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

Are you planning a fall getaway to Vienna? Lucky you, October is actually one of the best months to visit Vienna! Below, we have compiled some practical information for you as well as the best things to do in Vienna in October.

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Vienna Weather in October

October in Vienna can be a bit of a mixed bag, weather-wise. You could still have summer-like temperatures at the beginning of the month or see a sudden cold snap with a few snowflakes at the end of the month. 

On average, expect highs around 58°F (14°C) and lows around 45°F (7°C). Keep in mind that Vienna can be rather windy, bringing down the temperature another notch.

What to Wear in Vienna in October

October is the perfect time to show off your cutest fall outfits! In general, I would recommend packing in a way that will allow you to layer once you arrive. 

This way you can dress down for warmer days or bundle up for cooler days. Definitely bring a light hat and gloves just in case as well as a coat or warm jacket.

Practical Information for Visiting Vienna in October

In my personal opinion, late September to early October is one of the best times to visit Vienna. Not only have most of the tourist crowds left and school is back in session, but Vienna also presents itself in full autumn glory during this time. 

There are hardly any public holidays you need to plan around – the only exception being October 26 which is actually Austria’s national holiday (think 4th of July in the USA) where you should expect shops to be closed.

Where to Stay in Vienna in October

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 October in Vienna

Vienna Design Week

Vienna Design Week is one of Austria’s most important design festivals. It is absolutely massive – comprising more than 200 events and attracting more than 40,000 visitors each year.

Not only does it give a platform to young and established designers, but it also encourages dialogue around important topics such as sustainability and social justice. Most of the events can be visited free of charge, making design accessible to everybody.

Check out their website for the full program.

Pots und Blitz

Pots und Blitz is a festival for ceramics and porcelain taking place each year at MuseumsQuaartier. Visit the design market to buy a one-of-a-kind souvenir – just be sure to wrap it up properly before you stick it in your suitcase.

The festival hosts Austrian as well as international artists and the products range from beautiful tableware to intricate pieces of art. Check out their website for more information.

Immerse Yourself At Viennale Film Festival

The Vienna International Film Festival, otherwise known as Viennale, is one of Vienna’s biggest international festivals, attracting up to 75,000 visitors every year. Since its inception in 1060, it has become one of the most important film festivals in the German-speaking world. 

Several theaters are participating in the festival, showing both German as well as foreign language films. If you want to attend, it’s probably a good idea to check beforehand whether the film you are going to watch is in a language you understand. 

Non-German movies are generally shown with German subtitles only. Check out their official website for dates, venues, and tickets.

Attend the Austrian Oktoberfest: Kaiser Wiesn

If you can’t make it to Munich for Oktoberfest, Vienna offers the next-best thing: Wiesn (from 2022 known as Kaiser Wiesn). From September to October, you get the chance to dress up in Trachten (if you want), drink beer (if you want), and enjoy traditional Austrian dishes accompanied by traditional Austrian “party” music. 

Visiting during the day is free of charge, but if you want to attend any of the live music events in the evening, you need to purchase tickets ahead of time. 

Check out the website for the full program.

Get Cultural during the Long Night of Museums

When the nights get longer, do the museums stay open later? Well, at least for one day in October. The vast majority of museums in Vienna participate, not only keeping their doors open until 1 am, but many also putting on a special program for visitors. 

Tickets cost 15 EUR and are valid at all participating museums. It’s a great opportunity to make the most of your time in Vienna, but do be warned that it does get rather crowded. 

On the upside, the ticket also includes a free shuttle bus that connects the various venues. In Vienna, it is also valid for all public transport. 

Check out the full program on the official website.

Seasonal Botany at Wiener Herbsttage

Every autumn, the Austrian Association of Gardeners and the National Garden Association come together to talk about local and exotic plants at the beautiful Palmenhaus in Burggarten. 

There are also several vendors offering anything from culinary delicacies to natural cosmetics – perfect for picking up a souvenir! There are also vendors selling seeds, bulbs, and other plant materials – just keep in mind that you may not be allowed to import those in your home country. 

Check out the website for the full program.

National Day Parade

While other countries celebrate their Independence Day as a national holiday, in Austria the 26th of October actually marks the day when Austria regained sovereignty after World War II and the last allied forces left the country. More precisely, it was the day when Austria proclaimed its permanent neutrality.

Interestingly, the most notable event of the day is a parade by the Austrian military on Ringstraße. Expect heavy security and limited transport options during that time.

Apart from the military parade, open houses are held at the Office of the Federal President, the Federal Chancellery, ministries, and other public institutions. 

However, most Austrians (even Viennese) like to get utterly Austrian on this day by putting on their hiking boots and conquering the next-best mountain (e.g. in the Vienna Woods – see below).

Please note that the 26th of October is a national holiday and most shops are closed on this day.

Entertain your Inner Child at Game City

Are you traveling with kids or are you young at heart yourself? Then head over to Game City at Rathausplatz, the biggest gaming event in Austria. Discover anything from the newest e-sport trends to ideas of gamification in education. 

Best of all, admission is free, but you will need to bring an ID as certain areas are 16Y+ or 18Y+. The highlight of the event is the annual cosplay parade. Find out more here.

Organ Festival Quintessence

Quintessence, the yearly Viennese organ festival, takes place on several dates throughout the summer. Located in the Franciscan Church, concerts are performed on the Rieger & Wöckherl organs, the latter being the oldest organ in Vienna, dating back to 1642.

Tickets cost between 15 and 20 EUR. Usually, there is still at least one performance scheduled in early October. Check their official website for dates and tickets.

Spend Halloween at Prater Amusement Park

The end of October is marked by Halloween in most of the world. Although the average Austrian still hasn’t fully come to terms with this American holiday, partygoers sure embrace it year after year. 

One of the best places to get spooky in Vienna is, of course, Prater Amusement Park. On the 31st there usually is a program throughout the afternoon and evening, including a Halloween parade and a costume contest. 

Finish it off with a visit to the haunted house 😉 Entrance is free but remember that the rides at the park are paid separately. Get more information here.

Enjoy the Fall Colors in the Vienna Woods

While the city has its charms, nothing quite beats experiencing fall in nature. Take a day to head out into the countryside and enjoy one of the many easily accessible trails the Vienna Woods has to offer.

You can find a great selection here.

Check out Wien Modern Festival

Although perhaps hard to imagine, in the eighties, classical music was not at the forefront of everybody’s mind in Vienna. That’s when Wien Modern came to be as a way of revitalizing classical music in the city. 

Young composers and experienced composers alike are given the stage. Events take place throughout the city throughout the month and the full program is usually published in September. Get more information here.

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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 October? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!