Vienna's cocktail scene is among the oldest in continental Europe. Loos American Bar opened in 1908 in an Adolf Loos-designed room that's now a UNESCO-protected interior. Modern Vienna (Kleinod, Krypt) plays at world-class level. The 10 below show how Vienna balances historical architecture with modern cocktail technique.
Part of our 50 Best Cocktail Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best cocktail bars in Vienna
01 · Vienna
1st · Innere Stadt
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1908 · Adolf Loos-designed
Adolf Loos designed this room in 1908. The mahogany, marble and onyx interior is itself a UNESCO-protected work of architecture.
Order: A martini in the room Loos designed for that purpose
02 · Vienna
1st
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Modern · Counter
Modern Vienna cocktail bar — the technical reference for the new generation. World's 50 Best Bars Europe fixture.
Order: Bartender's choice with their seasonal Austrian-spirit feature
03 · Vienna
1st
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Speakeasy · Underground
Underground Vienna cocktail bar. Vaulted ceilings, dim lighting, classics-led menu.
Order: A Sazerac in the vault
04 · Vienna
1st
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Hotel bar · Belle Époque
Belle Époque hotel bar. Marble counters, brass details, classics-driven cocktail program.
Order: A perfect Manhattan
05 · Vienna
1st
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Apothecary cabinet · Hidden
Behind a cabinet door inside another bar. Tiny, eight-seat, deeply Austrian.
Order: A Schubert Spritz
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06 · Vienna
7th · Neubau
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Petrol-station-themed · Modern
Petrol-station-themed Neubau cocktail bar. Modernist drinks served theatrically. Younger crowd than the 1st district.
Order: A signature with their house-aged ingredient
07 · Vienna
1st · Danube Canal
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Riverside · All-day
On the Danube Canal. Cocktail bar after dark, with an Austrian-spirits-driven program.
Order: A signature with Austrian-distilled spirits
08 · Vienna
Sofitel · 18th floor
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Hotel rooftop · 18th floor
On the 18th floor of the Sofitel. Stunning panoramic view of Vienna's skyline. Cocktails are competent.
Order: A spritz at sunset, north-facing
09 · Vienna
3rd
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Speakeasy · Reservations
3rd district speakeasy. Reservations recommended. Modern Austrian-spirit cocktail program.
Order: Whatever's the seasonal Austrian-amaro feature
10 · Vienna
6th · Mariahilf
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Modern · Mariahilf
Modern Mariahilf cocktail bar. Casual atmosphere, classics-driven menu, the Vienna alternative to the 1st district formality.
Order: A Negroni made with their reserve Italian amaro
More Vienna cocktail barsThe full Vienna cocktail-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Vienna's cocktail history shapes the present
Vienna treats cocktail bars as architectural objects — the room is part of the experience, not just the drinks. Loos American Bar is the pilgrimage; Kleinod is the modern technical reference. The 10 above represent both ends of the spectrum. Most peak between 10 PM and 1 AM; some run later in the 1st district.
