Best 15 Activities and Free Museums in Vienna

Vienna, with its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage, can be an expensive city to explore. But fear not! Today, I’m excited to share my top 15 activities and free museums in Vienna, ensuring you can enjoy this magnificent city without breaking the bank. From captivating historical sites to cultural events and activities, these budget-friendly options will ensure you make the most of your visit to Vienna.

Please Note: I will mention the City Information at the Town Hall a lot. The address in Vienna is Friedrich-Schmidt Platz 1.

15 Activities and Free Museums in Vienna

Below is a list of activities and free museums in Vienna that I have experienced frequently. I learned about most of these through art and architecture documentaries and by consulting the City Information Centre at the Town Hall.

Did You Know: Each district has its own local museum. Wieden, for example, displays the history of chimney sweeping, as this traditional trade characterised the district. Here is a full list of free district museums in Vienna.

The Loos Rooms at Vienna Library

See it, because: these are historic rooms from Vienna 1900 with original furnishing and in tact design 

Adolf Loos is considered one of the great Viennese architects, known for his impactful designs that are still admired today and contribute significantly to Viennese heritage. Although Loos was not a fan of modernity (Art Nouveau), he designed functional spaces with taste. Despite his problematic past, his talent and contributions to Vienna’s architectural heritage cannot be denied.

His main works include the Michaeler House (currently under construction), the American Bar, and the interior of Café Museum. Loos also designed numerous private apartments that are now open to the public. The Löwenbach apartments on Reischachstraße 3 are not free to visit, but the flat at Bartensteingasse 9 is. This apartment belonged to industrialist Friedrich Boskovits, who moved there after his daughter’s engagement.

Boskovits, originally from Timișoara in Romania, had already commissioned a new interior for his flat at Frankgasse 1/12. The tender included a dining room with a fireplace, a large sideboard, solid mahogany wall panelling, a decorative stucco frieze, a music salon, and a study with an inglenook. All of these were transferred to the new address at Bartensteingasse. The Boskovits family lived in the apartment until the mid-1980s.

The flat is exquisitely decorated with original furnishings and features a show-stopping fireplace in the dining room. Information plates provide historical context and guide visitors through the exhibition. Guided tours for the Loos Apartments operate on the first Thursday of every month from 1-7 pm and upon request. The rooms can be visited Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm.

The Vienna Town Hall

See it, because: the Town Hall is an icon on the boulevard Ringstraße, modelled after the Town Hall in Brussels

The Viennese Town Hall is a true icon and the best bit? You can visit it, completely for FREE.

During the extensive city development and the construction of the Ringstraße, a new Town Hall was needed. Friedrich Schmidt’s design, modelled after Belgian Gothic architecture—in this case, the Town Hall in Brussels—and featuring Renaissance elements, won the tender. It opened in 1883 and has since become an iconic landmark. Surprisingly, it survived both World Wars, preserving most of its original interior.

The building cost 130 million schillings, and rumour has it the costs were only fully paid off in the 1970s. The Town Hall has three impressive highlights. The first is the spire, which was not allowed to be taller than the nearby Votive Church. This issue was resolved by finishing the tower’s height at 97.9 meters and installing a statue. The Rathausmann, with a height of 5.4 meters and a weight of 650 kg, functions as a lightning rod. An 800 kg counterweight keeps the statue in place. Unfortunately, visitors cannot climb the spire in person but can experience it via a virtual tour.

Next is the ballroom, which is Austria’s largest. The event space is well-booked and can accommodate approximately 1,500 dancing pairs on its parquet floor or 1,000 dining tables.

The Council Chamber, with a public gallery, features the building’s largest chandelier. This colossus from 1878 has a diameter of 5 meters and 213 lamps. Its cleaning is always a special event, with staff coming to watch.

The interior is fully kitted by glassmaker Lobmeister, who has a shop on Kärntner Straße and can easily replace glass parts of chandeliers if they break. Visitors have been caught stealing delicate ornaments from the lower-hanging lamps. A chandelier in Florentine style can cost up to 250,000€, with individual glass parts starting at 80€.

