July is perhaps one of the most popular times to visit Vienna. With it being the height of summer, it’s the perfect time to spend lots of time outside being active and check out one of the many festivals and cultural events. Below, we have compiled some practical information for you as well as the best things to do in Vienna in July.
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Table of Contents
Vienna Weather in July
July in Vienna is usually pretty straightforward, weather-wise. It’s a summer month with lots of sunshine and warm summer nights. On average, expect highs around 81°F (27°C) and lows around 65°F (18°C).
The UV index is rather high during this month, so be sure to pack sunscreen. Keep in mind that such high temperatures can also lead to thunderstorms which means there may be the occasional downpour.
What to Wear in Vienna in July
You should expect it to be pretty hot in Vienna in July. Pack your best summer outfits – flowy materials would probably be best. Vienna can be windy though, so a hat could double as a sun protector and hairstyle savior 😉
While you may be tempted to wear sandals in the hot weather, keep in mind that you may do a lot of walking on cobblestone streets so something with a little more support would be better (sneakers are fine). You could also encounter thunderstorms, so pack an umbrella just in case.
Practical Information for Visiting Vienna in July
Personally, July is not my favorite time to visit Vienna. It can be oppressively hot and very crowded with tourists. Thankfully, the city provides numerous free water fountains and cooling spots.
On the upside, there is a rich program of events and activities you may not see during winter. What also makes it very convenient to visit is the fact that there isn’t a single public holiday in July which means museums and shops will be open normally.
Last but not least, flights come in and out of Vienna more frequently during the summer, giving you much more flexibility than during the winter.
Where to Stay in Vienna in July
Hostel: Wombats Naschmarkt, a popular hostel in Vienna, within walking distance of the city center
Budget Economy: B&B Hotel Wien-Meidling, a 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 July in Vienna
Make Use of the Good Weather with a Vienna Walking Tour
Summer is a great time to explore Vienna on foot – there is lots to see! You can either opt for our free self-guided Vienna walking tour or check out some of the specialized tours offered. Some of our favorites are:
- World War II Historical Walking Tour
- Walking Tour of Jewish Vienna
- “The Third Man” Film Location Tour
- Naschmarkt Food Tasting Tour
Take a Cruise on the Danube
The clear summer days and long summer nights are probably the best time to take a romantic cruise on the Danube. There are several kinds of cruises, including this popular 1-hour cruise on a side canal of the river with an optional lunch.
PRO TIP: If you’d rather be active than a passive passenger, opt for a guided kayak tour of the Danube!
Make the Most of the Rides at Prater
Although I’m a big fan of Vienna in the off-season, one major drawback is that many of the rides at Prater amusement park are closed in the winter.
If you come in the summer, most rides will be operating and there will also be plenty of people around for that true amusement park feeling. Best of all, the atmosphere is free to take in and you can pay for each ride separately.
PRO TIP: If you want to take a ride on the Vienna Ferris Wheel, you can conveniently buy your tickets online ahead of time and skip the line.
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 (Rathausplatz). 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.
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.
Kaleidoskop Open-Air Film Festival
As if Frameout was not enough, you can also check out the Kaleidoskop Film Festival in the first half of July. Located at Karlsplatz, this festival shows films highlighting the diversity of urban societies.
Admission is free of charge and films are usually shown with English subtitles. You can check out a new movie every day at 9 pm. The food stalls around the open-air cinema open at 7 pm.
Check out their website for the full program.
Kino am Dach
In July, yet another open-air film location opens its doors. Kino am Dach invites visitors every year onto the rooftop of the Vienna public library for screenings of various movies. Unlike the previous two 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.
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.
Chill out 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 – plenty to choose from!
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.
Amadeus Festival
It may not come as a surprise that there is one or the other festival dedicated to classical music in Vienna. One such festival is the Amadeus Festival, organized by the Music & Arts Academy of the Amadeus International School Vienna.
Young talents show their skill at this festival spanning several days in June and July. Check out their website for tickets & details.
Popfest Wien
If jazz and classical music are not your thing, why not check out Popfest – a festival dedicated entirely to pop music. It opens the stage to fan favorites and newcomers alike, from Austria and all over the world.
Most of the performances take place at open-air venues throughout the city. Check out their website for more details.
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.
Montur und Pulverdampf @ HGM
Perhaps surprisingly, the Museum of Military History is actually one of the best museums in Vienna. While it is worth a visit during any time of the year, in July one of its most popular events takes place: Montur und Pulverdampf.
In essence, it is a miniature medieval re-enactment. It’s fun for the whole family and you can even try some Medieval delicacies! Check out their website for more details.
Lichterfest
Water and light easily dazzle the eye of the spectator. Hardly any combination of elements is more intriguing. And the Vienna Lichterfest brings them together every July.
Head out to the Old Danube and enjoy music, a sea of lanterns and candles, as well as late-night fireworks along with a romantic picnic. Admission is free as you can see the fireworks from pretty much anywhere, but the good spots may be taken if you arrive too late 😉
Check out their website for the exact dates.
Sonic Territories Festival
Sonic Territories is a festival for sound art, exploring the concept of sound beyond “just” music. Usually taking place on a couple of days between June and July, it’s an intriguing mix of sound, music, and audiovisual art.
Check out their website for more details.
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.
Kabarettfestival
The Vienna Cabaret Festival marks the last days of July. It’s usually a good mix between well-known Austrian cabaret artists as well as ambitious newcomers.
The only downside is that the acts are almost exclusively in German. More details can be found on their official website.
World Peace Choral Festival
Usually taking place in the second half of July, the World Peace Choral Festival in Vienna is one of the most important choral festivals in the world. It aims to provide a platform for choirs of different origins to perform, communicate, and create better intercultural understanding between participants.
Check out their website for more details.
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.
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 July? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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.
