7 Vienna Dark History Tours to Book Before You Go

1.“The Third Man” Film Location Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 315 reviews · 2 hours · from $30Our pick

Follow Harry Lime through central Vienna on a two-hour walk with a state-certified guide. You’ll see key filming locations and hear how Carol Reed, Graham Greene, and Orson Welles shaped the film, alongside stories of postwar occupation, black markets, and spies. Tours run in English or German and begin at U4 Stadtpark, Johannesgasse exit.

“The tour was very very interesting for a movie enthusiast. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the movie and life in Vienna at the time. He tied in movie locations with anecdotes about graham greene, production behind the scenes, and life in Vienna’s post world war. A lot of intrigue. I Very very highly recommend this tour. Even if you’re not sure about the movie, it’s a nice walk through the city with historical aspects. Thank you again.”

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2.Spooky Ghost Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 209 reviews · 1h 30m · from $28

Follow an English-speaking Austria Guide from Helmut Zilk Square through Vienna’s historic center to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Over 90 minutes, hear dark tales tied to the imperial palace, Blood Alley, and the city’s famous landmarks. Guides such as Lisa and Trim have led the tour, though your guide may vary. Expect cobblestones, a light touch of gore, and stories that mix history with legend.

“Our ghost tour was absolutely amazing!! Our guide Lisa was fantastic. So knowledgeable and so so friendly. We booked the tour for our last evening and we got so much information we wished we had another day to explore it all!! My partner and I travel lots and always do a ghost tour everywhere we go and this was by far the best! 100% recommend and I hope you get the same guide as we did because she’s incredible. 10/10 would book again”

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3.German Guided Ghost Tour of Spooky Vienna

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 113 reviews · 2 hours · from $45

Spend two hours walking Vienna’s lanes with a licensed German-speaking guide, hearing tales of the Knights Templar, a notorious mass murderer and the legendary vampire princess. You’ll also examine the devilish exterior of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guide Stefan has been praised for his lively storytelling, but guide assignments can vary. The tour stays outdoors and does not include entry to crypts or buildings.

“alles super,der Stefan weiss wie man die Leute unterhält”

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4.Vienna After Dark: Private Evening Food & Drink Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $247Top rated

Join a local English-speaking guide for a four-hour private evening of Viennese pastries, coffee, market food, dinner, wine or beer, and a finishing cocktail. The route can reach neighborhoods beyond the center, with guides such as Wolfi, Maria, and Patrick helping you connect the food to Vienna’s everyday life.

“This was very enjoyable. My husband and I love to know all of the local favorites for food and drink. There was great variety and no skimping on yummy food and drinks”

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5.Spooky Vienna Ghost Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 49 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $30

At 7:30 pm, join an English-speaking, state-certified Austria Guide for a 90-minute walk from Helmut-Zilk-Platz through Vienna’s old center to Stephansplatz. Expect tales of opera-house phantoms, murder, death, and local legends, rather than a tour devoted only to ghost sightings. Lisa is a guide associated with the experience, though your guide may differ.

“It was a great tour. Learned a few things, and got to explore the city with someone who knew the city.”

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6.Third Man Museum Admission Ticket Vienna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $20Best value

Spend about one to two hours in Vienna’s Third Man Museum, exploring original film scripts, the zither used by Anton Karas, cameras and historical objects. The exhibits connect the film’s international success with daily life in occupied Vienna. Admission is included, but food, drinks and transport are not. The museum is open Saturdays from 2 to 6 pm.

“Eine unglaublich umfangreiche und originelle Sammlung, mit viel Liebe zum Detail zusammengestellt. Sehr nette und zuvorkommenden Museumsleiter und -Mitarbeiter.”

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7.Private Spooky Vienna Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Walk central Vienna with a private English-speaking guide on a 90-minute evening tour of Habsburg burial customs, aristocratic catacombs, plague lore, execution sites, and ghostly legends. Lisa has led many tours, bringing lively storytelling and practical city tips. Your group of up to 15 starts at Helmut-Zilk-Platz at 7:30 pm and finishes by St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

“Lisa was the best!!!! She had remarkable energy and told us the most fascinating secrets of Vienna. She was a wealth of knowledge in regard to the tour and additional travel tips. My entire family loved this experience and we would highly recommend this tour to anyone!”

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