Vienna indoor activities- 12 Best Things to do on a Rainy Day in Vienna
Don’t let grey skies spoil your Viennese adventure. From grand museums to cosy cafés, discover 12 of the best Vienna indoor activities that turn a rainy day into a cultural treat.
A rainy day in Vienna? Don’t let the drizzle dampen your plans—this city was made for rainy days. With its elegant coffee houses, opulent palaces, and some of Europe’s finest museums, Vienna shines just as brightly indoors.
Rain is no stranger to Austrian summers, especially in the afternoon, but that’s no reason to stay in your hotel.
Whether you’re dodging a summer downpour or seeking refuge from grey skies, there’s a treasure trove of Vienna indoor activities waiting to be explored.
Luckily, Vienna has an excellent public transport system- so it’s easy to dodge the rain and get to most sights without getting drenched. Check out our Vienna Public transport guide. So, throw on a raincoat, grab your umbrella, and dive into the cultural heart of the city—rain or shine, Vienna always delivers.
I’m Tammy – the creator of Wanderlustria and your go-to guide for planning unforgettable adventures in Austria, rain or shine. Living in Austria, I spend my days exploring everything from grand palaces to quiet mountain trails, and I never say no to a cosy café on a rainy Vienna afternoon.
Over the years, I’ve personally scouted countless hidden corners and iconic must-sees across Austria. I share what truly matters: tried-and-tested recommendations, honest insights, and travel tips grounded in real experience.
Whether you’re crafting your dream itinerary or just looking for something fun to do when the weather turns grey, you’re in the right place.
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12 Best Things to do in Vienna when it rains
- Take a trip around the Ringstraße
- Explore World-Class Museums
- Discover Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo
- Tour the Hofburg: Sisi Museum, Treasury, Spanish Riding School & Library
- Visit the Belvedere Palace & Klimt’s Kiss
- Explore Vienna’s Churches & Crypts
- Take a Guided Tour of the Opera, Parliament, or Palace of Justice
- Cosy Up in a Traditional Viennese Coffeehouse
- Take a Food or Wine Tour, Cooking Class or Chocolate Workshop
- Be Dazzled by a Show: Music, Opera & Classic Cinema
- Play Indoors: Escape Rooms, Bowling & Laser Tag
- Unwind and Relax at Therme Wien
1. Take a trip around the Ringstraße
It may be drizzling outside, but you can still see the sights. Take a tour of Vienna’s grand boulevard, the Ringstraße, which encompasses Vienna’s historical centre. Vienna’s Straßenbahn (trams) travel along the Ringstraße and give you an excellent opportunity to see many of Vienna’s sights.
During the journey, you will see the Hofburg, Parliament, Volksgarten, Rathaus, University, Votiv Kirche and much more.
All you need is a ticket, which costs as little as 2.40€ (single journey).
However, it is better to have a 24, 48, or 72-hour Vienna Transit pass, which allows you to hop on and off. Read more about Vienna’s public transit.
We recommend that you buy your transit pass online from Wiener Linen. The transit pass is the cheapest option and allows you to take every Ubahn (metro), tram and bus in Vienna.
Vienna Ringstraße Tram Tour
1. Take Tram #1 from the Vienna State Opera in the direction of Prater to Julius Raab Platz
2. Switch to Tram #2 to continue back to the Vienna State Opera.
The tour lasts approximately 30-40 minutes, plus additional time for exploring the sights.
There are hop-on/hop-off bus tours, but the bus is restricted to the Ringstraße- the same road that the tram travels on.
Two main hop-on-hop-off options are the Vienna Sightseeing bus and The Big Bus Tour.
The Bus tours also include Prater, Belvedere and Schönbrunn – but you can easily get to all those sights by public transport.
Tickets for the Hop On- Hop Off Vienna Tours start at 31€ (adult) for 24 hours.
2. Explore World-Class Museums
Vienna is a paradise for museum lovers, and rainy days are the perfect excuse to lose yourself in its cultural gems.
Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) for a world-class collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, the Egyptian Collection, and the Greek and Roman antiquities housed in a palatial building that’s a piece of art itself.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum Café, situated under the magnificent dome, is a great spot to enjoy coffee, lunch, or even dinner on Thursday evenings.
