A Great Night Out in Vienna: A Local's Guide for Your Weekend

Want to experience Vienna after dark? From old-school cafés to hidden bars and late-night dance floors—this is your step-by-step itinerary for a memorable weekend evening, Viennese style.

Before Dinner: Start with a Classic Kaffeehaus

Begin your evening at Café Schwarzenberg on the Ringstraße—Vienna’s oldest still-running Ring café since 1861. Its historic, marble-clad interior and coffee house music nights make it a refined but laid-back spot to ease into the night.

Early Evening: Explore a Charming Hidden Alley

Next, wander down Schönlaterngasse. This narrow Baroque alley has a famous “beautiful lantern” and interesting local small bars tucked off the main tourist path. It’s atmospheric and quiet—even in the early evening. 

Dinner: Heurigen or Local Wine Bars

For something distinctly Viennese—but not touristy—head to a Heuriger (wine tavern) in Grinzing or Neustift am Walde. Locals go for their own wine, simple food like Liptauer and Schrammelmusik vibes. A true taste of Vienna’s wine tradition.

If you're staying central, try Sipsong bar in the 8th district—it serves natural wines and unique cocktails in a bubblegum-color grotto.

Drinks Before the Party: Rooftop Views & Cool Cocktail Bars

• Dachboden (25hours Hotel): Hang out at this rooftop bar for skyline views and cocktails—great at sunset.
• Needle Vinyl Bar: Mixology meets vinyl. Trendy crowd, thoughtful drinks, and occasional DJs. 

Main Set: Hidden Bars & Late-Night Vibes

Head deeper into the evening with some lesser-known bars loved by locals:

• Rote Bar (Volkstheater): A glamorous speakeasy hidden beyond velvet curtains. Great cocktails, cosy seats.
• Dino’s Apothecary Bar: Vintage decor meets bold cocktails. A tidy, quirky local gem. 

Late Night: Clubs Vienna Insiders Love

• Pratersauna: Former sauna turned techno club with outdoor space and serious vibe. 
• Grelle Forelle: A gritty riverside club known for its immersive electronic sound—locals swear by it. 

Wind Down with an All-Night Café

End the night at Kaffee Alt Wien, a relaxed, artsy café open late. Posters cover the walls, and regulars include creatives and night owls who don’t want the night to end. 

Local Tips to Make the Evening Smooth

• Transport: U‑bahn and trams run all night on Fridays & Saturdays—travel like a local without taxis.
• Smart bars: Some spots like bar Krypt (a vaulted cellar) require ringing the door bell—no front signage.
• Free entry: Some hidden and Ri unmarked bars have no cover charge unless there’s live music.

Want to See What’s On? Don’t Miss These

Vienna buzzes with after-dark culture: film screenings, DJs by the canal, and pop-up art events. Visit our Vienna events calendar to see what’s on during your stay—from rooftop concerts to quirky cabaret.