Despite being one of the most expensive cities in Europe, a visit to Vienna doesn’t have to break the bank. On the surface, this historic city is a cultural haven that can be devoured simply by wandering its streets and admiring the architecture and grandeur. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a hidden trove of things to see in Vienna for free, from museum exhibits and royal manicured gardens to widely-acclaimed music and film festivals.
Enjoy a picnic on top of the Kahlenberg
A short journey from the city, nestled on the edge of the beautiful Vienna woodlands, you’ll find the luscious hillsides of Kahlenberg. Known to the Viennese as the “Local Mountain,” Kahlenberg stands at a height of 484 meters, offering unparalleled views of the city that rise into the Lower Austrian Alps in the distance.
Marked as one of the 12 hiking trails to do in and around the city, this is an outing best discovered on foot, with a picnic and a bottle of wine safely stowed for the journey. Beginning at Nußdorf, at the end of Tram Line D, as you follow the marked pathway upwards, you’ll pass quaint vineyards and charming wine taverns, which during the annual autumn harvest in September, come alive with festivities, making an afternoon here one of the best free things to do in Vienna.
Watch a movie under the stars
The Vienna City Hall puts on magical events all year round, and is a great source of things to do in Vienna for free. A highlight of these events is the screening of film classic favorites from the world of ballet, opera, jazz, and musicals.
When the long and warm summer nights roll in, the Summer Film Festival (Filmfestival am Rathausplatz), typically held from July to September, takes over the Rathausplatz with food stalls and bars, and a huge open-air screen where you can sit out under the stars, singing your heart out along with hundreds of people.
Tip: The City Hall movie nights are undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in Vienna, so it’s a good idea to arrive just after sunset to secure a seat.
Dance until you drop at the Donauinselfest Music Festival
A free music festival in Europe? Unheard of! While most of us are accustomed to paying hundreds of euros to attend a music festival or concert, the wonderful people of Austria host the largest open-air festival in the world each year—at no cost— which is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Vienna for free!
The Danube Island Festival typically takes place over a weekend in June on Vienna’s Donauinsel (Danube Island). This massive festival features a diverse set of acts from more than 200 local and international artists across 20 stages, with around 2 million attendees dancing from morning until night.
Catering to all tastes and interests, festival-goers can also enjoy other forms of entertainment and shows, including adrenaline-fuelled sporting events such as bike shows, rock climbing, and endurance tests. With over 600 hours of musical bliss on offer, this is one of the free things in Vienna that you don’t want to miss!
Stroll through the Schonbrunn Gardens
Even if you don’t plan on visiting the palace itself, the delightful Schonbrunn Palace gardens offer a beautiful setting for a day out, without having to spend a dime. While some areas of the garden are ticketed, you’ll be able to wander freely amongst the Roman ruins and numerous statues, the giant alleyways of trees, which look particularly special when the autumn leaves start to fall, and the Gloriette Hill.
Opened to the public since the 18th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Parterre, with its intricate patterns, provides a dramatic entrance to the rear entrance points and a breathtaking backdrop to the Neptune fountain. There’s a reason we also mention this as one of our Top 10 Things to do in Vienna, no matter the season!
That being said, if you’re visiting Vienna in the summertime, then you may be lucky enough to include the concert held in the Schonbrunn Palace gardens each year by the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra on your list of things to do for free in Vienna.
Marvel at the MUSA artwork
If you’re a fan of contemporary art, then the MUSA should be on your wish-list for Vienna, and it is one of the free things to do in this famously artistic city. The museum has one of the largest collections of contemporary art in Austria, having amassed over fifty thousand objects, and did I mention that admission is completely free? Visit the Exhibition Space and enjoy the permanent “Vienna” exhibition as well as works from the latest MUSA collection.
Perhaps one of the most unique things about this museum is the Artothek, where you can rent a piece of art for your very own space. Pick from a selection of over 1,900 drawings, paintings, and prints to display at home for just €3 a month!
Vienna State Opera
Saving the best for last, one of the unmissable free things to see in Vienna is a world-famous Viennese opera. Rounding out an already spectacular line-up of free concerts and festivals, during April, May, June, and September, specially selected performances are projected onto a giant screen right outside the Vienna State Opera.
No matter what the weather, avid opera fans will be lining up to fill the 180 seats to be rewarded with a magical evening of jaw-dropping performances and spectacular music. So, grab your umbrella, throw on some layers, and enjoy one of the most surprising free things to do in Vienna today.
