Few cities cover as many bases as Vienna, the fabulous capital of Austria that remains one of the most influential cities in Europe. The city’s elite museums and brilliant coffee culture get the headlines, but this place knows how to party. A night out in Vienna is heaps of fun, no matter your preferred style of painting the town red.
The Austrian capital has everything from glitzy rooftops and innovative cocktail bars to beer halls and dives, with no stone left unturned in the spaces between. No matter your mood, these are the best bars in Vienna for a brilliant night out.
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This piece was written by author and travel writer Emma Hughes. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
What is it? An atmospheric, bare-bones bar on Gumpendorfer Strasse in the up-and-coming sixth district: think ‘The Matrix’ meets ‘Mad Men’. You’d be barking not to drop in if you’re passing.
Why go? There’s nowhere better to start the night. The classics – Old Fashioneds, Boulevardiers, martinis – are executed faultlessly and reasonably priced. The one to beat is the Damascus Spritz, with rum and cardamom syrup.
What is it? A symphony in pastel pink, marble and decorative pineapples, this place is a ’grammer’s dream come true. But Miranda has style and substance – step this way for a night of expertly mixed drinks.
Why go? These are seriously classy, creative cocktails, but they won’t break the bank. We love the Italian aperitivo-inspired Signora Dolce (gin, suze, amaretto, strega and orange bitters) and the Petit Déjeuner À Montpellier (thyme-infused gin, mirtillo, walnut bitters, lime juice and ginger syrup).
What is it? krypt. used to be an under-the-radar jazz club in the 1950s, and it still feels clandestine. Make your way down into the cavernous space and perch at the marble bar for whisky- and tequila-based specialities.
Why go? Forget gin in teacups – this has a real-deal speakeasy vibe, but it’s mercifully low on attitude, too. There’s a no-reservations policy, so if you don’t want to wait, it’s best to come early (or late).
What is it? Way up on the 18th floor of the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom, this classy number offers jaw-dropping views of the city and a menu of sophisticated twists on old favourites.
Why go? Watching the sunset over the rooftops with a glass of something strong and frosty in your hand is hard to beat. Try the Plata Roja with saffron-infused tequila or the signature blend of gin, cherry tomato, lime and basil syrup. A setting like this doesn’t come cheap, and you have to dress up, but it’s worth it.
What is it? An arthouse cinema with one of Vienna’s friendliest and most laid-back bars. Book tickets to a screening and make a night of it.
Why go? As you’d expect from somewhere that attracts a young, alternative crowd, it’s fantastic value. There’s also a strong selection of craft beers, and the toasties make excellent blotting paper. It isn't the fanciest place in town, but it doesn't need to be.
What is it? Dating back to 1908, this mirrored, wood-panelled bar feels like stepping into a jewellery box. It’s a fixture on the tourist trail, but prove to the staff that you’re serious about staying for a drink, and you’ll be rewarded with some of Vienna’s best classic cocktails.
Why go? It’s moodily magnificent, especially in the small hours of the morning – you’ll feel like you’re in ‘The Third Man’. The staff seriously know their way around a shaker; there are six different martinis and five Manhattans to choose from, all exemplary.
What is it? A 1930s-inspired cocktail bar with a roof terrace that’s the place to see and be seen come summer. For a glamorous, grown-up evening, look no further.
Why go? With its Art Deco styling, acres of dark wood and chandeliers, Kleinod harks back to the golden age of cocktail drinking, but the mixology here is impressively futuristic – try the Lebkuchen, named after the Christmassy ginger biscuit.
What is it? The Hotel Sacher’s legendary bar is, as the name suggests, blue – very, very blue. But Smurfish furnishings aside, this is an exceedingly elegant spot.
Why go? There’s nothing the staff here don’t know about mixing world-class drinks. Stick to one and steer clear of the bank-breaking champagne cocktails, and you can have a five-star time.
What is it? On the sixth floor of swanky design hotel Do & Co, Onyx has floor-to-ceiling windows that’ll make you feel like you’re actually on the roof of St Stephen’s Cathedral. The spirit selection elicits almost as much of a wow as the views.
Why go? You’ll be able to taste your way through one of the city’s most comprehensive cocktail lists. Don’t miss the barrel-aged tipples (try the Mexican Negroni) and the cocktails with sparkling wine as their starting point.
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