. It’s the perfect opportunity to customise your own tour, you can hop-on, hop-off at any of the up to 45 stops to explore Vienna at your leisure. With a choice of four routes, you can pick and choose your journey and discover everything there is to see of Austria’s historic capital!

• Tour of top attractions in central Vienna
• The Danube and Prater area
• The imperial Schönbrunn Palace
• Audio-guide available in 16 languages

Did you know:

- The Danube River that runs through Vienna is unique in that it also runs through three other capital cities; Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade

- Vienna has two nicknames, the City of Dreams, as coined by psychoanalyst Freud, and the City of Music as it is a mecca for aspiring musicians with a wealth of classical history

- The expansive palace and gardens of the imperial Schönbrunn Palace covers 435 acres

Explore the magnificent Ringstraße! Along the Ringstrasse you find the most important sights of Vienna. For example the impressive State Opera or grand Hofburg Palace, a special highlight which takes you back to imperial times. Visit the residence of former emperors and see the Sisi museum too. In the Imperial Treasury you can admire the crown of the Holy Roman empire and many other precious items. Also directly located at the Ringstrasse is the beautiful building of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna. It is the home of priceless art treasures, such as the world's largest collection of Bruegel paintings. Other highlights on this popular HOP ON HOP OFF tour are the Austrian Parliament, the City Hall and the National Theater.

The Danube route will take visitors slightly out of town towards Danube Park where you can hop-off and go up the sky-high Danube Tower (the tallest tower in Austria) for breath-taking panoramic views over the city. The tour will also take you to the Prater area where you can discover Vienna’s theme park in Leopoldstadt. The Wiener Riesenrad, or Riesenrad – the Giant Ferris Wheel – is a must-see, too, to discover Vienna’s history in a unique way.

This imperial tour is one for the history fans to learn more about Austria’s rich culture and stately past. You can explore the luxury and opulence within Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburg’s summer residence, and its 1,441 staterooms, including the Gloriette and Schönbrunn Zoo. Learn about the Habsburgs’ tastes and habits and how they lived their day-to-day lives. You’ll also be taken around the Fruit and Flower Market, the Museum of Military History and the Belvedere Palace too.

If you want to explore what’s outside Vienna’s city centre, the Green route will show you the surroundings of Austria’s capital. Discover Vienna’s vineyards in Grinzing (making it the only capital city in the world to grow and supply its own wine) and travel up to Kahlenberg hill for stunning views over the city from a unique perspective.

Please note: Changes in the time table may occur. Please refer to the www.viennasightseeing.at in advance.

Please check the timetable on www.viennasightseeing.at

Metro:U1, U2, U4: Karlsplatz Tram:1, 2, 71, D: Kärntnerring/Oper Bus: 2A, 4A, 59A: Karlsplatz/Oper

Hop On Hop Off

Route: Blue Line / Yellow Line / Green Line / Red Line

Opernring 2 , 1010   Vienna Phone: +43 1 712 46 83

Other sights nearby

House of Music

WestLicht Center for photography

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Hop On Hop Off Vienna - Bus Tours

Control your own destiny during your Austria vacation during a hop-on hop-off Vienna bus tour. Filled with history and beautiful architecture, the city offers a picturesque backdrop for your next vacation. And, during your sightseeing trip, you can pay a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, learn about psychotherapy at Sigmund Freud Museum, take in the grandeur of the State Opera, and much more. All you have to do is sit atop the open deck of a big bus Vienna tour and take in the panoramic sights of the city.

Vienna Sightseeing Bus Tours

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Experience Vienna in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

The largest city in Austria, Vienna is a populous city that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. After Berlin, Vienna is the largest German-speaking city. Vienna is known for its remarkable architecture, baroque palaces, lush gardens, classical music, arts, and culture. There is a multitude of theatres and opera houses in Vienna. It is home to renowned authors, notable writers, politicians, and athletes.

The legend has that the popular French croissant originated in Vienna. The Vienna Zoo is the oldest in the world which was built way back in 1752. The most fun and relaxed way to experience the city is on a Vienna sightseeing bus tour.

