This is part two of my Vienna roundup: Where to Drink in Vienna…bring on the rooftop bars! If you are like me and judge a city on the selection of rooftop bars they have to offer, you will love Vienna!
Das Loft is a panoramic sky bar on the 18th floor of the Sofitel Vienna Stephenson, whose sweeping glass windows offer the best view in town, hands down. Sunset at this stunning bar is not to be missed, as you can watch the sun set over the whole of Vienna. If the view wasn’t enough, the 21,500-square-foot stunning illuminated ceiling mural by artist Pipilotti Rist makes this sky bar an unforgettable setting for a sunset cocktail.
If Dogs Run Free, yes you read it right, that was not a typo. If Dogs Run free, is a modern cocktail bar in the 6th district of Vienna, that invites you into a fantasy world of art installations and creative cocktails. From the moment you enter through a heavy velvet curtain, you realise that this cocktail bar is one of a kind. The space is created to give main focus to the cubist instillation ceiling, whilst the rest of the room is a black box theatre style minimalist dark room. The ceiling is reserved for artists to design installations, and the current origami-esque design is reason enough to visit this artistic cocktail bar.
The part you will remember most about this cocktail bar, however, is the extraordinary and creative cocktails (or not depending on how much you love them). I recommend trying the ‘Most Unusual Gin & Tonic’. This is one for the coconut lovers among you as it contains coconut water and coconut essence, as well as lime juice, mint, and of course Tanqueray and tonic. The effect is a delicious marriage between Mojito and G&T (two crowd favourites) with a twist that we are just coconutty about!
Onyx bar on the 6th floor of the Do & Co Hotel, is the place to be if you are an aspiring Instagram influencer. During our visit we witnessed two avid Instagrammers with tripods and remote clickers, both trying to get the perfect photo sat with a beautiful cocktail in hand in front of St Stephen’s Cathedral. The elegantly decorated lounge has sweeping windows overlooking Stephansplatz and St Stephen’s Cathedral.
This is an absolute must and excellent place to reward yourself if you have just taken on the 343 steps to the top of the south tower of St Stephens Cathedral. Whilst you might be breathless and unable to feel your legs afterwards (especially if you are in Food PR), the views are stunning and well worth it, and fabulous cocktails are just moments away at Onyx afterward!
This beautiful rooftop bar is located on the top floor of Hotel Lamée, and gives you breathtaking views over St Stephens Cathedral and the surrounding city. I am a sucker for a sunset, so would recommend coming here for a sunset cocktail, or three…If the view isn’t enough to persuade you, the décor should. It is beautifully vibrant and summery, however the fact that we were there in 2 degrees didn’t deter us as there were outdoor heaters and blankets galore making it the perfect romantic spot.
Set in Vienna’s historic old town this intimate cocktail bar is a real hidden gem. This smoky, dimly lit bar embraces Vienna’s café history and is slightly reminiscent of an opulent 1920’s speakeasy. Josef’s cocktail bar offers innovative cocktails, classics with a twist, and a fine selection of spirits and cigars. It is an absolute must when visiting Vienna, so much so that we went back twice in four days!
Whether it’s rooftop bars, charming wine cellars, intimate cigar bars, elegant steakhouses, unique cocktail bars, or traditional Viennese kaffeehauses, you are sure to find something about Viennese food and drink culture that you fall in love with!
