12 amazing free activities to enjoy in Vienna

Amidst the splendor of Hapsburg palaces, neoclassical concert halls, upscale coffee shops, and galleries filled with Old Master artworks, Vienna may seem intimidatingly opulent. However, with some thoughtful planning, you can explore much of this beautiful city without spending a dime.

Avoiding tourist traps and maximizing your experience in Vienna on a budget is simple when you know the best spots – and we’re not suggesting anything less than extraordinary.

Continue reading for our list of 12 must-see free attractions, including museums featuring Klimt’s masterpieces, cycling around the Ringstrasse, and leisurely strolls through baroque palace gardens.

1. Experience the Gothic splendor of Stephansdom

Towering above the Innere Stadt, Vienna’s magnificent Stephansdom cathedral—affectionately known as Steffl ('Little Stephan')—commands attention and compels you to gaze upward at its stunning 12th-century stonework and vibrant chevron-tiled roof.

Although guided tours, catacomb explorations, and climbing the south tower come with a fee, you can appreciate the cathedral's grandeur for free by visiting its atmospheric interior and smaller altars.

Tip for your visit: Skip breakfast to arrive at the cathedral right at 6am. The serene atmosphere at this hour makes for a nearly private experience.

2. Experience breathtaking views of Vienna  

The MQ Libelle, located on the rooftop terrace of the Leopold Museum, offers stunning vistas stretching from the MuseumsQuartier to the Hausberge mountains. This glass structure, known as 'dragonfly' in German, is an artwork in itself, with a free exhibition space for art installations right below called MQ Art Box, which is open 24/7. The rooftop is accessible daily except on Tuesdays via two outdoor lifts on the east side.

For panoramic views, visit the new 360° Ocean Sky on the 11th floor of a converted flak tower. You can grab a drink if you wish, but it’s not necessary. The elevator brings you right next to the entrance, allowing you to explore the entire platform and soak in the views without entering the restaurant.

3. Watch the lively Lipizzaner horses

In central Vienna, the rhythmic clip-clop of Fiaker (horse-drawn carriages) fills the air, though rides can be quite expensive for tourists. For a closer encounter, visit the splendidly baroque Spanish Riding School, where Vienna’s elegant, snow-white Lipizzaner stallions—historically bred for Habsburg royalty—train and perform. While tickets can be hard to come by, you can see the horses in their stalls for free. 

Tip for your visit: To catch a glimpse of the Lipizzaner horses in action, arrive just before 10am from Tuesday to Saturday, as they are led across Reitschulgasse to the Winter Riding School for their morning training.

4. Explore the city on foot

To truly experience Vienna, take a walk. The Hofburg, located in the 1st district, served as the Habsburg dynasty's headquarters for 700 years; approach it via the cobblestone Michaelerplatz, flanked by grand Hercules statues, to fully appreciate its imperial grandeur. 

As you stroll south towards Freihausviertel in the 4th district, admire Otto Wagner's golden, floral Jugendstil buildings near the Naschmarkt, a vibrant area brimming with unique cafes, studios, and boutiques. For a taste of the whimsical architecture by the rebellious Viennese artist and eco-activist Hundertwasser, head to Hundertwasserhaus and Kalke Village in the nearby 3rd district, Landstrasse.

5. Enjoy the park atmosphere

Vienna's parks and gardens are alive with local culture. On sunny days, mingle with residents in green spots like Burggarten behind the Hofburg, where a white marble statue of Mozart stands on a pedestal adorned with cherubs. Alternatively, glide past Strauss in the pond-filled Stadtpark.

Just beyond lies the expansive Prater, a 4km stretch of meadows, woods, and tree-lined paths across former Habsburg hunting grounds. It's an ideal location for a picnic, a leisurely stroll (especially in crisp autumn when chestnut trees turn golden), or a bike ride. Keep an eye out for the iconic Riesenrad ferris wheel from The Third Man.

Tip for your visit: Save on lunch by packing a picnic and heading to one of the parks. Check out the delis and food stalls at Naschmarkt or Karmelitermarkt.

6. Spend time with notable spirits 

To venture off the usual path, take tram 6 to Zentralfriedhof, where the spirits of Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Strauss rest in group 32a. You can also pay your respects to numerous other figures from the 19th and 20th centuries, such as architect Albert Loos, writer Arthur Schnitzler, and the beloved Austrian rockstar Falco, scattered throughout the expansive grounds.

