Vienna in the summer is absolutely worth it! Anyone who travels to Vienna during the summer months definitely comes out ahead. In any case, so that you can enjoy Vienna in the best way possible, we have gathered the best of the city for you during this time of year. Read about recommended attractions, wonderful experiences, recommendations for the city’s nightlife, free events not to be missed, and much more!
Vienna is suitable for a trip for all ages! Whether you are coming for a solo trip, as a couple, or as a family with children, you will find fun and enriching activities.
It is important to note, however, that it can be hot during the summer months (even over 30 degrees Celsius). Fortunately, the humidity in Vienna is not very high, and the heat is usually quite bearable when you’re out and about. It is, of course, recommended to look for a hotel or apartment with air conditioning, or at least in an area that is not between crowded streets.
And now we are ready to start reviewing the best of Vienna in the summer! Our recommendation: bring a swimsuit too!
Recommended Attractions in Vienna in the Summer
Throughout the city of Vienna, there are wonderful attractions, whether in the open air or inside museums and palaces. The list below includes the best, but of course, there are many more attractions. We also recommend checking out the three-day itinerary for Vienna we prepared to make planning your trip easier. The itinerary includes a variety of attractions, museums, restaurants, and activities, and of course, all the places are marked on an interactive Google map.
Schönbrunn Palace
This attraction is the most popular in Austria, with millions of visitors a year. Schönbrunn Palace is not just a magnificent building with a rich history, but also a fantastic activity complex for all ages. You can easily spend half a day in this area and still not see everything.
Inside the palace, there are guided tours for lovers of history, art, and splendor. Surrounding the palace is a beautiful, well-kept park that you can enter for free. Through the park’s paths, you can walk up to the Gloriette and from there, look out over the city and take wonderful pictures. Also, in the Schönbrunn complex is the oldest zoo in the world and several other museums and attractions that children will love. Read a comprehensive review of the tours, attractions, and recommendations for visiting Schönbrunn Palace to plan the perfect day at this place.
Prater Park – Amusement Park and Nature
The large Prater Park is located in the second district of Vienna, near the Danube River. The park consists of two parts: the nature area and the amusement park. In each part of the park, you will find something to do: whether it’s walking down the grand avenue lined with trees and lawns or having a fun time on the various rides in the old amusement park. In addition, throughout the park, there are several nice museums like the Chocolate Museum or Madame Tussauds.
Entrance to Prater Park is free! You only pay in the amusement park for the rides you go on. Read comprehensive information on all the attractions in Prater Park in the detailed article we prepared about this wonderful area of Vienna.
A Stroll Through the Old Town and the Ringstrasse
The first district of Vienna is the center of the Old Town. In this area, there is a wide variety of impressive historical buildings, magnificent churches, palaces, and museums. Whether in summer or winter, this is the area not to be missed when you come to Vienna.
It is especially recommended to walk through the impressive streets of the Old Town, head towards Heroes’ Square (Heldenplatz) at the Hofburg Palace, and gaze at the wonderful City Hall (often, events are held in the City Hall square throughout the summer, so it’s worth going there anyway. We will detail this later in the article). It is also worthwhile to walk along the Ringstrasse, pass by the Parliament building, and cross the beautiful Maria-Theresien-Platz towards the Museum Quarter and the Mariahilfer shopping street. Click for a comprehensive overview of the attractions in Vienna’s first district.
City Parks
Besides the impressive park of Schönbrunn Palace or the vast park in the Prater, there are quite a few wonderful city parks right in the heart of the city. It’s worth wandering through the Volksgarten (People’s Garden) with its rose gardens and the nearby Burggarten (Castle Garden) adjacent to the Hofburg Palace. It’s also nice to walk among the statues in the Stadtpark (City Park).
Belvedere Palace and the Botanical Garden
The Belvedere complex is also a must-see attraction when visiting Vienna. The two beautiful Baroque palaces enclose a well-kept and very colorful garden. In the summer months, there is a variety of colorful flowers alongside the shallow water pools. This is definitely a wonderful place for impressive photos, even if you don’t want to go on a tour of the palace’s gallery, where the famous painting “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt is located.
From the palace grounds, you can enter the adjacent Botanical Garden. It is a nice and well-kept garden with a great variety of plants from different regions of the world. It is very pleasant to wander among the winding paths of the garden.
Read more about the Belvedere complex palaces and the recommended activities in this area.
