The first warm days completely change the way Vienna ticks. Suddenly, the neighborhoods smell of damp earth and the first sunscreen, space is running short on the lawns in the Prater, and the whole city collectively shifts its life outdoors. The best part: To really soak up this spirit of renewal, you don’t need a big budget or a reservation weeks in advance. Grab your friends, spend a few coins on a Verlängerter to go, and just go with the flow. We’ll show you ten outdoor activities that’ll cost you no more than ten euros —and let you experience Viennese spring at its absolute best.
Inline skating with a view
On the Danube Island in the far north (toward Langenzersdorf), you’ll find perfect, smooth asphalt and be almost alone on your inline skates. You’ll have the skyline at your back, the wind in your face, and plenty of space for wide turns.
Blossom Walk
All of Vienna is blooming! Grab a scoop of ice cream and stroll through Setagaya Park in the 19th district or marvel at the first cherry blossoms in Türkenschanz Park. The Stadtpark and Volksgarten also offer a colorful sea of blossoms right now, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Picking wild garlic
As soon as it gets warmer, half the Vienna Woods smell like garlic. Pack a bag and harvest fresh wild garlic in the Prater (away from the paved main path), at Pötzleinsdorf Castle Park, or in the Lainzer Tiergarten. But be fair and leave enough for the next gatherers. Here are some more secret spots with this green gold for you!
Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna
Right next to the Belvedere lies the University of Vienna’s Botanical Garden in the 3rd district. Here you can stroll completely free of charge among endangered plants, exotic species, and representatives of the local flora. An ideal spot to take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sunset at Cobenzl or Wilhelminenberg
These are the best spots as the day slowly comes to an end. Sit up on the meadow at Cobenzl or Wilhelminenberg, crack open a cold can of beer or a drink of your choice, and watch as the sun slowly disappears behind the city.
Open-air table tennis
Sturdy concrete tables are set up in Votivpark or Arne-Karlsson-Park . Just bring your own paddles and balls . A few rounds of table tennis will quickly get you back up to speed after the long winter. Here you’ll also easily find other people to chat with or play a match against.
Vintage treasures at the Naschmarkt flea market
Every Saturday morning, vendors set up their stalls at the famous Naschmarkt flea market on Wienzeile. If you bring a little bargaining skill—and ideally get there early—you ’re guaranteed to find cool vintage secondhand clothes, old cameras, or used records for under ten euros .
Street art and beer by the Danube Canal
A classic that never fails. Grab a drink from the supermarket and stroll along the waterfront between Roßauer Lände and Schwedenplatz. The graffiti scene sprays new, colorful works of art onto the concrete walls here almost every day.
Picnic on the Steinhofgrounds
Vast meadows in the 14th district, old apple trees, and absolute tranquility await you here. Pack a hearty snack and spread out your picnic blanket. Up here on the Steinhof grounds, you won’t hear a thing of the city traffic.
Cycling to the Lobau with the WienMobil
Rent one of the red bikes via the WienMobil app (the standard rate is 75 cents per 30 minutes) and head out to the Donau-Auen National Park. There, you’ll cycle leisurely through reeds and dense floodplain forests until you find a nice spot right by the water. There, you’ll usually have the place all to yourselves.
