Vienna in summer: best things to do and see

Vienna in summer: best things to do and see

Visiting Vienna in summer? This guide is filled with activities and experiences that are best done in the sun, from bike tours to kayaking.

Vienna in summer presents a spectacle of cultural enrichment, charming explorations, and unforgettable memories. Renowned for its historical grandeur and cultural flair, the city blossoms under the summer sun. Explore the city's illustrious past on walking tours that reveal stories of historic nobility. For adrenaline enthusiasts, a thrilling adventure awaits as Vienna's iconic landmarks are explored on wheels. Romantics are treated to dreamy boat cruises along the shimmering Danube River.

As dusk falls, the city transforms into a pulsating hub of vibrant nightlife, with curated tours guiding you through Vienna's most exciting nightclubs. Seasonal activities add an extra touch of cheer to the city's summer offerings, making it a truly year-round destination. Whether it's history, romantic activities, adventure, or nightlife, Vienna in summer weaves a unique tapestry of experiences that celebrate its heritage, elegance, and dynamism.

Best outdoor activities

Unveil the stylish past with a glimpse into Vienna's Art Nouveau

1. Unveil the stylish past with a glimpse into Vienna's Art Nouveau

Vienna's transition from its imperial era to a modern metropolis is represented by the city's metro system, which is adorned with stunning Art Nouveau design elements. Vienna in summer shines a unique light on these ornate metro stations, making a tour a perfect warm-weather activity.

Highlights:

The Vienna Art Nouveau: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour culminates in a visit to the exceptional Imperial Station, a must-see that symbolizes the royal endorsement of Vienna's metro.

Address:

Meeting point: Café Museum, Operngasse 7, A-1010 Vienna. Start times vary.

Cycle through centuries with classic Vienna on two wheels

2. Cycle through centuries with classic Vienna on two wheels

Starting at the Vienna State Opera, take in the grandeur of the Austrian Parliament Building and the Rathaus on Ringstrasse on a Classic Vienna: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour. Ride past the Hofburg Imperial Palace and Heldenplatz and up to St. Stephen's Cathedral, a must-see for any summer activities in Vienna. The route follows the picturesque Danube Canal, and a licensed tour guide accompanies you.

Highlights:

Stop at the Hundertwasserhaus to take in an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Vienna.

Address:

Meeting point: Bosendorferstrasse 5, 1010 Vienna. Start times vary.

Taste the terroir when you discover Weinviertel's wine treasures

3. Taste the terroir when you discover Weinviertel's wine treasures

Wine enthusiasts are in for a truly immersive experience on this Half-day Countryside Wine Tour, visiting family-owned wineries in the Weinviertel Wine Region near Vienna. Meet local winemakers and learn about their family histories. The tour concludes with a traditional Austrian meal, offering an authentic taste of the Austrian countryside.

Highlights:

Relish the experience of savoring quality wines in a serene countryside ambiance for a delightful highlight of your summer activities in Vienna.

Address:

Meeting point: Johannesgasse 28, 1030 Vienna. Start times vary.

Unearth Vienna's wartime history with a journey through World War II

4. Unearth Vienna's wartime history with a journey through World War II

Delve into the city's darker history by exploring Vienna's influence on Adolf Hitler and the events that transpired during and after World War II. The somber Holocaust memorial and the physical scars of war around the city bear witness to the past.

Highlights:

The Vienna: World War II Historical Walking Tour includes a stop at Vienna's only surviving synagogue from the Nazi era, a significant and poignant location.

Address:

Meeting point: in front of the Albrechtsbrunne fountain at the Albertina Museum. Start times vary.

Experience enchanting equine elegance with Vienna's Fiaker tradition

5. Experience enchanting equine elegance with Vienna's Fiaker tradition

Step back in time and embrace Vienna's age-old tradition of horse-drawn carriage rides. A visit to the original Fiaker stables unveils the story behind this emblematic Viennese transportation, revealing a history as rich as the city itself. The tour includes insightful narratives about the daily life of a Fiaker coachman.

Highlights:

The Vienna: Secrets of the Fiaker and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride offers an exceptional experience of a horse-drawn carriage ride. It's a beautiful way to explore Vienna in summer.

