boat trip on Austrian Danube
photo: Ahoi Wachau

Things To Do In Vienna August 2024: Events And What Else Is Happening

Things to do in Vienna August 2024. With restrictions largely eased for gatherings, Vienna events in August should be pretty back to normal. For example, the Film and Food Festival on Rathausplatz and the Summerstage at Danube Canal continue in the city centre. In the Vienna Woods, there are a few quiet outdoor corners to discover. Together with small group wine tasting tours, boat trips on the Danube, and a segway tour through Vienna you’ll get good breathing space.

1. Film and Food Festival on Rathausplatz

film festival on Rathausplatz in ViennaThings to do in Vienna August 2024. In August, the city’s most popular outdoor event goes into its second month with much the same setting as in July. In brief, the Film and Food Festival Rathausplatz is an annual event that celebrates the fusion of cinema and culinary delights.

Hosted in the picturesque setting of Rathausplatz, or City Hall Square, this festival typically takes place during the summer months. Although most films start at 9.00 pm there are also earlier live music events from Thursdays to Sundays.

2. Boat Trips on the Vienna Danube

Wachau boat ride in a ZilleThings to do in Vienna August 2024. Over the past few years I have embarked on boat trips both to Bratislava and in Wachau Valley, and loved them.

Definitely the most authentic boat ride takes place in a traditional Zille (see photo). Zillen are traditional wooden flat-bottomed boats that have been used for centuries in the Wachau region along the Danube River. These boats have played an important role in the transportation of goods and people along the river, serving as an essential mode of transportation in the region’s history.

During a tour along villages and castle ruins you can even taste the local wines that Wachau is so famous for.

Find out if one of these boat trips is for you and read my reviews on mymini Danube cruiseto Bratislava and about aone day Wachau trip with boat ride.

3. Urban Beach:Strandbar Herrmann

Things to do in Vienna August: Strandbar HerrmannThings to do in Vienna August 2024.Did you come to Vienna to see an artificial beach? Probably not. You shouldn’t miss one of the most popular summer hangouts in the city, though. Strandbar Herrmann is an urban beach that encapsulatessummer in the cityalong the Danube Canal. It is a magic mix of a relaxed beer garden, a chic bar and restaurant, and a social meeting point with daily events ranging fromlive DJ musicfrom late afternoons to Saturday brunches and kids’ ‘Punch and Judy’ shows.
Location: Herrmannpark, A-1030 Vienna (close to Urania)
Opening Times: since 15th May; daily 10am to 10pm; cocktail happy hour 7 to 8pm

4. Bike Tours Through Vienna

Things to do in Vienna August: city bike tourThings to do in Vienna August 2024.Biking beneath the leafy avenue of Ringstrasse, through the alleys of theold town, and atPraterand theDanube Islandtakes swollen feet off summer sightseeing.

Being one of Vienna’s largest green spaces historic Prater park is home to the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad). Because of its size and picturesque landscape of meadows, woodlands, and recreational facilities it is perfect to explore by bike. Your guide will lead you through the park, pointing out notable landmarks and sharing insights into its history and significance to Vienna’s cultural heritage.

Cycling along the scenic banks of the river Danube, you’ll enjoy views of the river and its surrounding landscapes. As you pedal along the Danube, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Danube Island (Donauinsel), a long, narrow island situated between the Danube River’s main channel and the New Danube. Danube Island is a popular recreational area for locals and visitors alike, offering extensive bike paths, walking trails, beaches, and green spaces. Your guide may lead you on a leisurely ride around the island, allowing you to soak in its natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

There are two half day guided tours which cover different routes at different times, and can be combined. Learn whichVienna tours by bikeare available.

5. Segway Tours Through Vienna

Things to do in Vienna August: segway tourThings to do in Vienna August 2024.Mycity segway touralong Ringstrasse avenue and then right into the city centre was the most fun sightseeing tour I ever did. And I thoroughly refreshed my knowledge about Viennese history.

The other segway tour I took with my 13-year old nephew took us through the woodlands of theVienna Prater. Driving all along broad Prater Hauptallee we joined weekend bikers and runners while enjoying ample space. At historic Lusthaus pavilion at the other end we rewarded ourselves with hot chocolate and cream before returning back.
Learn about the bestsegway tours in Vienna.

6. Small Group Wine Tasting Tour – Wachau Valley

things to do in Vienna August: Wachau Valley wine tourThings to do in Vienna August 2024. A summer city trip doesn’t need to end up on glowing asphalt. Instead, get on a bike and head out to UNESCO world heritage siteWachau valley, one of the Viennese’s favourite outdoor places.

