Hot in the city? Seven tips that will surprise you!

Simply marvellous – summertime in Vienna. The city is less crowded than usual and is much easier to explore – especially after a hearty breakfast at the Schani Hotel. We’ve put together seven tips for our guests as a little refreshment, if you will.

Even the most notorious couch potatoes are getting ready to explore the city now. This isn’t a surprise to us as Vienna has so much to offer! Here is a mini bucket list with seven insider tips – ranging from a spontaneous boat trip to a romantic sunset.

The magnificent seven summer tips for Vienna!

Boating on the Danube

Ahoy! Be a captain or just drift along, snuggle up together or take a dip in the refreshing water – all of this is easy to do with rental boats on the Danube River. Peaceful, idyllic scenery is waiting to be enjoyed -- just a few stops from the city centre on the Underground. Did you know that there are also sofa boats and unicorn boats to try out? Anyway, fun is guaranteed! For those who prefer a more traditional approach, there are also classic pedalo paddle boats and electric boats for hire.

Ice Cream in the City

Only a moment ago you were standing in St. Stephen’s Cathedral and now you’re holding a delicious pistachio ice cream in your hand -- this is Vienna’s City Centre. Many of the local ice cream parlours have their own loyal fans: Zanoni&Zanoni on Schwedenplatz, for instance, or Eissalon Tuchlauben. Best of all: the Underground will take to the City Center in a few minutes from both Hotel Schani at the Vienna Main Station and Hotel Schani Salon. Tip -- why not rent a bike?

Cool Down in a Museum

The best thing about visiting a museum on a hot summer day: you’ll have the museum almost for yourself and can admire the exhibits in peace. It’s up to you whether you want to visit the Imperial Art or Natural History Museum or have a look at the trendy Albertina or Leopold Museum. There are plenty of options: Vienna has about 100 museums and collections.

Sunset on Kahlenberg

On a clear day you can not only see the entire city and the Danube and the vineyards but also the Schneeberg mountain, which is located 180 km away and is the source for Vienna’s crystal, clear tap water. However, the sunset here is unforgettable – ideal for a date! Even if you’ve known each other for quite some time! ;-)

A Swim with a View at the Krapfenwaldbad

Imagine: a swimming pool in a forest of fir trees overlooking the entire city… Welcome to the Krapfenwaldbad public swimming baths, the highest altitude outdoor swimming pool in Vienna, located on the slopes of the Cobenzl in the 19th District. There is a lot to see while splashing around in the water or enjoying a drink in your deck chair -- no, not only the good-looking people around you, but the sights in the distance, from the Danube Tower to St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

Enjoy a Picnic in the Prater

Not the Riesenrad Ferris wheel again -- adjacent to the amusement park lies a public park: an extensive, natural area full of picturesque meadows, old trees, and romantic ponds. In a nutshell: the ideal picnic location! By the way, the Prater Hauptallee (main avenue) is more than four kilometres long! So, if you want to explore the area, you better not wear flipflops.

Having a Cold Beer

Thirsty? Then, this last tip is the one for you: simply order a cold, frothy beer (colloquially “Biertschi”)! Which beer is up to you: options range from Vienna’s Ottakringer and Styria’s Gösser to beer gems by smaller breweries and modern craft beers. The best way to enjoy your beer is in a shady beer garden, fresh from the tap and served with typical Viennese Schmäh. Prost!