Things to Do in Vienna July 2025: Wine, Cinema, and More
Experience Vienna in July 2025 with lively festivals, outdoor cinema, and Heuriger wine taverns. From the Donaukanal to the Wienerwald, there’s plenty to enjoy.
1. Open Air Fun At Food and Music Film Festival at Rathaus Platz
Things to do in Vienna July 2025. For two months every year, the annual Film Festival on Rathausplatz transforms the large square in front of the City Hall (Rathaus) into a vibrant food and event space. Between Vienna sausages, Wiener Schnitzel, sweet dumplings and street food you can watch and listen to an equally rich choice of music.
From around 9.15-9.30 pm, the large screen in front of City Hall shows famous operas, musicals, classical concerts, jazz, rock and pop. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 5 pm to 7 pm a live DJ blows lounge tunes past the local after-work crowd. And each Sunday, live jazz bands celebrate the Viennese’s love for weekend brunches.
My tip: Try the freshly prepared Viennese Kaiserschmarrn – warm fluffy thick pancakes in big chunks served with plum compote and caster sugar – prepared in a large iron pan.
Dates: June 28th to August 31st 2025
Location: Vienna City Hall; entrance of open air cinema via Lichtenfelsgasse;
Admission: free
2. Hike Through the Prater
Things to do in Vienna July 2025. Prater park is more than just its famous amusement park. Explore it on foot with Wanderweg 9, one of the city’s official hiking routes. This 11-km circular trail takes you from Praterstern through the lush greenery of the Prater, offering a mix of recreational, historical, and natural highlights. The route begins at the Hauptallee near the monument to Carl Michael Ziehrer, a celebrated Viennese composer, and soon leads past sports facilities like mountain bike trails, slackline areas, and open meadows.
Nature lovers will enjoy the scenic Konstantinteich water feature and the adjacent Konstantinhügel, created from spoil during the 1873 World Exhibition. The trail winds through meadows and woodlands, occasionally intersecting with urban elements like the A23 motorway, before reaching the Lusthaus, a former Habsburg retreat. This historical summer house is now a restaurant, perfect for a mid-hike break.
The route continues to the quieter, lesser-explored corners of the park, tracing an old Danube arm and passing landmarks like the Maria Grün church. On the return leg, consider a detour to admire the architectural wonders of the Vienna University of Economics and Business campus. The trail finishes along the edges of the amusement park, ending back at Praterstern after passing popular dining spots like Schweizerhaus and Kolarik’s Luftburg.
- Location: Prater Park, Vienna
- Admission: Free entry
- Start point: Praterstern, at the Hauptallee
- Duration: 2.5 hours
3. Rent A Sofa Boat On The Old Danube
Exploring Vienna’s Old Danube felt like stepping into a hidden world that perfectly balanced nature, community, and modernity. The moment we pushed off from the dock, we were transported far from the tourist crowds into a serene escape. Weekend houses lined the water’s edge, each one a unique reflection of its owners, from quaint and cosy to strikingly modern. Fragrant willows and the smoky scent of grilled food wafted through the air, while the sleek Vienna International Centre and the wavy façade of the DC Tower stood as reminders of the city’s global stature.
The highlight of our journey was the sense of being part of local life. Navigating our boat alongside traditional Zille boats and paddlers, we felt a warm connection to Vienna’s community spirit. We even took a refreshing swim in the clear, warm waters, choosing a spot away from the water plants cultivated to enhance the lake’s pristine quality. A stop at Gänsehäufel, a charming island with grassy sunbathing spots and a forest rope park, added an adventurous twist.
This boat tour wasn’t just sightseeing—it was like borrowing a piece of Viennese life for the day, and it’s an experience I’d urge anyone visiting to embrace. To explore more and plan your own Vienna boat tour, visit my Vienna Boat Tour.
4. Enjoy the Wienerwald
Things to do in Vienna July 2025. The Wienerwald, or Vienna Woods, is an idyllic forested area on the city’s outskirts, perfect for hiking, cycling, and even picnicking. Covering approximately 1,300 square kilometers, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those looking to find out more about the Austrian lifestyle at Vienna’s doorstep .
In July, the dense foliage provides shade and coolness, creating an ideal environment for enjoying winding trails. Along the way, you can visit historic sites such as the Mayerling hunting lodge and the Abbey of Heiligenkreuz, or stop by one of the many villages and rustic taverns to enjoy local delicacies. And why not discover Europe’s largest underground lake on your way?
With trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, the Wienerwald offers something for all fitness levels.
Admission: Free entry
How To Get There: Rent a car or travel by train and local taxi
5.Montur und Pulverdampf Festival
Things to do in Vienna July 2025. Travel back in time at the Montur und Pulverdampf festival, where historical reenactors recreate scenes from Vienna’s military past. Set against the backdrop of the Prater, this unique festival features military displays, cannon fire, and a showcase of life in centuries past. You’ll encounter reenactors dressed in period attire, demonstrating traditional crafts, and showcasing historical weaponry. This event is both educational and entertaining, providing an immersive experience that brings history to life. It’s perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Vienna’s rich heritage.
