11 Free and Cheap Date Ideas to Try in Vienna

Who could resist being seduced by the beautiful flowing waters of the River Danube? The banks along the canal have, in recent years, become a popular stomping ground for Vienna’s young people, who tend to sit in the sunshine with a few cans of beer and watch the sunset. Bring your date along and indulge in some canal-side cuddling.

Vienna’s vineyards are located in the rolling hills on the outskirts of the city and can be easily reached by tram, train or car. Particularly beautiful in the autumn months, when the wooded areas explode with colours of gold, rust and orange, these vineyards make a perfect location for a dreamy date that won’t break the bank. After walking around the area for a while, be sure to head to a Heuriger (wine tavern) for some tasting sessions; a glass of wine can be purchased for as little as €1 a glass at some of the lesser-known taverns.

If your date is an artsy type, take them along to the Museum of Applied Arts (more commonly known as the MAK) on a Tuesday evening, when entry is free of charge. There is a variety of fascinating permanent exhibitions that are sure to spark up some conversation, and the building itself is a romantic, low-lit setting, perfect for a date.

Renting a bike is free of charge for the first couple of hours, and cheap as chips (€3–4) thereafter. Vienna is ideal for exploring by bike, with wide cycle lanes in the city centre and plenty of leafy routes to explore along the River Danube.

Vienna is a paradise for film lovers in the summer, with lots of open-air cinemas opening up in the city’s squares. Why not catch a rom-com and bring along a bottle wine?