Top things to undertake in Vienna
After having visited all the historical attractions in town and relaxed in one of the many parks around town, you might consider heading to one of the beaches in town. By the way, so that you just know, there is no shopping on Sundays as shops are closed!
Sand in the City – beach in the center of town
Close to the city center is “Sand in the City” located on the Heumarkt near the Stadtpark. During winter, it is an ice skating ring but in summer (open from end of April to beginning of September) it turns into a beach type of place with sand, palm trees, beach bars and restaurants. You can relax in one of the beach chairs, play volleyball, use the fitness facilities and later get a refreshing drink listening to the DJ putting on some chill out music.
Sunken City
The “Sunken City” lies on a little island on the Danube and is very popular with locals. You will find a number of restaurants and bars to enjoy the sunset or the entire evening. It opens every year from Mai to September from 11:00 to 04:00. Easily reachable with the U1 tube. Exit at station Donauinsel and walk towards the light tower.
More beaches in the area
The “Vienna City Beach Club” (VCBC) is a great place to play some beach volleyball or simply chill on one of their beach beds.
The Copa Beach is similar to the above with sand, water, restaurant, and some sports activities going on.
Copa Cagraner
Still in the same area of the Donauinsel is the Copa Cagraner. It is actually connected to the Sunken City by a pedestrian bridge over the Danube. During the day, you can rent bicycles, canoes, stand up paddling, roller blades.
This is also a popular place to spend a summer evening in one of the numerous cocktail bars, restaurants and open air discotheques.
Alte Donau – the old Danube
On the other side of the Reichsbruecke (the bridge), is the Old Danube. Great place to rent a little rowing boat, stand up paddle or simply chill on the grass interrupted by a dip into the water.
Wienerwald – forest around Vienna
If not into rivers, go the other direction into the Wienerwald, i.e. the large forest around Vienna. You can take great walks around the Kahlenberg or the Cobenzl with fantastic views onto the city. There are a number of small coffee shops/restaurants and Heuriger on the way.
Heuriger, enjoy good local wine and food
A Heuriger is a typical Austrian place to have some local wine/beer together with local food. Your tour guide will probably take you to Grinzing in the 19th district. However, I find that area rather touristy. The area around Neustift is a better option and the wine is better as well.
A thing to do in Vienna is jogging or walking
Jogging is rather popular here. Maybe because the town caters so well for it and has published a website on this subject. Jogging sightseeing tours are organized with four different routes to choose from. Their website includes a run map.
Schoenbrunn, summer residenze of Empress Sissi
Otherwise head out to Schönbrunn. Enjoy the palace and the huge park around. Or visit the zoo. You might want to walk up to the Gloriette.
This site is easily reached by tube especially from centre town.
Rent a vintage tramway and celebrate your special event
If it happens to be your birthday or any other special occasion, a fun thing to do is to rent an entire vintage tramway and celebrated with your friends while circling the Ring road. By the way, the local name for the vintage tramway is “Bim” as years ago it would “bim, bim, bim” to get pedestrians off the tracks.
Top things to do in Vienna continued
Rent a boat and cruise over the old Danube with all your friends while having a good time partying.
If into a romantic outing, rent a small boat. By the way, every full moon, the little boats get decorated with lanterns making it even more cosy.
Some events throughout the year
Vienna is very proactive in organizing events throughout the year. There is always something going on. One major event for music lovers (not talking about classical music here) is the largest open air music festival of Europe i.e. the Donauinselfest.
Donauinselfest
If in Vienna between 23 -25 June 2017 and you are into music and up to partying, the Donauinselfest is for you. It takes place every year since 1984. Eleven stages, over 2000 artists, 600 hundred hours of live music, 250 food kiosks and stalls with some 3 million visitors in three days. Generally, entrance is free unless you desire a VIP place near one of the stages.
How to get to Donauinsel
Best to get there with the tube U1 which leaves from center town and takes you there in 15 minutes.
Light festival
A very romantic activity during the summer months is the light festival on the Old Danube. It takes place on 22 July from 7-10 PM. Hundreds of decorated little boats, colourful lanterns, Venetians gondolas, good music with a big firework concluding the evening.
Make a reservation
You will need to reserve a boat or a table at one of the water front restaurants if you opt for going there and really enjoying the event. This website lists all the boat rentals and restaurants of the area.
By the way, during every full moon in the summer months, you can rent a lantern decorated boat and enjoy a very romantic evening with your loved one.
Vienna marathon
In April each year, the marathon takes place. It starts from the Old Danube across the river and ends in the center of town passing numeral historical buildings. Tens of thousands runners participated every year.
Lifeball
Another major event in Vienna is the Life Ball taking place in front of Vienna’s City Hall. It is among the largest AIDS charity events in the world. You will find international VIP guests, see the most amazing evening attires, and a lot of great stuff happening around you.
Unfortunately, due to lack of funding, 2019 appears to be final year of this special event. I am leaving this in my post as there is talking that funding might be secured for more edition of this event.
Have a look at their website on the event and maybe you get inspired to get engaged.
Final tip
The last thing I would suggest is to really get out of town if your time permits. As an example, I have posted my outing to Duernstein in the Wachau a bit over an hours’ drive from Vienna. You get there by train of cruise ship over the Danube.
All my posts on Vienna are
activities to undertake in Vienna including some events;
public transportation and getting around;
Vienna enjoying the highest quality of life;
Enjoy the read!
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