Graz
The tunnels under Schlossberg were once used as air-raid shelters. Today, some of them have been refashioned into a large arts-clubbing venue. See the…
Must-see nightlife in Austria
Vorarlberg
Bordello meets neobaroque at the Wunderbar, where candles illuminate blood-red walls, cherubs and velvet sofas. Browse the papers, bag a swing on the…
Krems an der Donau
A Danube-facing, columned wine bar that stocks a comprehensive lineup of local wines by the glass. The kitchen turns out good drinking food, say carpaccio…
Graz
Situated downstairs in the same building as the bar M1, this cellar spot is the favoured hangout of Graz' metal connoisseurs. Enter from Prokopigasse.
Vienna
Tucked down an atmospheric passage, this tiny wine bar only seats 10 people, but it makes up for it with over 350 wines on offer (with a strong emphasis…
Tyrol
This rollicking après-ski bar is full of Schatzis (little treasures) in the form of go-go dancing girls in skimpy Dirndls that look like they’ve shrunk in…
Salzburg
This is a real neighbourhood bar with jazzy music, antipasti and a great selection of wines. Taste citrusy Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings from the family…
Tyrol
This slope-side pick opposite Hahnenkammbahn is a rollicking après-ski haunt in winter, with DJs, singing, schnapps-drinking and skiers jiggling to…
Innsbruck
Grab a cushion and drink in 360-degree views of the city and Alps from the balcony that skirts this spherical, glass-walled bar. It's a nicely chilled…
St Gilgen
An archetypal resort bar, the 12Alm Bar is a loud, colourful basement party zone that goes from drinking spot to disco after 9pm. Check the Facebook page…
Salzburg
At this cafe, with its chandeliers and polished wood, locals enjoy the same river views over breakfast, cake and intelligent conversation as Marlene…
The Zillertal
Scotland Yard is a British pub with all the trimmings: Guinness, darts and a red phone box where expats can pour their hearts out to folk back home after…
The Zillertal
An American-themed bar with an upbeat vibe, great cocktails, finger food and burgers, and regular live music. Bands take to the stage Monday, Wednesday…
Graz
This traditional bar and Beisl (bistro pub) with a dark-wood interior and outside seating has an alternative feel and super-cheap eats from breakfast on.
Tyrol
Yes, we know, the name... But don't let it stop you from venturing into this club – when the après-ski ends, it takes over with international-DJ-spun…
Tyrol
Celebrities and would-be celebrities are often spotted at this uber-glamorous club, bringing a dash of Ibiza to Ischgl and brimming with beautiful people.
Vienna
Muskateller and Grüner Veltliner wines are the signature drops of this oak-shaded Heuriger, along with a Cabernet Franc (a rarity in the area).
Vienna
This Viennese summer favourite has sprawling, riverside terrace spaces for drinking, with food trucks and a glassed-in area for when the weather turns.
Tyrol
This funky little shack is the place for slope-side socialising, with DJs, dancing and good vibes. Gear up for a big night out in Ischgl here.
Prater & East of the Danube
Skip the food but go for a beer at the 'Swiss House'. It's mainly renowned for its kitschy trad-style beer garden in amid the Prater park action.
Styria
Finding après-ski in Schladming in the ski season is as easy as falling down an icy hill. The Hohenhaus Tenne is a reliable place to tumble.
Linz
Plastered with posters, this tiny dive bar blasts rock, punk and metal (Aerosmith, Iggy Pop, Black Sabbath et al) every night of the week.
Zell am See
Join the cocktail sippers for a daiquiri or Cuba libre at this upbeat, backlit lounge bar, which has occasional live music and DJ nights.
Neusiedler See
This excellent Vinothek represents 15 wine producers in the town and region; it holds regular tastings and wine-themed events.
Zell am See
With a pavement terrace, this sleek cafe is a relaxed spot for proper gelato or an espresso with a slice of homemade carrot cake.
Graz
Student-friendly retro theme nights, dance music and occasional live gigs. See the website for upcoming events and prices.
The Salzkammergut
Part of the Hotel Lexenhof, Axxl is a popular Attersee hotspot after sunset, with DJs, occasional live music, and events.
Tyrol
A huge wooden barn with live Austrian bands and potent apple schnapps working the crowd into a singing, dancing frenzy.
Tyrol
This ultra-chic wine bar and shop has a terrace that is great for people-watching over fine wines and small plates.
Tyrol
This loud, crowded British pub with daily live music is known as Pickawilly (the mind boggles) to locals.
Innsbruck
Chandeliers, vaulted ceilings and a HMV gramophone set the scene in this convivial Gothic-style bar.
Vienna
With a pastel-pink feature wall, a turquoise Brazilian-marble counter and white leather stools, Miranda is a bright alternative to Vienna's more serious…
Vienna
Two resident cats crawl along the bar at Das Augustin, a former pub that's now a lounge room–style bar with wood panelled walls, velvet couches and large…
Vienna
Just a short stroll from Schloss Schönbrunn's Hietzing Gate, this pink-trimmed cafe – part of a Vienna-wide chain – is a decent spot to escape the crowds,…
Vienna
Chelsea is the old, ratty dog on the Gürtel and a favourite of the student and alternative scene. Posters and underground paraphernalia adorn walls, and…
Vienna
Dominating one corner of the 16th district, this is the largest of Vienna’s city breweries, home to the beloved Ottakringer beer. Dating from 1837, the…
Vienna
Unlike other Viennese cafes with sumptuous interiors, Prückel features an intact 1950s design. Intimate booths, strong coffee, diet-destroying cakes and…
Vienna
Fledermaus is among Vienna's most relaxed and down-to-earth clubs in terms of decor and clientele. Its program runs the spectrum of musical styles from…
Vienna
Occupying the foyer of the Top Kino cinema, this relaxed place serves Austria’s finest lagers to an alternative crowd. The decor is highly retro,…
Vienna
Opened way back in 1982, this club is old school, with door check and bouncers, so dress reasonably conservatively. Inside, two large dance floors soon…
