Must-see nightlife in Austria

  • Hofgarten

    Innsbruck

    DJ sessions and a tree-shaded beer garden are crowd-pullers at this trendy cafe-cum-bar set in the greenery of Hofgarten.

  • Fanghouse

    Tyrol

    At the base of the slopes in Nasserein, this laid-back hangout has a big sunny terrace, fun staff and lethal Jägermeister shots served at -17°C. The pub…

  • Little Grain

    Salzburg

    Blink and you really will miss Little Grain, an intimate cocktail bar under the arcades, with a speakeasy vibe. The stone-vaulted bar is all soft lighting…

  • La Enoteca dei Ciclopi

    Graz

    This small wine bar with lovely courtyard tables is like stepping into a Sicilian home, with welcoming service and a range of excellent southern Italian…

  • Akrap

    Vienna

    Locals head to this stylish espresso bar on the corner of Theobaldgasse for Akrap's own-roasted coffee, along with teas, juices, hot chocolate and…

  • p.p.c.

    Graz

    One of Graz' most popular dance places with a wide range of performers and theme nights each week ranging from hip-hop and RnB through to reggae,…

  • Fingerlos

    Salzburg

    Salzburgers rave about the dainty petits fours, flaky pastries and creamy tortes served at this high-ceilinged cafe. Join a well-dressed crowd for…

  • Dom im Berg

    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…

  • Weinstein

    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…

  • Nachtexpress

    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.

  • Vis-à-vis

    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…

  • Schatzi Bar

    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…

  • Köchelverzeichnis

    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…

  • Hahnenkamm Pavillon

    Tyrol

    This slope-side pick opposite Hahnenkammbahn is a rollicking après-ski haunt in winter, with DJs, singing, schnapps-drinking and skiers jiggling to…

  • 360°

    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…

  • Café Bazar

    Salzburg

    At this cafe, with its chandeliers and polished wood, locals enjoy the same river views over breakfast, cake and intelligent conversation as Marlene…

  • Cafe Centraal

    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.

  • Horny B

    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…

  • Pacha

    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.

  • Haus Schmidt

    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).

  • Kuhstall

    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.

  • Summer Stage

    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.

  • Thüsen Tak

    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.

  • Insider

    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.

  • Seegasse

    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.

  • Postgarage

    Graz

    Student-friendly retro theme nights, dance music and occasional live gigs. See the website for upcoming events and prices.

  • Die Bar Axxl

    The Salzkammergut

    Part of the Hotel Lexenhof, Axxl is a popular Attersee hotspot after sunset, with DJs, occasional live music, and events.

  • Trofana Alm

    Tyrol

    A huge wooden barn with live Austrian bands and potent apple schnapps working the crowd into a singing, dancing frenzy.

  • Leo Hillinger

    Tyrol

    This ultra-chic wine bar and shop has a terrace that is great for people-watching over fine wines and small plates.

  • Piccadilly

    Tyrol

    This loud, crowded British pub with daily live music is known as Pickawilly (the mind boggles) to locals.

  • Dom Cafe-Bar

    Innsbruck

    Chandeliers, vaulted ceilings and a HMV gramophone set the scene in this convivial Gothic-style bar.

  • Entrance to Miranda cocktail bar in daylight

    Miranda 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…

  • Das Augustin restaurant & cafe, Vienna

    Das Augustin

    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…

  • Desserts on display at Aida Cafe, Innere Stadt.

    Aïda

    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,…

  • Chelsea

    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…

  • Ottakringer Brauerei

    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…

  • Café Prückel

    Vienna

    Unlike other Viennese cafes with sumptuous interiors, Prückel features an intact 1950s design. Intimate booths, strong coffee, diet-destroying cakes and…

  • Fledermaus

    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…

  • Top Kino Bar

    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,…

  • Titanic

    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…

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