Vienna Nightlife Tips by yooperprof

Volksoper: The People's Opera Music & Theatre Review

In Vienna - as elsewhere in Europe - "People's Opera" is no oxymoron, but instead a vital and appreciated part of local culture. I didn't get a chance to see a production here, but I intend to on my next visit. This is the place to see classic productions of Viennese operetta, particularly repertoire masterpieces by the Strauss family, Franz Lehar, or Sigmund Romberg. (They were renovating the Volkoper during the summer of 2003; it may no longer look like this!)

Theme: Theater

The Tunnel: Good Food and Good Vibes at this Student Jazz Club NIght Clubs & bars Review

The Tunnel is one of the gems of Vienna, a place where you can hear excellent live music in the casual atmosphere of a student eating (and drinking) house. I discovered The Tunnel largely by accident, but it became a magnet drawing me back week after week. I was especially fond of the open mic jazz jams on Sunday and most Monday nights. It's wonderful to see so many talented players, and equally wonderful to see an enthusiastic audience for live jazz among the young people of Vienna. My favorite performer sang almost every week, a young fellow with a slightly accented but charming baritone who sang in a style that was part Tony Bennett, part Tom Waits. Some good sax players, too.

Dress Code: Whatever you want to wear

Directions: It's not far from the main "campus" of the University of Vienna.

Theme: Live Music

"Why Not": "Why Not" go to a Gay Club? NIght Clubs & bars Review

"Why Not" is the name of a popular gay club in Vienna's old city. It's conveniently located, close to public transportation, and the cover charge and drink prices are reasonable. All that said, I have to say that I never really had all that great of a time at "Why Not". In the eyes of this humble midwestern queer, there was a great deal of posing going on here - and it wasn't the case that the people doing the posing really merited the pose that they assumed!! In other words: if you like gay/queer attitude, this might be the place for you, but if you are looking for a fun place to relax, dance, maybe meet a few local folk - well, good luck to you if you come here!!

Dress Code: It was my impression that Austrian queers follow a real dress code: a kind of dowdy "tough dude" look seems to be prevalent. If you want to fit in, jeans and a tee shirt seems to be the uniform of choice. Oh - and whatever you do, don't smile or otherwise give the impression that you're having a pleasant time - it's definitely not the Viennese way!

Address: 1 Tiefer Graben

Theme: Dancing

Cafe Willendorf - at the Rosa-Lila Villa: A Gathering Spot for Vienna's GLBTQ Communtiy discos,pubs & Restaurants Review

The Cafe Willendorf is an excellent place to gather information about Vienna's GLBTQ community, and to enjoy an relaxing evening drink or a tasty meal in pleasant and low-key surroundings. This place is cozy and friendly. The Cafe Willendorf is at the Rosa-Lila Villa, a place historically significant in the struggle for queer rights in Austria, and still an important community center today.

Dress Code: Casual and comfy.

Address: 102 Linke Wienziele, 6th District

Directions: Just across from U-Bahn station Pilgramgasse

Theme: Family Spot