Enjoy a tour by listening to an audio guide available in 16 languages and take advantage of discounts on several of the top attractions. You can even combine a bus tour with a city walking tour. Or choose the travel package that includes a hop-on hop-off, a city walking tour, and a boat ride or river cruise on the Danube. It’s what to do in Vienna when you want to make your money stretch a little further!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book a vienna hop-on hop-off tour.

The summer months of April to May are the best to plan a visit to Vienna. The weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. June to August is the peak tourist season so you can expect to encounter the worst crowds. The festivities fill the air and the city experiences a cultural boom. If you are on a budget, you can visit from February to May.

Q: What is a Vienna hop-on hop-off bus tour and how does it work?

Vienna bus tour offers you the convenience and flexibility to get off at the nearest designated stop. No tour guide, you set your own itinerary. You’ll find all the stops are located strategically at all the major attractions, making your touring as hassle-free as possible. And then, when you’re ready to continue, return to a designated bus stop, show your pass, and hop back on the bus and onwards towards your next attraction. So, go ahead and make a whole loop of the route once you have your tour ticket, get familiar with the city and pick out your favorite places to visit and then return to them during your stay.

Q: Are these tours guided?

That will depend on the tour provider. You’ll find that Vienna hop-on hop-off bus tours can be either live or audio-guided. Many will have a pre-recorded commentary that’ll share fascinating information about the history of Vienna, its culture, and many places of interest. You’ll find that the audio commentary will be provided in various languages. English, French, German and Spanish are the most commonly used, but others may be available. Check the specific product page for full details of all the languages offered.

Q: What is the duration of the Vienna bus tour?

Each Vienna tour is different, but in general, they will have a duration of between 1hr and 2hrs. Make sure to check the specific tour for timings.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
• BUENOS AIRES
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

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THE 5 BEST Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in Vienna, Austria

Hop-on hop-off tours in vienna.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Big Bus Vienna Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

2. 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off with Guided Walking Tour and River Cruise

3. Panoramabahn Schoenbrunn

4. Vienna Hop On Hop Off City Tour

5. Big Day Out in Vienna: Big Bus, Giant Ferris Wheel & River Cruise

6. Vienna: 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour & City Airport Train

7. Vienna Fast-track Giant Ferris Wheel ticket with Big Bus Tour

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  [An * means an affiliate relationship; see footer] City guide | Search the site | Tips for May

Visiting Vienna

Hop on hop off bus tours

One of Vienna’s sightseeing buses is a good option if you don’t want to get to grips with the (albeit excellent) public transport system, or if you want a guided hop on hop off tour.

• The Vienna Sightseeing bus
• The Big Bus Tour
• Both take you around the main sites
• Both offer audio guides, free WiFi etc.
• Sightseeing tips
• Review of a Future Bus VR tour
• Public transport & tours in Vienna

Hop on / hop off bus tours

Quick booking option with a choice of bus services:

(Booking service provided by Tiqets.com*, who I am an affiliate of)

Main options

In no particular order…

1. Vienna Sightseeing Bus

(Unmistakably yellow and green)

The Vienna Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off bus follows three different routes inside the city (at the time of writing):

• Red : this encircles the old town, taking you to/from or past key sites like the Hofburg palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum, opera house etc.

This should be your first-choice route, as it gives you a broad flavor of the best of Vienna. The different stops offer easy walking access to top sights, including those in the pedestrianised center.

• Yellow : this covers a small part of the Ring boulevard, including the opera house, but also takes you out to the two big tourist attractions away from the very center: the Schönbrunn and Belvedere palaces

A good second choice. No trip to Vienna is probably complete without seeing the Habsburg summer palace at Schönbrunn, for example. You also get a peek at the modern architecture around Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof railway station.

(Schönbrunn palace)

• Blue : this one takes you out to the architectural joy that is the Hundertwasser-designed Kunst Haus Wien as well as the Prater park and entertainment area (home to the Riesenrad giant Ferris wheel), the Danube, Danube Tower, United Nations HQ, and more

Particularly good for kids, if you want to let them loose on the rollercoasters and similar at the Prater and then take an iconic spin on the Riesenrad.