Mariahilfer Strasse Shopping Street
Mariahilfer Strasse is considered the largest shopping street in Vienna (for those who don’t have extra money to spend in the luxury shops of the first district) and is a short walk from the Museum Quarter. The street was renovated a few years ago and a large part of it has become a beautiful and orderly pedestrian mall. It is actually a pedestrian street about a kilometer long with shops, restaurants, cafes on both sides, and a meeting place for young and old alike. On Mariahilfer Strasse, there is a wide variety of fashion chains, shoe stores, sports stores, electronics, home goods, as well as leading brands. The prices are slightly cheaper than in Israel, but only slightly.
In general, Vienna has no shortage of quality shopping options, and even those who can’t imagine a trip without visiting Primark can breathe a sigh of relief as there are several Primark branches throughout the city. You can read about other recommended shopping centers in the city in our article on 14 recommended shopping centers in Vienna and a guide to tax refunds.
Flea Market near Naschmarkt
It’s true that Vienna can’t boast about its markets. The markets throughout the city are not very impressive, but of course, you can find interesting foods and fresh fruits and vegetables there. A definitely fun attraction is located right at the end of the famous Naschmarkt every weekend. This is the city’s flea market. Here you can find real bargains. There are many stalls of vendors from all over the region offering a variety of antiques and other interesting items. It’s worth popping in for a short visit of a few hours. Afterwards, you can continue to the square of the beautiful Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) and from there head back towards the magnificent Opera House. Read more information about Naschmarkt and the adjacent flea market.
Danube Island (Donauinsel)
The Danube Island (Donauinsel) is an artificial island built in Vienna to protect the city from floods. The island now serves as a great recreational spot in the summer months and an escape from the noisy city center. It has swimming areas in the river, attractions for children, sports activities, restaurants and bars, a nudist beach, and an annual festival with over 3 million attendees! Read the most essential information here about the 7 popular attractions on the Danube Island.
Kahlenberg Hill
The Kahlenberg area doesn’t really feel like part of the city of Vienna, which is why it’s considered one of the most popular places for day trips outside the bustling city. It looks very rural and is surrounded by green fields, tall trees, and many vineyards. You can reach the top of the hill by public transport or by walking on a marked trail that partly goes through the Vienna Woods. At the top of the hill, there are two observation decks from which you can see the entire city. On sunny, cloudless days, you can see the whole city and even beyond. It is truly a wonderful sight.
At the summit of Kahlenberg, there is a nice café where you can stop and enjoy the view and the sun. Just before the summit, there is a high ropes course in the heart of the forest. If you take the hiking trail to the summit, you can see the ropes course and stop there. You can also reach the ropes course by car or public transport. For more information on Kahlenberg and its attractions.
Hiking Trails in the Hills and Vineyards on the Outskirts of Vienna
Surrounding the city is the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), which covers a huge area and is partly within the city limits to the east. Within the forest, there are many hiking trails as well as mountain biking trails. Besides the Vienna Woods, there are nature reserve areas to the west, which also have a variety of marked hiking trails. There are 11 marked hiking trails located within Vienna’s boundaries, but right on the edge of the city. While these are hiking trails in the heart of the forests or along the vineyards, most of them are also suitable for families with young children. A large part of the trails pass by wonderful viewpoints of the city, and nearby there are authentic restaurants in the heart of nature. If you have enough time in the city, it is definitely worth doing one of the trails. Read more about the 11 trails in Vienna’s nature.
Gänsehäufel Island
Many people in Vienna don’t even know about this charming spot. It is one of the best places to enjoy a hot summer day with lots of water and fun! The island complex has a huge public pool with lots of fun water activities. In this complex you can enjoy:
- A beach alongside the Danube
- A wave pool
- Paddle boats
- A children’s pool
- A high ropes course
- Beach volleyball
- Basketball
- A variety of restaurants, a bakery, and a particularly tasty ice cream shop
Entrance to the pool complex costs 6 euros for an adult. It’s definitely worth it if you want a fun place to spend a hot sunny day at ease. Location on map.
Recommended Experiences in Vienna in the Summer
Besides wonderful attractions, there are also several experiences and activities you won’t want to miss during the summer months in Vienna.
