13 Cool Things to Do in Vienna in Summer (By a Local)

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When I moved to Vienna in winter, I just kept waiting for summer because I love the city in summer. It gets a whole different energy and it’s simply amazing.

Yes, it can get hot, but there’s something magical about the way the city transforms when the days get longer and everyone heads outdoors.

Whether you’re cooling off in the Danube, sipping spritzers at a beach bar, or catching a movie under the stars, summer in Vienna is full of local experiences you don’t want to miss.

This guide isn’t about museums or palaces (though I love those too). It’s about the best things to do in Vienna in summer, especially if you want to explore like a local and soak up the city’s seasonal charm.

Table of Contents

1. Go Swimming in the Danube

View of a calm riverfront with a café shaded by red umbrellas and a long concrete promenade, surrounded by trees and hills under a cloudless blue sky.

Wooden walkway with black railings leading to a floating dock on the Danube at Donauinsel, with swimmers in the water and Vienna’s modern DC Tower rising in the background against a clear blue sky.

When summer heat hits Vienna, locals head straight to the water and swimming in the Danube is one of the most iconic summer activities.

Stick to the Alte Donau and Neue Donau, the calmer side arms of the river. These are safe for swimming and have plenty of free-access spots with piers or steps. Just avoid the main Danube channel (to the west), where large boats pass through.

Here are a few options, depending on what you’re looking for:

Free & Popular: Anywhere near the Underground stops Donauinsel (U1) or Neue Donau (U6), great access, but often crowded
Free with Amenities: CopaBeach near Donauinsel (U1) has bars, boat rentals, and toilets, but fills up fast
Free & Relaxed: Walk (or even better cycle) a bit further from the stations for quieter riverbanks
Paid Comfort: Strandbad Alte Donau is a classic beach pool with loungers and changing rooms

2. Spend the Day at Gänsehäufel

Gänsehäufel is Vienna’s most iconic summer hangout, a whole island on the Alte Donau that turns into a full-on beach resort when the temperatures rise.

For a small entrance fee, you get access to:

Multiple swimming areas (in both the Alte Donau and a pool)
Water slides and a wave pool
Large grassy sunbathing fields
Basketball courts, beach volleyball, and Minigolf
Showers, changing cabins, food stalls, and shaded spots
Vienna’s most famous nudist beach (FKK Bereich)

There’s so much to do, you can easily spend a full day here without getting bored.

How to Get There: Take the U1 to Kaisermühlen VIC, then walk about 20 min to the island entrance.

3. Relax in a Public Pool

A scenic outdoor pool at Krapfenwaldlbad with one swimmer and panoramic views of Vienna stretching to the horizon, framed by trees and deck chairs on a sunny day. — Krapfenwaldlbad, in summer it gets a lot busier

If you’d rather swim in chlorinated water than a river, Vienna has plenty of public outdoor pools (Freibäder) where you can cool down, swim laps, or just lie in the sun.

My favourite is Krapfenwaldlbad, the highest public pool in Vienna. Perched on a hill in the north of the city, it offers a stunning panoramic view over Vienna.

There are two main pools: One for swimming laps and one more relaxed for chilling and splashing around, plus a shallow kids’ pool.
There’s also a small bistro, but the only vegan option is fries, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks.
If you can, go early in the day or visit outside school holidays. I like going in June when it’s still quiet and peaceful, but by July and August, it can get pretty packed.

How to Get There:

Take tram 38 to Grinzing (last stop)
Then transfer to bus 38A and get off at Wagenwiese
From there, follow a well-signposted forest path to the pool, it’s not visible on Google Maps, but it’s clearly marked once you’re there!

4. Stroll Down the Donaukanal

Outdoor seating area by the Donaukanal with wooden deck chairs, tables, and parasols set on gravel, backed by graffiti-covered stone walls and urban greenery.

The Donaukanal winds through Vienna with colorful graffiti covering the canal walls and a mix of historic and modern buildings, including a round observatory tower and glass high-rise, lining the banks.

If you want to soak up Vienna’s summer vibes the Donaukanal is the place to be. This lively stretch of water, technically a former arm of the Danube, is lined with street art, casual bars, outdoor seating, and even floating venues.

It’s perfect for a sunset stroll, people-watching, or grabbing a drink at one of the many riverside spots. The atmosphere is relaxed and a little alternative. You’ll find:

Pop-up beach bars with deck chairs and DJs
Boat bars moored along the banks
And even a swimming pool on a boat (Badeschiff)

5. Have a Drink at a Beach Bar

Sandy urban beach at Strandbar Herrmann filled with lounge chairs and sun umbrellas, with people relaxing under clear blue skies and modern city buildings in the background.

