The city's pools operate a traffic light system again this year: this lets users see online in real time which pools are already full (red) and which still have lots (green) or at least some (yellow) free spaces. Admission tickets can be purchased in advance online from the city's pools.

From the beach club to the lido

Although Vienna is not situated by the sea, beaches – also by natural bodies of water – are a permanent feature in summer. Music, a young crowd, and cool catering ensure a good mood at Vienna's beach clubs. If you prefer things a little quieter, you'll find plenty of shady spots at the extensive lidos.

Badeschiff (Pool Boat)

It doesn't get much more central than this: a boat in the Danube Canal with a pool on top. The Badeschiff (pool boat) offers the best way to go swimming in the middle of Vienna. The floating pool is moored right on the popular Danube Canal. It is 27 meters long and open until 10.00 pm. There's a bar for snacks and drinks, and an onboard galley that serves up international cuisine.

Vienna City Beach Club

Near the Donaustadt bridge is the Vienna City Beach Club. The spacious outdoor area offers everything the heart desires in summer, with DJ desk, restaurant, and loungers on the sand. After swimming or wakeboarding – the Wakeboardlift of Wake Up is just a short walk away – you can enjoy a cocktail or two right by the water or head straight to the beach volleyball games held on the fine sand.

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Copa Beach

The Danube in Vienna is the undisputed leisure paradise of the Viennese. Especially for families. Copa Beach is located right by Danube Island subway station and has everything you'd expect to find at a beach club: a sand beach, loungers, and booths selling hip street food and cocktails complete the picture. Admission is free of charge. Except perhaps for the subway ticket, because Copa Beach can be reached in just a few minutes with U1 from Stephansplatz.

© Gerhard Wild / picturedesk.com

Old Danube

On the banks of the Old Danube, there are not only nostalgic summertime pools, but also boat rental points and many restaurant terraces. Vienna's bathing delights include the cozy lidos. The Old Danube Lido, the Angelibad, the Bundesbad Alte Donau, and the Gänsehäufel: with pools, natural bathing beaches, a nudist section, wellness area and numerous showers. With a total area of 300,000 m², the Gänsehäufel is one of the largest open-air pools in Europe.