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Konzerthaus
The Konzerthaus is a major venue in classical music circles, but throughout the year ethnic music, rock, pop or jazz can also be heard in its hallowed halls. Up to three simultaneous performances, in the Grosser Saal, the Mozart Saal and the Schubert Saal, can be staged; this massive complex also features another four concert halls. Students can pick up tickets for around €12 30 minutes before performances; children receive a 50-percent discount.
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Kunsthallencafé
The Kunsthallencafé carries plenty of 'cool' clout and attracts a relaxed, arty crowd with its DJs and close proximity to the Kunsthalle Project Space. The big sofas go quickly but there are plenty of small tables perfect for an intimate evening, and in summer the huge terrace (with more couches) is a big attraction. Thankfully, the building site surrounding this glass box has finally been cleared to let in the cityscape.
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Künstlerhauspassage
A glass box beneath the Künstlerhaus, Künstlerhauspassage is a refuge for Vienna's art scene. Spoken word performances, films, live music and DJs take turns entertaining a thoroughly alternative crowd; ' IckeMicke ,' every Friday night from August to September, tops the bill with progressive techno and electronica from the next big names in the DJ business. The adjoining outdoor ampitheatre is a perfect escape from the sweaty dance floor.
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Kursalon
Fans of the Strauss family will love the performances at the Kursalon, which are devoted solely to the famous dynasty. Their repertoire of ballet and operetta is displayed in the refurbished Renaissance building at either or but if time is of the essence stop by for coffee, cake and a quartet waltz performance in the garden during the day.
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Lo:Sch
This leather-fetish bar is normally men-only but occasionally hosts unisex parties on Saturday nights. Lo:sch sometimes opens during the week for special events.
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Mango Bar
Mango attracts a young, often men-only gay crowd with good music, friendly staff and plenty of mirrors to check out yourself and others. It usually serves as a kick start for a big night out on the town.
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Mayer am Pfarrplatz
Fifteen minutes' walk from U4 Heiligenstadt, Mayer caters to tour groups but still manages to retain an air of authenticity, helped along by its peaceful ambience, vine-covered surrounds and history (Beethoven lived here in 1817). The huge shaded garden towards the rear includes a children's play area, and there's live music from to daily.
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Metropol
The Metropol is a bit of a musical chameleon: one week might see performances by international acts, the next kitsch musicals, cabaret and folk music. There's plenty of tables and bar stools so there should be no problem procuring a ticket.
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Miles Smiles
One of two bars in town named after legend Miles Davis, Miles Smiles is for the discerning jazz fan who likes to see the whites of the artist's eyes. Live acts are irregular but always enthralling, the atmosphere enthusiastic and energetic.
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Musikverein
The Musikverein proudly offers the best acoustics of any concert hall in Austria, which the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra makes excellent use of. The interior is suitably lavish and can be visited on the occasional guided tour. Standing-room tickets in the main hall cost around €4 to around €6 ; there are no student tickets. Smaller-scale performances are held in the Brahms Saal.
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Odeon
This oft-forgotten performance venue looks suitably grand from the outside but unfortunately doesn't quite live up to expectations inside. Anything from classical concerts to raves are held within its walls.
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Orange One
Once the haunt of down-and-outs and alcoholics, this former Gasthaus (guesthouse) received a complete make-over and reinvented itself as Orange One, a modern bar with a distinct retro feel and grown-up attitude. DJs play most nights and off-beat films are intermittently projected on the back wall. If smoke is a problem, it's best not to spend too much time here on winter nights.
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Orangery
Schönbrunn's lovely former imperial greenhouse is the location for year-round Mozart and Strauss concerts. Performances last around two hours and begin at daily.
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Palais Palffy
Another Mozart and Strauss performance venue, this time in Palais Palffy's stunning baroque Figarosaal (Figaro Hall). Mozart himself performed here as a child in 1762 and although the music isn't of the same quality as that of the Philharmonic, it's lively and enthusiastic. Performances start at daily.
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Palmenhaus
Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian palm house complete with high arched ceilings, glass walls and steel beams, Palmenhaus occupies one of the most attractive locations in Vienna. The crowd is generally well-to-do, but the ambience is relaxed and welcoming. The outdoor seating in summer is a must, and there are occasional club nights.
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Passage
Passage is the closest Vienna comes to a megaclub. Its sleek interior, soothing colours and sweaty atmosphere attract the beautiful people of the city, their entourage and plenty of oglers and barflies. The music is loud and fairly mainstream, with R&B, hip-hop and house nights; 'Disco Fever Tuesdays' draws some of the biggest crowds. Expect lines and black-clad, muscle-bound doormen after ( on Friday and Saturday).
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Phil
A retro bar reminiscent of an East Berlin Lokal , Phil attracts a bohemian crowd happy to squat on kitsch furniture your Grandmother used to own. Half the establishment is store rather than bar; TVs from the '70s, DVDs, records and books are for sale, as is all the furniture. Staff are super friendly and the vibe as relaxed as can be.
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Planet Music
This dark and divey venue sticks to a program of band contests and international acts sliding off the popularity wagon but every now and then something intriguing turns up. The acoustics aren't bad and the beer is cheap, but it's located a bit out of the centre.
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Porgy & Bess
Quality is the cornerstone of Porgy & Bess' continuing popularity. Its program is loaded with modern jazz acts from around the globe, DJs fill spots on weekends, and jam sessions take place after on Fridays. The interior is dim and the vibe velvety and very grown-up.
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Raimund Theater
The Raimund Theater hosts big, Broadway-style musicals these days, but when it opened its doors in 1893 it produced only spoken dramas. With a seating capacity of more than 1000, obtaining a ticket won't be a problem.
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Reigen
Reigen's tiny stage is the setting for jazz, blues and world music. While most acts won't ring many bells, the likes of Living Colour have made appearances here in recent times. If the music doesn't suit there's an amazing number of bars to escape to.
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Reinprecht
Located in the heart of Grinzing, Reinprecht shines bright amongst the dull Heurigen in these parts. It still caters to the masses with its huge garden, enormous buffet and live music, but quality reigns throughout - it won the 2005 wine grower of the year award and features some of the best wine in the city. Check out the cork collection; at 3500 pieces, it's the largest in Europe.
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Rhiz
Rhiz's decor of brick arches and glass walls is reminiscent of so many bars beneath the U6 line, but its status as a stalwart of the city's electronica scene gives it the edge over much of the competition. Black-clad boozers and an alternative set cram the interior in winter to hear DJs and live acts; in summer, the large outdoor seating area fills to overflowing. Staff couldn't be friendlier and there's internet access.
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Roxy
A seminal club for years, Roxy still manages to run with the clubbing pack and sometimes to lead the way. DJs from Vienna's electronica scene regularly guest on the turntables and most nights it's hard to find a space on the small dance floor. Expect a crowded, but very good, night out here.
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Schauspielhaus
The Schauspielhaus pushes the boundaries of theatre in Vienna with unconventional productions ranging from ethnic dance performances to political satires. Whatever the theme, you can guarantee it will be thought-provoking.