Mozart Concert – Classical Music and Opera (Exclusive 10% Discount on Tickets)
Mainly in the summer months (there are some concerts in September, October, and December), the famous Mozart-style concerts take place, where musicians are dressed in Baroque style with wigs and suits from Mozart’s time. The musicians and opera singers who perform in this concert are among the best Vienna has to offer, and therefore this concert is considered the best and most professional in the city (without any competition!). Three concert halls host the Mozart Orchestra: the Golden Hall, the Brahms Hall, and the State Opera.
For those who want to experience a truly classic Viennese experience, this is the concert for you. You should arrive in respectable attire and prepare for an amazing musical atmosphere with the best of Mozart’s works. Each concert is unique and includes a variety of different works by Mozart.
Through “Austria for Travelers” you will receive an exclusive 10% discount on the ticket price, by booking directly through the official website of the Vienna Mozart Orchestra. Click here for more details and to book tickets on the official orchestra website with a 10% discount. Please note: The discount appears once you reach the payment page.
Retro Boat Trip + Meal (10% Special Discount with Coupon AU10)
In the area of the Old Danube (Alte Donau), you can enjoy a wonderful experience in the quiet and green part of the Danube. For about two hours, you can cruise at your leisure in a retro boat and enjoy a light meal while you float. This experience is suitable for couples or groups of up to 5 people. You can choose between an electric boat and a pedal boat. Especially for readers of the “Austria for Travelers” website, you will receive a 10% discount on this experience using the coupon code AU10. Click to book a retro boat and meal.
Kayak Tour on the Danube River
On this experiential tour, you will see Vienna from a different angle and discover some of the lesser-known gems of the city. The tour takes place in small groups of up to 8 participants and is accompanied by a local guide (English speaking). As part of the tour, you will receive a kayak, life jackets, and explanations along the route. For more information, reviews, and tour availability.
Ice Cream Tasting
If we told you that the ice cream parlors in Vienna are serious competition for those in Italy, you would probably think we’ve gone crazy. But if you’ve been to Italy, you should try the ice cream in Vienna and see for yourself that the quality of the local ice cream is no less than that in Italy (and some would say it even surpasses it). Here are a few ice cream parlors worth adding to your tasting list:
- Veganista – As its name suggests! The ice creams are vegan and also kosher (on Taborstrasse there is a branch with a kosher certificate).
- Tichy – The legendary ice cream parlor of the city that everyone knows. It’s such a successful ice cream parlor that they can even run advertising campaigns on the scale of giant companies. You will often see trams in the city decorated with advertisements for Tichy ice cream. If you want to try something more local, ask for their Eismarillenknödel.
- Eis Greissler – Another big name in the Viennese ice cream world. At this parlor, you can find a variety of special flavors that change with each season. The best in town! Go into the small ice cream shop at Rotenturmstraße 14 and surprise yourself with some particularly interesting ice cream flavors!
Guided Tours and Day Trips: History / Culinary / Hallstatt and More
A guided tour in Vienna is a wonderful way to get to know the city better and hear a variety of fascinating stories about the buildings, people, and events that shaped the city as it is today. Fortunately, there are several guided tours available focusing on the best of the city from a historical, Jewish, and culinary perspective. For a list of the most recommended guided tours in Vienna. Another option is to get out of Vienna for a fun day trip of scenery and fun – click for a list of experiential day trips from Vienna.
Cruise on the Danube on a Ship
One of the favorite attractions for visitors to Vienna is a cruise on the Danube Canal. There are several options for a cruise on the canal. If you want to be impressed by the buildings along the canal, the best cruise would be the circular route that departs from the pier at Schwedenplatz. The cruise takes about three and a half hours. Another very experiential cruise is the one between Vienna and Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia). The Twin City Liner company operates a frequent cruise between the capitals. The cruise duration is about 75 minutes, and it’s a great opportunity to also enjoy neighboring Slovakia. Read more information about the cruise option from Vienna along the Danube River.
From July 1st to the end of September, the “Copa Cruise” electric boat operates, starting from the “Copa Beach” station (near the U1 subway station called Donauinsel) and stopping at 4 stations along the northern Danube Island. The route takes about 40 minutes and costs 2 euros for an adult and 1.5 euros for a child. More information on the Vienna City Council website.
Biking along the Danube Canal
You shouldn’t waste the sunny days in Vienna because the weather can quickly change to rain and wind. The Danube Canal is used by many for enjoyable bike rides. You can rent bikes at one of the shops near the canal (like Vienna Explorer) and go for a fun ride along it. It’s worth riding towards the northern part of the canal because it’s greener and definitely more beautiful. At the end, you can cross over to the Danube Island and even ride to its edge, which overlooks Vienna’s airport (this is about a 30-kilometer ride, so you should be in good shape and have good bikes). Before reaching the Danube Island, you can stop for a wonderful picnic on the riverbank or join the crowds splashing in the water or sunbathing.
