Why visit Vienna in 2026? Eurovision is coming soon.

2026 already has a soundtrack ready to resonate across Europe: the Eurovision Song Contest is coming to Vienna , and the Austrian capital is poised to become the beating heart of international music and entertainment. After submitting its official candidacy on July 3, 2025 , the city beat out the competition, including Innsbruck, and earned the honor of hosting the 70th edition of the contest .

The result? A May that promises to be unforgettable. We're not just talking about live performances: Eurovision, as we know, is a truly widespread festival , with side events, official celebrations, and spontaneous parties that invade city squares, clubs, and parks. Vienna, with its dual soul—refined and classic on the one hand, youthful and alternative on the other—seems tailor-made for an event that unites worlds and generations.

The dates to mark? May 12 and 14 for the semi-finals and May 16 for the Grand Final, both hosted in the historic Wiener Stadthalle . For those days, Vienna will not only be Austria: it will be Europe, it will be the world.

Vienna and Eurovision, the perfect marriage

"We are very proud to have been chosen by the EBU and ORF," said Mayor Michael Ludwig , emphasizing how the candidacy emphasized accessibility and inclusivity : no events reserved for a select few, but many free initiatives open to the public. In an era when major events risk appearing elitist, Vienna wanted to reverse the perspective: culture for all , without distinction.

Alongside him, Vienna Tourism CEO Norbert Kettner echoed the sentiment: " Vienna and Eurovision are a perfect match." And indeed, just look around to understand why: Vienna has been a music capital for centuries . From Strauss waltzes to Philharmonic concerts, from Mozart's operas to electronic evenings along the Danube, here music isn't just entertainment; it's part of the urban DNA.

And it's not even the city's first time hosting the ESC: in 2015, it hosted the event, leaving everyone speechless. International media called it one of the best-organized editions ever. Now, with more experience and a desire to outdo itself, Vienna promises to raise the bar once again.

Vienna, a city that knows how to welcome and surprise

Logistics? Impeccable. Vienna has 82,000 beds in 433 hotels , an airport with direct connections to 195 cities in 65 countries , and the best night train network in Europe . For fans traveling from one party to the next, public transportation is excellent, with subway, trams, and buses covering every corner of the city.

But it's not just about numbers. Vienna has another ace up its sleeve: sustainability . No new infrastructure to build, no invasive interventions: the city is ready to host Eurovision with what it already has, reducing its environmental impact. It's an approach that reflects its values: openness, inclusion, respect for the future.

And then there's its vibrant soul . During Eurovision, the historic center with its Viennese cafés becomes an international lounge, while neighborhoods like Neubau and Prater transform into epicenters of music, street food, and nightlife. For fans seeking more authentic experiences, there are markets like the Naschmarkt , terraces overlooking the Danube, and underground clubs. Vienna has something for everyone: from the die-hard fan who wants to experience the final in a packed arena to the curious traveler who prefers to dance in an indie club.