In the warmest times of the year, the buses sometimes add a fourth option that travels to the wine-growing areas with their Heuriger wine taverns, possibly via the rather colourful public incinerator at Spittelau.

That seasonal extra lets you sample the Viennese wine culture and get a glimpse of how outlying villages might have looked before Vienna took over.

Ticket options

A hop on hop off ticket * includes, for example, on-board WiFi and an audioguide (with English a language option).

You choose between 24, 48, and 72 hour tickets. All include those red, yellow, and blue routes and are valid for the designated number of hours from the moment you first use them.

2. The Big Bus Tour

(Distinctively red)

The buses of the Big Bus Tour follow two routes (at the time of writing) and have bonus options:

• Red: this takes you around the Ring boulevard, but also, for example, out to Belvedere and the Prater & Danube area

This is a great option if you’re stuck for time, since you see many landmark sights in one circular trip.

• Blue: this is the noble route, bordering the Hofburg complex, then bringing you out to the Schönbrunn and Belvedere palaces (but also to Hundertwasserhaus)

All tickets * cover both routes, and you choose between Discover (24hr), Essential (48hr + bonuses), and Explore (48hr + more bonuses) options. The additional bonuses available include, for example, a guided walking tour or short river cruise.

The Big Bus folk also offer an evening tour as a separate product * (not a hop on hop off ride but a tour with a live guide and English commentary). Vienna looks lovely at night with the illuminated old buildings, especially when the Christmas lights are up.

Other bus tours

Vienna has a few other sightseeing bus tour options that I’ll add as I get to them. For example:

The Future Bus tour

(The stop on Albertinaplatz)

A recent addition to the tour landscape is the hybrid physical and virtual reality Future Bus tour. The one-hour route with audioguide takes you around the west edge of the old town, where many of the city’s major sights live.

You put on VR goggles at several stops to experience, for example, 360 degree reenactments of important historical events. For full details, see my tour review .

Hop On Hop Off Vienna – Yellow line

Discover Schönbrunn Palace& Belvedere Palace!

It is mandatory to scan the QR code on your ticket at our validator when you board our HOP ON HOP OFF bus!

Explore Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palace with our HOP ON HOP OFF - YELLOW LINE!

The YELLOW LINE gets you to  Schönbrunn Palace , the most popular tourist attraction in Austria and a World Heritage Site. Take a look at the imperial private apartments, stroll through the  palace gardens  or take your kids to the nearby  zoo .

An other culturally interesting stop on this HOP ON HOP OFF bus tour: Belvedere Palace , the former summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, in which the world-famous painting "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt is exhibited. The Schwarzenbergplatz stop takes you to some of the stops on the “Viennese Waltz” self-guided tour .

Follow our buses live with our BUS TRACKING . You can also download the station addresses HERE .

Metro:U1, U2, U4: Karlsplatz Tram:1, 2, 71, D: Kärntnerring/Oper Bus: 2A, 4A, 59A: Karlsplatz/Oper

Hop On Hop Off

Route: Yellow Line

Opernring 2 , 1010   Vienna Phone: +43 1 712 46 83

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Austria , In One Day , Tours

Review: vienna hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

The first time I truly “traveled” was with my dad back in 2013. I went on a school trip to Prague and, a week after it ended, was meant to be starting my summer abroad in Dublin. While flying back and forth was an option, it wasn’t a fun one. Instead, my dad met me in Prague and we made our way to Dublin by train (and a ferry), stopping in Munich, Geneva, Paris, and Edinburgh on the way.  We had just over a day in each city, so we learned to be efficient. The hop-on, hop-off bus tour ended up being our go to. It was a great way to see almost all of the city’s main attractions in two hours. Then, we could go back and make an educated decision on what we wanted to see more of in the short time we had. 

