Austria has some fabulous nightlife to offer with many festivals. It is worth getting out of the cities into some of the smaller towns and villages, particularly in the summer, where you will experience real Austrian hospitality.
Every town, city, and village has at least one festival known as a Fest. Throughout summer it is possible to go to a different festival every week. The festivals attract people from the surrounding areas, many wear national costumes and a brass band and accordion is playing traditional dance music.
In winter, many Austrians convene at mountain guesthouses, or Gasthaeuser, where they drink mulled wine called Gluehwein and local beers, socialize, and play games. These places also offer traditional Austrian cuisine. In resorts close to the many ski slopes, people finish their last ski run, then go and spend the night in the mountain bar.
In Austria’s cities and towns, most young people go to their nearest nightclub to dance the night away to a wide selection of music. Disco dancing in Austria often includes a modern version of the fox trot and smaller clubs tend to play a lot of oldies, the real club scene is non-existent outside of the capital. Many bars have live music and serve a wide variety of cuisine and alcohol.
Vienna
Vienna has plenty of choices when it comes to going out for a good time at night. Comfortable bars, nightclubs, discos, and international DJs are easy to get in Vienna. Nights in Vienna are ready to cater to everyone and every moment according to their choice. If you like to party, dance, or just sit in a bar, with live music or a live DJ. There are a lot of options in Vienna from chart music to electronic beats and jazz sounds. In Vienna, one can find small discos and large concert halls as well as musical theaters. Unceasing classical music dominates the Viennese streets at night. If not interested in partying and dancing, simply sit with a cup of coffee in the Gothic-style coffee houses. Enjoy the royal ambiance with your loved ones with a sip of coffee. The Vienna nightclubs open relatively early, to 22.00, and close around 4.00, although some clubs stay open until six.
Best Places For Nightlife In Vienna
Vienna, a city renowned for its cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and classical music, has a nightlife scene that’s equally enchanting. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a haven for those seeking vibrant and memorable nocturnal experiences.
1. Bermuda Dreieck: The Bermuda Dreieck also known as the Bermuda Triangle is located in the heart of the historical center near the Danube Canal. It is a lively and busy area until late at night by students and tourists, thanks to the presence of numerous clubs and pubs with good beer, local cuisine, and live music.
2. Donaukanal: Donaukanal or the Danube Canal is transformed into a festive area during the summer. During the summer months, walks that line the canal are always full of activity and there are many bars on the beach and the water.
3. Art Nouveau district: The Art Nouveau district outside the historic city center is one of the best areas for nightlife in Vienna where you can dance and party till late.
4. Naschmarkt: The most famous market in Vienna, the Naschmarkt, is one of the liveliest night areas of the Austrian capital. This area is rich in coffee, trendy restaurants, and bars frequented by many young Viennese. It includes an excellent DJ set, music, and cocktails, it is the ideal bar for those looking for an evening of celebration without the confusion and crowds of a nightclub.
5. Museums Quarter: The museum’s quarter during the day is one of the most culturally important areas of the Austrian capital, while at night it becomes a meeting place thanks to its numerous restaurants and quiet cafés.
Things To Do At Night In Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland as the sun sets. The city, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, takes on a new charm at night. In this guide, we’ll explore the myriad of activities that await you after dark, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of Europe.
1. Opera: Vienna offers a variety of theatres and opera houses. The Burg Theater is considered one of the best theatres in the German-speaking world alongside its branch, the Akademie Theater. The Volkstheater Wien and the Theater in der Josefstadt also enjoy good reputations. There is also a multitude of smaller theatres, in many cases devoted to less mainstream forms of the performing arts, such as modern, experimental plays or cabaret.
Vienna is also home to several opera houses, including the Theater an der Wien, the Staatsoper, and the Volksoper, the latter being devoted to the typical Viennese operetta. Classical concerts are performed at world-famous venues such as the Wiener Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra known across the world for the annual widely broadcast “New Year’s Day Concert”, also the Wiener Konzerthaus.
2. Riesenrad: Riesenrad or the Wiener Riesenrad also known as the Giant Ferris wheel is one of Vienna’s trademark sights since 1897 and one of the oldest operating Ferris Wheels in the world. The wheel has been featured in several movies, most notably The Third Man with Orson Welles. A circular trip on one of the most significant and fascinating structures in the world, and the unique view of the city of Vienna make the Giant Ferris Wheel an absolute cultural and architectural must for every visitor.
