Sophisticated Viennese evening culture revolves much more around cafes and coffee houses than bars and night clubs. Those in search of a raucous night of partying may be searching for quite a while.

Some Viennese cafes of note are:

Cafe Hawelka – One of Vienna’s oldest cafes, still owned by the original founding family. The crowd? Artists and creatives.

Museum Cafe – Where artists Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt were regulars.

Frauenhuber Cafe – Was a popular destination for musicians and composers, namely Mozart and Beethoven.

Cafe Central – Once frequented by Lenin.

Landtmann Cafe – Renowned as Sigmund Frued’s favourite coffee house.

Sacher Cafe – Famous for the Sacher Torte, one of Austria’s most famous culinary specialities, this rich chocolate cake is only made here in Vienna and the Sacher Cafe in Salzberg.

The Dreieck area or ‘Bermuda Triangle’ as it’s infamously known, is filled with bars and restaurants, although be warned,  part of it is rather tacky with neon lights and cheesy bars. A street called Friedmann Platz just on the edge of the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ is a little more chic than the central parts. Head to Pickwick’s cafe and enjoy a pint of ale whilst indulging in the in-bar library, or try Kornat Restaurant for great seafood in chic modern surroundings. In the summer months the outdoor seats are the ones to reserve. Dress code: smart casual is fine. Most of this area is open till 3am.

Ok, so Vienna wasn’t the easiest place to find cool bars and clubs, but I did have one place recommended to me several times. Pratersauna and Fluc are touted as the trendiest clubs in town. Expect electro and house beats on the decks.  I’d love to hear what you think.

Waldsteingartenstrasse 135

1020 Vienna

Praterstern 5

1020 Vienna