What’s your poison? A pint of craft beer at a street-side bar? A glass of sparkling on a sleek rooftop joint? What about a cheeky bit of sloe gin in a garden establishment? Whatever your tastes, we’ve done the (very hard) job of bar-hopping through Vienna and found six must-visit spots.
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Bitzinger
To feel truly local, do as the Viennese do and head to the Bitzinger sausage stand, which sits opposite the Hotel Sacher and the Vienna State Opera. Frequenting a Würstelstand (sausage stand) is one of this country’s grand traditions and it’s not unusual to see Austrians clad in their finery, standing by the bar having the Viennese version of a hot dog with a wine or beer.
The Blue Bar, Hotel Sacher
You’ll discover this cosy little royal blue enclave right off the regal red lobby in one of Vienna’s finest establishments, Hotel Sacher. All of the top shelf spirits are in The Blaue Bar (Blue Bar) and it’s a cool chance to take a drink in the historic and luxurious hotel. Located just across the road from the Vienna State Opera, the bar is the perfect place for a nightcap after a world-class show.
Das Loft, SO/ Vienna
By day, it’s the lofty hotel breakfast buffet spot with the city’s best views on the 18th floor of the So/Vienna. But after dark this place transforms into a hot spot where Vienna’s über cool rub shoulders with tourists. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and overlooking the Danube Canal, the colourful ceilings alone are enough to blow your mind, let alone the impressive cocktail list.
Naschmarkt
The city’s best-known market has 120 stalls and restaurants selling everything from cheeses to flowers. Amble along Naschmarkt and stop at outdoor bars such as Rafael’s Vinotec, which has 14,000 bottles of Austrian wine. Perch around a barrel and drink wine by the glass or bottle, or an Austrian brew on tap.
Heuer
Restaurant Heuer at Karlsplatz is framed by an urban farming project right in the middle of Vienna. Chef Peter Fallnbugl sources the ingredients from more than 30 different small farmers and specialists.
Aux Gazelles
Did somebody say shisha? Welcome to Vienna’s oldest hammam, Aux Gazelles. The former brick factory occupies 2,000 square metres of space and incorporates a restaurant, shisha bar, nightclub and hammam. Spend an hour or two being scrubbed and slathered in the hammam downstairs, then enjoy a traditional tagine in the restaurant before wandering upstairs to smoke some shisha over a quiet drink or two.
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