Hours: Closed Monday Tue-Sun: 10 am -18:00 (6:00 pm) Thur: 10 am -21:00 (9:00 pm)
Prebooking Tickets for the timed entry is recommended.
Across the Maria-Theresien Platz, is an identical-looking palatial building is the Natural History Museum enchants with its dinosaur skeletons and gem displays. It is home to the 29,500-year-old Venus of Willendorf figurine and the oldest public collection of meteorites. The Natural History Museum is a favourite of both kids and adults.
For a contemporary twist, visit the Albertina, home to modern art including the Batliner Collection- Monet to Picasso, temporary exhibitions and and has the world’s largest and most valuable graphical collections.
Hours: Daily | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday & Friday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Albertina Skip-the-Line Tickets
Haus der Musik Museum of Music is open daily until 10:00 pm.
Haus der Musik Skip-the-Line Tickets
Budget travellers?
Try the Free Wien Museum (Museum of Vienna)—it’s recently been renovated, and entry is free.
The Wien Museum offers a wealth of fascinating insights into Vienna’s history, spanning from the Neolithic period to the present day.
Just note that it’s closed on Mondays.
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3. Discover Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo
Step into imperial splendour at Schönbrunn Palace, Austria’s most visited historical attraction. The lavish interiors, from the Mirror Room to the Great Gallery, tell stories of Habsburg elegance and power. Audio guides and detailed signage bring the past vividly to life.
After your palace tour, head to the Schönbrunn Zoo—it’s the world’s oldest zoo, and many exhibits are indoors, including the rainforest house and aquarium. It’s an ideal combo for families or anyone curious about imperial grandeur and global wildlife, all within walking distance from each other. A grey sky somehow adds to the mystique of this baroque masterpiece.
The Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Zoo) is the oldest working zoo in the world, established in 1752. The Zoo is part of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and has now been named Europe’s best zoo six times in a row.
Book Skip-the-Line Zoo Tickets
The Children’s Museum lets children (and adults) experience what life was like for little Archdukes and Archduchesses with hands-on activities. Children’s Museum Tickets
The Carriage Museum The Imperial Carriage Museum near Schönbrunn Palace has an impressive collection of carriages that once belonged to Austrian royalty. Tickets
4. Tour the Hofburg: Sisi Museum, Treasury, Spanish Riding School & Library
The Hofburg Palace is a must-see on any list of Vienna indoor activities.
The Hofburg Palace was the seat of the Habsburg Court from 1273 to 1918.
Dive into the dramatic life of Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”) at the Sisi Museum, where her personal belongings and letters reveal a royal torn between duty and desire.
From there, wander through the Imperial Apartments, which showcase the grandeur of Habsburg living.
Duration: Approximate 75-minute tour
Hours: Daily 9 am – 17:30 (5:30 pm)
Prebooking Tickets for the timed entry is recommended. Book Skip-the-line Tickets Here
The Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer) is located in the Swiss Wing. Highlights include the Imperial Crown, which has one of the world’s largest emeralds, and an agate bowl which is considered to be the Holy Grail.
Tours take ~30-60 minutes. Prebooking Tickets is recommended. Book Tickets Here
Enjoy a look behind the scenes of the Spanish Riding School on a 60-minute guided tour.
Vienna’s Spanish Riding School has been in continuous operation for more than 450 years. It continues to cultivate classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the Haute École.
Round off your visit with the Austrian National Library. The Baroque Prunksaal (Grand State Hall), the main library hall, with frescoed ceilings and shelves stacked with ancient tomes, is one of the most impressive rooms in Vienna.
Hours: Closed Monday
Tue-Wed and Fri-Sun: 10 am- 6 pm
Thurs 10 am – 9 pm
Prebooking Tickets is recommended.
5. Visit the Belvedere Palace & be inspired by Klimt’s Kiss
Art and architecture lovers rejoice—Belvedere Palace offers both in abundance. Schloss Belvedere was designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt and built between 1712-1723 as the summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy.
The Upper Belvedere is home to an impressive collection of Medieval art, Impressionists and its most famous exhibits of Klimt masterpieces, including the iconic Der Kuss (The Kiss).
The impressive Marble Hall was where the allies signed the treaty that gave Austria its independence after WWII occupation.