Allow yourself ample time to explore the cemetery, which spans over 0.9 sq mi (2.4 sq km). Beyond the mausoleums, you will find memorials for fallen soldiers from both World Wars, the ornate St. Borromäus church, and a funeral museum.

7. Enjoy a classical music performance

Many ticketed summer performances at Vienna’s Staatsoper are live-streamed for free in its outdoor courtyard. Arrive about 90 minutes before the show starts to secure a seat and experience the excitement of an open-air concert. The Vienna Philharmonic also hosts a complimentary summer night concert in the stunning grounds of Schloss Schönbrunn, typically held around mid-June. 

Experiencing high culture doesn't have to break the bank throughout the year. Some of the best bargains are the standing-room tickets available at the city's elegant 19th-century concert halls. Want to catch an opera at the Staatsoper? Standing-room tickets range from €13 to €18 and are sold 80 minutes before the show starts. Alternatively, you can book standing-room tickets (€10 to €15) up to seven weeks in advance for a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic in the opulent Grosser Saal of the Musikverein. 

Tip for planning: Keep an eye out for organ concerts at local churches for a free dose of classical music. Dates are often displayed on their doors.

8. Make your way to the Danube

Along the river, the slender, 21km-long Donauinsel offers a quintessentially Viennese experience of outdoor life, featuring graffiti art, beach bars, and swimming areas. As the first summer rays appear, locals flock here to hike, jog, cycle, skate, and try stand-up paddleboarding. At the southern tip of the island, the scenery shifts dramatically in Lobau, a lush, lake-studded floodplain that is part of Nationalpark Donau-Auen. Keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers, white-tailed eagles, grey herons, and even beavers if you're lucky.

9. Stroll through palace gardens

For a free glimpse of luxury, head to the impeccably maintained Belvedere Gardens, surrounding the baroque marvel of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Schloss Belvedere. Designed in the classical French style by Dominique Girard, a student of André le Nôtre, the three-tiered gardens flow gracefully down towards the city with ornamental parterres, cascading water features, and mythical sculptures.

Equally enchanting are the French-style Schloss Schönbrunn Gardens, where you can explore tree-lined paths, navigate a baroque maze, admire faux Roman ruins, and enjoy the Neptunbrunnen (Neptune Fountain). At the top, the columned Gloriette offers a stunning view of Vienna.

Tip for planning: These palaces attract many visitors. To enjoy the gardens in their tranquil state, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. 

10. Hop on your bike 

While Vienna's public transport is excellent, nothing beats discovering this bike-friendly city on two wheels— and it can be nearly free! You can zoom around on WienMobil Rad bikes, available at over 100 nextbike stations. A one-time registration fee of €0.75 is required, but you can ride for the first 30 minutes at no charge (then just €0.75 for each additional half hour). Simply download the app, scan the QR code, and you're off!

11. Immerse yourself in museums

Vienna's premier museums and galleries can get pricey, but timing is key. If you're in the city on the first Sunday of the month, you're in luck, as many of them offer free admission on that day.

Participating venues include the Wien Museum at Karlsplatz, featuring everything from Roman artifacts and baroque art to masterpieces by Klimt and Schiele; the Pratermuseum, celebrating the history of Vienna's famous amusement park; the Uhren Museum, housing over 700 timepieces; the birthplace of composer Franz Schubert; and the Haydnhaus, where the legendary Joseph Haydn resided in his later years.

Planning tip: Want to visit even more museums? Consider getting a 24- to 72-hour Vienna Card (www.wien.info) for substantial discounts on top attractions.

12. Join a free walking tour 

Wandering through Vienna’s historic streets is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the city, and the ivie App is a helpful companion. It offers self-guided walks that highlight major attractions from Schönbrunn Palace to the Ringstrasse and everything in between. 

For a more social experience, consider one of the free guided walking tours provided by volunteers like Vienna Greeters. Led by knowledgeable locals, these private two-hour tours may be the perfect way to uncover the city’s hidden gems and intriguing tales. Be sure to book yours at least two weeks in advance, as spaces fill up quickly.