The Prater is Vienna’s largest public park and home to the historic Wurstelprater amusement park, famous for the giant Ferris wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) that has overlooked the city since 1897.
Entry to the park and amusement area is completely free, and the grounds are open 24 hours a day; individual rides and attractions set their own hours and charge separately, with most operating from around 9am to shortly before midnight during the main season (mid-March through October).
Beyond the rides, the Prater’s tree-lined main avenue (Hauptallee) is popular for jogging and cycling, and the park includes meadows, a planetarium, and a stadium. It’s best visited in the late afternoon or evening, when the Ferris wheel is lit up.