Mar 5, 2025

The Docks at Alte Donau Vienna

Swimming in Manhattan

""The Docks at Alte Donau" in Vienna are perfect for swimming in the middle of the city! Or walking around if the weather is chilly."

Before moving to Vienna, I had never experienced swimming in a river this way. I must admit I was a bit sceptical in the beginning, but soon realized it’s a perfect escape from the city – while still in the city. You hop on the metro after work, and there you are – swimming and enjoying the sun or partaking in some water sports.

There are different spots on both sides of the Danube where you can dip your toes or whole body into the water. This particular part of the Danube is called “Alte Donau”, meaning “old Danube.” It is actually a cut-off meander of the Danube, so it has no direct connection to the “New Danube.” There are the “old upper Danube” and the “old lower Danube”.

The old upper Danube has a water park, boat rentals, restaurants, and bungalows, but I find the lower old Danube more interesting. There is a pathway from the U2 metro station Donaustadtbrücke. On the right side, there are houses and on the left side the are these beautiful wooden docks. I recommend coming early or later in the afternoon to catch a nice spot. From there, you can sunbathe, jump into the water, swim, or watch the rowers from nearby rowing clubs.

The backdrop of the whole experience are the high business towers and buildings of the 22nd district on one side, which make you feel like you are swimming in the midst of Manhattan.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

An der unteren Alten Donau 289

free

Find your way with 159 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Vienna guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Vienna

Pizzeria Vero

The best vegan Pizza in the city

The great thing about the food at Vero is that everything here is organic, and you can choose between a dough made of spelt or buckwheat (gluten-free).

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Mar 18, 2025

Mama Liu & Sons

HOT pot spot

"Mama Liu & Sons" in Vienna is a Chinese restaurant well known for their hot pot, or huoguo, which can compete with even Chinese local chains...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Mar 18, 2025
Gasthaus Käpt'n Otto Vienna

Gasthaus Käpt'n Otto

A break on the bike road

"Gasthaus Käpt'n Otto" in Vienna has been run by a single family for three generations. I love getting a good coffee with some homemade apricot cake here.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Zina

Serdarevic

Mar 17, 2025

Offener Bücherschrank

Books for everyone

"Offener Bücherschrank" in Vienna is simple: go there, have a look, take a book if you like, bring back more than you took. Sharing is caring...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Mar 16, 2025

The Loft

Party easy & casual

"The Loft" is a popular new Vienna bar with an attitude. Easy, casual and with a flexible selection of music, they're "working hard for better parties".

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Mar 11, 2025

Emmerich

What's a Buschenschank?

"Emmerich" is a 'Buschenschank' in Vienna - a small wooden stand in a vineyard where the owners offer their spritzer and small plates. Go enjoy the view!

002-building
Art & culture
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Zina

Serdarevic

Mar 9, 2025

Kent Favoriten

Turkish delights

The Kent family of restaurants is well known in Vienna as vibrant outposts of Turkish culinary delights with their classic array of appetizers, charcoal-grilled skewers, kebab, and many other highlights.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Mar 8, 2025

Champa Restaurant

Flavours of home

The architecture is simple, light, and modern and allows the creative food and drinks to shine. Arguably one of the finest in Liesing, it still boasts very reasonable prices and ventures into the many flavors of Asia.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Mar 8, 2025
Lobau Vienna

Lobau

Walk in the wild

The Lobau is a national park made of meadows and forests that can be reached via subway and yet it's a world of its own. The perfect escape from city life is a walk in the National Park.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Mar 8, 2025

Lao Lao

Contemporary Chinese at its best

The noodles just really taste so different if they are hand-made. The decoration of the plates and drinks is lovely and adds to the overall culinary experience.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Mar 8, 2025

The Flag

Football Drinking Culture

The Flag is a social-cultural hotspot attracting the after-game crowds or for special events like DJ nights, punk concerts, and parties. The social and cultural activities are plenty.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Mar 8, 2025

Öfferl

Favorite Baker

It is a one-stop shop for an extravagant pick-nick or special treat with a superb coffee-to-go on the side.

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Mar 8, 2025

Heading to Vienna?

159 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Vienna this weekend?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

159 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Vienna

Get to know our other Spotters from Vienna

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
cached_response not present
33
Filters