While Vienna may be best known for its imperial palaces and classical music, there’s much more to the charismatic capital of Austria. Steeped in culture and history, this enchanting city is also known for its thriving and remarkably diverse nightlife scene, which begins before the sun even dips below the horizon.

Whether you’re searching for the best craft beer in the city, cocktails served by expert mixologists, or somewhere that’s different from anything you’ve experienced before, Vienna’s nightlife is guaranteed to deliver.

Ready for a night on the town? Then you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of all the best bars in Vienna, from clandestine speakeasy-style establishments that serve classic cocktails to ultra-modern bars that will make you feel like you’ve been transported into the future. Whatever you’re drinking, choose to grab it from one of these lively hotspots, and you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time in Vienna! 

The Top 15 Bars in Vienna, Austria

1. Das Loft Bar & Lounge

Hidden far away from the city’s elegant streets on the 18th floor of the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom, Das Loft Bar & Lounge is one of the best bars in Vienna for sensational views. This refined meeting spot invites you to browse a menu filled with innovative twists on classic cocktails while enjoying unbeatable views of the city down below.

For an experience you’ll never forget, we suggest making plans to arrive here just before sunset. At this time of day, the panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows come alive with fiery reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows as the sun puts on its daily light show. If you can’t make it for sunset, you’ll still be amazed by the captivating art installation overhead, with colors and shapes flowing and merging as time goes by.

If you can tear yourself away from the beauty that surrounds you, you’ll discover a menu brimming with creative concoctions. We suggest ordering the Humble View. One of the bar’s signature cocktails, this liquid delight is made from gin, champagne, Cointreau, strawberries, and passionfruit foam.

2. If Dogs Run Free

A fantastic place to start your night out, If Dogs Run Free is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city center on Gumpendorfer Strasse in the up-and-coming sixth district. It may not look like much from the outside, but step through the entrance, and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a bizarre circus-cum-contemporary art gallery.

One of the most unique Vienna bars, the ceiling of this modest watering hole is decorated with jagged 3D triangles, which are either a calming blue and white or a big top-like red and white, depending on the time of day. 

You can choose from a comprehensive menu that includes everything from beers, wines, and cocktails to spritzers, shots, and jugs. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, we can’t get enough of the homemade lemonade and iced tea.

One of the few places that’s open first thing in the morning, If Dogs Run Free is a surprisingly excellent place for breakfast. You can start off with a strong coffee or herbal tea followed by a freshly baked pastry, cake, brownie, or muffin. 

3. ONYX Bar

Located on the sixth floor of the luxurious DO & CO design hotel, ONYX Bar is part of the exemplary ONYX Restaurant. Before you indulge your palate with contemporary Asian cuisine, stop by this dynamic starting point and begin your evening with one of their incredible hand-mixed cocktails.

The strikingly modern bar offers a unique experience with its giant floor-to-ceiling windows that will make you feel like you’re on the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Whatever you feel like drinking, the impressive range of beers, wines, and spirits will leave you almost as speechless as the unobstructed city views.

Without a doubt one of the must-visit Vienna bars, ONYX Bar boasts a decadent selection of cocktails. If you’re not sure what to order, try the ONYX Tokyo Mule – it’s made with vodka, sake, cucumber juice, lime juice, and ginger beer. 

If you’d rather stick with the Asian theme, opt for one of the high-quality sake choices instead. With more than 12 different varieties to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find one you love!

4. Miranda Bar

A harmonious blend of pastel pink hues, luminous yellow lighting, elegant marble accents, and quirky pineapple motifs, Miranda Bar is one of the best Vienna nightlife spots for Instagram lovers. This place features a number of cool backdrops and selfie props – not to mention the gorgeous drinks that are almost too dazzling for words.

The art-gallery-worthy cocktails served up at Miranda Bar exude sophistication and creativity, all without putting a strain on your wallet. If the menu leaves you feeling a bit lost, we suggest the El Patrón (tequila, lime, herbs, chili, and pimiento de Patrón) if you’re in the mood for something spicy. 

Or if you prefer something dessert-like, opt for the Monkey Island (dark rum, peanut butter, banana, coconut, and lime). The menu changes seasonally and the limited-edition cocktails are always worthy of a sip. 

If the weather’s fine, take advantage of the outdoor seating area. It may be a little on the small side, but it puts you in a prime position for people-watching and soaking up Vienna’s irresistible vibe.

5. The Sign Lounge

One of the top bars in Vienna among cocktail lovers, the Sign Lounge boasts a huge number of cocktails, many of which you won’t find anywhere in the world. Whether you’re craving something classic like an Espresso Martini, a twist on an old favorite like a Bacon Manhattan, or something you’ve never heard of before like a Pizza Cocktail (tequila, tomatoes, basil, lime, and agave, all clarified with mozzarella), this is the place! 

As you’d guess from the ingredients of the Pizza Cocktail, this award-winning bar is famous for its playful creativity and love of incorporating surprising ingredients into its drinks. Other quirky cocktail additions you’ll come across on the menu include squid ink, seaweed, caramel popcorn, and smoke bubbles, all of which elevate a standard cocktail into something sublime.