3. Waltz: The Viennese Waltz is a type of ball dance considered to be one of the oldest ballroom dances and is a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage. Waltz is danced in pairs and is considered to be a relatively fast dance for the ballroom. You can learn Waltz in one of the many dance schools in Vienna where the courses last about one and a half hours. It is certainly a must-do if you’re visiting Vienna for New Year’s or any other special occasion.
4. Horse-drawn ride: Horse-drawn rides also known as Viennese fakers are a perfect way to capture the splendor and ambiance of Vienna. You can find horse-drawn carriage stands in different areas of the city such as Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz, Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz, and Burgtheater/Volksgarten. You can choose between the short or the long ride and pay for individual rides or book individual sightseeing.
5. Prater amusement park: Prater or Wiener Prater is the oldest amusement park in the world. It contains attractions ranging from a nostalgic merry-go-round to an ultra-modern roller coaster. In the other area, known as the Green Prater one finds widespread meadows to lie on, shady trees, and quiet paths. About 250 attractions entertain you at the Vienna Prater, from auto-drome rinks to ball toss and shooting booths, exciting roller coasters, and ghost trains to flight simulators.
6. Danube Tower: The Danube Tower or Donauturm is the tallest structure in Austria. The Danube Tower is a Viennese landmark and an engineering masterpiece. The express lift will take you to a viewing terrace 150 meters up in the air, with an unforgettable 360° panorama. Two revolving restaurants offer a varied view over the Austrian capital and the Danube River below.
7. Donau River Cruise: The Danube River and the Danube Canal flow through Vienna like a blue thread. Let the waves carry you to the most beautiful sights Vienna has to offer. Taking a boat trip on the Vienna Danube connects you with famous monuments and destinations such as Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey, and Krems.
8. Bars, Pubs & Clubs: If you like to party, dance, or just sit in a bar, with live music or a live DJ, there are many places to go to, with a wide range of different music styles, from chart music to electronic beats and jazz sounds. Vienna offers a varied nightlife with a lot of clubs and bars for every music taste, so there is no need to go to bed, but many reasons to stay up all night.
Salzburg
Some of the best nightlife in Austria can be experienced in Salzburg. Dance clubs and beer halls, concerts, and theater performances are the highlights of the nightlife in Salzburg. Salzburg nightlife is buzzing with countless dance bars discotheques and cocktail bars. Salzburg’s eateries and watering holes offer all kinds of opportunities to get out and enjoy you can choose from traditional to modern, classical to off-the-wall. Several bars are located near the Getreidegasse and along the Rudolfskai which runs next to the Salzbach, the river which runs through the city. Due to the short distances and the location of the major party zones, it’s easy to get to most places on foot, which in turn means that every night dedicated to some “serious” partying promises an extraordinarily colorful mix.
Graz
Graz is a city with a remarkable variety of bars and clubs to spend your evenings. The city is a paradise for partygoers and those who like to listen to different kinds of music, such as hip-hop, drum & bass, R&B, and house. You can choose from a great variety of nightclubs to suit your musical tastes. Bars are concentrated around the old town as well as the Karl-Franzens-University to the west of the old town. You can catch a blockbuster in one of the big cinemas or a different genre in original language in one of the smaller film theatres. The Schauspielhaus Theatre and Graz Opera regularly surprise their visitors with extraordinary productions, which Graz is renowned for.
Do visit Murinsel a ship anchored in the water, and is connected to the city by footbridges on either side. This half-shell structure contains an amphitheater on the outside and a charming café inside, with an “island adventure” in between the two for children to enjoy. The entire island gives off a beautiful blue glow at night.
Linz
Linz is a vibrant city and the central area of Linz presents itself as the meeting place for friendly get-togethers or full-on celebrations. From legendary bars to modern lifestyle bars, everything is to be found there. The Linz “Bermuda Triangle” of its old town is probably the most widely known bar district in the city, and it offers something to suit every musical taste. Linz offers reputable theater and music venues and other nightlife options. Myriads of new bars, pubs, taverns, and event centers flourish here to cater to visitors from all over the world. Casinos in Linz also offer some good time for the nocturnals.
St. Pölten
Wet your appetite for fun and thrill in nights in St. Polten. The capital city of Lower Austria is comparable to Vienna when it comes to nightlife. Live shows, DJ performances, and special theme-oriented parties are the special attractions of the nightlife in St. Polten. From rock to pop and blues, every kind of music is played at the clubs Drunter and Drüber. Kuckucksnest, an old Viennese-style café, is a popular destination for late-night coffee lovers.