How to secure tickets for a free guided tour at The Town Hall? Tours are held on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 1pm. Start is the City Information Centre. Check the City Administration website first, as there are over 1000 events held at the Town Hall and it may not be open during your visit. Tickets have to be secured in person from the desk at the City Information Centre on a first come first serve basis as early as 7:30am. There are 50 tickets per tour. Make sure to come here as early as possible to avoid disappointment. I was lucky as I only required one ticket, but shortly after I picked up my ticket, a large group came in and secured the majority of the tickets.

Wagner’s Postsparkasse – Perfect for Solo Travellers

See it, because: the Postsparkasse is as famous as the Sagrada Familia and a masterpiece of modern design

Vienna’s architectural pride, Otto Wagner’s Postsparkasse near Schwedenplatz, now operates as the House for Art and Science under a new ownership. The historic building is open to visitors, who can enjoy coffee in the grand cashier’s hall or join a free guided tour. These popular tours require booking and are limited to a few visitors to protect the delicate nature of the house. Therefore, the owner requests discretion to avoid a mass influx of tourists.

The postal savings bank is an absolute delight, designed for the people of modern life. Wagner paid particular attention to functionality, efficiency, and hygiene, which are evident throughout every inch of the building. From smooth marble tops and linoleum flooring for quick and hassle-free cleaning, to aluminium that resembles silver but is much cheaper, and a glass brick floor in the main cashier hall to let natural light seep through to the lower floors, every detail was meticulously planned.

Not all secrets will be revealed here; you can learn more about the Postsparkasse onsite. An extensive exhibition in the small cashier room (by the bathrooms) documents the need for a new postal savings bank, the design competition (which Ferstel also entered), including Wagner’s winning design and its execution.

Café Exchange opening times: Mo to Fri 10-6 pm, guided tours for Postsparkasse.

The Brand-New Wien Museum, Karlsplatz

See it, because: Vienna’s ultramodern museum is well curated displaying 250 years of city history over three floors. Probably the only free museum where you can also see Klimt and Schiele works.

Vienna opened a brand-new city museum at Karlsplatz and the best bit about it: it is free. The exhibition is huge and so well curated. This is a top free museum in Vienna that you shouldn’t miss.

The ground floor starts with the former build of the city wall, as well as Vienna’s rapid growth and expansion. On display are artefacts from previous excavations, as well as news reporting all over Europe, notably Leipzig and Antwerp. 

The second floor focuses on the Habsburg Monarchy and the construction of the Ringstraße, which involved significant efforts to reshape the city. The period between 1872 and 1883 not only transformed the city but also had a profound impact on its inhabitants, especially the working class and bourgeois.

The third floor focuses on Vienna 1900, a prime time and Golden Age of the Secession, modernity and art influences, by Klimt and Schiele. All three floors and their thematic structures build on each other and repeatedly show the visitor how Vienna became a cosmopolitan city with a worldly character. This greatness is highlighted by massive 3D models of St Stephen’s Cathedral and Vienna’s urban outline. 

Find also a sun terrace, cafe and spaces for special exhibitions.

See it whilst it is still free to visit. 

The Mysterious Spittelau Incinerator

See it, because: rare Hundertwasser design, which is still in use today 

As one of Vienna’s most peculiar and striking landmarks, the Spittelau Incinerator is a building full of mystery and wonder. Features such as the gold ball and the flowing facade are unmistakably the work of Hundertwasser. Although known primarily as a painter, the incinerator represents a rare architectural design by the Viennese artist.

In the late 1980s, the public utility required repair and redesign following a devastating fire. Despite numerous requests, Hundertwasser initially refused the project, as he was committed to environmental principles and did not want to compromise his values. However, he eventually agreed, recognizing the opportunity to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly facility that now serves 60,000 households in Vienna.

The incinerator is open to visitors year-round as part of a free guided tour (2 hours) available for individuals, groups, and schools. More information and bookings can be made on the Spittelau Incinerator Homepage. The tours primarily focus on the daily operations of the incinerator rather than an architectural analysis of Hundertwasser’s work.

