Many urban areas are increasingly facing the challenge of rising temperatures in summer. Vienna is no exception, even though around 50% of the city consists of green spaces. At the same time, the demand and supply of outdoor activities for mild summer evenings and nights is growing steadily. Whether it’s edible treats, art, or culture, Vienna offers a wide range of options during pleasant evening temperatures and continues to be a city with a high quality of life.
After exploring Vienna’s vibrant outdoor culture and enjoying its warm summer evenings, finding the perfect place to unwind is essential. Whether you’re looking for historic charm, modern luxury, or a cozy boutique experience, Vienna has a wide selection of exceptional hotels to suit every style and budget. Look here for a curated collection of great places to stay in Vienna and make the most of your summer city escape.
Afterwork events at museums
Just as the evenings start to cool down in summer, things begin to heat up outside two of Vienna’s top museums. Every Wednesday, the bastion terrace in front of the Albertina is transformed into one of the most popular outdoor locations of the summer for the “Albert & Tina” party series. Breathtaking views of the Vienna State Opera included. Admission includes a museum visit during the Albertina’s opening hours, redeemable at any time (not just on the event day) for all exhibitions through September 21, 2025. Once a month, the Heidi Horton Collection invites visitors to explore its collection of modern art with free admission and open studio sessions. When the weather is fine, the offering extends outdoors into the sculpture garden, featuring DJs, snacks, and ever-changing special highlights.
Popfest Wien
Popfest Wien has long since been a fixture on the summer cultural calendar. 2025 will mark the 16th edition of the festival. From July 24 to 27, Karlsplatz will once again transform into a stage for Austrian pop music – open-air, free of charge, and right in the heart of the city. Around 60,000 visitors are expected to attend. The stunning Karlskirche serves as a breathtaking backdrop, while the pond becomes a floating stage. Bars and food trucks offer a diverse culinary experience. The program starts in the early evening and continues until late into the night. There are also indoor events at the Wien Museum and the neighboring Technical University. Few music festivals are as accessible by public transport: simply take subway lines U1, U2, or U4 to Karlsplatz, and you’re in the middle of the action.
Evening cruises on the Danube Canal and the Danube
From Friday to Tuesday, DDSG Blue Danube offers three-hour sightseeing evening cruises along the Danube Canal and the Danube. Aboard the MS Wien or the MS Vindobona, both featuring Hundertwasser-inspired designs, guests enjoy exceptional views of the lively Danube Canal, the eye-catching Hundertwasser waste incineration plant at Spittelau, the historic Kahlenbergerdorf, the illuminated Danube Tower, and the impressive DC Tower – the tallest building in Austria. The city cruise both starts and ends at the Schwedenplatz pier.
Liquid Market
From August 28 to 30, the best bars from Austria and across Europe will gather for three days at the Liquid Market cocktail festival. A total of 50 exhibitors have been invited to mark its tenth anniversary. For the very first time, they will be serving their signature drinks and new creations at the historic Otto Wagner grounds. This former hospital complex, designed by renowned Viennese architect Otto Wagner and surrounded by expansive parkland, provides a unique backdrop for the festival. In addition to a huge outdoor area, it also offers a weatherproof indoor alternative. The ticket price includes all drinks. Selected products are available for purchase on site. Visitors can look forward to tastings, workshops, street food, and, of course, plenty of great music. And last but not least, non-alcoholic cocktails will also be offered.
Viennese Sausage Stands
Vienna’s sausage stands are much more than just snack bars. They are places where people can come and socialize and were even added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2024. These small ‘Standln,’ located on busy street corners, are the go-to spot for a quick snack between meals or a late-night bite after a party. Whether you prefer a classic Käsekrainer, a vegan seitan sausage, or a spicy curry, you’ll find it here –served late into the night, often until 4 a.m., enjoyed standing at a table, with mustard, horseradish, and a dose of real Viennese charm. Popular stands include ‘Bitzinger’ between the Vienna State Opera and the Albertina, ’Würstelstand LEO’ on Gürtel (the city’s oldest), ‘Wiener Würstelstand’ near the Spittelau transport hub, ‘Zum scharfen René’ at Schwarzenbergplatz – famous for its spicy selection of sauces – and ‘Alles Wurscht’ behind the Vienna Stock Exchange, which even serves Beef Tartare and Calamari Fritti.
