Top 10 Things To Do At Night In Vienna, Austria - Updated 2024

things to do at night in vienna
Chronis
Chronis 
Updated
| 6 min read

When in Vienna, alongside the enchanting ¾ rhythm of the waltz, the architecture, and the natural beauty, lies a city with uniquely artistic nightlife. The options lie between soirees with classical music and opera, theatrical plays, exquisitely skilled Jazz musicians, romantic moments with a panoramic view of the city, or even a boat picnic! So let your senses luxuriate the sounds of the music and of the river Danube waltzing around you, the smell and taste of the Viennese cuisine, the beauty of the architecture, and mainly of the spectacles taking place in front of you! And if you are a night owl, check out the things to do at night in Vienna.

There are also hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals in the city center whenever you want to turn in for the night.

1. Learn how to do Waltz at the Hofburg

hofburg
Source: Pixabay

The Waltz, once considered a scandalous dance, is officially considered by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage tradition for the city of Vienna. Vienna stages more than 300 balls a year! Either visiting the city with your partner or your family or friends, you can visit one of the hundreds of dance schools and have a lesson about swirling on the dance floor. Most classes last about an hour, more than enough time to acquire the basics and to learn useful tips from your instructor. The Elmayer dancing school offers lessons suitable for international participants as it is conducted in German and English on the 30th and 31st of December each year at the Hofburg Palace, where on New Year’s Eve takes place the fabulous Silvesterball. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere by joining the class. Classes cost 45 euros per person and while there is no dress code try not to forget your dancing shoes!

The Hofburg

Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: The Hofburg

Opening hours: 9 am - 5:30 pm

Price: 45 EUR (51 USD)

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2. Dance to live music at Jazzland

Posted by Jazzland on Monday, 18 May 2015

Knowing the intense relationship between Vienna and classical music, one could be amazed by the fact that Vienna is the number one city in the world in offered seats in jazz clubs in relation to its population! Open 6 nights per week (closed on Sunday), and with live music after 9 p.m., Jazzland is the oldest and most famous jazz club in Vienna, hosting international stars of the jazz scene and upcoming artists. You can enjoy some real virtuosos and also taste authentic Viennese plates with a slight international twist.

Jazzland

Address: Franz-Josefs-Kai 29, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: Jazzland

Opening hours: 7 pm - 12 am (closed on Sunday)

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3. Catch a performance at Burgtheater

burgtheater
Source: Pixabay

With a history of almost 150 years, the world-renowned Burgtheater gives an outstanding insight in technology, architecture and art. Being open for tour until 6pm, Burgtheater will be your first stop of your night adventure in Vienna, but you will have lots to discuss about the paintings of Gustav Klimt, the sculpture collection and the amazing portrait gallery just before going back and watching a play in the 1200-seat room. The performances are all in German. And if watching a play is a choice on impulse, you may even have a reduction for a last-minute ticket!

Burgteater

Address: Universitätsring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: Burgteater

Opening hours: 9 am - 6 pm (Monday to Friday)

Price: 7 EUR (8 USD) for guided tour; upto 60 EUR (68 USD) for theater tickets

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4. Visit the Vienna State Opera (from USD 80.0)

On the center of the city, at Ringstrasse, the Vienna State Opera dominates the scenery. This worldwide famous opera house presents the world’s biggest repertory and is open in almost 300 days per year with Music Theater of the highest caliber, plus ballet shows, concerts and of course the ceremonial New Year’s Eve performance. You will only need a suit and to be a bit proactive when searching for a ticket and you’ll have one memorable evening in this of fine taste, classical music and luxury. And should you like it that much, you now have the option to enjoy the Vienna State Opera at your very living-room via a live-stream service

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Highlights of Vienna City Center Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

855 reviews

5. Climb on to the Giant Ferris Wheel (from USD 15.17)

things to do at night in vienna | climb on to the giant ferris wheel

One of the famous things in Vienna is the Prater amusement park, and right at this entrance is the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel. The wheel is a cultural landmark since the end of the 19th century. You may have taken a glimpse of it in various blockbuster films such as James Bond: The living daylights, or have read about it in Graham Greene’s “The Third Man”. Going up at almost 65 meters (213.3 feet) above the city, you can enjoy this unparalleled view of Vienna’s skyline. Don’t miss the opportunity to take some photos from different angles. For those of you looking for a unique experience, you can also arrange a dinner, or just a coffee while you enjoying the view. You can even get married in one of the wagons!

