Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down and discover a different side of Vienna. From traditional coffee houses to board game bars and libraries, the city has a lot of spots where you can escape the rain and make the most of a grey day.
Only a few things are more Viennese than a visit to a traditional coffee house. With their unique atmosphere and timeless charm, Vienna’s coffee houses have been recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2011. The UNESCO description captures their appeal perfectly: they are places “where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill.” We couldn’t have put it better ourselves! Visitors should keep one thing in mind: in Vienna’s coffee houses, there’s more than just one type of coffee. Instead, you’ll find plenty of different varieties to choose from. Check out this coffee guide to find out more.
Going to the cinema is always a good idea. Especially on a on a rainy day in Vienna, there’s nothing cosier than a comfortable seat, a bag of popcorn and a good film. Vienna offers a wide range of options: from the classic cinema experience with red seats at CineCenter Kino and the latest blockbusters at the modern Cineplexx to international films at the Haydn and independent cinema at the Filmcasino. You can easily browse the current cinema listings for Vienna by film or cinema.
You can often save a little money on cinema tickets too, as many cinemas offer student discounts or special days with cheaper tickets. For example, CineCenter offers discounted tickets from Monday to Wednesday, while Cineplexx has its “Super Cinema Days”. So, it’s worth checking out the available offers before you go.
If you prefer to stay indoors when it rains in Vienna, there are plenty of cosy places beyond coffee houses and cinemas where you can browse, play games or study. The Vienna Public Libraries are a great place to start. Alongside the main library at Urban-Loritz-Platz, there are 36 other locations across the city. And it’s not just books you’ll find there, you can also borrow films, games and digital media. It’s particularly affordable for students under 24, who can get an annual library card for just €15.
If you’d rather spend some time with friends, board game bars are a great alternative. Especially in Vienna’s 8th district, you’ll find many cosy spots where you can try out board and card games with small or larger groups. A classic is Brot & Spiele, where you can enjoy a wide selection of games alongside delicious toasted sandwiches. Café Benno is another popular spot for a relaxed afternoon of games, drinks and good company.
And if you’re looking for a cosy place to study or get some work done, check out these tips for the best places to study in Vienna.
Rainy days are also a great opportunity to explore Vienna’s cultural side. Whether its impressive museums, fascinating animal worlds or unique experiences you won’t soon forget, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Vienna is home to a wide variety of museums. Whether you love classical art or prefer something a little more unusual: there’s a bad-weather activity for every taste! Some of Vienna’s current favourites include the 3D Pic Art Museum, the Art History Museum, the Albertina, the Imperial Treasury and the Belvedere Museum.
If you’re looking for free indoor activities in Vienna, the Wien Museum at Karlsplatz is a great option. Since reopening in December 2023, its permanent exhibition has been free to visit. Many other museums also offer student discounts, helping you save a few euros along the way.
Browse this list of all museums in Vienna to find the perfect one for your rainy-day plans!
Want to satisfy your wanderlust and dream of summer? Then head to the Palm House and the Desert House! Both are located opposite each other in the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens. At the Desert House, an adventure trail takes you through authentic desert landscapes, from Central America to Madagascar. Rattlesnakes and other fascinating creatures, unusual plants and a setting steeped in history all come together here. The Palm House, on the other hand, is home to three different climate zones and an incredible diversity of plant species. Its architecture also makes it a unique work of art in Europe.
If it’s raining outside, the Haus des Meeres (“House of the Sea”) in Vienna’s 6th district is the perfect place to go exploring. Located in a former flak tower in Esterházypark, this Aqua Terra Zoo is home to more than 10,000 animals that you can discover in its aquariums and tropical house. Fancy a coffee afterwards? Head to the Ocean Sky café-bar on the rooftop and take a little break. Thanks to its glass windows, you can enjoy a fantastic view over Vienna even when it’s raining. For more information on opening hours and tickets, check out the official website.
If you’re looking to try something different on a rainy day, Vienna has plenty of unusual experiences beyond the traditional museums. At Dialog im Dunkeln in Seestadt, in the 22nd district, you’ll explore everyday situations in complete darkness, relying entirely on your other senses. Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by blind or visually impaired guides.