Date: July 2025 (Exact dates TBA)
Location: Prater Park, Vienna
Admission: Free entry
6. Kino am Dach Open-Air Cinema
Things to do in Vienna July 2025. Enjoy a movie night with a view at Kino am Dach, Vienna’s open-air cinema located atop the main library. As the sun sets over the city, settle in for a diverse lineup of films that includes everything from blockbusters and cult classics to documentaries and art films. The rooftop setting provides stunning views of the Vienna skyline, enhancing the cinematic experience. With a mix of languages and subtitles, Kino am Dach is popular among both locals and tourists. Grab some popcorn, take a seat under the stars, and enjoy a summer evening filled with entertainment.
Date: Open throughout July
Location: Vienna Main Library Rooftop, Urban-Loritz-Platz 2A, 1070 Vienna
Admission: Ticket prices vary; available at the venue and online
7. Popfest Wien
Things to do in Vienna July 2025. Experience Vienna’s music scene at Popfest Wien, a free four-day festival that showcases the best of Austrian pop and alternative music. Held at Karlsplatz, the festival brings together musicians, bands, and DJs, offering a platform for both established artists and emerging talent. Popfest is not just about music; it’s a social event where people of all ages come together to enjoy live performances, DJ sets, and the energetic atmosphere. With stages set up around the Picturesque Karlskirche and other locations in the area, Popfest offers a dynamic and engaging way to experience Vienna’s contemporary music culture. End the night with a pub crawl.
Date: July 2025
Location: Karlsplatz, Vienna
Admission: Free entry
8. Discover the Donaukanal
Things to do in Vienna July 2025. With its rough charmsthe Donaukanal, or Danube Canal, is one of Vienna’s most popular summer spots, lined with street art, open-air bars, and cafes. In July, the canal is a bustling hub of activity, attracting both locals and tourists who want to enjoy the summer vibes. Walk along the canal and admire the urban art installations that cover its walls, or stop by one of the many riverside bars for a fresh drink.
For a refreshing break, stop by specific hotspots like Badeschiff, a floating bar and pool, Strandbar Herrmann, a laid-back beach bar perfect for sunbathing, or Tel Aviv Beach, where you can relax with a cocktail and feel the Mediterranean vibe. The Donaukanal is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, an evening out with friends, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere of Vienna’s summer nightlife.
Date: Open daily
Location: Along the Donaukanal, Vienna
Admission: Free entry
9. Annual Summerstage Event
Things to do in Vienna July 2025. Held on the Donaukanal, the Summerstage is an annual event that transforms the area into an open-air cultural hotspot. Throughout the summer, you’ll find a range of activities, including concerts, art exhibitions, readings, and pop-up bars. This riverside event celebrates Vienna’s love for outdoor living, offering a variety of entertainment options. You can catch live performances by local and international artists, browse art installations, or simply relax with a drink and enjoy the view. The Summerstage is a quintessential Viennese summer experience, capturing the city’s energetic and laid-back vibe.
Date: Throughout summer 2025
Location: Donaukanal, Vienna
Admission: Free entry; food and drink prices vary
10.Experience Heuriger Season
Things to do in Vienna July 2025. July is the perfect time to visit Vienna’s traditional and pop up wine taverns, known as Heuriger. Located in the picturesque hills of Nussdorf and Grinzing, for example, these taverns serve wine made from local vineyards and offer a range of Austrian dishes in a cosy, rustic setting. My favourite pop up Heuriger is Mayer am Nussberg, which lets you relax in deckchairs in the vineyards while overlooking the Viennese skyline (see photo.) You can take the D or 38 tram to reach these lush suburbs, where you can enjoy a glass of wine (or spritzer) while overlooking Vienna’s serene landscape. Even though a Heuriger wouldn’t offer wine tasting sessions you can join a small group tour to explore vineyards and wine cellars, local wine making and a range of Viennese wines.
Date: Open daily throughout July
Location: Nussdorf and Grinzing, accessible by D and 38 trams
Admission: Free entry; food and drink prices vary
what to do Specifically In Other months
Things to do in Vienna, January
Things to do in Vienna, February
Things to do in Vienna, March
Things to do in Vienna, April
Things to do in Vienna, may
Things to do in Vienna, June
Things to do in Vienna, July
Things to do in Vienna, August
Things to do in Vienna, September
Things to do in Vienna, October
Things to do in Vienna, November
Things to do in Vienna, December
Get Your Time in Vienna Sorted
Since 14 years I connect independent travellers to the pulse of my hometown Wien: by designing bespoke itineraries that allow you to get behind Vienna’s local charm on your own, while covering its key highlights.
Vienna Unwrapped Partner Guides
Local Connections
Taking you a step further: To apply the insight provided here my local partner guide Claudia and her team take over when you arrive in Wien. From meeting the Spanish Riding School’s Lipizzaner horses backstage and crawling through the attic of St. Stephen’s Cathedral to exploring neighbourhoods where locals still play cards in cafés.
Themed Small Group Tours
