12 Things To Do In Vienna in Summer

You will discover Vienna transforms into a different city during summer, when its imperial grandeur meets laid-back charm. Whether you're cooling off at Alte Donau's swimming spots or catching free concerts at Schönbrunn Palace, the city offers plenty of budget-friendly options to fill your days. From floating picnics on the Danube to outdoor films at Rathausplatz, there's a perfect mix of culture and casual fun. Let's explore the top 12 ways to make the most of Vienna's sunny season.

Key Points

• Visit Schönbrunn Palace Gardens for free baroque landscapes and attend the Vienna Philharmonic's Summer Night Concert in June.
• Cool off at Alte Donau's natural swimming spots, offering both free and paid areas with family-friendly facilities.
• Experience Europe's largest open-air cinema at Rathausplatz Film Festival, featuring free films and international performances.
• Explore the Donauinselfest, the world's largest free open-air music festival with over 2,000 artists across 16 stages.
• Enjoy unique summer dining at Schanigärten outdoor terraces or take a picnic boat trip on the Danube.

Cooling Off at Alte Donau's Natural Swimming Spots

When summer temperatures soar in Vienna, Alte Donau's network of natural swimming spots offers welcome relief with both free and paid options.

You'll discover shaded relaxation at Lagerwiese Romaplatz, complete with public restrooms and convenient access to Gasthaus Birner. For a more structured experience, head to Bundesbad or Gänsehäufel lidos, where you can enjoy beach areas and volleyball courts.

Getting there's easy via public transport – take the U1 to Alte Donau station or U6 to Neue Donau station. From there, it's just a 15-minute walk to the free swimming areas.

Skip the car and hop on Vienna's metro – U1 or U6 will get you to Alte Donau's refreshing waters in no time.

If you're bringing kids, try Angelibad's family-friendly facilities. While free spots don't have lifeguards, the city regularly monitors water quality to guarantee safe swimming conditions. Visitors can also rent from 500 boats available to explore the waterways at their own pace.

Don't forget to check out the eleven free bathing jetties with diving platforms scattered along the shore.

Experiencing the Massive Donauinselfest Music Festival

Music lovers won't want to miss Donauinselfest, the world's largest free open-air festival that draws over 3 million visitors each June.

You'll discover over 2,000 artists performing across 16 stages along a 6.5 km stretch of Vienna's Donauinsel island, offering everything from pop and rock to electronic and classical music.

Getting there's easy via the U1 (Donauinsel station) or U6 (Handelskai) subway lines. You can grab food from diverse vendors serving Austrian, Thai, Greek, and Turkish cuisine. The festival brings in €40 million in revenue for the city through increased tourism.

While entry is free, expect security checkpoints that prohibit glass containers and outside alcohol. For the best experience, arrive early on non-Saturday dates when crowds are smaller.

Don't forget to check out the family zones with playgrounds and design markets if you're traveling with kids.

Exploring Schönbrunn Palace Gardens and Free Concerts

For an unforgettable summer experience that won't break your bank, head to Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, where you'll discover 1 square kilometer of free-to-explore baroque landscaping and daily entertainment.

Arrive at 6:30 AM for free photography sessions before the crowds, capturing the geometric Grand Parterre and historic Roman Ruins. You'll spot red squirrels in wooded areas and find hidden viewpoints behind the Neptunbrunnen fountain. The early morning light creates perfect conditions for stunning palace exterior shots.

Don't miss the annual Summer Night Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic on June 13th, 2025 – it's completely free.

For the best views, visit the Gloriette's rooftop café after 9:00 AM, or explore the blooming wisteria tunnels in Kammergarten during May-June.

Take the U4 metro to Schönbrunn Station, just a 5-minute walk from the entrance.

Renting a Floating Island for a Picnic on the Danube

While traditional picnics are lovely, floating islands on the Danube offer a uniquely Viennese summer experience at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Escape the ordinary with Vienna's floating islands – a delightful twist on summer picnicking that won't break your budget.

You'll discover options for every budget, from €49/hour sofa boats that fit four people to €65/hour Meine Insel boats accommodating eight guests.