Enjoy a Summer Concert at Schönbrunn

Cool, because: the Viennese Philharmonic plays in concert for over an hour under the stars at Schönbrunn Palace. Priceless.

New Year’s Day wouldn’t be the same without the iconic concert of the Vienna Philharmonic. Securing tickets can be a challenge, often at sky-high prices if you’re lucky enough to get one. But there’s another chance to experience this world-renowned orchestra in the summer. They kick off the season with a touch of elegance, performing Strauss’s “The Blue Danube” against the stunning backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace. Under the stars on a warm summer night, this classic performance is a dazzling display of extravagance and sophistication. It can’t get anymore Viennese than this.  

I have unfortunately, missed out on this but you don’t have to. The concert in Schönbrunn takes place during the first week of June. Best to check the city’s events calendar and try to keep an eye out for tickets as early as April. I’m giving this a go for 2025 and will report back about the procedure.

Take a Spin at Prater Amusement Park

See it, because: embodiment of childhood dreams and an endless summer feeling

Prater is my all-time favourite spot in Vienna because it captures everything I love about summer: fluffy cotton candy, dazzling lights, lively music, and endless fun. There’s nothing quite like sitting on a bench by the Prater Turm, the world’s tallest chain carousel, and watching the daring souls take a spin—it’s an unforgettable experience.

But Prater isn’t just about the amusement park. It’s part of the expansive Prater parkland, a vast recreational area spanning six million square meters. Here, you can enjoy serene lakes, lush wildlife habitats, scenic riding paths, and charming garden allotments. Whether you’re seeking thrills or tranquillity, Prater offers summer bliss for everyone.

Stroll in Augarten

See it, because: it is less busy than other inner city parks but equally manicured

Augarten, located in the north-east of Vienna, offers a delightful array of free attractions that make it a must-visit. Not only is it home to the renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir and the historic porcelain factory “Augarten Porcelain” with its elegant showroom, but it is also home to the film museum and one of the city’s impressive flak towers.

Like other Viennese parklands, Augarten is impeccably maintained and highly cherished, providing a serene escape in the heart of the city. Whether you’re exploring its cultural treasures or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, Augarten offers a uniquely enriching experience.

Hike in Vienna

Do it, because: hiking in and around Vienna is easy and always a spectacular experience

One of my favourite free activities in Vienna is hiking, and it’s always an amazing adventure. It’s an effortless way to explore parts of the city you might not have discovered otherwise. The inner city hiking trails offer a fantastic introduction to this activity.

Start by picking up a free hiking pass from the City Information, then choose from 14 scenic routes, each perfectly designed for a half-day journey. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, you can opt for a multi-day hike around the city or follow the water route, which traces the path of Vienna’s historic water supply. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing way to see the city, these trails offer a unique and enjoyable experience.

FIND OUT MORE: Local, Unusual, Underrated: The City Hiking Trails Vienna

Summer Screening at Rathausplatz

See it, because: this is a special free and unforgettable experience in Vienna

Vienna has a busy and packed events calendar. You can visit any time of the year and be sure that there’s always something happening. One of my favourite recurring events is the free film festival held outside Rathausplatz. The enormous screen measures 20 x 12 meters, and seating is provided for up to 6,000 visitors. From late June to early September, you can enjoy free screenings, including cultural shows such as classic concerts, theatre and opera performances, as well as jazz or rock concerts.

Check out the Remains of the City Wall

See it, because: Vienna is a rare European example without an intact medieval city wall

Vienna’s original city wall is no longer intact, having been demolished in the 1860s to make way for the grand Ringstraße boulevard. This historic wall was first erected during the Third Crusade when Duke Leopold V captured Richard I. Legend has it that Leopold demanded a hefty ransom for Richard’s release, using the money to expand Vienna’s city borders.

The original circular wall stretched 5 kilometers, featured 20 towers and 10 entrance gates, standing as a formidable fortification for 300 years.