Don’t skip the Lower Belvedere either, where temporary exhibitions often feature modern or themed collections.
The palace is a baroque gem that has state apartments, ceremonial rooms and the lavish red marble Mamorsaal which is as impressive as the art it houses
Hours: Mon-Sun: 9 am -18:00 (6:00 pm)
Book Skip-the-line Upper Belvedere Tickets
Lower Belvedere: Art exhibitions from all periods at the former residential palace of Prince Eugene and at the Orangery.
Treasures from the Middle Ages
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10 am -18:00 (6:00 pm)
6. Explore Vienna’s Churches & Crypts
Rainy weather adds an atmospheric touch to Vienna’s sacred spaces.
Visit Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral) and admire its towering gothic arches, colourful roof tiles, and sacred art. For something a little more offbeat, take a guided tour of the catacombs, where bones and burial chambers reveal Vienna’s deeper, darker past.
Alternatively, visit Karlskirche, one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Europe. Take the elevator to the dome for a close-up view of the frescoes and a panoramic view of the city.
Whether you’re a history buff or just need a quiet place to reflect, Vienna’s churches provide things to do on a rainy day in Vienna.
Tickets include
- Audio guide for St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Dom Museum
- 30-minute guided tour of the Catacombs
- Access to the South and North Tower
The tour starts at Dom Museum Wien, 6 Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna, where you will exchange your voucher for a ticket. Book Tickets
Visit Karlskirch Discover Skip-the-line Karlskirche Tickets
7. Take a Guided Tour of the Opera, Parliament, or Palace of Justice
If you love grand architecture and political intrigue, these tours offer a fascinating look behind Vienna’s most iconic institutions.
The Vienna State Opera Guided tours take you through the opulent lobby, stage area, and royal box—perfect for music fans even if you’re not catching a performance.
Prebooking Opera Tour Tickets is recommended.
The newly renovated Austrian Parliament is open to the public. The Parliament is on the Ringstraße and was built in the Hellenic style by Theophil von Hansen, completed in 1883.
The tour provides an overview of the history and democracy in Austria- you can view historical rooms and the National Assembly.
There are FREE daily Austrian Parliament tours in English and German. You can book the free guided tour from 28 days in advance.
For something a bit off the beaten path, don’t miss the Justizpalast (Palace of Justice), home to Austria’s Supreme Court. It is located behind the Parliament building on Schmerlingplatz 1
Climb the marble staircase and gaze up at the stained-glass dome—entry is free, and the rooftop Justiz-Café has one of Vienna’s best-kept secrets.
It is free to enter but numbers are limited. You will need to go through security and present your passport.
I recommend going when the Palace of Justice opens at 9:30 am
8. Cosy Up in a Traditional Viennese Coffeehouse
Few cities do cafés like Vienna. On a drizzly day, there’s no better place to slow down than in a traditional Kaffeehaus. Sip a Melange (Vienna’s answer to a cappuccino), nibble on a slice of Sachertorte, and watch the rain from a velvet corner.
Try Café Central (pictured- reservations recommended), once frequented by Freud and Trotsky, or the literary haunt Kaffee Alt Wien. Café Mozart, opposite the Albertina, is another classic, as is Café Landtmann, a favourite of politicians and actors.
If you want pure nostalgia, visit Café Sperl, with its marble tables and billiards.
Order your coffee and have it served with a glass of water on a silver platter by a tuxedoed waiter. Cosy up and enjoy your day reading newspapers and people watching.
And it’s not just coffee and cakes – most Viennese cafes also serve delicious Austrian specialities such as soups, schnitzel, and goulash.
9. Take a Cooking Class or Chocolate Workshop
Turn a rainy day into a delicious memory with a Food Walking Tour, Wine Tasting, Viennese cooking class or chocolate-making workshop. Learn how to whip up classics like Apfelstrudel, Wiener Schnitzel, or Kaiserschmarrn under the guidance of local chefs.
For those with a sweet tooth, a chocolate workshop offers a deep dive into Austria’s confectionery traditions—think pralines, truffles, and artisan bars. These interactive experiences are ideal for couples, families, or solo travellers looking to pick up a new skill (and a few delicious souvenirs).
Best of Vienna Food Tour Guided walking tour in Vienna where you enjoy Austrian delicacies in a Viennese Palais and an old wine cellar.