You can bring your own food and drinks aboard, or arrange delivery from Schinakl restaurant for authentic Austrian cuisine. The relaxing atmosphere is enhanced by the potted plants and lounge areas on the Meine Insel boats.

If you're splurging, book a retro electric boat tour at $169.19, which includes a picnic basket with croissants, Prosecco, and ham/cheese plates.

Located at Arbeiterstrandbadstraße 87b, you can easily reach the rental spot via U1/U6 subway lines.

Book through meine-insel.at, and don't forget there's free cancellation up to 24 hours before retro tours.

They're open daily from 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM, May through September.

Enjoying Outdoor Cinema at the Rathausplatz Film Festival

The iconic Rathausplatz Film Festival transforms Vienna's City Hall square into Europe's largest open-air cinema each summer, running from June 29 to September 1, 2024.

You'll discover a diverse program featuring everything from classical concerts and ballet to pop music performances and major sporting events on the big screen.

The festival's free admission makes it a budget-friendly choice, with films starting after sunset.

You can grab dinner from over 20 international food stalls operating from 11 AM to midnight, perfect for pairing themed cuisines with your entertainment choice.

The venue offers seating for 2,800 people after mid-July, though you'll want to arrive early during peak times when crowds can reach 15,000 visitors.

Take the U2 metro to Rathausplatz station for easy access to this cultural summer highlight.

Use the official contact form online at wien.gv.at-English Edition for any additional festival information.

Discovering Hidden Rooftop Pools With City Views

Vienna's summer heat calls for a rejuvenating escape, and you'll discover it at several hidden rooftop pools offering spectacular city views.

While some pools are tucked away in social housing complexes, others grace luxury hotels with panoramic vistas of the city's iconic landmarks. Many facilities now use a traffic light system to help visitors check pool capacity before arriving.

1. Grand Ferdinand Hotel features a year-round infinity pool heated to 23°C, with stunning views of the Ringstrasse (accessible with hotel stay)
2. Wohnpark Alt-erlaa's rooftop pools showcase Vienna's commitment to social housing amenities (resident access only)
3. Aspern Seestadt continues the tradition with modern rooftop pools in its residential complexes
4. Various social housing developments across Vienna now include rooftop pools as standard features

For the most accessible option, book a stay at the Grand Ferdinand, where you can enjoy the pool from early morning until midnight during summer months.

Taking a Bike Ride Along the Donaukanal

Stretching along Vienna's urban waterway, the Donaukanal bike route offers cyclists an invigorating mix of street art, riverside culture, and natural scenery.

You'll discover the best continuous path on the southern bank, where the dedicated Donaukanal-Radweg runs the entire length of the channel.

Grab a WienMobil bike-share from U-Bahn stations like Schwedenplatz or Schottenring to start your journey.

Between Schwedenplatz and Friedensbrücke, you'll come across lively street art clusters and architectural gems like Motto am Fluss.

For a rejuvenating break, stop at riverside bars like Badeschiff Wien.

The route extends from Schemerlbrücke to the dock area, providing a comprehensive tour of the canal.

Summer's extended daylight hours make evening rides possible, though you'll want to book bike rentals in advance during peak tourist season (June-August).

The flat terrain guarantees an easy ride, and you can connect to the Prater area or extended routes via the Danube Bike Path.

Relaxing in Vienna's Historic Rose Gardens

Nestled within the Hofburg Palace complex, Vienna's historic rose gardens offer a peaceful escape where you'll discover over 3,000 rose bushes spanning 400+ varieties.

This free public park reaches peak bloom during May-June, making it a perfect summer destination for both locals and travelers. Like other parks across Vienna, this garden provides an ideal setting for nature enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly activity.

For the best experience, plan your visit to include:

1. An early morning photo session before crowds arrive
2. A relaxing picnic on designated grass areas near the Theseus Temple
3. A stroll along geometric paths featuring the rare Schwanensee roses
4. A refreshment break at the nearby Burgtheater café

You'll find plenty of shaded benches throughout the garden when you need to rest.

After exploring the roses, you're just steps away from major attractions like Hofburg Palace and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Adventure Time at Prater Amusement Park

After the tranquil beauty of the rose gardens, you'll discover a complete change of pace at the Prater, Europe's oldest amusement park.

