Vienna by night: evening events, bars, nightlife and more
Author: 1000things
From elegant opera evenings to cocktails with a view: Vienna's nightlife is as diverse as the city itself. We show you the clubs and bars where you can have a good time and from which vantage points you can admire the metropolis in a sea of lights at night. Whether you're looking for romance or a party, Vienna has a lot to offer night owls.
Vienna already has a lot up its sleeve in daylight, but even when the sun goes down, the city reveals its very special charm. Whether you want to enjoy culture, dance the night away or simply take a relaxed stroll through the illuminated streets - Vienna delivers. That's why we'll tell you what the city's night owls get up to.
By the way: the Vienna Welcome Card not only gets you from A to B more cheaply, but also gives you numerous discounts at the city's best attractions.
Vienna State Opera: nightly glamor
An evening at the Vienna State Opera is definitely on every bucket list when visiting Vienna. Whether classical opera or impressive ballet performances - the experience is simply magical every time. And let's be honest: a visit to the opera is the perfect start to a night out in style.
Tip: To kick off the evening, treat yourself to a double espresso at Café Mozart just around the corner so you're ready for the night. In addition to the performances, the guided tours of the State Opera are also extremely exciting and a highlight, especially when it's dark outside. You can toast with a glass of sparkling wine on the balcony with a view of the illuminated city center. After your visit to the opera, the many bars in the first district invite you to continue the evening. The Eden Bar is particularly classy, where your elegant opera outfit will pay off immediately, as the dress code for this bar is smart evening wear. A large selection of champagne and excellent cocktails await you on the menu, plus there is regular live music, especially jazz evenings. Incidentally, celebrities such as James Brown, Romy Schneider, Alain Delon and Falco have already made themselves comfortable on the velvet armchairs in the elegant ambience of the Eden Bar.
House of the sea: dinner with a view
You can marvel at sharks and exotic fish here during the day, but did you know that the 360° OCEAN SKY restaurant on the 11th floor is also open in the evening? With a drink in your hand and a view over the sparkling city, the House of the Sea is a real insider tip for night owls. The highest rooftop location in Vienna's city center was originally built as an anti-aircraft tower, but now you can linger here until 11 pm and watch the night slowly fall over Vienna. The restaurant serves classic to sophisticated dishes throughout the day - the vegan panna cotta is simply delicious.
Club Volksgarten: Viennese nightlife deluxe
Club Volksgarten is a classic in Viennese nightlife. Here you can dance until the early hours of the morning on Thursdays to Saturdays - in a stylish atmosphere and with fine drinks. You'll see most of the ladies there in high heels and chic dresses, while the men wear polo shirts and white shirts. Are you more into wild nightlife like in Berlin? Then the techno club Grelle Forelle or the Pratersauna are the right places for you. Things are a little more underground at dasWERK.
By the way: if you want to get to bed as quickly as possible after your club visit - we feel you! -you can get a discount on the 31300 cab and at Bolt with the Vienna Welcome Card. For the ultimate Vienna experience, you must of course make a stop at the sausage stand on the way home.
DDSG Blue Danube: a relaxed boat trip at night
Clubbing not your thing? If you prefer to sway along on the wave instead of swaying from one foot to the other, a romantic boat trip is the perfect choice. The Danube cruise on board a DDSG Blue Danube boat lasts around three hours and is the ultimate experience for your night out in Vienna. During the cruise, you will experience the magical atmosphere of dusk, the sunset on the Danube and the illuminated skyline of the city center. You can also enjoy delicious specialties from the on-board restaurant. And with the Vienna Welcome Card, you can also secure discounted tickets for this evening activity.
Night walk along the Danube Canal: Graffiti, cocktails & vibes
You are guaranteed to feel solid ground under your feet on a night-time walk along the Danube Canal. Stroll along the illuminated water, past colorful graffiti, hip bars and relaxed spots that invite you to linger. Lively during the day, the canal unfolds a special calm at night, paired with cool city flair. Enjoy a drink at one of the bars, such as the popular Motto am Fluss, while the city lights are gently reflected in the water. Further along, small eateries such as NENI am Wasser await you, where you can enjoy Mediterranean-Israeli flavors: in summer you can make yourself comfortable outside, while in winter the evening is moved inside to the cozy, bohemian interior. If you still feel like partying later, you should drop by the legendary Flex on the opposite bank: a real veteran of the Viennese scene and known for one of the best sound systems in Europe.
Zollergasse: art, culture and bars
Zollergasse in the 7th district is a microcosm of Viennese creativity and a paradise for anyone who wants to get to know the art of local artists in combination with Viennese bar life. This charming pedestrian zone in the heart of the hip Neubau district combines relaxed flair with urban style. Small boutiques and concept stores beckon during the day, but Zollergasse really comes to life in the evening. Many of the surrounding galleries and studios hold regular openings and offer an insight into Vienna's creative scene. The relaxed St.Art combines a gallery, café and cocktail bar - the same concept is followed in the damani restaurant opposite. Café Europa and the bar Café Liebling are also particularly popular with locals. If you fancy a bit of local color with a young, artsy vibe, you should definitely come to Zollergasse for night-time bar hopping.
Are you more of a morning person than a night owl? Here are our favorite breakfast spots. And we'll show you the best way to get around Vienna in this article on public transport and mobility in Vienna.