-
Canetti
Canetti is one of only a handful of eateries in Vienna with rooftop views. Perched on top of the Bücherei Wien , it offers a sweeping vista of Vienna to the south. The Viennese dishes can be hit-or-miss unfortunately, but it's a fine place for a quiet coffee or something stronger.
-
Chelsea
Chelsea is the old, ratty dog on the Gürtel and very much a favourite of the student/alternative scene. Posters and underground paraphernalia adorn walls, DJs spin loud sounds (usually indie, sometimes techno) when live acts aren't playing, and on weekends bouncers are required to control numbers. During football season, English premier league and Champions league football games are broadcast.
-
Club U
Club U occupies one of Otto Wagner's Stadtbahn Pavillons on Karlsplatz. It's a small, student-infested bar/club with regular DJs and a wonderful outdoor seating area overlooking the pavilions and park.
-
Das Möbel
Das Möbel wins points for its furniture consisting entirely of one-off pieces produced by local designers. Half the fun is choosing a spot that takes your fancy - whether it be a swinging chair or a surfboard bench. Light fittings, bags and various odds and ends complete the look, and everything is for sale.
-
De France
De France screens films in their original language, with subtitles, in its two small cinemas. The schedule includes a healthy dose of English-language films.
-
Eckert
Located in the heart of Strebersdorf, a 10-minute walk from the tram 26 terminus (walk north on Russberg Strasse and right at Strebersdorfer Platz), Eckert is a cross between a traditional establishment and an arts centre. Paintings by local artists adorn walls, live music features once a month (anything from jazz to rock and roll) and readings are common. Tours of the wine cellars are offered, and kids generally get the run of the place.
-
Elektro Gönner
Elektro Gönner is an unpretentious bar opened by architects (and attracting plenty from the profession). Much of the interior is uncomplicated and bare, aside from the occasional art installation in the back room, and the music diverse. The bar hides at the back of a courtyard off Mariahilfer Strasse.
-
English Cinema Haydn
The Haydn cinema is a comfortable three-screen cinema screening only mainstream Hollywood-style films in their original language.
-
Esterházykeller
Esterházykeller is tucked away in a quiet courtyard just off Kohlmarkt. Its enormous cellar is a tad claustrophobic, but after a few glasses of excellent wine, direct from the Esterházy Palace cellar in Eisenstadt, no one seems to mind. The rustic decor, complete with medieval weaponry and farming tools, reeks of kitsch; the individual wooden booths are its saving grace. Unlike most Heurigen, beer is offered.
-
Europa
A long-standing fixture of the 7th district, Europa is a chilled spot anytime, day or night. During the sunny hours, join the relaxed set at a window table for coffee and food. In the evening, take a pew at the bar and enjoy the DJ's tunes. Its breakfast, served between and on weekends, caters to a hungover clientele.
-
Advertisement
-
Filmcasino
An art-house cinema of some distinction, the Filmcasino screens an excellent mix of Asian and European docos and avant-garde short films, along with independent feature-length films from around the world. Its '50s-style foyer is particularly impressive.
-
First Floor
First Floor is a true barfly haunt with cocktails galore, classic jazz tunes, professional, laid-back bartenders and a huge aquarium (empty of fish). It's a grand place to get soddenly drunk with a best mate, or spend hours flirting with the opposite sex.
-
Flex
Flex has been attracting a more mainstream crowd in recent times, but it still manages to retain a semblance of its former edginess, and the title of best club in town. The sound system is without equal in Vienna (some would say Europe), entry price generally reasonable and dress code unheard of. The monthly DJ line-up features local legends and international names, and live acts are commonplace.
-
Fluc
Located on the wrong side of the tracks (Praterstern can be uncomfortable at times) and looking for all the world like a pre-fab schoolroom, Fluc is the closest Vienna's nightlife scene comes to anarchy - without the fear of physical violence. Black-clad students, smashed alcoholics, 30-something freelancers and the occasional TV celebrity all share the stripped-back venue without any hassle, and DJs or live acts play every night (electronica features heavily).
-
Frauencafé
A strictly women-only café/bar, Frauencafé has long been a favourite of Vienna's lesbian scene. It has a homely, relaxed feel and is located away from the hub of gay and lesbian bars around the Rosa Lila Villa.
-
Futuregarden Bar & Art Club
With white walls, an open bar and basic furniture, it's hard to find a simpler place in Vienna. Its one piece of decoration - apart from the occasional art exhibition by local artists - is its rectangular disco 'ball,' which swings from the ceiling. Futuregarden attracts a 30s crowd with a cool atmosphere and electric sounds.
-
Gartenbaukino
Fortunately the interior of the Gartenbaukino has survived since the 1960s, making a trip to the flicks here all the more appealing. The actual cinema seats a whopping 750 people and is often packed during Viennale screenings. Its regular screening schedule is full to overflowing with art-house films, normally with subtitles.
-
Goodmann
A tiny club attracting clubbers who don't want the night to end, Goodmann serves food upstairs (until ) and hides its night owls, who are an eclectic mix of old and young (but always in a merry state), downstairs.
-
Hirt
Hidden among the vineyards on the eastern slopes of Kahlenberg, Hirt is a simple Heuriger with few frills. Basic wooden tables, a small buffet and marginal service all help to create a traditional atmosphere while views of Kahlenbergerdorf and the 21st district across the Danube are a pleasure to enjoy over a few glasses of wine in the early evening. Hirt is best approached from the top of Kahlenberg.
-
Hofburg
The Neue Hofburg's concert halls, the sumptuous Festsaal and Redoutensaal, are regularly used for Strauss and Mozart concerts, featuring the Hofburg Orchestra and soloists from the Staatsoper and Volksoper. Performances start at and tickets are available from travel agents, hotels and Mozart lookalikes. It's open-plan seating, so get in early.
-
Advertisement
-
International Theatre
The small International Theatre, with its entrance on Müllnergasse, has a mainly American company who live locally. Discounted tickets are available to students and senior citizens for around €14 . It closes for around five weeks at the beginning of August and has a linked venue, Fundus, at Müllnergasse 6A, 9th District.
-
Jazzland
Jazzland has been an institution of Vienna's jazz scene for over 30 years. The music covers the whole jazz spectrum, and the brick venue features a grand mixture of local and international acts.
-
Jirsa Theater Karten Büro
Jirsa is one of the larger ticketing offices in the city (there are around 20 in total). Tickets for a range of performances and venues are sold here, but you might be charged commission (some places add 20% to 30%).
-
Kammeroper
The Kammeroper ranks as Vienna's third opera house after the Staatsoper and Volksoper. Its small venue is perfect for the unusual and quirky opera productions and over summer the entire company is transported to the Schlosstheater Schönbrunn to continue performances in more opulent surroundings. Students receive a 30-percent discount, children under 14 pay half-price.
-
Kleines Café
Designed by architect Hermann Czech in the 1970s, the Kleines Café exudes a bohemian atmosphere reminiscent of Vienna's heady Jugendstil days. It's tiny inside, but the wonderful summer outdoor seating on Franziskanerplatz is arguably the best in the Innere Stadt.
