While you're in town...

Whilst you’ll probably be spending most of your time connecting, learning and expanding your horizons at ViennaUP, the city has so much to offer once you clock off for the day.

Vienna has countless cultural and social opportunities you absolutely won’t want to miss, and we bet you’re already researching what else you could be getting up to during your time here.

To help you out, here’s a handy guide to what else is on from 8 - 18 May: during ViennaUP and the weekend after, in case you want to make a holiday out of it!

Music

Vienna: the city of music. You can’t escape Vienna’s musical legacy, so you might as well embrace it! Whilst you’re here, you simply have to join in the most quintessential of Viennese pastimes: visiting a concert.

Musikverein

The Musikverein is Vienna’s most iconic concert hall, home of the world-famous New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic. However, other internationally-renowned orchestras also often play here.

8-9 May - Boston Symphony Orchestra in the Musikverein
11 May - Wiener Sängerknaben in the Musikverein. The Wiener Sängerknaben (Vienna Boys Choir) have been enchanting listeners since 1498 and are a world-famous institution.
9, 10, 12, 16, 17 May - Wiener Mozart Orchestra in the Musikverein

St. Charles’ Church

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert, St. Charles’ Church. Just a stone’s throw from the ViennaUP Homebase is one of the loveliest concerts in Vienna, in the magnificent baroque St. Charles’ Church.

Strauss year

2025 marks 200 years since the birth of Johann Strauss II, and of course Vienna is celebrating this historic milestone with concerts, exhibitions, and more.

Art

Vienna boasts over 30 art museums – here is a selection of the finest exhibitions at some of the most prestigious addresses in the art world.

Leonardo-Dürer exhibition in the Albertina.
Klimt: Pigment and Pixel, Lower Belvedere.
Archimboldo, Bassano and Bruegel in the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Aut Now, MAK Museum.
Favourite Darkness, Anton Corbijn photography exhibition, Kunstforum Wien.
Changing Times. Egon Schiele’s Last Years, Leopold Museum.
Vienna 1900. Birth of Modernism, Leopold Museum.

Festivals

Vienna is a lively and bright city - there's always something going on!

8 May, 19:30, Fest der Freude - Festival of Joy, Heldenplatz. This year’s annual open-air concert celebrates 80 years since the liberation from the Nazi regime after the Second World War.
8-11 May, Art Austria fair, MuseumsQuartier
8-11 May, Vienna Beer Festival, Am Hof. Austrians have a proud brewing heritage, and this festival in the heart of the city celebrates that.
10-11 May, European Street Food Festival. The European Street Food Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and will feature dozens of food trucks, trailers, stands, exhibitors, and chefs offering delicacies from all over the world.

Tours

Learn fascinating insights into the city's storied past, bustling present, and vibrant future.

Walking Tour. Vienna is best explored on foot, so why not book a walking tour to get to know the city better? Or check out these free walking tours.
Spanish Riding School Tour. The Lipizzaner horses are so iconic that they’re practically the symbol of Vienna – and of ViennaUP! Tour the most beautiful riding school in the world – a must-visit for animal lovers.
Tours by Locals. Who better to show you the ins and outs of this beautiful city than the people who know it best? Book a group tour with a Viennese local for an insightful experience.
Bike Tour. Vienna is a super bike-friendly city, so hop on and set off on your adventure!
14 – 17 May, Vienna City Gallery Walk. Get your steps in whilst appreciating the artistic diversity of the city, with a tour spread out over the course of four days.

Markets

For a slice of authentic Vienna, head to a market to absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of local life.

10-11 May, Kunst & Design Markt, Ottakringer Brauerei. Over 170 exhibitors assemble for the city’s coolest art and design market, with boutique brands and hidden gems.
10 & 17 May, 6:30-15:00, Naschmarkt. Vienna’s most famous open-air market takes place every Saturday. Get there early to bag the best deals, or enjoy a lazy stroll through the stalls selling antiques, second-hand clothing, food and produce, and artwork.

Karmelitermarkt. From Monday to Saturday, this market is popular with the locals of the Jewish quarter in Vienna's 2nd district, and has plenty of culinary delights on offer.