1 409 21 28 www.b72.at
Part of the growing Gürtel nightlife scene (under the railway arches), this small venue regularly hosts national and international DJs and bands, though it’s particularly known within the Austrian alternative music world. The venue is cleverly split over two floors—on the ground level, the two bars and stage reside, while on the first level, there are tables and chairs with views down onto the stage.
U6 or Tram #43: Alser Str. Cover free-€15. Open daily 8pm-4am.
Q [KJU:]
Währinger Gürtel, Stadtbahnbogen 142-144
BAR, CLUB
1 804 50 55 www.kju-bar.at
Frequented by a young, party-going crowd, Q [kju:] is another club venue on the Gürtel nightlife scene, with a rowdy, dance-happy clientele. The red walls with gold and leather accents are adorned with hanging mirrors that make the dance floor seem larger (and also provide a convenient means of checking out your latest dance moves). If you don’t feel like shakin’ your booty, observe the sunken dance floor from a booth alongside it.
U6: Währinger Str., Volksoper. Open daily 8pm-4am.
PRATERDOME
Riesenradpl.7
CLUB
1 908 119 29 00 www.praterdome.at
The largest club in Austria, Praterdome fulfills every disco-goer’s fantasy... within reason, of course. There are four dance floors playing every type of music imaginable and 12 bars to serve you up drinks. While the laser lights and neon colors are cool, the clientele often thinks they are a bit too cool (in other words, trashy). Mentally prepare yourself for a large night out and bring a very very large group of friends—it’s likely you will lose a few in this massive party complex.
U1: Praterstern. Cover free-€10. Open Th-Sa 9 or 10pm-late.
ALL IN
Währinger Gürtel, Stadtbahnbögen 90-91
BAR, MUSIC VENUE
1 236 52 89 www.allinbar.com
One of the more recent arrivals on the Gürtel nightlife scene, All In boasts a sleek design that blends the exposed brick of the subway arches with modern glass shelves and geometric furniture. There is a dance floor as well as a long bar with high square stools—dress up a bit and order one of the delicious, fruity cocktails. The music ranges from oldies to jazz to hip hop, so check the website for upcoming events.
U6 or Tram #43: Alser Str. Cover free-€8. Open Tu-Sa 9pm-4am, Su 10am-8pm.
Outer Districts
U4
Schonbrunner Str. 222
DANCE CLUB
1 817 11 92 www.u-4.at
U4 is a club legend in Vienna—everyone has their own story and impression of the place, but all will undoubtedly name-drop that Nirvana once played there. In its dark underground locale, U4 has two dance floors with different music, and the program changes every night. Its far-out location in the district XII eliminates the possibility of club-hopping easily, so everyone commits to the night, often-times taking the first U-Bahn train home in the morning.
U4: Meidlinger Hauptstr. The club is directly behing the station on Schonbrunner Str. Open M-Sa 10pm-5-6am.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Theater
TANZQUARTIER WIEN
Museumspl. 1
CORE
1 581 35 91 www.tqw.at
With an ambitious schedule of new shows every weekend, Tanzquartier Wien has become a premier dance space for contemporary and modern-style dance. Much of it is experimental, and the shows range from one-woman acts to ensemble pieces performed in the studio spaces or the neighboring Kunsthalle theater.
U2: Musemspl. Or U2 or U3: Volkstheater. In Museumsquartier, walk beyond the Leopold Museum and turn right. Tickets €11, students €7.50. Open dance classes (professional level) €9. Box office and info office open M-Sa 9am-8pm.
THEATER AN DER WIEN
Linke Wienzeile 6
CORE
1 588 85 www.theater-wien.at
One of Vienna’s youngest opera houses (it opened in 2006), Theater an der Wien becomes the opera destination in July and August when its shows keep running even though the normal opera season stops. A new show usually premieres each month.