Once the Habsburg's hunting grounds, this historic park now offers over 250 attractions with free entry – you'll only pay for the rides you choose, ranging from €3.50 to €15.

For stunning city views, ride the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel or brave the 117-meter Praterturm swing.

Thrill-seekers won't want to miss the Black Mamba roller coaster and vertical-drop towers.

If you're traveling with family, head to the playgrounds, try the nostalgic Liliputbahn miniature railway, or visit Madame Tussauds.

The scenic Hauptallee main avenue provides perfect paths for walking, cycling, or jogging through the park grounds.

As evening approaches, stay for dinner at the Schweizerhaus beer garden, famous for its pork knuckle, and watch the illuminated rides light up the summer sky.

Dining Al Fresco at Schanigärten Terraces

Vienna's charming Schanigärten terraces offer the quintessential summer dining experience from April through October.

These outdoor seating areas, originally managed by junior waiters nicknamed "Schani," have evolved from traditional coffeehouses into diverse dining spots across the city.

1. Head to Ulrich in the 7th district for homemade pita and invigorating lemonades.
2. Try organic roast pork at Amerlingbeisl's historic Biedermeier courtyard on weekends.
3. Enjoy people-watching at Volksgarten Pavilion, which transforms from a shaded lunch spot to a DJ venue at night.
4. Visit Salonplafond at MAK Museum for a spacious 150-seat courtyard with comfortable lawn loungers.

These venues are perfect for winding down after exploring Vienna's cultural attractions.

You'll find classic Viennese dishes like Wiener Schnitzel alongside modern options such as vegetarian poké bowls.

Don't forget to order a traditional weißer Spritzer while watching the world go by.

Wandering Through Brunnenmarkt's Food Stalls

While the Schanigärten offer refined outdoor dining, you'll discover a more bustling culinary adventure at Brunnenmarkt, Europe's largest permanent street market.

Operating from 6am daily, the market's 160 stalls showcase an impressive array of fresh produce, meats, and international specialties. Known affectionately as the "Orient around the Corner", this vibrant marketplace offers a unique cultural experience.

From dawn's early hours, 160 vibrant stalls fill Brunnenmarkt with colorful produce, fresh-cut meats and global culinary treasures.

You can sample authentic Turkish and Greek delicacies at spots like Ankara Market and Trabzon Bakery, or grab quick bites from kebab and falafel vendors.

For the best deals, visit in the evening when vendors offer discounts on perishables.

Don't miss Staud's Pavillon, where you can taste from their collection of 220+ marmalades.

If you're looking to rest your feet, head to Wirr am Brunnenmarkt's rooftop terrace for city views, or catch live music events at adjacent Yppenplatz during summer months.

Sunset Cocktails at Vienna's Best Rooftop Bars

Summer evenings in Vienna reach their peak at the city's stunning rooftop bars, where you'll discover both spectacular views and creative cocktails.

These elevated spaces create a blissful sunset atmosphere for guests seeking a memorable evening experience.

From 360-degree panoramas to themed experiences, these elevated venues offer something for every taste and budget.

For the best sunset-watching experiences, check out these top spots:

1. 360° Ocean Sky at Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz – Open until 1am Thu-Sat with complete city views
2. Dachboden at 25Hours Hotel – Affordable local cocktails paired with Neapolitan pizza
3. Kindred Spirits Bar at Zoku Vienna – Perfect views of the illuminated Prater amusement park
4. Lamee Rooftop – Direct views of Stephansdom cathedral with regional spritzers like Kaiserspritzer

For the best value, visit during happy hour or opt for local specialties like Hugo spritzers instead of premium cocktails.

Most rooftops extend their hours during summer months, giving you plenty of time to catch the perfect sunset.

The Wrap Up

You will discover endless ways to enjoy Vienna's summer charm without breaking the bank. From free concerts at Schönbrunn to floating picnics on the Danube, the city offers something for every budget. Don't forget to cool off at Alte Donau's swimming spots, explore the local food scene at Brunnenmarkt, and catch outdoor movies at Rathausplatz. Whether you're a culture buff or nature lover, Vienna's summer scene won't disappoint.