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Vienna in August: Travel Tips & Things to Do [2024]

It’s easy to see why August is one of the most popular times to visit Vienna. The summer months come with dozens of cultural events to check out and they offer plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. Below, we have compiled some practical information for you as well as the best things to do in Vienna in August.

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Vienna Weather in August

The Vienna weather in August is pretty much just as you would expect. It’s a summer month with lots of sunshine and warm summer nights. On average, expect highs around 79°F (26°C) and lows around 60°F (15°C). 

During this month, the UV index is fairly high, so wear sunscreen. Although the weather in August is not as hot as in July, you can still expect the occasional summer shower.

What to Wear in Vienna in August

August in Vienna is going to be pretty hot. It would be best to pack summer outfits made of flowy materials. The wind in Vienna can be quite strong, so a hat can double as both sun protection and hairstyle saver. 

When the weather is hot, you may be tempted to wear sandals, but keep in mind that you may be walking a lot on cobblestone streets, which is why you should wear something with a little more support (sneakers are fine). It’s also possible that thunderstorms will occur, so pack an umbrella just in case.

Practical Information for Visiting Vienna in August

Personally, I am not a huge fan of Vienna in August. Aside from being oppressively hot, it can also be very crowded with tourists. It is a good thing that the city has many free water fountains and places where you can cool off. 

On the plus side, there is a rich program of events and activities that you are unlikely to see during the winter. There is also only one public holiday – August 15, the Assumption of Mary – which means shops should be open for most of your visit. The only drawback in August is that the Vienna Opera is on summer break during this month.

Last but not least, frequent summer flights to Vienna offer much more flexibility than the rarer winter flights.

Where to Stay in Vienna in August

Hostel: Wombats Naschmarkt, a popular hostel in Vienna, within walking distance of the city center

Budget Economy: B&B Hotel Wien-Meidling, great budget option close to Wien-Meidling station

Budget Plus: Motel One Wien Hauptbahnhof, an unpretentious choice within 2 minutes of Vienna Central Station

Mid-range: Mercure Secession Vienna, a reasonably-priced 4-star hotel in the city center

Splurge: Hotel Sans Souci Wien, one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, the glamorous Sans Souci features trendy rooms and deluxe furnishings

Best Things to Do in August in Vienna

Explore the City on a Walking Tour

Vienna is a wonderful city to explore on foot during the summer – there is so much to see! Check out some of the specialized tours offered or take our self-guided Vienna walking tour. Some of our favorite guided walking tours are:

Go on a River Cruise on the Danube

Danube cruises are probably the best during the long summer nights and clear summer days. Several kinds of cruises are available, including this popular 1-hour canal cruise with an optional lunch.

PRO TIP: Kayak Tours of the Danube are a great way to be active in the river rather than a passive passenger!

Go on All the Rides at Prater

Again, I love Vienna the most during the off-season, but a big issue with that is the fact that many rides at Prater are closed during that time.

So put this in the plus column of visiting Vienna in August – most if not all rides will be in operation and the busy evenings will give you the true amusement park feeling. Best of all, you can enjoy the atmosphere for free and pay for the rides as you go!

PRO TIP: If you want to take a ride on the Vienna Ferris Wheel, you can conveniently buy your tickets online and skip the line.

Vienna Classic Days

Do you love classic cars? Then you better mark Vienna Classic Days down in your calendar for your visit. Usually taking place towards the end of August, this festival turns the streets of Vienna into a living museum.

With more than 250 participating vehicles, it’s a true spectacle that encompasses the entire Ringstraße in central Vienna. The parade usually takes place in the late afternoon, but you may catch a glimpse of the cars throughout the city even earlier in the day.

Check out their website for more information.

Rathaus Film Festival

Marking the beginning of the summer festival season in Vienna is the Rathaus Film Festival. Usually starting at the beginning of July and lasting until the beginning of September, it is Europe’s largest culture and culinary festival. 

Best of all, you can hardly miss it, thanks to its central location at city hall square. Stop by and enjoy any of the numerous FREE cultural events, major music productions, and/or a hearty snack from one of the many top-notch food stalls. 

Check out their website for the full program.

Calle Libre Festival

Calle Libre calls itself a “festival for urban aesthetics”. Every year, it turns parts of Vienna into a stage for street artists. Along with curating the creation of new murals, the festival also includes workshops, guided tours, and much more.

Check out their website for the full program.

Frameout Open-Air Film Festival

Taking place between July and August, the Frameout festival turns the courtyards of the museum quarter into giant open-air theaters. Showings of short films as well as feature-length films take place on Fridays and Saturdays free of charge! 

Discourse between filmmakers, experts, and the audience completes the program. Check out their website for the full details.

Gürtel Nightwalk

Gürtel is the kind of street you find yourself on after a long night of partying, in desperate need of a late-night snack. Gürtel Nightwalk amplifies this experience.

Every year, dozens of bars and clubs participate along with open-air stages. Throughout the night, you get the chance to visit all of them – just don’t be home before sunrise 😉

Check out the full program on their website.

Kino am Dach

Kino am Dach invites visitors every year onto the rooftop of the Vienna public library for screenings of various movies. Unlike the other more artsy film festivals, though, Kino am Dach also mixes in blockbusters and evergreen favorites. 

