The ultimate guide to visiting Vienna in July

In July, Vienna’s signature charm shines under the golden glow of summer. Music from talented buskers fills the air as people enjoy cold drinks at sidewalk cafés. Whether you’re swimming in the Old Danube or sipping local lagers in a traditional beer garden, nothing bears the laid-back vibe of Vienna in summer.

Not sure what to do in Vienna in July? From theater performances under the stars in the picturesque Belvedere Palace gardens to exhilarating rollercoaster rides at Prater Park, this guide has everything you need to know about visiting Vienna in July.

Why go to Vienna in July?

July is perfect for exploring outdoors

What is Vienna like in July? Vienna is a wonderful destination for outdoor lovers to visit in the summer. With warm temperatures and long, sunny days, there's no better time to relax at one of the city’s famous cafés, stroll through lush green spaces like Rathauspark and Prater, or hop on a Danube cruise at sunset. If you want to escape the busy city center, grab your gear and tackle one of the many hiking trails around Vienna.

The al fresco food scene flourishes in July

Peak summer is a fantastic time to make the most of Vienna's many lively outdoor dining options. You can enjoy a leisurely coffee and cake at a riverside terrace, while street food stands serve local favorites like sausages and kebabs. Naschmarkt, the largest outdoor market in the city, offers a variety of international cuisines and local favorites.

July is packed with fun summer events

July in Vienna is packed with open-air concerts, film festivals, foodie events, and cultural celebrations. The Rathausplatz Film Festival offers free showings of movies, operas, concerts, and gigs in one of the city’s prettiest squares, surrounded by many food stalls serving local and international dishes. You can also watch classic shows under the stars at Theater im Park, enjoy contemporary tunes at Popfest Wien on Karlsplatz square, or take part in beer-yoga at Ottakringer Brewery’s annual Beer Festival.

It's peak Heuriger season

Heurigers, Vienna’s rustic wine taverns, are a vital part of the city’s cultural heritage. Only open in the summer, these relaxed bars are where local winemakers serve their freshly produced wines, alongside traditional snacks like cold cuts, cheese, bread, and strudels. You’ll find most Heurigers on the outskirts of the city in Vienna’s wine districts like Grinzing or Nussdorf.

What’s the weather like in Vienna in July?

Vienna's weather in July is perfect if you enjoy warm, sunny days. It’s the city’s hottest month, with midday highs reaching up to 82 F (28 C). July also has the longest days of the year, with around 15–16 hours of daylight, giving you plenty of time to get out and explore. Brief summer storms can still happen, so make sure to pack a light raincoat or umbrella.

• Average daytime temperature: 70 F (21 C)
• Average night temperature: 61 F (16 C)
• Average days of rain: 8 days
• Average days of sun: 15 days

Top things to do in Vienna in July

1. Enjoy a cocktail at one of Vienna’s rooftop bars

July’s warm evenings and clear skies are ideal for enjoying sunset cocktails at one of the city’s chic rooftop bars. With the sun not setting until around 8:45 PM, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy an al fresco dinner in a schanigarten (outdoor dining area) along the Danube Canal, before heading to a bar for the rest of the evening.

Grab a table at Das Loft for a trendy, modern vibe and sweeping views of the city skyline, or try Lamée Rooftop for a more relaxed atmosphere with balcony seats overlooking the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral. Some venues even host live DJs, drag shows, or weekend brunches for a variety of experiences.

2. Catch a Theater im Park performance

Between May and September each year, the picturesque garden behind Belvedere Palace transforms into an open-air performance venue. Theater im Park draws locals and visitors alike to watch comedy, cabaret, jazz, musicals, and theater classics like "Hamlet" play out each week during the summer. The stage is set under towering 100-year-old trees in the heart of the palace’s English garden. The magical setting and showstopping performances under the stars capture the spirit of Vienna in summer.

Arrive early so you can first explore Belvedere Palace’s opulent halls and delightful gardens. Once the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the baroque masterpiece now houses a world-class art collection.

Address

Prinz-Eugen-Straße, 1030

3. Spend a sunny day at the Old Danube

On a hot summer day in Vienna, there’s no better place to cool off than the Old Danube (Alte Donau). Just a short ride from the city center, this calm former branch of the Danube River offers some of the best things to do in Vienna in July.

Cycle along scenic paths that wind around the water’s shoreline, then stretch out on the wooden docks to soak up the sun or enjoy your latest summer read. When the heat gets too much, take a refreshing swim at one of the many public lidos dotted along the water’s edge. You can also rent pedal boats, rowboats, and stand-up paddle boards, while families can enjoy activities like mini-golf and a tree-top climbing course at Strandbad Gänsehäufel.

In late July, you may even get to see the Lichterfest (Festival of Lights), an annual evening event at the Old Danube which features illuminated boats on the water and a large fireworks display.

Address

Arbeiterstrandbadstraße 91, 1220

4. Experience the thrills of Prater Park

The Vienna Prater amusement park is one of the top family attractions in Vienna in July. The free-to-enter fairground has been an icon of Vienna for generations and now has over 250 attractions, with everything from terrifying rollercoasters to classics like dodgems, go-karts, arcades, and mini-golf. Make sure to ride the iconic Wiener Riesenrad, a historic Ferris wheel that’s been part of Vienna’s skyline since 1897.

The amusement park sits within a huge public park and is surrounded by green meadows and sports fields where you can play tennis, soccer, and more. For the ultimate summer day out, pack a picnic to eat on the grass, or head to one of the many cafés or food stands throughout the park.

Address

Prater, 1020

Opening hours

Daily, 11:00 AM-1:00 AM (varies by ride/attraction)

5. Kick back in a local beer garden

As the afternoon heat kicks in, cool down with a cold beer in one of Vienna’s many beer gardens. Regionally called gastgarten, which means “guest garden”, these local hangouts can be found all across the city.

Pull up a chair at a long wooden table, sip a crisp Austrian lager, and try some hearty Viennese foodie specialties. Locals chat, dogs nap at their owners’ feet, and the scent of grilled meats drifts through the air. The 19th-century Schweizerhaus in Prater Park is a popular choice, with its traditional vibe, beer on tap, and indulgent, oversized pork knuckle (stelze).

6. Discover St. Stephen’s Cathedral

When you need a break from the sun, step into the hallowed halls of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Standing at 446 feet tall, the four towers of this iconic cathedral dominate Vienna’s skyline. The roof, made of 200,000 glazed tiles, forms the shape of a double-headed eagle to represent the Viennese coat of arms.

Head inside to see the cathedral’s intricate stonework, colorful stained-glass windows, and historic altars. Then venture underground to explore the damp quiet of the catacombs and see the burial place of many of the Habsburgs.

Address

Stephansplatz 3, 1010

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday, 6:00 AM-10:00 PM
Sunday, 7:00 AM-10:00 PM