Things to do in Vienna in summer

Whether you simply want to switch off, experience new adventures or gather fresh impressions - in this guide you will find out how to make the most of your summer in Vienna.

Tip for saving money: The Vienna City Card gives you discounts on many sights, free public transport and over 200 benefits - ideal for a weekend or a short trip.

Why visit Vienna in summer? Vienna is not only fascinating for its impressive architecture, rich musical heritage and traditional coffee houses - in the warmer months, the city is transformed into a huge open-air festival. Those who come in summer can look forward to a varied and exciting offer:

•     Cultural experiences: From classical music events to stage art and cabaret to open-air cinemas
•     Nature & relaxation: lush green spaces, idyllic bathing waters, riverside paths and nearby woodland areas
•     Culinary delights for every taste: rustic wine taverns, modern food markets and lots of delicious snacks in between
•     Pure summer atmosphere: street cafés, hidden picnic spots and cozy outdoor locations

Aclear advantage: Vienna impresses with its high quality of life, cleanliness, safety and excellent infrastructure - all in a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere for a big city.

The best time for a summer vacation

•     June & July: Ideal for events of all kinds, mild evenings outdoors and atmospheric open-air festivals
•     August: A little quieter, as many locals are out of town - a great opportunity to get to know Vienna in a relaxed atmosphere
•     September: The late summer glow bathes the city in warm light - perfect for quiet moments for two and atmospheric discovery tours

The summer months in Vienna are mostly pleasantly warm. In June, temperatures usually climb to 20 to 27 °C - ideal for relaxed exploration tours through the city and first trips to the water. July often brings the highest temperatures of the year, often up to 30 °C, accompanied by wonderfully mild evenings - ideal for a visit to breezy bars with a view or atmospheric open-air concerts.

August remains warm, but often seems quieter, as many Viennese travel - perfect for a relaxed stay without the hustle and bustle. Temperatures then range between 22 and 29 °C. In September, summer slowly comes to an end, the days become gentler and the city shines in a golden light. With temperatures between 18 and 25 °C, this is a great time for leisurely excursions, romantic walks or wine hikes.

Practical tip: A small umbrella or a thin jacket can be useful - short summer thunderstorms occasionally occur, but are quickly over again.

In Vienna, summer shows its most varied side - with a variety of experiences to suit every taste. Whether you prefer to spend hot days by the water, enjoy cozy evenings at cultural highlights or simply want to collect unforgettable moments with your loved ones - the city offers countless possibilities.

From picnics in the countryside, exciting bike tours along natural paths to open-air concerts and cheerful city festivals: In Vienna, you can enjoy summer in all its facets and discover something new every day.

A hike through the vineyards around the Kahlenberg is a real insider tip in summer for anyone who wants to experience Vienna to the full. The trail usually starts in idyllic Nussdorf and leads past beautiful vineyards with spectacular views of the city. Perfect for chatting in peace, taking great photos and stopping off at a traditional Buschenschank in between.

A visit to a wine tavern with friends is the perfect way to round off the day - either with a classic Brettljause and a spritzer or a modern take on regional, creative organic cuisine. It is particularly atmospheric at sunset, when the golden light bathes Vienna in a special atmosphere.

A romantic tip: drink a glass of wine on the terrace on the Kahlenberg and enjoy the view together - unforgettable summer memories are guaranteed.

If you want to experience a summer morning in Vienna in a special way, the best way to start is with a quiet stroll through the extensive Schönbrunn Palace Park. While the city is still sleeping peacefully, you can enjoy the spacious avenues, the babbling fountains and the impressive view of the palace almost to yourself.

The fresh morning air and the view of slowly awakening Vienna from the Gloriette create a unique moment to start the day - ideal for anyone who is looking for peace and quiet, enjoys taking photos or simply wants to consciously experience the moment.

Grab a cozy blanket, pack some tasty snacks and refreshing drinks and make yourself comfortable in the idyllic Türkenschanzpark. In summer, this green retreat regularly transforms into a stage for small, fine cultural events: from live music and readings to theater performances.

Surrounded by old trees and blooming flowers, you can relax and listen to the sounds, experience exciting stories or discover new artists - all in a relaxed atmosphere in the middle of nature. The cultural picnic in Türkenschanzpark is the perfect opportunity to combine culture and nature, enjoy the summer to the full and spend unforgettable hours with friends or family.

The Vienna Prater combines thrills, tradition and relaxation in a unique way - right in the heart of the city. With more than 250 attractions, there is something for everyone here: from the famous Ferris wheel, which offers a spectacular panoramic view over Vienna, to fast-paced roller coasters, spooky ghost trains and the exciting Freefall Tower, to classic carousels and fun bumper cars.

In between, you can fortify yourself with typical delicacies such as langos, ice cream or roasted almonds or enjoy a refreshing drink in a shady garden. If you want to relax afterwards, you can take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the green Praterallee and reach the Jesuitenwiese - a wonderful place for a picnic or a relaxing break in the shade.

Whether you are looking for adventure, want to reminisce about your childhood or just want to spend a relaxing summer's day, a visit to the Prater is simply part of summer in Vienna for many people.

In summer, the Danube Canal becomes Vienna's hippest open-air living room. Right on the banks, trendy bars, colorful street art, cozy hammocks and loungers invite you to relax with a cool drink and consciously enjoy the time. Whether it's a romantic stroll along the water, a relaxed get-together with friends or capturing spectacular sunsets in photos - this is where vibrant city life meets a laid-back summer atmosphere.

