Things to do in Vienna in summer
Vienna in summer is lively, relaxed and surprisingly diverse. While the heat can be oppressive in many metropolises, Vienna inspires with green retreats, cultural highlights in the open air, swimmable waters in the middle of the city - and culinary delights on every corner.

Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure or simply new inspiration, this guide will show you how to make the most of your summer in Vienna.
Tip: With the Vienna City Card, you save on admission, public transport and over 200 benefits - ideal for a short trip or a relaxing summer weekend!
Why visit Vienna in summer?
Vienna is not only known for its architecture, music and coffee houses, but is also transformed into an open-air stage in summer. The city offers:
- Cultural diversity: classical concerts, theater, cabaret & open-air cinemas
- Nature & water: parks, forests, bathing lakes & rivers
- Culinary delights: from wine taverns to street food markets
- Zest for life: pavement cafés, picnic areas & summer bars
A big advantage: Vienna is safe, clean and easily accessible - and despite its big city charm, often surprisingly relaxed.
The Viennese summer weather
Summer in Vienna is usually pleasantly warm. The season starts in June with temperatures between 20 and 27 °C - ideal for city walks and the first days of swimming. July is usually the hottest month, with temperatures of up to 30 °C and many balmy evenings, perfect for rooftop bars and open-air concerts.
August also remains summery - often a little quieter, as many Viennese are on vacation. Temperatures are between 22 and 29 °C. September is a little milder and more golden - at 18 to 25 °C, this is the perfect month for romantic walks, wine hikes and late summer excursions.
Tip: A light umbrella or a thin jacket never hurts - short summer thunderstorms are possible, but usually disappear quickly.
The best summer activities in Vienna
Summer in Vienna offers an incredibly diverse range of activities for every taste. Whether you want to spend hot days by the water, enjoy balmy evenings at cultural highlights or simply experience unforgettable moments with friends and family - Vienna has everything for you. From relaxed picnics in green parks and exciting bike tours through nature reserves to open-air concerts and summer street festivals: here you will find the best tips and ideas for discovering the most beautiful sides of the city and enjoying summer in Vienna to the full.

1. Picnic in the Burggarten or Volksgarten
An absolute classic for Viennese and summer visitors: A picnic in the Burggarten or Volksgarten. Here you can sit with a view of the impressive Hofburg Palace or the beautiful Palm House and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the middle of the city. It's best to pack regional specialties from the Naschmarkt - whether fresh pastries, cheese or seasonal fruit - and enjoy them with friends or family. This will turn your summer day in Vienna into an enjoyable and cozy experience.

2. Boat hire on the Old Danube
The Old Danube is the perfect place to get out on the water on hot summer days. You can discover floating islands, glide comfortably through the calm waters on electric boats with sun canopies or take a break at floating bars such as “La Crêperie” and enjoy delicious drinks. Whether it's a relaxed paddle, a trip with friends or a romantic afternoon - the Old Danube offers the right summer highlight for everyone in the middle of the city.
4. Swimming in the Gänsehäufel or the Alte Donau lido
For real summer fun in the middle of Vienna: the Gänsehäufel and the Alte Donau lido offer you an urban outdoor pool feeling with old Viennese charm. Large sunbathing lawns, shady spots under old trees and direct access to the Danube make them the favorite spots of many Viennese. Tip: It's best to arrive early to secure a nice spot - the pools fill up quickly, especially on hot days!
5. Open-air concerts in Schönbrunn
Experience unforgettable musical enjoyment against the impressive backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace. The Vienna Philharmonic's summer night concert in particular is a highlight of the summer - with classical music in the open air that makes the evening magical. But many other concerts and events also offer a great atmosphere to enjoy the music on balmy summer nights in Vienna. Pack a blanket, take your loved ones with you and let yourself be enchanted by the combination of historical beauty and great music.

6. Sunset on the Gloriette
The Gloriette in Schönbrunn Palace Park is one of the most beautiful places in Vienna to experience the sunset. From here, you have a sweeping view over the city while the sky is bathed in warm colors - simply perfect for romantic moments or dreamlike photos. It's best to arrive a little early, enjoy the peace and quiet and find a nice spot with a view.

7. Danube Canal - street art, bars & chilling out
In summer, the Danube Canal is Vienna's coolest open-air living room. Along the water you will find casual bars, colorful street art, hammocks and sun loungers - perfect for unwinding with a drink in your hand. Whether it's a romantic stroll, a relaxed chill-out with friends or a few great sunset snapshots: This is where urban atmosphere meets relaxed summer vibes.
8. Urban Gardening at Nordbahnhof
Urban Gardening at Nordbahnhof is a green oasis in the middle of Vienna where people grow vegetables and herbs together. Here you can join in, harvest fresh plants or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. There are regular workshops and events on sustainable gardening - the perfect way to combine nature and the city.
9. Bike tour through the Lobau
The Lobau is a natural paradise in the middle of Vienna and ideal for a relaxed cycle tour. You cycle past forests, arms of the Danube and meadows and can discover the diverse flora and fauna. Perfect for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and actively enjoy nature.