The service follows the same theme as the menu, with passionate staff adding a bit of theater and pizazz to their cocktail-making, presentation, and delivery. Keep your eyes on the bartender as they whip up your chosen concoction – their performance is better than any show you’ll see in the city! 

6. Loos American Bar

One of the longest-established Vienna nightlife spots, Loos American Bar has been serving classic cocktails and local wines since 1908. Step under the star-spangled banner mosaic and walk through the entrance, and you’ll find yourself in a dreamy bar reminiscent of a time long gone by. 

With dark wood paneling, comfy leather booths, moody lighting, and an Art Deco tiled floor, Loos American Bar is the place you go when you’re craving a Manhattan and you want it made right. 

The bar comes into its own in the early hours of the morning, making it a fantastic place to stop off for a final nightcap. Although, with literally 100+ drink choices available, you could easily find yourself drinking here until the sun comes up. 

You can’t beat cozying up in one of the corner booths and sipping a Sidecar or Negroni. But if classic tipples aren’t your thing, you’ve still got plenty to choose from. We love the Adolf Loos Feingesprotzt, made with champagne, soda, mint, and strawberries.

7. 1516 Brewing Company

There aren’t many cool bars in Vienna that specialize in craft beers, but the 1516 Brewing Company is one incredible exception. This welcoming pub is well-known throughout the city for its home-brewed beers paired with amazing Austrian comfort food.

All brewed on the premises, the one-of-a-kind beers and ales served here are top-notch. The remarkable roasted malts, smoked malts, and caramelized malts give the unique brews distinctive aromas, powerful bodies, and mesmerizing colors unlike anything you’ll discover elsewhere in Vienna.

New seasonal brews are available every few months – be sure to check them out. Not much of a beer fan? No worries. The drinks menu also features a decent selection of wines, spirits, and soft drinks. 

If you have a couple of drinks too many, grab a food menu. You’ll find the perfect food to soak up the excess alcohol. Whether you opt for ribs, chicken wings, schnitzel, pulled pork, or a giant bratwurst, the food dished up by the 1516 Brewing Company is guaranteed to sober you up enough so you can order another round of drinks!

8. krypt.

Once a covert jazz hideaway launched in the 1950s, krypt. has since managed to hold onto its covert identity and retain its air of secrecy for decades. Descend into its expansive subterranean quarters and seek out a spot at the marble bar, where an array of tempting magical concoctions awaits your taste buds.

With bare brick walls, thick metal pipes running along the ceiling, and a swirled artistic bar front, krypt. offers a melting pot of styles. Despite the striking contrast, the bizarre decor somehow works and adds to the authentic speakeasy ambiance while remaining refreshingly unpretentious.

Here, you’ll find the perfect drink, whatever you’re looking for. From a Sunny Daiquiri (rum, lime, sugar, and organic carrot juice) to a Thai Massage (ginger gin, lime juice, honey chili, and vanilla), there are tons of creative cocktails to choose from here. The bar snack menu is just as innovative as the cocktail menu and is definitely worth checking out.

It’s important to remember that krypt. operates on a first-come, first-served basis. So to avoid a wait, it’s a good idea to arrive as soon as the bar opens (9 pm) or a little before closing time (2 am).

9. The BirdYard

The Vienna nightlife scene wouldn’t be what it is today without The BirdYard. Adorned with captivating murals featuring exotic flora and fauna, The BirdYard is an absolute must-visit for every cocktail lover in the city. This is especially true if you’re looking for new content to wow your Instagram followers with!

One of the most stylish and inviting bars in the city, The BirdYard invites you into a world of meticulously crafted cocktails that are just as photogenic as the surroundings themselves.

Whether you always stick to the classics or you’re yearning for inventive new libations, the skilled bartenders here are ready to craft the cocktail of your dreams. We suggest opting for one of the signature bird-themed cocktails, like the Masked Duck, made with rum, pear brandy, fortified white wine, and Cointreau. 

Feeling peckish? Then you’re in luck. Pop upstairs, and you’ll find a cute dining area where you can treat your palate to amazing plant-based burgers, homemade fries, onion rings, and veggie nuggets.

10. Kleinod

The place to see and be seen in the summer, Kleinod boasts a gorgeous rooftop terrace that becomes the epicenter of socializing during the warm season. At this time of year, people throw on their fanciest summer clothes and ascend to the lofty rooftop for the chance to sip sweet rosé wines, cheers to balmy evenings with champagne, and enjoy the glorious sunshine with tropical cocktails.

The rooftop is a little on the small side. So if it’s too busy or the weather isn’t the best, stick to the inside. Inspired by the enchanting allure of the 1930s, the inside of the cocktail bar promises a sophisticated and refined evening out. You can surround yourself with timeless Art Deco style, complemented by luxurious dark wooden furnishings and sparkling chandeliers. 