U1, U2, or U4: Karlspl. Tickets €12-160. Student rush operas €15, concerts €10. Standing-room tickets €7. Box office open daily 10am-7pm. Student-rush tickets are available 30min. before curtain at the box office. Standing room (based on availability) can be purchased 1hr. before showtime.
VIENNA’S ENGLISH THEATER
Josefsgasse 12
CORE
1 402 126 00 www.englishtheatre.at
Vienna’s English Theater was established in 1963 as a summer theater for tourists, but its popularity enabled it to expand into the traditional theater season (and now it doesn’t even run shows during the summer months). In 2004, it was awarded the Nestroy Prize for 40 years of achievement, with appearances by the likes of Judi Dench and Leslie Nielsen and European premieres of plays by David Auburn and Edward Albee.
U2 and U3: Volkstheater. Or Tram #1 or D: Parliament; Tram #2: Rathaus; or Bus #13A: Piaristengasse. Tickets €22-42. Students and under 18 20% off. Standby tickets €9. Box office open Jan-May and Sept-Dec M-F 10am-7:30pm, Sa and holidays 5-7:30pm; on non-performance days Jan-May and Sept-Dec M-F 10am-5pm. Limited number of standby tickets are available 15min. before curtain.
Film
ENGLISH CINEMA HAYDN
Mariahilfer Str. 57
CORE
1 587 22 62 www.haydnkino.at
If you’re on the lookout for some good ol’ American pop culture, this cinema is one of the few in the city that presents English-language films without subtitles. All the major motion pictures you’ve heard of and, surprisingly, not too behind the US in terms of release dates (i.e., you will probably find a few that you haven’t seen already).
U3: Neubaugasse. Tickets €5.90-8.50, depending on length of film and day of the week. Box office opens 15min. before 1st show and closes 15min. after beginning of last show.
BURG KINO
Opernring 19
INNER
1 587 8406 www.burgkino.at
A centrally located theater that shows a mix of mainstream and indie. There are two screens—one reserved for a popular Hollywood movie or cartoon (screened in the original version), while the other, smaller screen offers a rotation of less prominent indie flicks (although still fairly recent and also in the original English versions).
U1, U2, U4, Tram #1, 2, or D: Karlspl. Tickets M-Th €5, F-Su €6. Box office opens 30min. before 1st showing.
ARTIS INTERNATIONAL
Schultergasse 5
INNER
1 535 65 70 www.cineplexx.at
This old Inner Stadt cinema shows only recent Hollywood flicks in English and generally without subtitles. There is even an occasional 3D offering. Some movie-goers balk that the screens are too small, especially compared to the uber large, stadium style theaters we are now used to.
U1 or U3: Stephanspl. Or U3: Herrengasse. Tickets €6-10. Opens 15-30min. before 1st showing.
Music
STAATSOPER (STATE OPERA)
Opernring 2
INNER
1 514 44 22 50 www.wiener-staatsoper.at
For many visitors, seeing an opera in the gorgeous Staatsoper is a highlight of a trip to Vienna. Hindemith’s Cadillac, Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Le nozze di Figaro, Janácek’s Kátja Kabanová, Händel’s Alcina, and Donizetti’s Anna Bolena are just six of the more recent new productions. Opera season runs Sept-June, but during the summer months, operas are shown on a 50 sq. m screen on the plaza in front of the Opera House for free.
U1, U2, U4, Trams 1, 2, D, J, 62, 65: Karlspl. Tickets €3-250. Standing-room tickets €2.50-5. Tours €6.50, seniors €5.50, students and children €3.50. Box office (Operngasse 2 514 44 78 10) open M-F 8am-6pm, Sa-Su 9am-noon. Tours of the Opera House vary based on show schedule, but usually 1-3 per day in the afternoon at 2, 3, and 4pm; check website ahead of time. Tickets include entrance to Opera Museum (except on
M). Standing-room tickets are available 80min. before curtains.