Renting a “Floating Island” – A Unique Experience
If you want to spend a hot afternoon in a peaceful and fun way, you can rent your own private “island” and float on it towards the sunset! It’s definitely not cheap, but it’s something you probably won’t do every day! There are several types of “islands” available for rent. The larger island allows up to 8 people to float on it. You can also order a delicious meal to enjoy while you’re floating. The cost starts from €49 per hour. More information and online booking.
Nightlife in Vienna – Enjoying the Warm Nights
Please note: The information below regarding club operations may be outdated. It’s best to check the current status of venues before visiting.
To be honest, we must point out that Vienna is not the wildest city you’ll find in terms of nightlife. Of course, there are clubs, bars, and pubs, but Vienna focuses mainly on the classic, high-class experience. Nevertheless, you can find very nice places to spend the night until the early hours. If you feel like trying some of the city’s more upscale bars – it’s worth reading about 8 particularly recommended bars.
Especially in the summer, there are some bars worth visiting to enjoy the view and the cool, pleasant air. These bars are the rooftop bars of Vienna. The recommended bars in this category are the Aurora Rooftop Bar at the 25hours Hotel.
Another place not to be missed in the summer is, of course, the Danube Canal, which runs right through the city center – near the Old Town. Along the canal, there are a variety of bars and restaurants, and in the summer, it is one of the most popular places for young Viennese (in age or in spirit :)). Even club lovers will find several interesting places along the canal, like Flex or Grelle Forelle. Read more about the Danube Canal and all the recommended places along it.
Free Events: Music, Movies, and Dancing
Throughout the summer months, Vienna is filled with energy and life. Many events and festivals take place during this time, and a large part of them are completely free. The events are well-produced and in good taste, and they usually attract visitors from all over the region and even from distant countries. It’s worth visiting one of these recommended events:
Danube Island Festival (Donauinselfest)
This is the biggest summer celebration in Vienna. In fact, it’s the largest open-air music festival in the world! The festival lasts for three days, during which no less than 3 million visitors celebrate. Many stages are scattered along the Danube Island, and many artists play, sing, and dance for the enjoyment of the audience. It’s a great party and well worth a visit. Our tip: Bring a raincoat with you (there are always surprises in the summer months). You are not allowed to bring in alcohol from outside. There is a check at the entrance. More information on the official festival website
Summer Night Concert in Schönbrunn (Sommernachtskonzert)
Every year, a huge concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is held in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. The concert includes the best classical works performed by Vienna’s finest musicians. It is definitely an exceptional and completely free experience. Arrive early to get a good spot. The palace square usually fills up completely on the evening of the concert, and then no more spectators are allowed in. More information about the concert.
Watch the concert that took place in 2019:
ImpulsTanz – Dance Festival
This festival focuses mainly on modern dance. During 5 weeks in the summer, thousands of professional dancers, choreographers, and dance teachers come to Vienna. The festival program includes performances, workshops, and research projects related to dance. In the evenings, there are usually very fun dance parties. More information about the dance festival.
Film Festival at the City Hall Square (Rathaus)
The festival takes place throughout the summer in the square of Vienna’s City Hall, and you can enter for free and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. Next to the City Hall, there will be a giant screen on which various films (from all sorts of genres) will be shown. It’s just like a huge open-air cinema. In the front part of the square, there are many food and drink stalls – usually with a variety of foods from all over the world. Worth it! Official festival website
Popfest
For 4 consecutive days, a music festival with the best local artists takes place in Karlsplatz. The style is mainly pop, but you can also enjoy rock and jazz performances. About 70 performances take place during the festival days. More information about the Popfest.
We’re done…
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You are ready for a fun summer trip to Vienna. If you are interested in more information about attractions and interesting places, you can browse the comprehensive article we prepared about Vienna. It has many recommendations and also an interactive attractions map for easy navigation in the city. Read about Vienna – a variety of recommendations and tips from locals (including a map).
Feeling like Vienna is your destination this summer?
It’s time to book a hotel! Read about the most recommended places to stay in Vienna, about nice hotels on the outskirts of the city – in the wonderful nature areas surrounding Vienna.
