16 Unmissable Things To Do In Vienna At Night
Located in the eastern area of the country, Vienna is the capital and the largest city of Austria with more than two million residents. But it never looks crowded, maybe because of the many open spaces, parks, and other green spaces. There are many things to do while visiting Vienna during the daytime, but you do not have to go back to your hotel and stay in after dark.
There are also plenty of things to do in Vienna at night. Walking along the Danube River on a warm Vienna night is a fantastic way to end a fun-filled day of sightseeing, or you could take a walking tour to find the local hot spots. You can even visit some of the main attractions during the nighttime.
If you want to see the city lights at night, take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel in Prater Amusement Park or the Danube Tower. You get a breathtaking view for miles in the clear night sky including Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna City Centre, the Imperial palaces, and the rest of the beautiful city.
Another way to enjoy the nights in Vienna is listening to classical music at a Mozart concert in Danube Park or putting on your dancing shoes and hitting the dance floor at one of the trendy rooftop bars in the city. It seems there is a rooftop bar everywhere you look in Vienna. The most popular is the one at the Sacher Hotel where you can visit even if you are not staying there.
Vienna comes alive at night with the sounds of music, laughter, and excitement as the locals head to the clubs and local bars. The city is full of rooftop pubs and world-famous cocktail lounges. But Vienna is more than just a partying place to be. There are also a variety of attractions, restaurants, shops, and museums to visit as well. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to drop off your large bags at a Vienna luggage storage locker first. You certainly don't want to bring them along on a night out on the town!
The Burgtheater
The Burgtheater is only open until 6 PM so this should be your first stop of the night. It was first known as K.K. Theater an der Burg until 1918 and then the K.K. Hofburgtheater and is the national theater of Austria in Vienna. It opened in 1741 after the first theater was destroyed by fire in 1525.
This is considered to be the most important German-speaking theater as well as one of the most popular in the world. As you explore, be sure to see the four works of art by Gustav Klimt that include the Theatre in Taormina, the Altar of Dionysus, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and the Cart of Thespis. Also, do not miss the sculpture collection as well before heading into the 1,200-seat theater to enjoy the show.
Vienna State Opera
Classical music fans have been visiting the Vienna State Opera since 1869. Also known as the Wiener Staatsoper, it is one of the busiest opera houses in the world lauding up to 60 operas and 10 ballet performances a year with over 350 performances in total. If you do not have tickets, don't worry, they sell standing-room-only tickets about an hour before each show.
The Wien Philharmonic is known all over the country with performances selling out in one day. Some of the guests like to put on their fancy frocks to get some selfies in the stunning lobby and on the beautiful marble staircase at the Opera House of Vienna. You may never get an opportunity like this again, so do as the Vienna locals do and come prepared in your formal attire.
Casino Royal
The Kärntnerstrabe Casino can be found between the Vienna State Opera and the Stephen Dome. The Casino Wien is located in the beautiful Palais Esterhazy is part of the Casinos Austria. It is the largest and most traditional casino in Vienna and is a favorite for enjoying dinner and drinks as well.
Where else can you go play the slots and have an extravagant meal with no dress code? Chef Lukas Olbrich is an award-winning chef with a menu lauding venison steaks, prawns, chateaubriand, and sea bass. After dinner, try your luck at some of the games. The main casino is on the upper floor and features a poker room, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and slots.
Vienna Museum of Illusions
Not all museums are full of relics and paintings. The Vienna Museum of Illusions is a place to play and learn at the same time, and it is not just for kids. In fact, some of the rooms may be difficult for the younger crowd to enjoy. For example, the Vortex Tunnel will make you feel like you are going to fall and the Head on a Plate is a little bit gruesome for the kids.
See holograms, photo illusions, and optical illusions as well as things that will bend your mind like the Chair Illusion and the Bottomless Pit. The most popular are the Upside Down Room, Tilted Room, and Infinity Rooms, which are perfect for unique selfies.
Chilling at Donaukanal
For a night of drinking, dining, and dancing on the riverfront, check out the Donaukanal, also known as the Danube Canal. It is a little slice of the Danube River in the old city of Altstadt where you can walk along the water or pull up a chair in one of the cafes to people watch.
One of the most popular with young people is Badeschiff, which is made from two barges with several decks including a floating swimming pool. Grab a cocktail and swim in the water while you are on the water. Or try the Strandbar Herrman, where you can enjoy a drink on the beach.
Ride a Giant Ferris Wheel
This gigantic Ferris wheel, called Wiener Riesenrad, is 2,500 feet tall and you can get the best view of the city from there. It was built in 1897 for Emperor Josef I Golden Jubilee but is now a famous attraction for visitors and locals alike.
Not only does this giant Ferris wheel take you up to see the sights, but it also has private cabins, candlelit dinners, and cocktails in the air. You cannot miss this Vienna attraction as it can be seen for miles and is at the entrance of Prater Amusement Park.
Prater Amusement Park
Prater Amusement Park never closes, so you can get some thrills there any time of the day or night. Among the 250+ attractions, you can find the strongest roller coaster and largest fairway in the world at the oldest amusement park in the world, opening in 1766.
