🌻 Cool Vienna in Summer

Vienna can get very hot in summer, especially in the historic city centre around Stephansplatz. Here are our favourite ways to cool down — from shaded parks near the apartment to swimming spots, ice cream and scenic evening escapes.

Quick Picks

Close to Stephansplatz

Burggarten · Volksgarten · Stadtpark · Gelateria Hoher Markt

Best for Swimming

Donauinsel · Alte Donau · Gänsehäufel · Krapfenwaldlbad · Schönbrunner Bad

Best After Belvedere / Klimt

Belvedere Gardens · Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna

Best Summer Evening

Donaukanal · CopaBeach · Kahlenberg · Grinzing · Nussdorf

🌳 Parks & Shade Near the Centre

Burggarten

Best for: a short shaded break near Hofburg, Albertina and the Opera
Distance: about 10–15 minutes on foot from Stephansplatz
A beautiful central park with lawns, benches and shade — ideal during sightseeing.

Volksgarten

Best for: roses, photos and a calm city-centre walk
Distance: about 15 minutes on foot
A classic Viennese garden near the Hofburg and Parliament, especially beautiful in summer.

Stadtpark

Best for: shade, ponds and the golden Johann Strauss monument
Distance: about 15 minutes on foot or a short U-Bahn ride
One of Vienna’s most famous parks, with large trees and plenty of benches.

Rathauspark

Best for: a break while exploring the Ringstraße
A shaded green space in front of Vienna City Hall, convenient near Parliament and Burgtheater.

🌿 Belvedere, Klimt & Botanical Garden

Belvedere Gardens

Best for: Klimt + palace gardens + photos
If you visit Belvedere to see Klimt’s “The Kiss”, take time for the gardens afterwards.
Official link:
https://www.belvedere.at/en/belvedere/gardens

Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna

Best for: a quiet shaded walk right next to Belvedere
A peaceful and slightly hidden green place, perfect if the city feels too hot or crowded.
Official link:
https://botanischergarten.univie.ac.at/en/your-visit/

💧 Swimming & Water

Donauinsel

Best for: swimming, walking, cycling and sunset by the water
How to get there: U1 to Donauinsel
One of Vienna’s best summer places. Easy to reach and ideal for a casual water escape.
Official link:
https://www.wien.gv.at/freizeit/baden-donauinsel-neue-donau

Alte Donau

Best for: swimming, paddle boats and lakeside restaurants
How to get there: U1 to Alte Donau
Calm water, bathing jetties and a relaxed summer atmosphere.
Official link:
https://www.wien.gv.at/en/environment/old-danube-recreation

Gänsehäufel

Best for: a full bathing day, families and classic Viennese summer feeling
Vienna’s famous public bathing island at the Alte Donau, with swimming areas, lawns and facilities.
Official link:
https://www.wien.gv.at/freizeit/strandbad-gaensehaeufel

Strandbad Alte Donau

Best for: swimming with proper facilities
A traditional lakeside public bathing area with lawns and easy water access.
Official link:
https://www.wien.gv.at/freizeit/strandbad-alte-donau

Krapfenwaldlbad

Best for: swimming with panoramic views over Vienna
A scenic outdoor pool in the hills above the city. Not the closest option, but one of the most beautiful.
Official link:
https://www.wien.gv.at/freizeit/krapfenwaldlbad

Schönbrunner Bad

Best for: combining Schönbrunn Palace with a swim
A pleasant outdoor pool inside Schönbrunn Palace Park.
Official link:
https://www.schoenbrunnerbad.at/

Badeschiff Wien

Best for: central swimming and urban summer atmosphere
A swimming pool on a boat in the Danube Canal.
Official link:
https://www.badeschiff.at/

🌅 Summer Evening Ideas

Donaukanal

Best for: relaxed evening walk, drinks and urban summer atmosphere
A good option when the temperature drops and you want to stay close to the centre.

Kahlenberg

Best for: views over Vienna and sunset
Cooler than the inner city and beautiful in the evening.

Grinzing & Nussdorf

Best for: vineyards, Heurigen and a classic Viennese summer evening
A good choice if you want wine taverns, local atmosphere and slightly cooler air.

City oases in the open air
https://www.wien.info/en/dine-drink/party-locations-summer-355186

Film Festival at Veinna's Rathausplatz (!)
From July 4, the Film Festival will, for the 36th time, turn Rathausplatz into an open-air meeting place with music films from pop, rock, opera, classical, jazz and musical theatre, along with culinary delights. Hundreds of thousands enjoy the summer vibes here year after year. What’s more, admission is completely free!
https://www.wien.info/en/art-culture/music-stage-shows/film-festival-rathausplatz-353152

Host Tip

For a very hot day, the easiest cooling plan is:

Morning: sightseeing in the city centre
Midday: museum, café or apartment break
Afternoon: U1 to Donauinsel or Alte Donau
Evening: ice cream near Stephansplatz or sunset at Kahlenberg

Vienna also has many public drinking fountains and cooling spots during summer. Carry a refillable bottle — the tap water is excellent.