Today, only scattered remnants of the wall remain, mostly in the first district. You can learn more about its history by a free visit to the brand-new Vienna City Museum Karlsplatz, which showcases a comprehensive exhibition on the city wall.

One of the most intriguing sights is the Brown Bastei, a prestigious bastion that once defended Vienna from Ottoman invasions. Located at Coburgbastei 4, this site is within a 5-star hotel. Be sure to notify the reception before exploring. While guided tours of the basement and state rooms are not regularly offered, opportunities are sometimes announced via the hotel’s newsletter. The rest of the ruins are accessible for exploration in the lobby.

Another fragment of the city wall can be seen outside Stubentor station. The Stuben-Gate, established in 1200, was a key entrance to the city and was later converted into a bastion between 1531 and 1672 to support Vienna’s defences against Ottoman attacks.

Did You Know? Vienna is not the only city in Europe that demolished its medieval city wall and replaced it with a grand boulevard. Around 1864, the same time as Vienna, Antwerp made enough space (called Leien) to run horse trams by removing the old walls.

READ MORE: Ultimate Travel Guide with 30 Things to do in Antwerp

Enjoy a Cold Drop of Fine Viennese Drinking Water

Experience it, because: the quality is the best in the world and there is more to it than just water

Don’t just enjoy a fine drop of Viennese water—discover how it is regulated and transported into the capital. During the summer, you can find over 60 mobile water stations across town, offering free drinking water of excellent quality and taste. It’s a delightful experience in itself, and I wish more cities would offer such a service, as it significantly enhances the quality of life.

The free supply of Viennese water also has a fascinating historical background. While hiking in the surrounding Viennese Woods or vineyards, you’ll come across water towers, viaducts, and other impressive water facilities.

Viennese water primarily comes from the Alps, approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Vienna. The reservoirs are monitored multiple times a day for water quality before being transported via viaducts and pipelines to the capital. The infrastructure supporting this water supply is incredibly interesting to explore. Did you know that the surrounding Viennese Woods also play a crucial role in filtering the water, ensuring a sustainable transfer process?

You can obtain more information about Viennese water, its history, and its treatment at the City Information. Additionally, free documentaries on Viennese water and woodlands are available on 3Sat Mediathek (German only).

Go on a self-guided Art Nouveau Tour

Do it, because: the designs defined the world’s architecture and still inspire minds to this day

Art Nouveau was a movement that swept across Europe at the turn of the 20th century, and Vienna experienced this transformative period alongside a major city restructure. This era propelled Vienna into modernity and established it as a world city. The style, also known as the Viennese Secession, was shaped by renowned locals such as Joseph Hoffmann, Gustav Klimt, Koloman Moser, and Otto Wagner. Wagner, in particular, played a crucial role in shaping Vienna with iconic architectural designs that revolutionised urban development and continue to be pioneering work to this day.

Exploring Vienna’s Art Nouveau heritage may require some planning, as information can be limited. Key highlights include Wagner’s Postsparkasse, the Majolika House on Linke Wienzeile near Naschmarkt, and Art Nouveau bathrooms in Graben, as well as the Engel Pharmacy and Stadtbahn, especially at Schönbrunn and Gumpendorfer Straße.

Try This and That at Naschmarkt

Experience it, because: there is much going on and interesting things concentrated here

Another free activity in Vienna is exploring its many markets. Naschmarkt, located between Linke Wienzeile (5th District) and Rechte Wienzeile (4th District), is centrally situated and easily accessible during your visit to Vienna. While it is sometimes considered a tourist trap with suggestions to visit Karmeliter Market instead, I find the area around Naschmarkt incredibly fascinating. 

Not only can you admire exquisite architecture here, but you can also enjoy several restaurants, popular cafes, and Schleifmühlgasse in Wieden, which is just a 5-minute walk away.

Naschmarkt primarily features Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, alongside the usual market stalls. It remains an enjoyable experience, especially as most market vendors are friendly and generous with samples of falafel, cheese, and other sweet treats.