Eisenstaedt
In Eisenstaedt, endless happening moments will keep you awake throughout the night. The traditional “Heurigen” wine tavern on Domplatz Square is the best spot to hang over the night and a worth-visiting destination for dance and music lovers. Five bars and numerous events offer plenty of fun and entertainment for everyone. Cebu or the Dombeisl are quite cozier pubs, perfect for hanging out.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck the famous university city of Austria is transformed into a hotspot for revelers and party lovers. After the sun has set many local inhabitants also like to stroll through the Old Town, its streets lined with inviting bars and cafés. Those who like to party right through the night should make their way to the bars under the viaduct arches a particularly popular area with local party animals. Innsbruckers also adore bringing the day to a close in one of the city’s stylish bars, busy street cafés, or laid-back pubs are known as ‘Beisel’. Wherever you go, you will enjoy the congenial local atmosphere, fine drinks, tasty snacks, and occasional live music.
Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt is the capital of the southern Austrian province of Carinthia which has been described as the “Rose of Lake Worthersee”. Stadttheater which presents opera, classics of German theater, and chamber and orchestral music performed by visiting groups. During July and late August, make a point of strolling through the Neuerplatz every evening after 9:30 pm. Here, open-air movies of famous cultural events are presented without charge. Past presentations have included filmed concerts by Billy Joel, Liza Minnelli, Montserrat Caballé, Bruce Springsteen, and Tina Turner, and the Vienna Opera’s presentation of various operas by Verdi. Kiosks around the square’s perimeter offer snacks and drinks.
Bregenz
Bregenz is a small city, it offers less in terms of bars and clubs. However, there are nightspots located in the lower part of the city. There are several bars, clubs, and a casino that the city offers. These are the Collins Bar, the Aloha Bar, the Viva Cantina Mexicana Bar, the Corona Bar, the Cuba Bar, and the Disco Calypso.
Visit Casino Bregenz which is a complete entertainment in a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. It offers a full range of international games, first-class restaurants, and a casino package. The classic casino is open daily from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. With a little extension every Friday and Saturday, the casino is open until 4 p.m. The Jackpot casino takes place from 12 midnight until 2 a.m. daily.
Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel’s nightlife is lively, especially on weekends. During the Hahnenkamm weekend, it will certainly be extremely crowded and boisterous. Cafes and pastry shops invite you to taste their sweet delicacies and in the background hear the gentle ‘Clip Klop’ of the horse-drawn coaches hoofs on the cobblestones nearby. Mountain huts and restaurants are the perfect places to refuel after a hike through the grass-covered mountains or zipping down the powder snow slopes.
Every Thursday and Friday you can go night skiing at the Gaisberg within the skiing region of Kitzbühel. The slopes are perfectly prepared and with the help of the white lights you can enjoy a marvelous skiing adventure. The modern light installation enables you to enjoy your night skiing trip to the fullest. The restaurants around the Gaisberg invite you to take a break and enjoy drinks and delicious traditional meals.
Experience the impressive scenery of the Kitzbüheler Alps during a moonlight ski tour. Alpine knowledge and experience are a must here! We recommend that you make use of the services of mountain and ski guides provided by the skiing schools of Kitzbühel.
Zell am See
When the sun sets down a fantastic day at the mountain does not come to an end as it is time for après ski, party, and great atmosphere. The Pavillon Kaprun is the meeting point if you have been rocking the freeride lines at the Kitzsteinhorn during the day. Guests in ski boots can still be seen at night at the Pinzgauer Diele, the Greens or the Outsider in Zell am See. The Off Piste Bar has live music every day. The nightlife in Zell am See-Kaprun is quite something. The Villa Crazy Daisy is a real original of Zell’s nightlife. With live music, refreshing drinks, and delicious food, the evenings might be somewhat longer and even extend into the night.
Emergency Numbers
Euro-emergency number – 112
Fire brigade – 122
Police – 133
Ambulance – 144
Doctor-on-call – 141
Mountain rescue – 140
Austrian cave rescue – 2622144
Emergency services for children and young people – 147
ÖAMTC emergency breakdown service -120
ARBÖ emergency breakdown service – 123
ViennaMed doctor’s hotline for visitors (0-24): 1-5139595
Evening and weekend dental service (taped service): 1-5122078
24h pharmacy rescue call – 1455