Palais Freiluft

© freiluft.co.at

In the huge garden of the historic Palais Auersperg in Vienna's 8th district, Vienna's (perhaps) most beautiful guest garden can be found for the third time this year. The concept is simple: you sit in the green under the open sky and just get what you feel like from the food and drink vendors around. Programming items like yoga and pop-up markets (every other Saturday) round out the offerings. Open only in fair weather, Sunday is a day off. Things get underway at 4 p.m. each day. freiluft.co.at

City Hall Square Film Festival

© City of Vienna Marketing, Theresa Wey

Within walking distance of Palais Auersperg is the Vienna City Hall. A sight to behold anyway, it attracts visitors every summer with the Film Festival. And it has been doing so for over 30 years. The institution must therefore be on any list about summer hotspots in Vienna. Here, too, different gastro stalls spoil you with drinks and food. From dusk, they also show classics of film history, concert recordings, operettas and dance productions on an oversized screen. Open daily until September 3, 2023. filmfestival-rathausplatz.at

Ottakringer Beer Festival

© The Guardians of Social Media

From late June to early September, beer fans are in the right place in the 16th district. Because that's where the Ottakringer brewery is located. And every summer, the brewery holds a beer festival on its premises. More than 20 different types of beer flow from the taps, and there are program items such as beer crate stacking, musical performances, beer yoga and pub quizzes. It's also suitable for children alcohol-free drinks are provided. Or they can just have fun on a bouncy castle. When thirst turns into hunger there are various street food stands. ottakringerbrauerei.at

Danube Canal

© Vienna Tourist Board/Christian Stemper

Along the Danube arm, closest to the city center, a popular strolling mile has developed over the years. It's lined with eateries such as the NENI am Wasser or the Blumenwiese (Flower Meadow) in addition, near the Urania Observatory, you'll also find the Herrman beach bar, where you have the opportunity to watch the passing ships on the Danube arm with a cool drink in your hand and your toes in the sand. The popular front-row seats often fill up quickly. Arriving early, say before office closing times, is worthwhile.

Danube Island

© Shutterstock

42 kilometers of beach, nature reserve, local recreation area, flood protection and habitat: the island is a popular place for leisure activities, especially in the warm months. Cyclists, runners, volleyball fans, skaters and families pursue their favorite hobbies here. There are public barbecue areas, playgrounds, a nature adventure trail, dog zones, a wakeboard lift and even white water zones. The Donauinselfest, which has been held for 40 years at the end of June, records up to 3 million guests per weekend. This makes it the largest music festival worldwide.