There is a highly appraised bike wine tasting tour that takes small groups of individuals to taste local wine and other produce at a series of wine farms and small producers.
More information about thesmall group wine tasting tour.

7. Classical Events in August

Grafenegg summer concertThings to do in Vienna August 2024. Special tip for Mozart fans: the violin and piano sonatas at St. Peter’s crypt. For an off-path experience in classical music hear the marvellous musicians at baroque St. Peter’s.

And if you are searching for a reason to venture out into Lower Austria’s lush countryside, why not head for renown Grafenegg classical music festival? It actually never ceases to amaze me how this quiet picture book castle manages to attract such a plethora of amazing musicians from all over the world. In this photo you can see the contemporary open air stage Cloud Tower lending its amazing acoustics to a classical orchestra. Learn more about a day trip to Grafenegg castle.

To find out what is on stage during your trip just use this link and type in your travel dates.

8. Sigmund Freud Museum

Sigmund Freud Museum: Freud's studyThings to do in Vienna August 2024. What would you do if 100,000 visitors stormed your private apartment each year? In the case of Vienna’s Sigmund Freud Museum in Freud’s former apartment and practice, architects painstakingly modernized the museum while preserving the attraction’s original character. Not just the onsite library of psychoanalysis was renovated. Freud’s former practice on the raised ground floor, where he worked for 12 years, has become available to visitors again. On top, a new elevator makes the premises barrier free.

Opening Hours: daily, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Location: Berggasse 19, 1090 Vienna
Admission:EUR 10 (free entry with VIENNA PASS)

9. Historic Outdoor Pool Neuwaldegg

Things to do in Vienna August: Neuwaldegger BadThings to do in Vienna August 2024. Feel like exploring history in your swimsuit? There is nothing like plunging into the fresh waters of a 1920s outdoor pool in Vienna. Just where the Vienna Woods start, at the terminal of tramway 43, a private vintage pool has been attracting locals since 1925.

Established in the typical Vienna Woods style, the small complex tells a story of Austrian bathing culture, our love for nature and a contemplative lifestyle. Find out more in Vienna Swimming Pool.

10. Giant Organ Concert At St. Stephen’s

Things to do in Vienna August 2024. In April 1945, a fire destroyed the old giant organ (Riesenorgel). After laying silent for a quarter of a century, over 12,000 pipes now produce the most powerful melodies. Most importantly, the reconstructed giant organ now links to the choir organ located in the cathedral’s front area. Integrating the two organs marks a historic first for the cathedral, enabling the space to be filled with multidimensional sound from a central console boasting five manuals and an impressive total of 185 stops.

During this organ concert, acclaimed international organists showcase a diverse repertoire spanning from Bach to Reger, and featuring cherished pieces from the organ music repertoire.

Dates: every Thursday of the month
Location: Stephansdom, Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna
Admission: book tickets

11. Vienna Woods and Seegrotte

Things to do in Vienna August: Heiligenkreuz AbbeyThings to do in Vienna August 2024. To start with, the Vienna Woods have those tranquil places that make even Vienna seem hectic. For example, the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz from the Middle Ages is such a place. It is still run by Cistercian monks, who once entered the international music charts with their Gregorian Chorals! In case you wonder why I know the area so well: the valley of Helenental is not far from where I grew up.

At the end of the valley you will find Mayerling and the Habsburg’s former hunting lodge. Most well known for the tragic suicide of Habsburg Crown Prince Rudolf and his bourgeois fiancee Mary Vetsera Mayerling attracts mostly local visitors each year.

Closer to Vienna, Seegrotte is home to the largest underground lake in Europe, formed within an old gypsum mine. During a visit you can embark on boat tours to explore its mysterious depths. More than that, Seegrotte has a fascinating history: While serving as a gypsum mine in the 19th century it was repurposed by the Nazis as a secret aircraft factory in World War II.

To visit these places, either rent a car, a private guide or book a half-day tour covering Vienna Woods and Seegrotte.

12. Things To Do InVienna With Kids

Things to do in Vienna August: multimedia history showThings to do in Vienna August 2024. If you are taking your kids to Vienna you may wonder how to add some fun into a classical experience. To save you the guess work my own kids and my local nephews have tried and tested a few exciting places and activities that your children may like, too.

One of them is a multimedia history show (see photo) that will pave the way for sightseeing tours. Have a look intoVienna with kids.

Check things to do during other months:

June:Things to do in June
July:Things to do in July
September:Things to do in September

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go to Visit Vienna– 20 Free Vacation Tools and Travel Tips

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