After visiting Bratislava  (and our quick trip to Trnava for the football match), Sean and I had about 8 hours to kill in Vienna before our flight back to London, and it was pouring rain on and off. We decided to give the Vienna hop-on, hop-off bus a try in order to see as much of Vienna as possible while staying dry and making our flight on time. It was Sean’s first time on a hop-on, hop-off bus, and he understood that it was a great concept, so he was eager to see what it was all about. I was just excited at the idea of being dry while exploring Vienna.

Vienna’s hop-on, hop-off bus (through Vienna Sightseeing ) offers six different routes. The price to do one route in 24 hours is €17, and it costs €25 to have access to all routes. We paid the €25 and had time to go all the way around on two routes – yellow and green. 

Yellow Route

Schönbrunn Palace is such a beautiful sight.

We chose to do the yellow route first because it was the only one that had a stop at the main train station, where we were dropped off, and it was also the only one that went out to the glorious Schönbrunn Palace. I was surprised by this because the palace is one of the must see items in Vienna, and I remembered it being very popular from my last visit. 

We downed our coffees, bought our tickets, and grabbed a seat in the front of the upper deck. 

The Yellow Route took us from the main train station to the Museum of Military History and then all the way around Vienna to the Palace, passing Belvedere Palace and the Museum Quarter on the way. We stayed on the bus for the entire time until we got to the Palace, where we finally got off. From the Palace, the bus went back to the train station, where we got off.

I visited Vienna’s Museum Quarter during my last visit to Vienna – it is a great place to walk around for a bit.

The Commentary

The commentary for this tour was not the best – we would get a quick snippet of each site followed by some elevator music. The commentary did not go very in depth and there was no additional information about the city, the streets we were going down, etc. I always prefer live commentary, but usually the recorded commentary is still interesting and captivating. That’s what makes the hop-on, hop-off bus tours so great! So, it’s safe to say it was a bit disappointing to be unimpressed.

The Experience

Although we were not too impressed with the commentary, the main purpose of the yellow tour was to get us to Schönbrunn Palace, so we were very happy when we arrived and the rain tapered off. We walked around the Palace and, as we saw another rain cloud approaching, decided to head back to the bus. We checked the bus times and thought we only needed to wait about six minutes.

In those six minutes, the downpour started again. Then the bus was late…by thirty minutes. And when it finally arrived, the seats on the bottom deck were all full and the seats on the top deck were soaking wet, which was confusing given that fact that this was not an open air bus. We had no way of cleaning up the seats, so sat on the very edge trying to avoid water the entire ride back to the train station.

I took these two images within about a minute of each other. Storms are crazy!

Green Route

We loved this gorgeous panoramic view from the top of Kahlenberg Hill.

After a frustrating closing experience on the Yellow Route, we debated skipping out on the rest of the day altogether. I jumped on TripAdvisor and read a ton of reviews about others having the same experience with late buses, or buses not coming at all. We started brainstorming other things we might be able to do with the rest of our day, but decided to give the green route a try. After all, the weather was still questionable and we couldn’t think of a better option.

The green route was extremely appealing because it contained two things we love to find in each city we visit – panoramic views and local wine . We got off the Yellow Bus at the train station after finishing the full loop and opted to get a taxi to the National Theatre, where the Green Line starts. The bus arrived on the hour exactly as expected, and right as another downpour started!

The Green Route does not spend much time in Vienna. It makes a few stops on the way out, until it arrives in Grinzing, a local village turned suburb, known for its wine production. We stayed on the bus while it made two quick stops in Grinzing before going up Kahlenberg hill to an incredible panoramic view over Vienna, where the bus stopped for enough time for everyone to get off, take photos, and get back on. On its way back down, the bus stopped in another town where there is a monastery that is famous for wine. It made one last stop in Grinzing (approximately an hour after the original stop there), where Sean and I got off to go for a meal and to try some wine. The bus then went back into Vienna and returned to the National Theatre.

The audio recording told a really cool story about this Polish church that sits atop Kahlenberg Hill.

The Green Route commentary was so much better than the Yellow Route. It was the type of commentary I am used to on tours like this – very informative, with a ton of extra information, and quite engaging. Even Sean agreed that there was a huge difference in the levels of commentary.

