Free Things to Do in Vienna

Around 130 stalls, browsing is free, and the Saturday flea market (from 06:30) is worth it even if you don't buy anything. Closed Sundays.

Over 3,000 rose bushes, free entry, best June through October. Sits right by the Ringstraße, an easy add-on to a first-district walk.

Viewing the copper dome from outside is free (the interior and panorama lift cost €8). On a calm morning before 10:00, the pond gives a near-perfect mirror reflection of the whole facade.

The gardens are free year-round even though the palace tour isn't. Come early (opens 06:30) to have the Great Parterre nearly to yourself before tour groups arrive.

A flat, car-free 21 km path (42 km round trip) with free swimming spots and picnic meadows along the way. Join it from any bridge, no need to walk the whole thing.

A free viewing platform 484 m up, with the whole city, the Danube, and on clear days St. Stephen's Cathedral spread out below. Take bus 38A rather than driving — the ride itself is scenic.

Walking the fairground itself costs nothing — only individual rides charge (€3.50-15). Good for people-watching and the atmosphere alone.

A 40,000 m² park in front of City Hall with labelled trees, statues rescued from an old bridge, and fountains running on Styrian spring water since 1910. Free open-air Film Festival screenings run all summer.