Things To Do in Vienna In February 2026 – Events & Attractions
What are the best things to do in Vienna in February 2026? Actually, dance balls are one of the best options to warm up this chilly month. However, if you are not into dancing, there are enough ‘escape programmes’ in February, from concerts, exhibitions and operas to the best Faschingskrapfen. See also my tips for the seasonal best day trips from Vienna. If you plan to attend a concert, find out in Vienna concerts which best to choose.
February may be wintery in Vienna, but the city maintains its pace. Whether you’re a culture lover, a foodie, or someone looking for winter fun, here are the highlights of what’s happening in Vienna this February:
1. Valentine’s Day in Vienna
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. Romance and Vienna go hand in hand, and what better time to experience this than on Valentine’s Day? From candlelit dinners in historic restaurants to classical concerts in intimate settings, the city offers a wealth of romantic experiences to mark the occasion. Take a Fiaker (horse-drawn carriage) ride through the old town’s cobblestone streets, or enjoy a glass of wine at a traditional Viennese Heuriger.
If you’re after something special, a Valentine’s concert at Schönbrunn Palace or a waltz lesson for two could add a unique touch to your evening. Find out how to utterly impress and have a memorable time in What To Do In Vienna For Valentine’s Day.
- Date: February 14th, 2026
- Top Picks: Romantic concerts, elegant dinners, Fiaker rides
- Top Tip: Book ahead – Valentine’s Day is popular, and tickets reservations fill up fast.
2. Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Chamber Music
Things to do in Vienna In February 2026. About one day each month, members of the Vienna Philharmonic perform chamber music in different ensemble combinations at the Vienna State Opera. In February, a flute, an oboe, a clarinet, a bassoon, a horn and a piano will play their part without a conductor in the more intimate settings of the Gustav Mahler Hall
- Date: 21st February 2026, 11 am
- Location: Wiener Staatsoper, Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna
Tickets: Book tickets here.
3. Viennese Opera Ball
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. The Viennese Opernball is not just any ball – it’s the most prestigious and glamorous ball of the season, drawing celebrities, socialites, and the cultural elite from around the world. Held at the grand Vienna State Opera, the Opernball mixes tradition and elegance. To start with, the evening opens with a breathtaking debutante performance – hundreds of young women dressed in white ball gowns and tiaras waltz with their partners to classical music, officially inaugurating the night.
Even if you aren’t attending the Vienna Opera ball itself, you can feel its allure with live broadcasts on Austrian television. On the night, fans fill the streets around the Opera House hoping to catch a glimpse of the red-carpet arrivals of local and international VIPs.
- Date: 12th February, 2026
- Time: Begins at 8:00 PM and runs late into the night.
- Location: Vienna State Opera, 1st District.
- Dress Code: Strictly Formal – Floor-length gowns for women, tuxedos with tails for men.
4. Albertina: 250th Anniversary
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. The Albertina Museum Vienna and the Albertina Modern are the largest museum for modern art in Central Europe with art exhibitions like Monet and Picasso. Besides, the Albertina has the largest and most valuable graphical collections in the world, containing masterpieces such as Dürer’s Hare and Klimt’s studies of women. In 2026, the museum’s art collection celebrates its 250th anniversary. Expect major anniversary celebrations like special exhibitions, events, and cultural programs to unfold from early February 2026.
- Dates: various
- Locations: Albertina Vienna, Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
- Book Tickets: purchase your tickets here
5. Experience Vienna Folk And International Music At The Accordion Festival
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. Between 21st February and 15th March 2026, art project coordinator Friedl Preisl invites dozens of local and international accordion geniuses to celebrate the best of European folk music making. Specifically, the Accordion Festival features classical to contemporary, and folk to jazz. Starting from accordions producing Vienna Schrammel music hear tunes from different parts of the world. Learn more in Vienna Music Festival.
6. Celebrate Shrove Tuesday with Kaiserschmarren
In 2026, this day is the 17th February.Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. In a catholic country like Austria Shrove Tuesday – the day before Ash Wednesday – marks the last day before Lent. From as far back as the 16th century, Shrove Tuesday has traditionally been the last day to indulge before the fasting of Lent began and an opportunity to use up the food that couldn’t be eaten during Lent including eggs, milk, and fat. Those are exactly the ingredients a fluffy Austrian Kaiserschmarren is made of. Why not take a 1-hour cooking class before or on Shrove Tuesday, 17th February 2026?
Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, 11.30am
Location: Edlingers Tempel, Praterstrasse
Admission: reserve your space
7. Take Viennese Waltz Dance Lessons
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. Even if you don’t attend a Viennese ball, waltz dancing is fun, and a skill that you can use at other dancing events such as wedding parties or dance teas.