The bus we got on from the National Theatre was a proper tour bus – one story with very comfortable seats. On the way back, we had one similar to the Yellow Route bus, but it arrived on time and got us back to Vienna very quickly.

I loved the Green Route because it took us outside of the centre of Vienna and showed us something a bit different. Grinzing is an adorable little town with plenty of local wine taverns. We read beforehand that it has become a very touristy town, but still maintains its village charm and I couldn’t agree more. Like the little towns we stopped at on our bus tours in Munich and Tuscany , the town still offered a good look into life there, while being able to cater to tourists (English speaking staff, quaint tourist shops, etc.).

We learned all sorts of cool stories about the towns that we were going through and the various places we visited. The hop-on, hop-off bus out to Grinzing and the surrounding areas reminded me of other tours we have done in the past, but was much cheaper since it’s self-guided once you get off – a great alternative for those looking to go “beyond” Vienna.

Conclusion: Is the Vienna Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour a Must Do or a Must Avoid?

Vienna’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour definitely isn’t the best one out there, but it was still a great option for a rainy day – especially since we only had a few hours. The most disappointing part is that there wasn’t a route that truly covered all of the best spots in Vienna, which is normally the case in other cities. I think they could definitely reroute the buses a bit to hit more destinations in one route. 

The all routes pass is definitely the way to do if you are getting a pass for 2 days or more. Between all of the routes, you can go all around and outside of Vienna. The routes do not intersect much, though, so definitely plan where you are going to hop from one to the other in advance. 

Vienna itself is not one of my favorite cities, but is definitely worth a visit. You can easily tack great locations like Bratislava, Salzburg, and Budapest on to either end of your visit. If you choose Budapest, check out this list of 15 awesome things to do in Budapest .

What is your favorite bus tour? What city was it in?

Let us know in the comments below!

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4 thoughts on “ Review: Vienna Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour ”

Hi, I think the reason why there are the different routes is because there is so much of Vienna to see. If it was all on one route, everyone would just overload that one. By splitting it up, they spread the load. Also, Vienna is a city for walking and stopping and experiencing. By putting a limited range of stops on each tour, it is possible to do as you did and get off the bus for a while and spend some time at some of the places.

I completely agree that the different routes are necessary. We were just bummed that one route didn’t have absolutely everything we wanted to do – ha, tourist problems! I have been to Vienna once before and it is a lovely city to walk around. Unfortunately, the day we did the tour it was absolutely pouring rain half the time, so we stayed on the bus for a lot of it.

That’s an interesting review of the Vienna Hop on hop off bus! I live here so I haven’t been on one of those but I will bear this in mind for friends and family that come to visit 🙂

It’s definitely a great thing for showing friends and family your hometown – or a great way to let them go off and do something on their own if you’re busy!

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Music | Would Oakland really be Drake’s ‘last…

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Music | Would Oakland really be Drake’s ‘last stop’? What a huge cultural moment says about the city’s hip-hop scene

Kendrick lamar's chart-topping new single 'not like us' places oakland in the center of hip-hop's biggest beef.

In the show-stopping single “Not Like Us,” which last week debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Compton native Lamar suggested that a future Drake concert in Oakland would be the Toronto rapper’s “last stop,” implying Drake was no longer welcome here.

That’s because Drake, in a previous diss track targeting Lamar, employed artificial intelligence to imitate the voice of late legend Tupac Shakur , a controversial move that led Shakur’s family estate to threaten legal action.

Members of the local hip-hop scene aren’t surprised the town was thrust into the drama, given the city’s long legacy of contributions to the genre. But they aren’t sure what to make of Oakland’s depiction as a hub of retribution and violence — a dated reference in a city where legacy hip-hop artists spend most of their time investing in the community.

US rapper Kendrick Lamar performs during the 2023 Governors Ball Music Festival at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York City on June 11, 2023. (Photo by YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)

Rapper Drake sports a Warriors’ Kevin Durant jersey as he performs in concert during the Summer Sixteen Tour with Future at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Idle threats are a common — and mostly unserious — feature of any rap beef. But would Drake really be met with violence in Oakland? The answer to that question among both older and younger generations of the city’s rap scene is, unequivocally, no.

