Although the gay scene in Vienna is more low-key than in other European capitals such as Berlin (and gay marriage in Austria only became legal in January of 2019), it's still a very tolerant and open city with a number of gay and lesbian attractions. One of them is the gay pride parade that takes over the center of the city at the end of June, the same month when the queer film festival takes place. During the rest of the year you'll still find plenty to do at the bars and especially at the city's fun gay clubs. Here’s where to go:
Gay Bars and Cafés
Café Rifugio
It opens in the morning, but this small gay café is a destination for the afternoon, when it offers daily happy hours.
Facebook Page: Cafe-Rifugio
City Bar
This stylish, straight-friendly gay bar opens from Thursday to Saturday to serve cocktails to a mixed crowd that stands chatting with drink in hand, as pop hits from the past and the present are played.
Website: citybar.at
Felixx Bar
Gay guys of all ages love this place, furnished in a classic Viennese style. You may drink under the chandeliers on any regular fun night, or during one of the special events often held here.
Website: www.felixx-bar.at
Kisss Bar
Yes, that’s “kiss” with an extra “s.” There are nights of bingo, drag performances, and especially of drinking and light meals in the diner-like interior where classic pop tunes are heard.
Website: www.kisssbarvienna.com
Mango Bar
This is a cool, modern bar for trendy young guys to meet. It's mostly crowded between 11PM and 1AM.
Facebook Page: Mango-Bar-Vienna
Village Bar
Mirrors and disco balls fill this fun space with reflecting lights, as young gay men enjoy cocktails and shake their bodies to dance hits.
Facebook Page: VillageBarVienna
Gay Clubs
Club Why Not
The city's hottest gay parties take place at this long-running club. Relax at the chill-out bar or join everyone at one of the two dance floors.
Website: www.why-not.at
Cruising Clubs
Eagle Vienna
This internationally-famous club has no dress code, but you’ll find that many of the men standing at the red-hot bar are of the leather kind. Still, you’ll meet different types of locals and tourists, who enjoy the dark corners with glory holes, slings, and even a shop with toys.
Website: eagle-vienna.at
F56
The city’s largest cruising and fetish club has smoking and non-smoking areas, a bar, a dark room, and cabins, used on the different theme nights that range from underwear to sports and naked.
Website: www.f56.at
Sling
This playground for men to relax and have fun, plays techno and house music as a soundtrack to the activities that may include “water sports,” “naked mask” and “party in the dark.”
Website: www.sling.at
Saunas
Apollo
In business for three decades, this sauna attracts all kinds of gay men, but especially bears and their admirers. There’s a Finnish sauna, a swimming pool, private cabins, and two “play spaces.”
Website: www.apollosauna.at
Kaiserbründl
Set in a Moorish-style building, this beautiful sauna is Vienna's most famous. It offers massages by professional masseurs, and even a restaurant.
Website: kaiserbruendl.at
Römersauna
Split into two floors, this sauna hosts special parties and theme nights. Facilities include two cruising areas, a steam bath and massage spaces.
Facebook Page: roemersauna
Sportsauna
Located in the basement of the Hotel-Pension Wild, this sauna attracts locals and tourists of all ages. It’s open 24 hours on weekends.
Facebook Page: Sportsauna
Gay Hotels
Hotel-Pension Wild
This gay-owned guesthouse is centrally located and offers different types of rooms, some with en-suite bathrooms, others with shared facilities. It’s a good value if you’re on a budget.
Ruby Marie Hotel
Featuring a rooftop garden for breakfast in the morning and cocktails in the evening, this 4-star hotel is a former department store. The soundproof rooms have a modern, minimalist design, and there’s a retro-style bar open 24 hours.
25hours Hotel MuseumsQuartier
The location in the trendy MuseumsQuartier seems to attract gay guests to this colorful hotel. Each room is unique, mixing a vintage and modern décor. The rooftop bar with panoramic views hosts weekly live music and DJ events, and there’s also a good fitness center and spa.
Vienna Accommodation
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