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Vienna: Skip-the-cashier-desk-line Giant Ferris Wheel Ride

4649 reviews

6. Experience a 360-degree view from the Danube Tower (from USD 19.52)

things to do at night in vienna | experience a 360-degree view from the danube tower

Almost reaching 155 meters (508.53 feet) high, the Danube Tower is the most iconic landmarks of Vienna’s skyline. After just a 35 second’s lift from bottom to top with the express elevator (the 775 steps are only in a case of emergency), you can admire the old city of Vienna, the woods and the Danube Park in an unspoilt 360-degree view. A clever idea for a visit on the first day of your Vienna experience, discovering from above the city’s secrets. You can even enjoy your meal in the rotating restaurant or step out in the open air platform, with a covered terrace to protect you in case it rains. And if you are there with your loved ones, you can arrange a surprise birthday event, or enjoy a romantic dinner, with a little bit of luck under the full moon…

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Vienna: Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket to the Danube Tower

803 reviews

7. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride (from USD 401.21)

things to do at night in vienna | take a horse-drawn carriage ride

A horse-drawn carriage ride is a typical Viennese feature and most likely the cosiest way to explore the city. The Viennese fiakers used to be the taxis of the previous centuries but now they are a distinctive tourist attraction. Their stands can be easily found in different areas of the city: Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz, Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz and Burgtheater/Volksgarten. You can choose between the short or the long ride in the Old City and visit the memorial graves of famous classical composers such as Mozart, Schubert and Beethoven. Many of the carriages are even suitable for wheelchairs!

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Vienna: Mozart Concert with Dinner and Carriage Ride

Duration: 3.0 hour

20 reviews

8. Explore the Museum der Illusionen (from USD 18.0)

Last but not least, and after this long journey between classical music, theatre and jazz you may enter the world of illusions when visiting the Museum de Illusionen, founded only in 2017! While there are plenty of free museums in the area, the Museum de Illusionen offers a unique experience. Going into the Vortex Tunnel or losing the real size of people and things in Ames room or even pretend of flying in the tilted room, will make you don’t believe in your own eyes. Holograms, illusions and tricks of “magic” will seduce your mind, while at the same time you’ll have the opportunity to entertain and educate yourself with games and puzzles. Noise, taking photos with a camera and touching the exhibits are even encouraged! In the end, besides the memories and the selfies, you may even buy a souvenir from the museum’s shop.

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Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket VIENNA

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

1 review

9. Unwind by the Danube River (from USD 150.0)

Crossing the whole region of central-eastern Europe, the Danube river has been waltzing around Vienna and inspiring poets, painters and music composers (such as Johan Strauss II) for ages. Just outside Vienna’s 2nd District, the river splits into two sections and creates the Danube Island (Donauinsel) where you can have a night picnic, a bike ride or just relax on the beach. But if you like to have your picnic on a boat while listening to those mesmerizing waltzes, you just need to move further along to the West and just behind the United Nations Headquarters, to visit the recreational paradise of the Old Danube.

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Danube Cruise and Schonbrunn Palace Concert with Dinner

Duration: 7 hours

10 reviews

10. Eat a sachertorte at Café Sacher (from USD 41.0)

Strolling in downtown Vienna will let you discover plenty of places to eat. When you need a spike of sugar or a sweet delight for the end of the day, don’t mind the crowd outside the Café Sacher and join the queue for a classic Viennese atmosphere and a piece of the most popular dessert in Austria: The Sacher Torte. This dense chocolate cake is covered in dark chocolate, hiding inside it are thin layers of apricot jam. It was created around 1832 and has even been a matter of dispute between Café Sacher and Café Demel to own the label of ‘the original Sachertorte’ making the authentic recipe a closely guarded secret.

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Vienna City Small-Group Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

155 reviews

Vienna's nights to remember

Offering a large variety of artistic options, Vienna’s nights are promising to please all of your senses. Party away at the vibrant nightclubs or sign on to fun food tours. Music, architecture, classic arts, natural beauty, unique and traditional cuisine alongside the great history of the city and a touch of illusions and magic are in excess in this metropolis of arts. You just need to follow our guide to have a memorable stay!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Hello ! I'm Chronis and I'm currently living in Athens, Greece. I love to travel and I would love to share my experience with you.

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