“When it comes to ‘opps’ music — shooting your neighbors and whatnot — we’ve reached a point where we don’t want all of that,” said Daghe Digital, a producer and DJ who grew up in West Oakland and has worked with a number of hip-hop artists. “The young rappers here are heavily introspective.”

Many of the city’s legacy artists, meanwhile, are busy with pursuits outside the rap game.

Terry Butler, a.k.a. Mr. Community, transitioned a career that began with producing records for his high-school classmate Too $hort — the Oakland rap pioneer who used to sell his albums from the trunk of his car in the ’80s before releasing a string of multi-platinum records in the ’90s — to now running music events for Oakland youth.

“Oakland now is different from what it was; there’s less of a foundation of hip-hop here now,” said Butler, who also produced music for Destiny’s Child and Alicia Keys. “But nobody from outside (the town) can decide what we do here.”

East Bay legend Mistah F.A.B., who now owns the clothing store Dope Era on Broadway, was most notable for repping the Golden State Warriors during their waning championship years in Oakland. He popped up last fall at the campaign launch against the recall of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price.

The town’s shifting demographics amid an influx in recent years of wealthier transplants make it more difficult for most to imagine Drake would actually face retribution if he returns to Oakland, where the artist hasn’t played a concert since 2018.

His tour last year stopped twice at the Chase Center in San Francisco, but not in Oakland — another sign that Oakland’s foundation of being the Bay Area’s hub of the genre might indeed have been displaced.

Oakland has given birth to new artists who are eager to carry on the tradition. But social media has granted a younger generation boundless access to the world’s hip-hop offerings. West Coast artists no longer appear unified against opponents from the opposite coast. Or, in this case, Canada.

“Drake has a lot of respect for the Bay Area,” said Jacky Johnson, who helps coordinate Town Up Tuesday shows at Lake Merritt. The concert’s latest edition this week is expected to feature Too $hort.

Daghe, the local producer, said Oakland’s “got love” for Drake. Another up-and-coming Oakland-based producer, Ovrkast, co-produced two tracks on Drake’s last studio album.

But the cultural pride in Oakland identified by Lamar, the trope that persists around town in cars booming with West Coast rap and murals of hip-hop legends, remains resonant.

It’s what made Oakland a special place to Shakur, the child of Black Panthers who was born in East Harlem and raised partly in New York, Baltimore and Marin City before becoming synonymous with Southern California.

In video of a 1993 interview, Shakur jolted upright at the mention of Oakland, quickly launching into an explanation of why the town imbued him with so much “feeling” that simply didn’t exist in other cities.

He would rave about how his heart belonged to Oakland for the rest of his career, before his murder three years later.

Some of the city’s newer generation has leaned into wholesome messaging. In one of his many odes to the region, local rapper Loove Moore declared on “All I Really Want”: “We got hella talent in the Bay, and we ain’t gon’ let no hate get in the way.”

To Councilmember Carroll Fife, who last year built a relationship with Shakur’s family while organizing a local street renaming after him, all the negativity in Lamar and Drake’s “great war” serves mostly as a distraction.

“If Tupac were here, I do believe he’d be talking about Haiti and Congo and Palestine,” Fife said, referring to large-scale violence in all three regions. “I’m really tired of (the feud), to be honest. Can’t we just heal as a community?”

But many, including Fife, agree the beef has produced some of both artists’ best music and reaffirmed hip-hop’s core tropes: competition and confrontation. Those mediums traditionally offered “an alternative to violence,” said local artist DJ Torman Jahi.

“In a rap battle, you may lose, but no one loses their lives,” Jahi, a curator of the city’s hip-hop history at the African-American Museum and Library at Oakland, said in a direct message.

The balance between trash talk and real threats has helped harbor Lamar and Drake’s mutual disdain within the realm of entertainment, instead of something more sinister. Oakland’s artists, for their part, want it to remain there.

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