Gerstner Royal Confectioner Show. Four times a day, in the historic rooms of Schönbrunn Palace, they present the magic of Viennese apple strudel baking. Daily at 11:00 am / 12:00 pm/ 3:00 pm/ 4:00 pm
Traditional Kaierschmarrn Cooking Class See how the traditional Viennese Kaiserschmarrn is made and enjoy tasting the warm, freshly baked dessert in an authentic setting in the heart of Vienna. 1 hour
Vienna Schnitzel Cooking Class Learn the secrets behind making the perfect Wiener Schnitzel from the chef of a typical Viennese restaurant. Enjoy a freshly prepared Austrian dish accompanied by homemade potato salad and a glass of traditional Viennese wine or another beverage. 75 minutes
Vienna Schnitzel and Apple Strudel Cooking Class – Learn the secrets to make a perfect Schnitzel and Apple Strudel and enjoy the food you’ve made together. 3 hours
Vienna Chocolate Workshop: Hands-on Chocolate-making Workshop and Chocolate Museum Entrance. 1.5 hours
10. Be Dazzled by a Show: Music, Opera & Classic Cinema
Rainy days in Vienna offer the perfect excuse to indulge in the city’s legendary performing arts.
Slip into something cosy and head to one of Vienna’s world-famous venues—whether it’s the Vienna State Opera for a spine-tingling aria, the Musikverein for a Philharmonic performance or a classical music concert in one of the impressive churches.
These experiences aren’t just entertainment—they’re a deep dive into the cultural soul of the city.
The Vienna Philharmonic: The orchestra was founded in 1842 and is regarded as one of the world’s finest. They perform in the Goldener Saal (Golden Hall ) at the Wiener Musikverein.
Book Philharmonic Concert Tickets Directly with Muzikverein.
Vienna Boys Choir Performs every Sunday (September to June). They also have performances in the Augarten.
Vivaldi Four Seasons Concert by Orchestra 1756 Concert at Karlskirche Tickets
Mozart Concertin the Golden Hall of Muzikverein
Classic Ensemble at St Peter’s Church
Classical Concert by Viennese String Ensemblein Annakirche (St Anne’s Church)
This 1949 British film, starring Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten, has earned cult status for its shadowy cinematography and unforgettable zither soundtrack.
The Burg Kino plays the original English version on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Check the Burg Kino Website for schedule.
From May to October, fans can take the official Third Man walking tour to explore the film’s original locations, including the famous sewers beneath the city. It’s a cinematic experience that brings Vienna’s storied past thrillingly to life. Third Man Walking Tours are conducted daily in German and English.
For a similar spooky venture, explore Vienna’s underground on a Viennese Underworld Guided Tour that leads you beneath the city.
11. Play Indoors: Escape Rooms, Bowling & Laser Tag
When the weather turns grey, turn up the energy indoors.
Vienna has a number of Escape Rooms, where you can challenge your puzzle-solving skills in themed adventures.
If you’re after something more physical, try indoor laser tag or bowling alleys, which are dotted across the city.
Maxx Laser Tag has venues throughout Vienna. Kugeltanz Bowling is in the Prater Amusement Park.
These activities are great for families, friend groups, or anyone needing a break from museums and palaces.
They’re also ideal for spontaneous plans when the weather suddenly shifts—just book online and jump right in. Start by booking online and jump right in.
12. Unwind at Therme Wien
Just a short metro ride from the city centre, this sprawling urban thermal spa features indoor and outdoor pools, bubbling whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms.
Whether you need to warm up after a wet day or indulge in a full wellness experience, Therme Wien offers the perfect escape.
Families will appreciate the kid-friendly zones, while couples can unwind in the quiet zones or book a massage. It’s the ultimate rainy-day indulgence—and a deeply Austrian way to relax.
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Chief Wanderlust’er and Austria travel expert, I’m on a mission to help you uncover the magic of Austria — from fairytale cities and alpine villages to awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural traditions.
As the founder of Austria Wanderlust Travel Planning, the Austria Travel Planning Facebook Group, and director of Wanderlustria eU, I provide trusted tips, local insights, and curated resources to make your Austrian adventure seamless, authentic, and unforgettable.