Although Austria is a landlocked country, the River Danube offers a wonderful substitute for the seaside, with the areas around the banks boasting beautiful views with tranquil and atmospheric spots that are perfect for summertime lounging. You’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants along the banks of the Canal and the Old and New Danube. Here is our pick of the best.
Relaxing by the river in the summer months is an essential Viennese activity. Strandbar Herrman, located across a stretch of sand by the Danube Canal in the 3rd district, is an oasis complete with hammocks, deckchairs, DJ sessions, and casual food service including weekend brunches and happy hour taking place between 6 and 7 p.m.
The Badeschiff Wien is a swimming pool complex arranged on two former buoyancy lorries, surrounded by a sundeck offering wonderful views of the Danube Canal. The onboard café offers a variety of classic snacks and casual meals, including hamburgers—perfect for post-swim hunger—and a wide variety of salads.
Located inside a glass covered building designed to resemble a naval vessel, this classy venue boasts some of the most picturesque views along the canal. The menu contains a mixture of gourmet Austrian and international cuisine, with many classic dishes, such as beef tartar, salmon fillet, and Wiener schnitzel. A more refined option than some of the more casual eateries along the canal, Motto Am Fluss is perfect for formal occasions.
At Adria Wien, you’ll forget all about Austria being landlocked—with the interior designed to remind you of the Adriatic coast. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, with deckchairs for you to lounge in and a casual menu of burgers and pasta dishes.
The owners of this waterside wonder wanted to transport the beautiful sandy beaches of Tel Aviv to Vienna to create an oriental oasis in the heart of the city. Open between the months of April and September, the bar is a wonderful place to catch the sun setting over the water while enjoying a bite to eat.
Otto Wagner is one of Vienna’s most acclaimed architects, with a distinct Art Deco style that can be seen all around the city. His buildings are recognizable for their embellished style, with decorative floral features crawling up the facade. The Otto Wagner Schützenhaus is a tribute to the architect, designed in a similar style. The food is freshly prepared on site, with a variety of Austrian classics on the menu.
Figar has a number of restaurants dotted around Vienna, including a van located on the banks of the Danube canal. This trendy eatery is a favorite among the city’s younger generation, serving all day breakfast and a variety of casual dishes.
Located inside the Hilton Hotel, this boutique restaurant offers fine Tyrolean nibbles to Vulcano ham and Italian pasta to traditional roast pork. On Sundays, in keeping with the surroundings, a “fish brunch” is offered, with a menu of oysters and fish specialties.
This is a family-style eatery located in the suburban 21st district by the Old Danube, with a countryside atmosphere that will transport you to a world of peace and calm.
Elegantly designed to resemble the inside of a ship, this waterside restaurant has panoramic views of the gorgeous, wild scenery of the New Danube. Serving Viennese specialties and international cuisine, it is a favorite among locals and tourists. Visit at sunset for the most spectacular views.
As its name would suggest, this restaurant on the New Danube boasts fantastic panoramic views. Dishes offered include many “Danube specialties” such as fish served with rosemary potatoes and grilled vegetables, and the drinks list contains exquisite Austrian wines.