A visit to one of Vienna's traditional outdoor pools is like a little trip back in time to decades gone by. The Krapfenwaldlbad in particular impresses with its charming retro ambience, reminiscent of the pools of the 1920s. Surrounded by greenery and with a wonderful view of the city, you can relax here on hot summer days, swim in the cool water or simply enjoy the sun on the sunbathing lawn. The nostalgic flair combined with modern facilities makes it the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city - ideal for families, friends or anyone who wants to experience that summer feeling with a touch of history.

Just a few minutes from Vienna's city center is a real summer paradise: the Old Danube. The calm waters with their crystal-clear water are perfect for swimming, paddling or pedal boating - surrounded by green nature and idyllic boathouses. If you prefer to take it easy, you can sunbathe on one of the bathing spots or jetties, bring a picnic or stop off at one of the inviting lakeside restaurants.

Whether you want to be active or simply relax - on the Old Danube, you can enjoy that vacation feeling in the middle of the city. An evening boat trip with a view of the sunset is particularly beautiful - pure romance included.

A very special summer cinema awaits you on the roof of the main library: the “Kino am Dach”. As soon as the sun slowly disappears behind the rows of houses and the city is bathed in warm light, the cinematic pleasure begins here in the open air.
You can enjoy exciting, moving or humorous films in a cozy atmosphere - accompanied by a glass of wine, crackling popcorn and a wonderful panoramic view over Vienna.
A tip for balmy evenings with a special flair - ideal for dates with a romantic touch or relaxing hours with loved ones. A real highlight of the Viennese cultural summer!

The Vienna Botanical Garden is a true Eldorado for all those who appreciate plants and nature. Over 11,000 different species from all over the world are waiting to be discovered. A stroll through the diverse themed areas is particularly appealing, from native alpine plants to tropical exotics.

Just a stone's throw away is the magnificent Belvedere Palace, which delights visitors with its impressive art collections in a historic setting. A visit to the Upper or Lower Belvedere can be wonderfully combined with a relaxing stroll through the garden.

Natural beauty and cultural highlights come together here to create a special summer experience in the heart of Vienna.

The Volksgarten is one of the most enchanting places in Vienna in summer, especially when the numerous rose bushes are in full bloom. Between the historic gardens, colorful seas of flowers and the panorama of the Hofburg, it is a wonderful place to stroll, relax and enjoy the atmosphere to the full.

A perfect retreat to escape the hectic city life for a moment, recharge your batteries and be enchanted by the mixture of nature and history.

The lively heart of modern Vienna beats in Brunnenmarkt and around Yppenplatz. With its diverse range of exotic dishes, creative street food stalls and a young, alternative atmosphere, this district invites you to discover and stroll around. Here you can try new culinary highlights, stroll through exciting little boutiques and soak up the multicultural flair to the full.

From the end of May to the end of September, the central courtyard of the MuseumsQuartier becomes Vienna's vibrant open-air stage - and admission is free. Whether after a visit to the museum or a day at work: concerts, plays, readings, panel discussions and film screenings invite you to linger and relax. Special highlights include the “O-Töne” literature festival, the “frame[o]ut” film festival and the “MQ Tunes” concert series, which presents new talent from the Austrian music scene every Wednesday.

Treat yourself to a journey through extraordinary ice cream flavors - from vegan basil and lemon ice cream to fragrant lavender and classic Sachertorte flavors. On your tour, you will stop at popular ice cream parlors such as Tichy, Zanoni and the vegan ice cream parlor Veganista. A true feast for your taste buds!

For all those who like to keep moving in summer, a round of stand-up paddling on the New Danube is just the thing. Hire a board, stand on the water and enjoy gliding silently along the modern city backdrop. The light breeze, the gentle lapping and the sweeping views turn every tour into a little adventure - perfect for staying active and relaxed at the same time on hot days.

When the heat of the day subsides, Vienna's city center unfolds its very special charm. Stroll through the winding alleyways around St. Stephen's Cathedral, past historic palaces, illuminated facades and cozy pavement cafés. Highlights such as Kärntner Straße, Graben and Michaelerplatz are particularly atmospheric in the evening - and invite you to linger, take photos or enjoy a drink outside.

Tip: End your walk in Burggarten or Albertinaplatz with a view of the opera - a magical place at sunset.

Whether it's a city trip, cultural weekend or family vacation - there's a suitable City Pass for every type of visit to Vienna:

The Vienna City Card is perfect for anyone who wants to travel flexibly on public transport and save on tickets.

The Vienna PASS is ideal if you want to experience as many highlights as possible - including practical HOP ON HOP OFF buses.

And the Flexi PASS is perfect for those who like to be particularly flexible: you choose which sights you want to visit - without any time pressure.

• Free public transport + over 200 discounts

• Ideal for city hoppers & culture lovers:inside

You can buy them here.

Vienna PASS

• Admission to top sights (e.g. Schönbrunn, Albertina, Hofburg)
• Incl. HOP ON HOP OFF

Flexi PASS

• Free choice of 2-5 attractions
• For flexible scheduling

You can find out more on the Vienna Pass website.

Vienna in summer - relaxed, lively & surprisingWhen the sun is in the sky for longer, Vienna unfolds its very special charm: a city where history and the present merge harmoniously, where it is calm and full of energy at the same time. The capital fascinates with its imperial flair and urban lightness - a place that inspires, delights and invites you to pause for a moment.

Whether you're just passing through for a day or planning a few relaxing summer days: in Vienna you'll find green retreats, idyllic baths, cozy pavement cafés and a variety of cultural offerings in the open air.

So, grab your sunglasses, take your favorite people with you - and off you go to unique moments, warm evenings and little adventures in the heart of the city.