The traffic light figurines in Vienna nod to its openness – with designs altered in 2015 to include same-sex pairings surrounded by hearts, acknowledging the city’s tolerant and cosmopolitan attitude. Read on to discover the best queer, lesbian and gay bars Austria’s capital has to offer.
Established in the eighties, this LGBT-friendly wine bar is a lively and high-spirited venue that has attracted a similarly vibrant crowd. Known for its fondness for classical music, Santo Spirito is known for putting on small, informal concerts in the evening – making it the perfect place to stop for a relaxed nightcap. Mediterranean dishes are on the menu and there is an extensive selection of wines and beers to choose from.
Designed by architect Franz Ritter in Renaissance style, this traditional cafe has a kitsch edge, with an interior boasting large mirrors, painted ceiling frescoes and leather seats. Although not one of Vienna’s liveliest LGBT venues, it is a great place to stop by for an ambient evening of intimate conversation over drinks.
You’ll recognise this club from the neon sign above the door that reads ‘Open Minded’. Marea Alta was originally founded as ‘an association for the promotion of lesbian immigrants and lesbian visibility’ and has since established itself as one of the best and most reputable LGBT venues in the city. Open from 6 pm until 2 am Mondays through Thursdays and from 7 pm to 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays, events include karaoke nights and drag acts.
One of the city’s more racy venues, Sling is a friendly and modern lounge bar that attracts a diverse crowd – both young and old. Admission is free of charge and the program contains a range of fun events, including strip shows and cinema nights. We recommend arriving after 8 pm when the drinks are flowing freely and the lights are dipped down low.
Both sophisticated and flamboyant, with chandeliers and life-sized portraits, Felixx has a unique atmosphere that attracts large crowds. The menu features a wide range of hand-picked wines, a well-balanced extensive cocktail list and light snacks. Here, you will encounter a mixed clientele, which is one of Felixx’s features that make it a particularly a friendly spot to spend your evening. With popular themed evenings made up of drag shows performed by local names, it’s no wonder that Felixx is a well-established spot on Vienna’s gay scene.
A popular venue in the central Naschmarkt area, Village Bar is known as one of the trendier gay bars in the city. It hosts multiple after-parties for larger LGBTQ events, such as the Pride Festival and the Rainbow Ball, which are two events that are not to be missed.
