Check out the 24 reasons below why Vienna is an awesome summer city:
1. It has green spaces galore for picnicking
There are sooooo many green spaces in Vienna to lay your picnic blanket, lie back and look at the clouds. We’ve put together a list of the best picnic parks, check it out!
2. The mist sprinklers and free water stations
There’s nothing that brings us more joy than walking through one of the many water dust sprinklers that are currently all over Vienna. Imagine walking down Mariahilfer in 35 degrees and all of a sudden cool little water droplets coat your entire body. Yes, they are as amazing as they sound – like a hug from the universe in mist form. Also, there are free drinkable water stations in the most crowded spots, which can be quite a lifesaver in the current heat.
3. You get to drink on boats – which pretty much means you’re on some fancy holiday
There have been so many different kinds of boats that have popped up on the Danube in recent years – boats with slides on them, party boats, boats that transofrm into hovercrafts at the press of a button (ok, these might not exist, but they definitely should!) Anyway, lying back in a boat floating along up a river – what’s more summer holiday than that?!
4. There are dozens of public spaces made for chilling in the sun with friends – for FREE!
From the MQ to the Donaukanal, and plenty in between – there are plenty of spots in the city that have become claimed by the people during the summer months as they gather with friends and use public spaces like their own living room. Here’s a list of some of the hot summer spots to meet with friends around the city.
5. The old buildings
Since many buildings in Vienna are very old, they tend to be very cool inside as well. So you can check out famous attractions like the Stephansdom and cool down at the same time. Win-win situation if you ask us!
6. It has its own special summer vibe
We’re not claiming exclusivity to this, but the vibes that run throughout Vienna during summer are a special thing. Combining good weather with the people of Vienna’s favouring of ‘life’ over work in the work-life balance leads to a free and easy, laidback holiday feeling spreading throughout the streets of the city.
People stop to talk in the streets, they strip down to bikinis, or get topless in parks smack bang in the middle of the city – you get the feeling that people want to make the most out of the summer months here in Vienna.
7. The Vienna wind
Even though it ruins your hair, the wind in Vienna is for sure cooling. The inner city heat can become quite suffocating, but thanks to the nice and strong breeze that seems to constantly exist in Vienna even the stuffiest places get some fresh air.
8. Summer sunsets in Vienna are outrageously beautiful
9. The drinks are “cheap”
Compared to other capital cities, the drinks are still quite cheap in Vienna, and there are restaurants and cafe gardens everywhere where to enjoy summer drinks and good times.
10. Eating outside in the Schanigärten is a magical experience
A unique feature of the city is the restaurant and cafe gardens hidden away in the Höfe (courtyards) of buildings. They are cool, cozy, and you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale – surrounded by old but pretty architecture and lots of plants.
11. Messy Döner, or Käsekrainer while sitting in some random spot in the city after a night out? One of the best feelings in the world.
12. The rooftops of the city get sexy.
Well, rather the things you’re doing on those rooftops get distinctly more exciting. From chilling on a friend’s sketchy rooftop to chilled drinking at a rooftop bar, there’s nothing quite like a Vienna rooftop in the summertime
13. Who needs a beach when you have the Danube river?!
There is a feeling of freedom in Vienna during summer, because of the river running through it.
A lot of the river and the banks that line it has a wildness about it where you can feel like it’s just you and nature, whether you’re escaping there after work, or spending a day by the waterside. But even the places that see a merging of an urban and natural setting make for great spots to escape (and enjoy) the summer heat. The Donau is an underrated feature of Vienna that has a large part to do with what makes this such an awesome summer city.
Check out our list of the best spots on the Danube for a swim!
14. It also has beaches! Dozens of landlocked beach bars!
Sinking your feet into the sand and looking up to see baroque buildings staring down at you is a bizarre scenario when you think about it, but that’s what makes it such a unique Vienna summer experience.
While the ocean may be missing when sitting in one of the deck chairs of the city’s many beach bars, these sandy spots still work in giving you that holiday vibe. Here’s a list of the city’s best beach bars.
15. And you can even go surfing here too!
Who needs waves when you’ve got a kite, or a paddle (wink, wink).
16. You like to hike? The Wienerwald has got you covered.
If summer means long walks in nature for you, Vienna’s surrounded by endless possibilities to play out these adventures on foot. The Wienerwald has a wealth of walking trails suited to all kinds of hikers. We’ve also got a list of a few nature walks that we love around Vienna.
17. Indoor is just as fun as outdoor
And for the days when the weather is just too hot to handle, you can check out cool indoor activities such as the various museums, shopping malls etc.
18. The open air summer events
There’s no shortage of fantastic outdoor events happening in Vienna throughout summer, from open-air cinema to food festivals. While there will be less happening this year, there’s still plenty on offer. Keep an eye on our weekend event guide to stay up-to-date.
19. The city could just about rival Rome with the number of gelaterias on its streets
It seriously blows our mind how many ice cream places open up in Vienna every summer.
The tongues of this city’s occupants just can’t get enough of the sweet and smooth goodness of gelato which has led to Vienna becoming an ice cream lover’s paradise. Check out some of the special spots to slurp at an ice cream.
20. The possibilities for a summer weekend and day trips are plentiful!
One of the greatest things in Vienna is that you can leave it behind for a day, or a weekend within the space of 20 minutes. That’s right, the city is surrounded by great summer escapes, not to mention the dozens of swim-worthy lakes these areas host. Summer and its surrounding areas are a playground for summer lovers. Check out our guide to awesome city escapes from Vienna and our guide to the best nature escapes from Vienna – all accessible by train.
21. It’s the perfect city for you and your bike
Vienna is made for bike enthusiasts with bike lanes on streets everywhere in the city.
We highly recommend on a sunny day, jumping on a bike (or hiring one of the free city bikes) and pedaling your way around the city. Perhaps pack your swimming gear and plan a pool, or a river to be at your end destination.
22. Vienna’s wine fever that explodes during the warmer months is something to experience
The Heurigen (wine taverns) culture of Vienna is at its best during the summer months. From the first wine festivals in May to the last of them in September, Vienna has a very special relationship with wine and a unique culture around consuming it in the most beautiful of settings.
Escaping to the city’s very accessible wine-growing areas (within the city limits!) is a summer experience like no other.
Check out our guide to Vienna’s wine growing and Heuriger regions.
23. Lots of Spritzwein
“A Spritzer, bitte!” is the sentence you’ll hear most often when walking past restaurants or bars in summer. “Hearst!” might be the second most overheard sentence but that’s beside the point. The Spritzer has established itself as one of THE summer drinks in Vienna. It’s refreshing, usually cheap, and you’re not incredibly wasted after one (you’ll need around 6 if that’s your goal – but you didn’t hear that from us).
24. You literally have the city to yourself!
If we ignore the packed touristy spots, Vienna is pretty empty at this time of the year. Lots of Viennese are on holidays, so you have most of the city to yourself. The stores are emptier and if you drive, you’ll always find a parking spot on the street. So you could say it’s like a Vienna Sunday every day of the week.