The only downside is that foreign-language films are generally shown with German subtitles. Tickets cost 10 EUR.

Check out their website for the full program.

Veganmania

Would you have guessed that Austria’s biggest street food festival is completely vegan?! Veganmania usually takes place twice per year, in June and August, introducing visitors to all things vegan.

Admission to the festival is free and while you get to try innovative drinks and dishes, there is also music to sweeten the day. Naturally, you can also shop for vegan and sustainable products.

Check out their website for the full program.

Dotdotdot Film Festival

Taking over from some of the other film festivals, dotdotdot opens its doors at the end of July, running through all of August. Unlike its counterparts, this festival focuses on short films rather than feature-length movies. 

Tickets are pay-as-you-can. Check out their website for the full program.

Aztec Festival

Every August, the Mexican community in Vienna puts on the so-called Aztec Festival. Step by for music, dance, and of course food. Check out their Facebook for more details.

Relax at a Viennese Schanigarten

While other cities have more poetic-sounding street cafes, Vienna has Schanigärten. The word Schanigarten means the tables and chairs set out outside a cafe or restaurant, generally on the sidewalks. 

What is special about them is that the land they are on doesn’t actually belong to the establishment, but is public property. Sometimes they even extend onto the street, reducing the number of parking spots and slowing down traffic on those streets. 

Sit down, order a classic Weißer Spritzer (white wine with sparkling water), and let the world pass by around you. It’s estimated that there are more than 4,200 Schanigärten in Vienna – so there’s plenty to choose from!

Chill Out at a Beach Bar

Austria may be a landlocked country, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have beach bars! During the summer, you can find several of them along the river Danube – perfect for a sundowner! Some popular ones are Strandbar Hermann and Sansibar Beach Club.

Jazz Fest Wien

Since its initiation in 1991, the Vienna Jazz Festival, Jazz Fest Wien, has been a staple in Viennese event culture. Over the years it has become one of the most important jazz festivals in the world. 

Concerts take place at hand-picked locations, including the Vienna State Opera, but also at the Spittelau power station. Check out their website for details & tickets.

Afrika Tage

Taking over Danube Island for several weeks between July and August ever since 2005, the Afrika Tage festival promises lots of good music, food, and fun. It brings together people from various cultures, encouraging a continued dialogue between them.

It showcases African music acts, provides the chance to shop handicrafts, and feeds you exceedingly well. Come and consume your body weight in mint tea if you please.

On the so-called “Charity Mondays”, admission to the festival is free. Day tickets cost 10 EUR otherwise and the price of the evening tickets depends on the acts on stage. Check out their website for tickets and the full program.

Pro Tip

Although you can pay by card at the entrance and the drinks stalls, some of the smaller vendors may not accept card payments. It’s best to take a bit of cash for those occasions.

Ottakringer Beer Festival

From the end of June to the beginning of September, the famous Ottakring brewery opens its doors to fans and beer lovers in general. The program includes guided tours of the brewery, live music, beer tastings, and even beer yoga?! 

Best of all, admission is free and the grounds are open nearly all week (Monday to Saturday, 4 pm to midnight). Check out the website for more details.

End the Evening at Summerstage

As a landlocked country, Austrians are all too happy with any excuse to spend time at the water. During the summer, many locals flock to Summerstage – a collection of bars and restaurants on the Danube canal.

Most weekends, there is live music or poetry readings. Along the canal, you can also enjoy modern sculpture and street art. Check out their website for more details.

PRO TIP: For more of an “underground” touch, check out “KulturTerrasse” (culture terrace) by Werk – an alternative art and culture initiative.

ImPulsTanz

Ever since its initiation in 1984, ImPulsTanz has developed into the most important and largest festival for contemporary dance and performance in the world. 

Every summer between July and August, the festival offers a uniquely diverse program of performances, workshops, and musical acts. The events take place at several locations throughout the city. 

Check their official website for tickets and more details.

Kultursommer

In July and early August, the city of Vienna offers its very own summer program, ranging from cabaret over dance performances and literature readings to circus and object theater – all free of charge.

More than 2,000 artists get the chance to share their works with the public. The events are hosted at several venues around the city so it’s best to look at the website for more details.

Liquid Market

Liquid Market is an annual cocktail festival taking place in Vienna. Not only do you get to taste as many cocktails as you like, but you can also learn a bit about cocktail history and, of course, how to make cocktails at home.

At 80 EUR, the tickets are not cheap, but well worth it for everybody who loves cocktails. Check out their website for more details and tickets.


Now, what do you think? What is your favorite time of the year to visit Vienna? What else is there to do in Vienna in August? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

About Jacky

Hello there, fellow globetrotters! I’m Jacky, a passionate travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust. With several years of experience in online marketing, I leverage my expertise to ensure that you get the best travel advice, tailored for the digital age. My travels have taken me to over 30 countries, and I love sharing those experiences with readers like you. Besides traveling, my other loves are my beloved cats, architecture, art, science fiction, coffee, and all things cute. My travel tips have been featured on lonelyplanet.com and in the EasyJet Traveller magazine.

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