This 50-minute Viennese Waltz workshop for couples is conducted by certified Dance Master Aga Bohun in a traditional Viennese ballroom. Participants learn the fundamental steps, posture, and rhythm that characterize the Viennese Waltz, one of Austria’s most recognized cultural traditions.
The session is designed for beginners and incorporates elements of cultural history alongside practical instruction in the dance’s technique and musicality. The workshop takes place in Vienna, the historical birthplace of the waltz, and provides an introduction to this classical dance form for those interested in experiencing Austrian cultural heritage firsthand.
Read more in Viennese waltz dance lessons.
8. Venture Out for A Day Trip
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. The best Day Trips from Vienna in the winter are those to neighbouring cities such as Bratislava, Salzburg, Budapest and Prague. At just 80 km (50 m) from Vienna, the nearest spot is Bratislava. Thanks to its equally great highway and train connections, Salzburg also makes for a relaxed day trip, and can be combined with Hallstatt and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melk Abbey.
All four of them are also full of museums, castles and palaces, and cosy cafes, so you have a vast choice of indoor activities.
Learn more about day trips from Vienna.
9. Join A Guided Night Walk
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. If you are in Vienna on a Saturday, this night walk is a must. Vienna is so much more dramatic when street lanterns light up its architecture with sharp shadows. The winter months are ideal for this walk as the sun sets early.
This tour highlights Vienna’s dark side. We have lots of dramatic looking places, stories and legends that just come out so much better at night. You’ll learn about the flip side of key landmarks like the Imperial Palace and explore hidden alleys like Blutgasse (‘blood alley’) in the city centre.
Find out more about the Vienna Night Walk.
10. Taste A Faschingskrapfen
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. Our carnival doughnuts (Faschingskrapfen) are a treasured tradition. People traditionally indulge in these pastries during the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. The idea is to enjoy rich and indulgent foods before the fasting period of Lent begins.
You will find Faschingskrapfen in all good local bakeries. They are filled with apricot jam or custard. The best are fluffy with a crispy surface and have a well visible injection hole on the side. (Connoisseurs localise it first and bite straight into it to avoid jam disasters.)
11. Alpine Winter Hiking
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. Snowy forests, mountain huts and Alpine terrain are not far from Vienna. This two-day small group hiking tour explores the Hochschwab mountain range in Austria’s Northern Limestone Alps, beginning with transportation by car or van from Vienna to the trailhead.
The seasonal route covers 10-15 kilometers with about 800 meters of elevation change, or a shorter 10-kilometer option with 700 meters for those stopping at the hut. Throughout the journey, a certified mountain guide provides instruction in navigation skills including map reading, orientation, and compass use. The tour includes an overnight stay at a mountain hut with breakfast provided; Typically for Austrian mountain huts, accommodation is in shared rooms with communal bathroom facilities. The group returns to Vienna in the late afternoon or evening of the second day.
- Dates: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
- Time: 2 day hiking tour
- Location: Hochschwab mountain
- Booking: learn more about the tour and book here
12. Movie Locations Tour
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. For decades, Vienna’s cinematic charm has caught the eye of filmmakers. The city’s picturesque streets, grand architecture, and historical depth make it a perfect setting for films and TV series, from classics of the 1940s to today’s Netflix productions.
One of the most iconic films to be shot in Vienna is The Third Man, a post-war noir thriller that still draws fans to its filming locations today. You can visit the famous Ferris Wheel at the Prater amusement park, or take a guided tour of the city’s underground canal system, both key locations in the film.
Modern productions like Vienna Blood also take advantage of the city’s beautiful settings, showcasing places like Café Sperl and the Palais Coburg. Take a tour of these famous locations and learn more about Vienna’s role in the world of cinema.
Highlights: The Ferris Wheel at Prater, Café Sperl, the Hotel Sacher,
Extras: Some tours offer behind-the-scenes insights and connections to film history such as the Third Man Movie Tour
13. The Wiener Eistraum Ice Skating Experience
Things to do in Vienna in February 2026. As winter comes to an end, enjoy the last days of ice skating at the Wiener Eistraum, a beautiful outdoor rink located in front of the City Hall. This popular attraction features interconnected skating paths and large ice surfaces, offering an unforgettable experience under the backdrop of Vienna’s stunning architecture.
If you miss this one, the Eislaufverein rink also remains open during the early days of March. With rental skates available and music playing throughout, it’s a delightful way to soak up the last of the winter fun.
- Date: Until early March 2026
- Location: Rathausplatz, Vienna; Wiener Eislaufverein, Lothringerstraße 22, 1030 Vienna
- Admission: Ticket prices vary; skate rentals available on-site.
what to do Specifically In Other months
Things to do in Vienna, January
Things to do in Vienna, February
Things to do in Vienna, March
Things to do in Vienna, April
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Things to do in Vienna, October
Things to do in Vienna, November
Things to do in Vienna, December
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