There’s also plenty to discover beneath Vienna’s streets. The 3. Man Tour takes you down into Vienna’s sewer system, where you can learn more about the city’s underground network and the filming locations of the classic movie The Third Man. The tours run seasonally from May to October.
If you’d rather explore other worlds, you can also visit the Planetarium in the Prater. Its shows take you on a journey through the stars, planets and the universe, whatever the weather may be outside.
Depending on whether you’d rather relax or work up a sweat despite the bad weather, there are plenty of ways to spend a rainy day in Vienna exactly as you like.
Vienna’s indoor swimming pools are a bit like its traditional coffee houses: they each have their own special atmosphere. Depending on which pool you visit, you’ll find different facilities, from children’s and sports pools to saunas and small restaurants. Here’s a quick overview of some of Vienna’s indoor swimming pools:
If you’re interested in history, don’t miss this overview of the history of Vienna’s public baths!
Head Spa is a relatively new wellness trend that has now made its way to Vienna. The treatment focuses on caring for and relaxing the scalp and hair, with everything from soothing head massages and scalp analyses to hair washing and conditioning. Since this kind of treatment is more of a special occasion treat than part of your weekly pampering routine, it’s perfect for treating yourself to something a little different on a rainy day. You can give it a try at Melika Hair Spa in Heiligenstadt or Japanese Head Spa Vienna in the 1st district.
If you’d rather stay active when it rains, bouldering and climbing are great alternatives to the usual indoor activities. You don’t need any previous experience either, as bouldering is a great way to get started and work your way through different routes at your own pace. You can rent climbing shoes on-site, and it’s even more fun when you go with friends.
Vienna has several places to give it a try, including Boulderbar, which has locations across the city, including Seestadt. From the STUWO Seestadt Aspern student residence, it’s just a 15-minute walk away. Other options include Blockfabrik in the 5th district, the Alpenverein Austria Climbing Centre near Stephansplatz, and Kletterhalle Wien in the 22nd district, which offers plenty of space for climbing.
Some climbing gyms also offer special student deals or discounted days, so it’s worth checking their rates before you go.
If you really want to burn off some energy on a rainy day, Vienna also has indoor activities for anyone looking for a little more action. At Flip Lab Vienna in Millennium City, you can let loose across around 2,000 m² of trampolines, obstacle courses and various freestyle activities. It’s also a great option for a fun outing with friends.
If you’re searching for a little more unusual things to do in Vienna on a rainy day, indoor skydiving at WINDOBONA in the Prater is an exciting alternative. Inside a wind tunnel, a powerful stream of air lets you float seemingly weightlessly through the air. It’s more of a special-occasion experience than an activity for every rainy day, but it’s definitely something different from the usual indoor activities.
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to get together with friends or your flatmates and try something new. From solving puzzles in escape rooms to competing in laser tag or singing your hearts out at karaoke, there are plenty of ways to make the most of a day indoors together.
Getting “locked” in a room, solving puzzles together, piecing together clues and racing against the clock – that’s what escape rooms are all about. The concept has long since made its way to Vienna, with plenty of different scenarios for groups who enjoy putting their heads together. There’s a huge range of themes to choose from, depending on your taste. You could travel back in time to the previous century, uncover dark secrets or solve a mysterious murder. Intrigued? Here are some escape room providers in Vienna:
Laser tag is the perfect mix of action, exercise and teamwork. You’ll compete against your friends in an arena, using the right strategy to score as many points as possible. At MAXX LaserTag, with locations in Vienna’s 9th, 21st and 23rd districts, you can choose from different game modes, including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Last Man Standing. Power-ups such as Rapidfire, Shield, Spy Mode and Invisibility add even more variety, making every round a little different.
If you want to round off a rainy day with friends, it doesn’t always have to be a cinema or a bar. How about a game of bowling instead? At Kugeltanz near the Prater or the Plus Bowling Centre in the 17th district, you can challenge each other and see who manages to score the most strikes.
If you’re ready to unleash your inner star, karaoke bars are the perfect place to do it. Sing Your Song in the 1st district is one of Vienna’s oldest karaoke bars, located in a charming, rustic cellar. At the Shangrila Karaoke Bar in the 3rd district, you can even book a private karaoke room for your group.
For something a little more laid-back but just as entertaining, why not check out a poetry slam? These events feature performers presenting their own written texts on stage, with everything from hilarious pieces to thought-provoking performances. They take place in different bars and cafés around the city. You can find upcoming dates and venues in this poetry slam overview.