Kleinod’s menu is brimming with items from the golden age of cocktails, but the staff’s drink preparation and presentation skills are definitely 21st-century. We suggest treating yourself to the Lebkuchen, a soul-warming drink named after the delightful ginger cookie you find throughout the city at Christmas.

11. Strandbar Herrmann

Ask any local about cool bars in Vienna and the name Strandbar Herrmann is guaranteed to crop up. As unlikely as it seems, this trendy hangout is the local beach bar, complete with golden sand, swinging hammocks, low deck chairs, and even a volleyball court. Located along the Danube Canal, this tropical oasis provides a serene escape from the rest of the busy city.

For an evening unlike any other, arrive just before sunset and grab a seat right by the river. From here, you can watch the city skyline take on all kinds of dreamy golden hues as the sun dips into the horizon.

Not only is this beach bar an excellent place for all kinds of fun and fruity cocktails, but it’s also the perfect destination if you’re looking for a bit of entertainment. From morning yoga sessions, silent discos, and live DJ sets to children’s theater, mixology classes, and live sporting events on TV, there’s always loads going on here.

12. Top Kino

A popular meeting point among local culture lovers, Top Kino is an incredible place to go when you’re looking for something that’s more than a bar. Part cinema, part restaurant, and part bar, this unique Vienna nightlife spot is much more than a place to grab a drink before taking in a show.

The arthouse cinema boasts one of the most casual and friendly atmospheres in the city and attracts a young, alternative crowd. The drinks, which range from coffees, teas, and soft drinks to beers, wines, and cocktails, offer incredible value for money. The range of spritzers is superb – the Hugo is our favorite!

If you’ve had too many drinks, check out the food menu. It’s filled with homemade soups, grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers that are bound to make you feel a bit more steady. 

If you’re not hungry, head outside and finish your drink on the terrace instead. The cool Viennese air and the upbeat vibe from the throngs of cinema-goers flowing in and out of the front door are sure to sober you up!

13. Needle Vinyl Bar

One of the top bars in Vienna if you’re feeling a little nostalgic, Needle Vinyl Bar invites you to experience a blast from the past you’ll never want to leave. Discreetly nestled away on a side street in the center of the city, this one-of-a-kind bar will instantly win you over with its relaxed ambiance, excellent music, and welcoming atmosphere. 

One of the best things about this bar is that you can never guess what song will be next. From ‘60s pop and ‘70s punk to ‘80s rock and ‘90s rap, after a couple of hours here, you’ll feel like you’ve been on a 60-year musical journey! 

The drinks menu, which comes on genuine vinyl discs, includes everything from a classic Margarita and an Old Fashioned to creative cocktails like a Hemingway Special and a Pipeline. As an added bonus, Needle Vinyl Bar also sells a number of rare vinyl discs. If you’re a collector, this is definitely one of the coolest Vienna bars.

14. Blaue Bar

Hotel Sacher may be best known for its cafe where the sachertorte was created, but we prefer its sophisticated bar. As the name suggests, Blaue Bar is strikingly blue, with blue wallpaper, blue carpet, blue doors, blue furniture, and blue decorations. To break up the blue-heavy decor, elegant gold accents add a touch of class and make the place fit for royalty. 

Blaue Bar boasts one of the most comprehensive cocktail menus you’ll find in the city. In addition to timeless classics, the bar also offers a huge selection of negroni, martini, and champagne cocktails, as well as a fantastic choice of wines and spirits. We suggest sticking with the Sacher signature cocktails. The Sacher Martini, with vodka, apricot, apricot brandy, lemon juice, and orange bitters is one of our favorites!

If the Sacher Cafe is a little rich for your blood, check out Blaue Bar’s food menu. Here you’ll find all kinds of weird and wonderful bar snacks. From a couscous salad with pomegranate and marinated beef tartare to authentic Sacher sausages and original Wiener schnitzel, you’ll have loads to choose from here.

15. Ammutsøn Craft Beer Dive

Ammutsøn Craft Beer Dive is one of the best bars in Vienna if you’re craving top-quality craft beer. Hidden away in a peaceful part of the city, this low-key, casual bar is situated in Vienna’s sixth district and proudly supports independent brewers from all over Austria and Europe. Whatever type of craft beer you prefer, you’re guaranteed to find it here.

This welcoming bar gives you the chance to choose from 12 different beers on tap. The comprehensive selection changes every two weeks, giving you plenty of opportunities to try something new. 

If you want to learn more about the brews, grab a stool at the bar and chat with the bartender. Or, if you’d prefer to relax, sit outside on the small terrace and watch the world go by instead. 

Traveling with someone who isn’t a fan of beer? That’s not an issue. Ammutsøn Craft Beer Dive welcomes everyone and offers a great selection of wines, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, coffees, and teas, too. There’s even a small food menu to help you soak up the alcohol. The cheese plate for two is our favorite and goes surprisingly well with craft beer!

There you have it! The 15 best bars in Vienna. What’s your favorite Vienna bar? Let us know in the comments.

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