WIENER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Ticket and Ball Office, Kärntner Ring 12
INNER
1 505 65 25 www.wienerphilharmoniker.at
The Wiener Philharmonic Orchestra embodies the musical spirit of Vienna. Strauss, Mahler, Bruckner, and Wagner are some of the famous names that have been associated with the orchestra over the years, which is perhaps why season subscriptions often sell out years in advance. Tickets for their annual New Year’s Eve concert performed in the Musikverein has to be lotteried due to such high demand, but they perform at many other venues and times throughout the city.
U1, U2, U4, Tram #1, 2, or D: Karlspl. Prices vary. Box office open M-F 9:30am-3:30pm, and 1hr. before the subscription concerts and end-of-year concerts.
WIENER STADHALLE
Vogelweidpl. 14
OUTER
1 98 100 www.stadthalle.com
The Stadthalle presents the greatest variety of music, entertainment, and artistic acts of any Vienna venue, as well as some sports and even kid’s musicals. Although it’s lacking Old World opera house charm (the building resembles a spaceship), it has seen big-name musicians including Guns N’ Roses and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
U6: Burgasse. Ticket prices vary based on event. Box office (between Hall D and Hall F) open M-Sa 10am-8pm.
Festivals
Here are some of the best festivals to partake in when in Vienna.
DONAUINSEL FEST (DANUBE ISLAND FESTIVAL)
Danube Island
DANUBE ISLAND
www.donauinselfest.at
This three-day festival is one of the most popular outdoor events in Europe, taking place on the Danube Island and welcoming over 2 million attendees. Free concerts galore with every genre of music imaginable, plenty of food and drink (sometimes too much!), and even a section with amusement park rides and games.
U1: Donauinsel or U6: Handelskai. Concerts and music free. Food, drink, and rides vary. A weekend in June.
VIENNALE
Siebensterngasse 2
INNER
1 526 59 47 www.viennale.at
The Viennale prides itself on showcasing Austrian and international films for young audiences, focusing on documentary films, international shorts, and experimental works. Every year, the festival screens over 300 films and receives over 90,000 visitors and audience members, including about 700 accredited guests from the film industry. Many of the screenings include discussions with the filmmakers, and there are other events such as concerts, book presentations, and cultural exhibitions throughout.
Cinemas throughout the Inner Stadt. Festival runs every Oct.
RAINBOW PARADE
Ringstr.
INNER, CORE
1 216 66 04 www.regenbogenparade.at
Only begun in 1996, the gay pride parade has now become one of Vienna’s largest events, sweeping the Ringstr. with the rainbow flags, outrageous outfits and body paint, and lots and lots of glitter. The parade culminates in a free concert with multiple acts, food and drink stands on the streets, and a generally exuberant atmosphere that might seem unexpected in this otherwise traditional city. Be on the lookout for the blow-up, rainbow-colored balloons shaped like male genitalia.
U4: Stadtpark. From Stadtpark to Schwarzenbergerpl. Parade and concert free. Early in July.
SHOPPING
Clothing
MOTMOT
Kirchengasse 36
CORE
1 924 27 19 www.motmotshop.com
T-shirts, T-shirts, T-shirts in every color and style imaginable and with hilarious designs and idioms. If you like surprises, buy a sale bag, which has a mysterious selection of shirts in a brown bag for a fixed, cheap price (male or female is indicated). Other fun accessories like buttons and belts are also available.
Tram #49. T-shirts €25-50. Buttons €1. Open Tu-F noon-7pm, Sa noon-5pm.
BE A GOOD GIRL
Westbahnstr. 5A
CORE
1 524 47 28 www.beagoodgirl.at
While part of this shop is a hair salon (chic, obviously), the other half has funky bags, wallets, fedoras, and sneakers for sale. There is also an interesting selection of books and notebooks, one of which has Vienna city grids on the pages in the place of regular lines or graph paper.
Tram #49. Open Tu-F 10am-7pm, Sa 10am-4pm.