10. Wine hiking from Nussdorf to Kahlenberg
A real summer highlight and insider tip for all those who want to experience Vienna from its most enjoyable side: A hike through the vineyards around the Kahlenberg! The starting point is usually in Nussdorf, from where you walk through idyllic vineyards with views over the city - ideal for relaxed conversations, beautiful photos and the odd stop-off at a wine tavern.
At the end, the perfect ending awaits: a visit to a wine tavern with friends. Whether it's a traditional Brettljause and spritzer or a modern interpretation with regional organic cuisine - summer tastes good here. It is particularly atmospheric at sunset, when Vienna is bathed in golden light.
A particularly nice tip for a summer date in Vienna: linger on the panoramic terrace of the Kahlenberg, clink glasses and enjoy the view over the rooftops of the city - it couldn't be more romantic.
11. Explore rooftop bars
What could be better than spending balmy summer evenings above the rooftops of Vienna? Enjoy cool drinks, good music and breathtaking views in the city's rooftop bars. Here are a few tips from us:
- Dachboden (25hours Hotel) - laid-back vibe, cool drinks and a view over the rooftops of Vienna.
- Aurora (Andaz Hotel) - Scandinavian-modern
- Lamée Rooftop - colorful & instagrammable
12. Ice cream tour through the city
Try out unusual flavors such as vegan basil-lemon, lavender or the classic Sachertorte ice cream. Your ice cream voyage of discovery will take you to top addresses such as Tichy, Castelletto, and Veganista - a real taste experience!

13. Botanical Garden + Belvedere
The Botanical Garden in Vienna is a real paradise for plant lovers - with over 11,000 plant species from all over the world. The walk through the various themed areas, from the Alpine garden to exotic plants, is particularly beautiful. And best of all: the garden is located right next to Belvedere Palace and can be ideally combined with a visit to the Upper/Lower Belvedere, where exciting art exhibitions await you in a baroque setting. Nature and art - a perfect summer combination!
14. Discover art in public spaces
In the MuseumsQuartier, you can explore the colorful MQ Street Art Passage, where urban art inspires in a creative way. Vienna's streets are also full of impressive murals that tell exciting stories. The Danube Canal is particularly lively - here you will find art, street food and relaxed places to linger.

15. Prater - nostalgia, thrills & nature
The Vienna Prater offers the perfect mix of action, nostalgia and relaxation - right in the heart of the city. Over 250 attractions await you in the famous Wurstelprater: from the iconic Ferris wheel with breathtaking views over Vienna, to wild roller coasters, ghost trains and freefall towers, to nostalgic carousels and bumper cars.
In between, there are classic snacks such as langos, ice cream or roasted almonds - or a cool drink in the shady garden. If you want to relax afterwards, walk or cycle through the green Praterallee to the Jesuitenwiese - ideal for a picnic or a break in the shade.
Whether it's adventure, childhood memories or simply a relaxing afternoon: the Prater is simply a must in summer.
16. Summer flea markets
Flea market fans get their money's worth in Vienna in summer! Be sure to stop by the Neubaugasse flea market, where you'll find vintage treasures, cool fashion and handmade products. On Saturdays, it's also worth taking a stroll through the Naschmarkt flea market - here, colorful stalls mingle with delicious street food and a relaxed summer atmosphere. Perfect for browsing for special finds and ending the day in a relaxed atmosphere.

18. MuseumsQuartier (MQ) Summer Program
The MQ Summer Stage in the main courtyard offers a varied open-air program with free admission from the end of May to the end of September. After the museums' opening hours, concerts, performances, readings, talks and film screenings invite you to linger. Highlights include the literature festival “O-Töne”, the film festival “frame[o]ut” and the new concert series “MQ Tunes” with young local bands every Wednesday.
19. “Cinema on the roof” - movie nights above the rooftops of Vienna
A real summer highlight: the “Kino am Dach” on the roof of the main library offers movie nights with a very special atmosphere. Here you can watch selected films in the open air while the sun slowly sets over Vienna. Popcorn, a glass of wine and the view over the city make the experience perfect - ideal for romantic dates or relaxed evenings with friends.
20. Danube Island - swimming and relaxing in the middle of the city
The Danube Island is Vienna's most popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and chilling out. Whether you want to splash around in the refreshing water, relax on the sandy beach or simply have a picnic with friends - you'll find everything you need for a perfect summer's day here. Numerous cafés and bars provide refreshments, and if you feel like it, you can also try out water sports such as stand-up paddling.

Vienna Passes
There is a suitable pass for every type of visit to Vienna: the Vienna City Card is ideal for anyone who wants to travel by public transport and save money at the same time. The Vienna PASS is aimed at anyone who wants to discover as many top attractions as possible - including convenient HOP ON HOP OFF use. If you prefer to stay flexible, choose the Flexi PASS with a free choice of attractions.
Vienna City Card
Free public transport + over 200 discounts
Ideal for city hoppers & culture lovers
You can buy it 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 time planning
Find out more on the Vienna Pass website.
Conclusion - How to make your summer in Vienna unforgettable
Vienna shows its best side in summer: classic and modern at the same time, relaxed and lively, green and cultural. The city offers you a unique mix of historical highlights and urban flair that makes every visit something special. Whether you are planning just a day trip or staying for several days, Vienna never ceases to surprise with new experiences, great locations and a warm atmosphere.
Use the long days to explore parks and outdoor pools, enjoy the diverse gastronomy or immerse yourself in the colorful cultural program in the open air. Pack your sunglasses and get ready for unforgettable summer moments - Vienna is waiting for you!
Opening hours Service Center:
Opernring 3-5 17/24, 1010 Vienna daily 9:00am - 6:00pm
Ticket shop opening hours:
Opernpassage (Metro station Karlsplatz), 1010 Vienna daily 9:00am - 6:00pm
Opening hours Tourist-Info:
Albertinaplatz, 1010 Vienna daily 9:00am - 6:00pm
Airport daily 9:00am - 6:00pm