Tips for the ESC: Vienna’s Top Cocktail Bars for the Perfect Drink

Hidden behind an inconspicuous door and several meters underground, Krypt Bar in the 9th district awaits—arguably one of the most extraordinary bars in the city. Located in a historic vaulted cellar—which was allegedly used as a (semi-)illegal jazz club back in the 1950s—you’ll now find a truly exciting cocktail bar.

It’s the ideal spot for anyone who wants to start their pre-ESC evening with a touch of mystery: dimmed lights, intimate alcoves, and a long marble bar provide a genuine speakeasy feel. Alongside the classics, Krypt offers monthly specials and wild shots. And the best part? The names of the drinks. After all, who wouldn’t want to knock back an „Apple Bottom Jeans“ shot?

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It feels a bit like a living room you’ve accidentally stumbled into—only with significantly better drinks. That’s exactly what makes Die Parfümerie such a great spot if you want to start your evening in the 7th district with a relaxed vibe, while still sipping on some seriously cool cocktails.

• Mehr lesen: Tolle Cocktailbars im 7. Bezirk (German)

The menu is packed with creative signature cocktails that love to experiment with unusual ingredients: at Die Parfümerie, you can try a Shiitake-infused Negroni for yourself.

It’s the perfect spot between ESC events if you’re looking for great drinks, relaxed vibes, and an international crowd. Or, to put it another way: it’s a bar that quickly feels like a “home away from home“.

• Read more: ESC Guide: Where to enjoy a great dinner before the Eurovision Song Contest

Small, loud, and welcoming: that’s exactly why City Bar in Vienna’s city center is a spot you should keep on your radar. If you’re craving a great drink, you’re guaranteed to find your perfect cocktail here. Despite its size, they offer a solid selection of cocktails and creative shots—perfect for raising a glass to your favorite Eurovision act.

A major plus: the mix of a queer-friendly atmosphere and an international crowd makes this spot ideal for ESC fans visiting from all over Europe.

• Read more: Queer Partying in Vienna: Safe(r) Spaces Around the Song Contest

If you want to find The Chapel Bar in the 15th district, you’ll have to look a little closer—true to the speakeasy principle. Here’s a hint: the entrance is hidden inside the restaurant Let’s be Frank. It’s the perfect spot if you want to start your evening with a little adventure.

We won’t spoil much more, because the discovery is exactly what makes the visit so special. Inside, you’ll find a setting that truly lives up to its name: with a touch of the ecclesiastical, it’s stylish and seriously impressive—an original backdrop to get you into a special mood before the Eurovision Song Contest.

On top of that, the creative cocktails don’t just look great; they taste incredible, too. It’s perfect for an elegant warm-up or a sophisticated drink after the ESC.

• Mehr lesen: 7 versteckte Bars in Wien, die ihr noch nicht kennt (German)

A bit playful yet totally relaxed: that’s Hammond Bar in the 2nd district. The highlights here aren’t just the cocktails, but also the iconic „bubble chandelier“ hanging right over the bar.

Despite its stylish looks, the vibe remains pleasantly casual. And the drinks? Creative, yet easy to sip. In short: just really good cocktails. You should definitely give it a try if you’re visiting for the Eurovision Song Contest—but it’s worth a visit any other time, too!

• Read more: Unsere 9 liebsten Cocktailbars im 2. Bezirk (German)

Deliberately unpolished yet all the more charming: that’s Café Mausi. If you’re looking for a relaxed, hipster vibe during Eurovision, you definitely need to stop by for a cocktail. Don’t let the name fool you—despite being called a „Café,“ the focus here is on creative drinks, such as their signature “Sliwowitz Sour.”

The selection is small but curated: five or six rotating cocktails, high-quality and creatively mixed, ensure there’s always something new to discover. To go with them, they serve simple but perfectly paired snacks like olives and toast—exactly what you need to wind down after the show or to fuel up with a great drink before heading to the Wiener Stadthalle.

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If you’re in Vienna for the Eurovision Song Contest and looking for a unique drinking experience, you shouldn’t miss this bar: the mysterious Tür 7 in the 8th district is a true insider spot for cocktails in the city.

In true speakeasy style, entry is by reservation only: there is no sign and no neon lights, but plenty of atmosphere. You can find the contact details on the bar’s website. Once inside, a cozy living-room setting awaits.

There is no traditional menu; instead, you simply describe the flavors you’re in the mood for, and the incredibly skilled bartenders will whip up truly divine creations just for you. It’s the perfect spot for fans who want to do more than just party during their ESC trip—it’s for those who want to enjoy Vienna in style.

• Read more: Unsere liebsten Cocktailbars im 8. Bezirk (German)