Address:

Meeting point: Rappachgasse 34a, 1110, Vienna, Austria. Start times vary.

Step into Vienna's sinister past with a historical crimes tour

6. Step into Vienna's sinister past with a historical crimes tour

The picturesque city of Vienna hides many secrets, some of which lie on the darker side of history. A 2-Hour Historical Crimes Guided Walking Tour delves into the city's notorious past to uncover tales of infamous Viennese characters. Discover the dark history of the city's most famous cathedral in this summer guide to Vienna.

Highlights:

Visit the Palais Bathory, the eerie home of the infamous Elizabeth Bathory, known as the Bloody Countess.

Address:

Meeting point: the anti-fascist memorial in Helmut Zilk Square. Start times vary.

Thrill to Vienna's grandeur with a miniature hot rod adventure

7. Thrill to Vienna's grandeur with a miniature hot rod adventure

Take control of a unique travel experience with a miniature hot rod. Drive in convoy past Vienna's principal attractions, witnessing the city's charm and history from a unique vantage point. Exploring Vienna's sights has never been more exhilarating.

Highlights:

A joyride with the Vienna: 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Hotrod includes a stop at the Heroes' Square and the Hofburg Palace for that perfect snapshot of Vienna's grandeur, making this an ideal activity for any summer guide to Vienna.

Address:

Judengasse 4, 1010 Vienna. Start times vary.

Best water activities

Witness enchanting vistas on a Danube River romantic cruise

8. Witness enchanting vistas on a Danube River romantic cruise

Indulge in romance and panoramic beauty with a cruise along the Danube River. The scenic beauty of the Wachau and Danube Valleys creates an idyllic picture, promising a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Highlights:

The Melk Abbey, Wachau, Danube Valley Private Trip offers the spectacle of ancient, hidden castles like Aggstein and Hinterhaus, offering a very different take on Vienna's history.

Address:

Meeting points and start times vary.

Marvel at Vienna's serene beauty from the Old Danube by kayak

9. Marvel at Vienna's serene beauty from the Old Danube by kayak

Paddling through Vienna's beautiful and quaint Old Danube provides a unique perspective on the city's diplomacy, politics, and international relations. Contrast your intellectual exploration with vibrant bursts of color from the cute lakeside huts adorning the water's edge.

Highlights:

During your Guided Kayaking Tour, you have the chance to uncover the tranquil side of Vienna in the Alte Donau, a quaint riverside village cut off from the Danube's main channel in 1870.

Address:

Meeting point: the western entrance to the Kaisermuhlen-VIC U-Bahn station. Start times vary.

Glide through Vienna's landmarks with a Danube Segway tour

10. Glide through Vienna's landmarks with a Danube Segway tour

Marvel at the golden Johann Strauss Monument, enjoy the stunning architecture at the University of Economics, and glide along the Danube Canal and Danube River, all while balancing on a Segway. This leisurely ride offers a different perspective of Vienna in summer.

Highlights:

The Vienna: Danube Rhapsody Segway Tour concludes by passing the apartment where Johann Strauss composed The Blue Danube, a cultural nugget for music enthusiasts.

Address:

Bosendorferstrasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Start times vary.

FAQs

Where can I go swimming or relax by the water in Vienna?

The Old Danube and Danube Island are perfect for swimming and relaxing. Public pools like Krapfenwaldbad and Schönbrunnerbad are also popular.

Are there any great summer festivals in Vienna?

Vienna hosts the Danube Island Festival and the ImPulsTanz Vienna International Dance Festival during the summer.

What are the must-visit outdoor attractions in Vienna?

Must-visit outdoor spots include Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, Vienna Woods, Prater amusement park, and Vienna Zoo.

What are some great day trips to take from Vienna in the summer?

Day trips from Vienna can include the Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey, Neusiedler See, Salzburg, and Graz.

What are some fun activities with kids in Vienna in summer?

The Giant Ferris Wheel, Schönbrunn Zoo, Haus der Musik, and paddling on the Old Danube are great activities for kids in Vienna.