Strandbar Herrmann brings the summer holiday feeling right to the heart of Vienna. Located near the Urania at the edge of the Donaukanal, it’s a real sandy beach, complete with sun loungers, palm trees, and a fully stocked beach bar.

It’s one of the most popular after-work hangouts in summer, especially for a sunset drink. During major events like the football Euros, they sometimes host public viewings, then it can get quite busy.

Most people go for a classic Aperol Spritz, but if you’re like me and don’t drink alcohol, I recommend a Makava, a refreshing iced tea made by an Austrian company. It’s the perfect local drink to cool down with on a hot day.

6. Cycle Along the Danube Island

A wide view of Donauinsel on a clear summer day, with people sunbathing and relaxing along the waterfront promenade and modern apartment blocks in the background.

For a fun and refreshing way to explore Vienna in summer, grab a bike and head to the Donauinsel (Danube Island), a 21-kilometre-long stretch of nature, bike paths, swimming spots, and picnic areas right in the city.

It’s flat, scenic, and car-free, making it ideal for cyclists. You’ll pass shady trees, open meadows, and plenty of places to stop for a swim or snack. Just bring a picnic and your bathing suit, and make a day of it.

If you’re feeling sporty, cycle all the way to the Friedhof der Namenlosen (Cemetery of the Nameless) in the south. This Vienna hidden gem is quite peaceful and despite being relatively unknown, it was featured in the film Before Sunrise.

7. Hike in the Vienna Woods

A panoramic view of Vienna seen from a hillside vineyard, with rows of green vines in the foreground and a hazy skyline stretching across the horizon. — View over Vienna from Cobenzl view point

Vienna isn’t just a beautiful city, it’s also surrounded by lush forests and gentle hills that are perfect for a summer hike. Within city limits, you can access plenty of well-marked trails that offer panoramic views and a break from the city heat.

Here are some great hiking spots to explore:

Kahlenberg: One of the most popular hikes in Vienna. The hike up takes you through cool forest paths and past scenic vineyards. At the top, you’ll find Heurige (wine taverns) where you can relax with a drink and enjoy the view.
Lainzer Tiergarten: This former imperial hunting ground is now a quiet nature reserve, home to deer and lots of shaded forest trails. Don’t miss the Hermesvilla, a fairytale-like villa in Vienna tucked into the woods.
Jubiläumswarte: A lesser-known hike in the west of Vienna with a steel observation tower at the top. The trail through the forest is peaceful and ends with panoramic views from the tower, if you don’t mind the stairs!
Wienerberg: A more urban nature spot in the south of the city with easy walking paths, a small lake, and plenty of open space for picnics. Perfect for a gentle hike or a shaded walk close to town.

8. Relax in a City Park

A sunny day in Vienna’s Stadtpark with people relaxing on yellow benches under leafy green trees. In the background, small groups lounge on the grass while others stroll along the path, with a small green pavilion visible.

One of the things I love most about summer in Vienna is how quickly the parks fill up with life. As soon as the sun comes out, people flock to the city’s green spaces to meet friends, picnic, play games, or just relax with a book.

There’s always a free bench somewhere, but I personally prefer to bring a towel and find a nice spot on the grass, it feels more relaxed and summery.

Some local favourites include:

Stadtpark: Known for its golden Strauss statue and central location
Augarten: Spacious and quiet, with baroque flair and long alleys lined with trees
Burggarten: A bit smaller, but very central with great views of the Hofburg and lots of sunny spots

And those are just the beginning, almost every district has its own beautiful space, so wherever you are in Vienna, a relaxing park is never far away.

9. Eat Some Delicious Vegan Ice Cream

A woman smiles while holding a waffle cone with two scoops of vegan ice cream, one purple and one white with cookie bits, in a sunny outdoor setting with modern and historic architecture in the background. — Me eating ice cream at Museumsquartier, one of the coolest spots in summer

Summer in Vienna wouldn’t be complete without an ice cream in hand. My favourite place for it is at Museumsquartier, it’s such a cool square/courtyard. In summer there are often have free concerts by local musicians.

Veganista, a fully vegan ice cream shop with multiple locations throughout Vienna, has one location at Museumsquartier. Their creative flavours (think basil, peanut butter, or lavender) are rich, creamy, and all vegan.

It’s honestly the best vegan ice cream in Vienna, though I’ll admit, the ice cream at Eisperle in Graz is even better.