ART POINT
Westbahnstr. 3
CORE
1 522 04 25 www.artpoint.eu
This store epitomizes the creativity of up-and-coming European designers, whose clothing is sometimes more like a work of art than particularly practical. Art Point is best known for their “two sleeves and one collar,” which is as it sounds: two dress shirt sleeves attached to a dress-shirt collar, then wrapped around and tied like a scarf. They come in every pattern imaginable and are made for men and women.
Tram #49. 2 sleeves and 1 collar €85. Open M-F 11am-7pm, Sa 11am-5pm.
Music
SCOUT RECORDS
Capistrangasse 3
CORE
Stepping into this record store is like venturing into a music-collector’s basement. Wall shelves, filing bins, and even cardboard boxes are all packed to the brim with CDs, DVDs, and records. There is a large selection of jazz as well as rock, metal, and classical. Be prepared to spend some time getting lost in the music.
U3: Neubaugasse. CDs from €3. Vinyl records up to €40. Open M-F 2-7pm, Sa 10am-5pm.
SUBSTANCE
Westbahnstr. 16
CORE
1 523 67 57 www.substance-store.com
The pristine rows of CDs and vinyl records are shiny and expensive, making this music store the place to buy new music. The collection is extensive, though the focus is on indie, electronica, and alternative.
U3 or Tram #49: Neubaugasse. Open M-F 11am-7:30pm, Sa 10am-6pm.
AUDIAMO
Kaiserstr. 70
OUTER
1 699 95 31 90 www.audiamo.com
It’s not too often you can find books on tape when traveling abroad, and in English no less! Audiamo has crime, romance, thriller, biography, fiction, and children’s books on tape, as well as some CDs and DVDs for your listening and viewing pleasure. Look for the British flags on the boxes that indicate English-language selections. There is also a pleasant cafe in the shop with coffee and snacks.
U6 or Tram #5: Burggasse. Open M-F 9am-7pm, Sa 10am-5pm.
Books
SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY BOOKSELLERS
Sterngasse 2
CORE
1 535 50 35 www.shakespeare.co.at
This store’s motto is “Let yourself be found by a book,” and there really is no better place to do just that. Located in a nook in one of the oldest parts of the Inner Stadt, Shakespeare and Co. has large English selections of travel literature, fiction, and history books arranged on wooden bookshelves that stretch from floor to ceiling. It often holds book readings and other events open to the public.
U1 or U4: Schwedenpl. Used books from €3. New books from €8. Open 6 days a week 9am-9pm; call ahead for weekly schedule.
THE BRITISH BOOKSHOP
Weihburggasse 24
CORE
1 512 19 450 www.britishbookshop.at
Just when you just thought you would never find the perfect vacation read, The British Bookshop is overflowing with more selection than you know what to do with. Choose from fiction, travel ( Let’s Go included!), classics, crime, romance, and even business books. Don’t miss the sale bin hidden behind the bulletin board next to the cash register.
U3, Tram #1 or 2: Stubentor. Paperback novels €9-12. Open M-F 9:30am-6:30pm, Sa 9:30-6pm.
KUNSTHALLE WIEN SHOP
Museumspl. 1
CORE
1 524 02 20 www.kunsthallewien.at/en/shop
The kooky knick-knacks assembled here will certainly entertain. Because who doesn’t need a massive chocolate-bar shaped calculator or kama sutra dice? Pick up hilarious p
ostcards (€1.20-3.50) to send home or a new eraser for “Really Big Mistakes.”
U2: Musemspl. Alternatively U2 or U3: Volkstheater. In Museumsquartier, the shop is beneath the stairs of the MUMOK. Open daily 11am-7pm.
LIFE BOOKS/“BÜCHER FUR’S LEBEN”
Capistrangasse 5
CORE
1 587 94 60 www.lifebooks.at
This bookstore has got its motto right, offering all the “life books” you could need, though unfortunately the majority are in German. There is a selection in English that consists of mainstream novels and bestsellers, and the English-speaking staff is happy to recommend their favorites.
Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide Page 7