Archives for “Music” tag

There’s this one great thing to do while being in Vienna and you’ll even be able to impress your friends by telling that you’ve enjoyed classic music in THE city of classic vibes. Listening to music, paying nothing and showing your interest in Vienna’s musical pride to be at the same time. Sounds great? Literally.

A while ago, searching for a possibility to listen to Vienna’s music students I kindly got invited to join one of Vienna’s Musical University’s (MDW) ‘Klassenabende’. The principle is simple: Groups of music students get to present their artistic and creative progress in public, on a regular basis.

As, mostly, there are not too many people watching these shows, you’re welcome to enjoy their appearance in one of those many beautiful chambers of Vienna’s Music University.

Besides from Piano, Clarinet, Viola and Organ Klassenabende there’s a great variety of acoustic matinees, vocals soirees and music brunches (calorie- and greaseless, of course) being communicated over their website. And as Music University is situated right next to Belvedere you’re likely to have a great view from the show room as well.

Classic or contemporary music and Viennese architecture. And the best thing about it: It doesn’t cost anything.

!! Here’s the way to go on the (for now only German) website:

Get to the webpage -> hit “VERANSTALTUNGEN” -> hit “STUDIENKONZERTE” -> you’ll see a list of happenings, most words in German are quite similar to the name of the instrument, like: Gitarre = Guitar

Nomen est Omen. So, as the name (Donau = Danube) suggests, be prepared to have the feeling of diving into a world of lights, music and sombre colors when entering the place.

This is a great place to start your evening at. Maybe you’re just done enjoying contemporary art in Museumsquartier (check Museumsquartier article) or need a chill out after an exciting shopping expedition on Mariahilferstraße, so much the better coming here as it’s right next to a couple of urban hot spots!

Donau shows itself as a wicked combination of a place where you can have a beer or two, get to know the newest tunes and still are able to have a conversation, as the music’s volume is not beyond the convenient. There’s also quite stylish snack bar and some really comfortable original cinema armchairs giving the place a certain old school Viennese character.

And – I love this interior’s element – don’t miss catching a glimpse of the ceiling and the remarkable art installation giving you the feeling of actually floating lazily along the blue river…

Plus; if you already feel like gaining an impression of what your evening might be like or if you just want to see whether you like the music or not, there is also an online radio station you should check out!

If you ever feel the need of escaping a grey and rainy day in Vienna you’ll be happy to enter this place, where cocktails are still prepared with fresh fruits all year long, delicious spirits tempt your taste buds and a cigar still gives you the feeling of sitting just outside on the veranda of a Cuban hacienda, enjoying the mild and warm wind tumbling your hair and watching the waves roll in.

For a long long time now this has been one of my favourite cocktail bars in Vienna. When I was 16, my friends and I came here quite often, sipping sweet delights (not too strong ones of course) together, surrounded by great Latin rhythms and the spot’s warm and cosy atmosphere.

But don’t worry, coming here you won’t stumble upon loads of youngsters being excited about trying their first Mojitos and Margaritas. Actually there are all kinds of people coming here, from students and night owls up to those that like to suit up every once in a while. Plus, the music’s not too loud, so, not as in many other cocktail bars where there’s the need of using pantomime or sign language, you can easily have a relaxed chat over your cocktails.

So, if you ever feel like having a summery shortbreak, come in here and get drawn into the world of guitar vibes, lime juice dashes and heavenly Daiquiris!

PS: Ladies Night every Tuesday – Thursday!

“By the way, the chair you are sitting on is for sale, oh and yes, the book, which you just grabbed from the bookshelf as well. Of course we sell the record you are listening to.” That’s the Phil, a colorful café-bar-bookshop-recordstore-interior shop-flea market and if you find something you can’t buy, then you are probably on the toilet, well actually I’m not even sure about that.

Actually the owner told us: “We don’t sell the toilet (except for the lamp maybe), we don’t sell the coffee machine because she’s from the 60s and something special, we don’t sell the clothes we’re wearing, and we don’t sell the artists (singers, writers, painters) when one of our from-time-to-time events takes place.”

Students, young families, artists and many more appreciate the easy-going-ness in the Phil. The furniture is mostly from the 70′s and as mentioned before, they can be bought. There is a large corner with books, Dvd’s, records and posters which you can browse and sniff through while having a drink, and if you like it, you bring it home.

The place is non-smoking and food looks and tastes good and healthy. Bring your laptop to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and make sure to reserve a table if you plan to come in a larger group. It tends to get crowded in the evenings. Check their Facebook or website for upcoming events, such as concerts and lectures.

This very red, yet cozy bar used to be a place for b-girls, a long time ago! The former house of pleasure still successfully brings joy to its visitors today. Since it is a small place and locals know about its charm, it can get somewhat crowded in this cult bar. Coming before 23:00 usually gets you one of the small tables.

“Jenseits” is the German term for “afterlife”, but you don’t need to worry, I assure you everyone of the well mixed crowd in here is absolutely friendly! Daily differing DJ-lines make sure many kinds of genres are being brought to you. The dance floor is small nevertheless it’s definitely a dance bar – especially after midnight.

Here they do not only have a special cocktail and wine but also a cigar menu – nothing now that stands in the way of an extravagant night.

There’s really not much more to say about the Jenseits, go there yourself in order to spend an unforgettable evening!