Restaurants at Naschmarkt recommendations: Neni and Café Drechsler

Otto Wagner Arenal & Sanatorium

Explore it, because: this is an underrated thing to do in Vienna that not many visitors know of

The “Am Steinhof” area was originally run as a sanatorium and nursing home. The expansive site, including its theatre, nursing homes, hospital, and church, was exclusively designed by Otto Wagner. As a result, all areas and elements were thoughtfully crafted with vulnerable patients in mind, blending functionality with a touch of modernity. The church, with its iconic golden dome, defines the Viennese skyline and represents Wagner’s final signature work.

During WWII, the site was taken over by the Nazis and served as the centre for medical killings in Vienna, resulting in the deaths of at least 7,500 patients, including 800 children murdered in the “Am Spiegelgrund” children’s ward. For over 20 years, these events have been commemorated by an exhibition in Pavilion V and a memorial in front of the Art Nouveau theatre. The area is well signposted with information plates and points, which allow visitors to guide themselves freely onsite.

Despite its sombre history, the plans to transform the site into a cultural hub are promising. The theatre operates sporadically, and guided tours are offered to attract visitors. Additionally, there are plans for the documentation archive of the Austrian resistance to relocate to one of the pavilions.

Making of “15 Activities and Free Museums in Vienna”

Here is a short summary of my research when I created this post.

• Regularly visit Vienna on my own expense
• Revisit of activities and experiences
• Consume and analyse research material such as free books from the City Information and documentaries, mostly on 3Sat and translate my findings into English. This is a continuous process so I can link information for coherence
• Actively seek out new activities and free museums in Vienna to acquire new knowledge about the city
• I research extensively onsite at my own expense (entrance, research material), take pictures and do the entire writing and editing process. I try to build connections to local tourism boards but for now all of my content is created without any additional support & influence from 3rd parties.

FAQs about 15 Activities and Free Museums in Vienna

I understand this is quite a lengthy post, and you might have some quick questions about the 15 activities and free museums in Vienna. You can, of course, always return to any section of my post for more detailed information on what you’ll need for your trip. If you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to get in touch, and I’ll be happy to help.

How do you know about these Activities and Free Museums in Vienna?

Vienna is one of my all-time favourite cities, and I eagerly absorb any new information about it. Some of the activities I know about come from watching documentaries. When I’m in Vienna, I visit the City Information, which provides free materials on everything related to the city. Whether it’s about wildlife, Wiener Gemeindebau, drinking water, hiking opportunities, or dog ownership, the City Information is a treasure trove. Additionally, Vienna is a city that constantly hosts events. With so much on offer, it can be overwhelming, but it’s a testament to just how incredible Vienna is.

Why does Vienna offer so many Activities for free?

Vienna is a city with a global character and is consistently voted the world’s most liveable city. I have spent significant amounts of time in Vienna and have the impression that, despite its bureaucracy, the administration is very interested in investing in its citizens and making it an enjoyable living experience for both locals and visitors. There are many free programs, events, as well as activities and free museums that allow everyone to build a connection to Vienna. I believe that the more personally involved you are with the city, the more you will be inclined to care for it. It certainly has worked for me!

Where can I find more Information on Activities and Free Museums in Vienna?

In this post, I have shared my own personal experiences. Of course, the city provides an extensive list of free museums in Vienna, too. There is also the chance to visit a couple of historic buildings during Memorial Day, which is held in September. This popular opportunity allows visitors to visit many buildings for free with a guided tour and is celebrated across all of Europe. For Austria, the Memorial Day will be held on the 29th September 2024. Tickets can already be secured as this is a popular opportunity with high demand and tickets usually sell out quickly. Now, when are you coming to visit?

Thanks so much for reading. If you’ve enjoyed my 15 Activities and Free Museums in Vienna post and would like to support my blog & research, you can do so via Buy Me a Coffee.

Till next time,

Carolin

You may also enjoy my other Vienna content:

• Local, Unusual, Underrated: The City Hiking Trails Vienna
• A Complete 4 Day Vienna Itinerary For First Time Visitors
• 6 Quick & Easy Day Trips from Vienna by Train
• My Ultimate Eastern Europe Itinerary around the Danube Region