Alternatively, you can end the evening with some live music. Along the Gürtel, numerous bars and venues tucked beneath the arches of the elevated U-Bahn tracks regularly host concerts. One example is LOOP in the 8th district.
Vienna in the rain gives you the perfect opportunity to get creative or try out a new date idea for a change.
If you want to clear your head after a long day of studying, creative workshops are a lovely way to try something new. Whether you’re making pottery, painting ceramics or joining an art class, you might even end up with a handmade keepsake to take home.
One thing to keep in mind: Most workshops require advance booking, so it’s best to reserve your spot in good time.
Just because the rain puts a stop to your plans for a picnic doesn’t mean your date has to be a washout. Vienna has plenty of indoor activities for couples to enjoy on a rainy day that go beyond the classic dinner date.
How about a drink at a speakeasy bar? The Chapel in the 15th district is tucked away behind the restaurant Let’s Be Frank. With its creative cocktails and elegant atmosphere, it’s a special spot for a date night.
If you’re in the mood for something out of the ordinary, why not try a dinner in the dark? At Vier Sinne in the 16th district, you can enjoy a multi-course meal in complete darkness. For a more musical evening, head to Jazzclub ZWE in the 2nd district and spend the night listening to jazz and live music.
Or why not get active together and sign up for a cooking class for two? At Kitchen Skills or La Cocina, you can try out new dishes and enjoy the results together afterwards.
Sometimes, it’s nice to slow down and enjoy the moment when it rains, whether that means taking a stroll through rainy Vienna or simply getting cosy and relaxing indoors.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong gear, as the saying goes. In other words, put on some sturdy shoes, grab a warm jacket, open your umbrella and head out to explore Vienna’s streets. Rainy weather can give the city a beautiful, almost mystical atmosphere. The Sternwartepark (1180 Vienna), the Central Cemetery (1110 Vienna), the Augarten and the Lainzer Tiergarten are a few places worth visiting on a rainy day.
A rainy day in Vienna is also a great opportunity to explore your STUWO student residence a little more. What could be better than sleeping in, enjoying breakfast in bed or starting the day with a nice chat in the communal kitchen? Afterwards, you can work out in the on-site gym, study for your next exam in the learning lounge or unwind in the wellness area with a sauna or steam bath session. And if you simply want to switch off for a while, get comfortable with a good book, listen to the rain or round off the day with a movie in the communal area together with your flatmates.
A rainy day in Vienna doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you prefer taking it easy, getting active or spending time with friends, there are various ways to make the most of it. Many activities are even free or offer student discounts. And when you’re ready to get back somewhere warm after a long day, your STUWO student residence is the perfect place to get cosy and simply let the rain do its thing outside.
What can you do for fun when it’s raining?
You can visit a traditional coffee house, catch a film at the cinema, explore museums or spend an afternoon playing board games with friends. If you prefer something more active, try indoor bouldering, bowling or a trampoline park.
What are some quirky things to do in Vienna?
For something out of the ordinary, try exploring everyday situations in complete darkness at Dialog im Dunkeln, discover the underwater world at the Haus des Meeres or experience a dinner in the dark at Vier Sinne. You could also explore the stars at the Planetarium in the Prater.
What can you do in Vienna in bad weather?
You can visit famous museums such as the Albertina or the Kunsthistorisches Museum, relax in a traditional coffee house, go swimming at an indoor pool or enjoy a wellness treatment. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you can also explore Vienna’s parks and historic streets under an umbrella.
What are cool indoor activities in Vienna?
You can go bouldering or indoor skydiving, challenge your friends in an escape room, try laser tag or spend an afternoon at a board game bar. For a more creative experience, join a painting or pottery workshop.
What can you do on a rainy day date?
Enjoy creative cocktails at a speakeasy bar, listen to live jazz or take a cooking class together. If you prefer a more relaxed date, you could spend the afternoon painting ceramics.
What are free things to do in Vienna when it rains?
The permanent exhibition at the Wien Museum at Karlsplatz is free to visit. You can also browse the collections at Vienna’s public libraries, enjoy a walk through the city’s historic streets or spend a cosy afternoon reading in a library.