10. Go to an Open Air Cinema

A lively crowd sits on blankets in a grassy park watching a film on an outdoor screen marked “VOLXkino,” surrounded by tall trees and warm evening light. — I watched *10 Things I hate about you* at this free pop up open air cinema

One of the loveliest ways to spend a summer evening in Vienna is by watching a good film under the stars at one of the city’s many open air cinemas.

There are multiple locations throughout the city, and many of them show films in original language with German subtitles, so if you’re hoping to catch an English-language film, just double-check that it’s listed as OV (Original Version).

Some screenings are completely free, others require tickets but are still relatively affordable. Popular venues can fill up quickly, so arriving a bit early is a good idea.

Tip: Even if it’s hot during the day, it can get a bit chilly once the sun goes down. I always bring a hoodie or light jacket, especially since I tend to get cold easily.

11. Check Out Summer Festivals

Summer in Vienna is also festival season, with events popping up all over the city that celebrate music, art, culture, and even vegan food.

Here are a few highlights to keep an eye on:

Veganmania (June): A dream for plant-based foodies, this festival features vegan street food, drinks, cruelty-free brands, and live music.
Donauinselfest (June): Europe’s largest free open-air music festival takes over the Danube Island for a weekend of concerts, food stalls, and party vibes.
Calle Libre (August): Vienna’s street art festival turns building walls into colourful canvases. You can watch artists at work, join tours or workshops, and experience the city through a creative lens.

12. Visit the Prater While It’s Actually Alive

A lively scene at Vienna's Prater amusement park, featuring the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel with its red gondolas against a clear blue sky. In the foreground, a historic green and yellow information booth with 'Prater' signage stands, as visitors walk by or stop to take photos. The warm sunlight casts long shadows, adding to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. — The popular Prater Amusement Park

The Prater is one of Vienna’s most iconic attractions, and while it’s technically open year-round, summer is when it truly comes alive.

In the colder months, it can feel a bit sad, like a forgotten amusement park stuck in the 90s. But come summer, the lights are on, music is playing, and the smell of popcorn and cotton candy fills the air.

Locals and tourists mingle in the buzzing Prater, the amusement park area, which includes everything from nostalgic bumper cars to high-adrenaline roller coasters.

Whether you ride the Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) for a classic Vienna view, play some old-school games, or just stroll with an ice cream, summer is the season when the Prater feels magical again.

13. Cool Down in an Air-Conditioned Museum

A grand museum interior featuring marble staircases, classical arches, and intricate frescoes on the ceiling. Statues and a large framed painting decorate the space, enhancing the grandeur of this historic setting.

When the midday sun gets a bit too intense, there’s no shame in heading indoors for a few hours and Vienna’s museums offer the perfect mix of culture and air conditioning.

Whether you’re into classical art, modern installations, or something more offbeat, there’s something for every taste. A few great options for a summer cool-down:

Kunsthistorisches Museum: One of Europe’s top art museums with beautiful interiors
Albertina: Home to Monet, Picasso, and often big-name rotating exhibitions
Leopold Museum: For lovers of modern Austrian art like Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt
Globe Museum: A quirky, lesser-known spot that’s surprisingly fascinating

What to Wear in Vienna in Summer

Summer in Vienna gets hot, like really hot. A friend of mine once joked it was the hottest place he’d ever visited. So when packing or dressing for the day, bring light, breathable, and summery outfits.

There’s no real dress code in the city, Austrians aren’t particularly prudish, and no one will blink twice if you wear hot pants and a tank top on a hot day.

Just be respectful if you plan to enter a church: it’s best to have your shoulders and knees covered in those cases.

Otherwise, wear whatever you’re comfortable in. Some people prefer shorts and crop tops, others go for long, flowy dresses, both are totally fine.

Here’s what I recommend:

Light, airy clothes
Comfortable shoes or flip flops for walking
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Hoodie or light jacket only if you’re staying out late (like sitting at an open-air cinema)
Don’t forget swimwear and towel if you’re heading to the Danube or a pool

Vienna may be elegant, but you don’t need to dress up unless you’re heading to a very fancy restaurant, and even then, smart-casual is usually enough.

Escaping the Summer Heat in Vienna

Vienna is an incredible city all year round but especially in summer. But there’s no denying it: it gets hot, and all the concrete in the city centre doesn’t help.

Thankfully, there are so many ways to cool off or escape the heat, whether that’s jumping into the Danube, relaxing in a shady park, or heading for the hills on a forest hike.

And if you’re ready for a change of scenery, one of the best ways to beat the city heat is to explore beyond Vienna.

👉 Check out my guide to the best day trips from Vienna by public transport, you’ll find lakes, castles, and charming towns that are just a short ride away.