August in Vienna is all about open-air living: swimming pools, riverside cafés, free film nights and outdoor workouts. While the city certainly has its upscale side, there are also plenty of ways to enjoy it without spending much at all. This guide highlights free and low-cost options to make the most of summer, wherever you’re based and whatever your budget.
These seasonal open-air pools (May to September) offer more than just water: expect generous green lawns, shaded picnic spots, snack stands and plenty of space to stretch out. Some are lively and kid-friendly with playgrounds, volleyball nets and basketball hoops, and others are ideal for reading, relaxing or swimming laps.
The other types of pools are:
If you don’t want to stray too far from the City, there is Stadionbad in Prater Park (1020). Operated by Wiener Sportstätten GmbH, rather than the City of Vienna, it has multiple pools, diving boards, beach volleyball and massive sunbathing areas – and similarly priced to City of Vienna’s pools.
🏞 Nature's Swimming Spots Along the Danube
There are also free, natural places to cool off. For a landlocked country, Vienna has optimised its riverbanks to provide some incredible jumping off points in nature. It's not untouched wilderness, but smartly planned, city-integrated recreation that makes you think you're completely outside the city.
Here are some of the most popular areas for a quiet float, a family paddle or social beach atmosphere.
Vibe: Urban, buzzy, social
Best for: Young adults, groups of friends, after-work dips
What’s there: Urban beach, loungers, cocktail bars, sunbeds, food stands
Tip: Easy access from U1 Donauinsel. Expect crowds in the evenings.
📍 Google Maps link – CopaBeach
Vibe: Relaxed, leafy, low-key
Best for: Families and groups, chilled afternoons, picnics,
What’s there: Calm water, flat grassy areas, steps into the water
Tip: limited amenities (toilets, drinking fountain, small snack bar (not always open) — bring what you need.
📍 Google Maps link — Lagerwiese Rehlacke
Vibe: Naked, peaceful, open-minded
Best for: Adults seeking relaxed, body-positive spaces
What’s there: Designated naturist swimming areas (signs say “FKK”)
Tip: These are public, free, and respectfully used by all age groups.
📍 Google Maps link — FKK Donauinsel Lobau
📍 Google Maps link — FKK Florisdorf
Vibe: Urban beach with white sand, sporty crowd, close to Donauinsel bars
Best for: Group meet-ups, feeling like you're on holiday without leaving the city
What’s there: Wide sandbank with space to sunbathe or picnic; limited shade
Tip: Arrive early if you want to find a shady spot
📍 Google Maps link - Arena Beach
5. Boat and SUP Rental Zones
At the Alte Donau, you’ll find several points to rent paddleboards, rowboats and pedaloes by the hour. Most are walk-up only (no reservation), and some take card.
Top stations:
Bootsvermietung EPPEL, Wagramer Strasse 48a, 1220
Marina Hofbauer, Wagramer Strasse 48a, 1220
Meine-Insel Bootsvermietung, Laberlweg 19, 1220
Bewegt im Park is Austria’s largest free outdoor fitness initiative, and Vienna offers dozens of sessions every week, all summer long. What makes it so accessible? It's free and you don’t have to register or book. Just turn up.
Whether you're curious about aerial silks, want to improve your yoga or mobility or feel like giving quadball (the Quidditch-inspired sport) a go, there's something for every level. Sessions are outdoors in public parks, led by trained instructors who are briefed to welcome all ages and abilities — zero pressure, just movement.
Other activities include:
Dance
Qigong and Aikido
Capoeira
Folklore dance
Why not try a session called Playful Strength, led by Pilates and movement expert Paula — a bodyweight workout focused on reconnecting with strength, coordination and fun. Think mindful movement meets recess, minus the scraped knees.
Bewegt im Park runs until September and is designed to get you moving without the barriers that come with gyms or structured classes. Whether you want to build strength, try something new or simply enjoy Vienna’s parks in good company, Bewegt im Park is a relaxed, low-commitment way to do it. Just wear something comfy and show up. For more information and the full schedule.
🚶♂️City Walks
Vienna has a network of 14 waymarked Stadtwanderwege (city hiking trails). You can follow signs through vineyards, woods, and hilltop views — all reachable by public transport.
| 💡Get the hiking pass and collect a stamp at the designated hut or checkpoint along each trail — once you’ve completed enough, you can claim the official Stadtwanderwege hiking pin (Wandernadel) from the city. |
The Rathausplatz Film Festival is a summer favourite – bringing music, culture, and cuisine together in one of the city’s most iconic settings. This year’s weekly schedule:
Mondays: Classical music (e.g. Mahler, Strauss, Netrebko)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Musicals, jazz, and rock
Thursdays to Saturdays: Pop concerts, from Billie Eilish and Coldplay to Katy Perry and Harry Styles
Sundays: Opera night, curated by the Vienna State Opera
All performances are high-quality recordings, screened on a giant outdoor display.
Free entry – no tickets required
Unbeatable setting – in front of Vienna’s stunning City Hall
Atmosphere – lively crowd, beautiful lighting and a relaxed vibe
Food and culture in one place – don't forget the food! 28 gourmet food stalls line the square, offering food from around the world
For more information, visit the official Film Festival 2025 website.
On 31st August, the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) celebrates Wiener Linien Day by offering free entry to all holders of a Wiener Linien annual ticket.
That means you can wander through the MAK’s extraordinary collections: design, applied arts and contemporary exhibitions, without paying the usual admission fee. Additionally, the event extends to the MAK Geymüllerschlössel, where a fashion party takes place in the historic gardens. More information on the MAK website.