You do not have to be a child to enjoy this park, and some of the rides are not suitable for children so you know you will get some of your best thrills at Prater. From the Admiral Arena Prater gaming house to the Windobona Sky Diving experience, this place will amp you up.
Schönbrunn Palace
What began as a hunting lodge turned into the summer residence of the Habsburg family and is a Rococo Baroque beauty from the 1600s. Today, it features 1,441 rooms and is one of the most important historic, cultural, and architectural monuments in Austria. Besides the palace, the gardens are also majestic and should not be missed.
Schönbrunn Palace is one of the country's best landmarks, representing over 300 years of Austrian history. The palace and grounds are open until 9 PM, giving you ample time to enjoy the bevy of gorgeous and mysterious rooms as well as the gardens and sculptures outdoors. While you are there, visit the Café Residenz and Court Bakery, where you can enjoy apricot jam on a fresh pastry.
Hofburg Palace
This amazing palace was the home of the Habsburg Empire for centuries and today is boasts several museums including the Silver Collection, Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Apartments. The Hofburg was built back in the 1200s and has been the seat of government since 1279.
Facing Heroes Square, the Baroque building is a stunning work of architectural art. The palace itself features 13 wings including the Swiss Wing and the treasury, where you can see the Austrian Crown Jewels. The Sisi Museum is a fantastic place to learn more about Empress Elisabeth.
Austrian National Library
Are you a book fan or are you interested in learning more about Vienna, Austria, and Europe? Go check out the Austrian National Library, which is the largest library in Austria, located in the Hofburg Palace. This massive Baroque building has more than 11 million books and eight collections of artifacts like globes, maps, and photos.
Leopold Museum
In the Museum Quarter of Vienna, you can see one of the largest Austrian art collections in the country at the Leopold Museum. Some of the artists featured there include Richard Gerstl, Oskar Kokoschka, Gustav Klimt, and the largest collection of Egon Schiele in the world.
In fact, you can see more than 5,000 pieces collected by Rudolf Leopold over 50 years. Some of the most popular include Venus in the Grotto by Koloman Moser in 1914, Girl Crossing a Mountain Torrent by Anton Romako in 1880, and the 1905 Death and Life by Gustav Klimt.
Guided Tour of Vienna Nightlife
Day trips all over the city via the fantastic train system are great but taking a guided walking tour of Vienna at night is special, especially if you want to check out the nightclubs or enjoy a wine tasting tour while you learn the fascinating history of Austrian wine.
Discover some of the liveliest spots in the city on a pub crawl where you will visit four clubs with four complimentary drinks or take a private evening tour with drinks and dinner. You can even enjoy a bit of music culture at a Mozart concert with a four-course dinner and a carriage ride.
Barhopping on Schwedenplatz
You could also enjoy your own self-guided walking tour of Vienna. The city boasts many areas filled with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in the first district where you can take yourself on a tour. You don't have to worry about following the crowd when you are exploring on your own.
Schwedenplatz is a favorite for the locals, along the Danube Canal in the center of the city where everything is hopping all night long. This section of the city also has several museums including the MAK Museum of Applied Arts, the Albertina, and the Museum of Art History.
Romantic Dinner at the Danube Tower
If you want to see Vienna from 550 feet in the air as you enjoy a luscious dinner, the Turm Restaurant can fulfill that spot on your bucket list. Watch as the sun sets over the Danube and as the skyline lights up in all its glory.
Not only are you getting a delicious dinner and delightful outlook, but the restaurant also rotates very slowly so you get a panoramic view of Vienna. This is the perfect spot for special occasions like a birthday, anniversary, or New Year's Eve. Go shopping for a marvelous new outfit and make a reservation!
Dance to Live Music at Jazzland
Where else can you dance to live jazz music in a 500-year-old cellar under a church? Vienna's Jazzland, which has been jazzing up the city since 1972, can be found in the basement of the Ruprechtskirche, or St. Rupert's Church. The church itself is over 1,000 years old and has a gorgeous Romanesque design.
Six nights a week, Jazzland features jazz musicians performing live including legends as well as new talent. Some of the most famous include Teddy Wilson, Max Kaminsky, and Big Joe Williams as well as Benny Carter and Little Brother Montgomery. While you enjoy the music, you can also enjoy some of the decadent cuisines.
Cafe Sacher
Your trip to Vienna would not be complete without a meal at Cafe Sacher. The award-winning restaurant is famous for its Sacher torte, which is a rich chocolate cake filled with apricot jam. Although it is housed in the luxury hotel, Sacher Wein, the cafe is popular with locals as well so you better make a reservation.
Rooftop Views and More
Be sure to see as much as you can during the daytime as well while you are visiting Vienna. Although nighttime is vibrant and exciting, you will be missing out if you do not take some time to see the daytime highlights of Vienna too. Everything from equestrian shows to zoological parks can fill your day before heading out to wine and dine for the night.
Once evening hits, though, be sure to visit a rooftop bar like Das LOFT, get a thrill on Wiener Riesenrad, or see an incredible Viennese opera. The possibilities are endless and nighttime is one of the best times in Vienna!
