This year marks the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II, who composed over 500 waltzes, polkas, and quadrilles, and numerous tributes to his masterpieces will take place throughout 2025. But Vienna has so much more to offer than Mozart and Strauss, especially during ECR. Beyond the gilded concert halls, the city pulses with an eclectic soundscape. From mainstream concerts to hidden gems, we gathered some of the highlights to ensure you don't miss a beat. Beats and tracks. If you want to dive into Vienna's underground scene, head to the Stadtbahnbögen. The subway arches house a string of venues, tucked between old brick walls under the train tracks that separate the inner and outer districts of Vienna. Start your night at Fania Live and mingle with the Latin community. On Thursday 27 February at 8 p.m. CET, Brazilian bands take the stage at subway arches 22-23.
Nestled under Vienna's subway arches, Fania Live brings Latin beats to the city's underground scene. All video clips courtesy of Claudia Tschabuschnig. Just a stumble away, you'll find yourself in a Gypsy jazz concert by the Viennese band Gewürztraminer at the Loop. It kicks off at 9:30 p.m. CET in subway arches 26-27. From there, just let the night guide you. Venues like Kramladen, Chelsea, B72, and Café Carina are just a short stroll away, each hosting live gigs from established artists to newcomers. Jazz vibes. At Jazzclub ZWE (Flossgasse 4), students and established musicians take turns on stage, creating a raw, intimate experience. Concerts start daily at 8 p.m.
At Jazzclub ZWE, improvisation meets passion when students and seasoned musicians take the stage. To get a taste of the rich history of jazz, step down into the ancient stone cellar of Jazzland (Franz-Josefs-Kai 29), which hosts legends from all over the world playing blues, original New Orleans jazz, and bebop. Doors open at 7 p.m. CET.
Located in a 500-year-old cellar, Jazzland has offered live music and cocktails since 1972. Traditional stuff. Even if Strauss isn't your sort of guy, stepping into a classic concert hall might change your mind. The Musikverein is famous for its world-class acoustics and the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert, and it hosts Mozart and Vivaldi performances on 26 and 28 February and 1 March.
The world-renowned Musikverein is built like an oversized instrument, which gives it unique acoustics.
If you dare to dive deeper into Austrian folk culture, the Accordion Festival (running from February to March) pays tribute to Austria's signature instrument. Daily concerts feature a mix of avant-garde and traditional Schrammelmusik, a style of Viennese folk music originating in the late 19th century and still performed in Austria.
Dancing on water. For a journey back in time with a difference, head to the Badeschiff, on Sunday 3 March at 6:30 p.m. CET at Wolfgang-Schmitz-Promenade, where the roaring 1920s come alive on a floating dance floor. The weekly gatherings, called "Swing the boat," are popular among the Lindy Hop community who just love to swing to old classics.
Vienna's Lindy Hop community revives the Roaring '20s on a floating dance floor.
Also stuck in time is the Tanzcafé Jenseits (Nelkengasse 3), a nostalgic nod to 1920s variety, with walls covered in red velvet. To get in, you even need to ring a bell. Pay a visit from Tuesday to Saturday and bring your petticoat and skinny jeans. While Sunday is usually a rather uneventful day in the club scene, you can always head to the Cabaret Fledermaus (Spiegelgasse 2), close to the tourist traps around the Stephansdom for some fine 60s and 70s music.
Glamor and rock. Situated under a historic bridge in the city center is a popular spot for the LGBT+ scene: Why not Club (Tiefer Graben 22). Also centrally located, SASS (Karlsplatz 1), is an electro club popular among night owls, where you can dance until noon at an after-hours party that begins at 6 a.m. CET. Meanwhile, rockers too should have their heads spinning at the Viper Room, with an act taking place on 28 February at Landstrasser Hauptstrasse 38.
Sinful city. While Vienna is famous for elegance and opulence, it is also known for its hedonistic and indulgent lifestyle. To get a feel for the sinful side, pay a visit to the Mutzenbacher bar, located at Ullmannstrasse 51, a former brothel with a particularly kind bartender who has many stories to tell. Close by, you can try to find your way to the Chapel bar, a hidden speakeasy bar located at Haidmannsgasse 8, serving cocktails like "7 sins" or "12 apostles." For a bit more decadence, Barfly's (Esterházygasse 33) is a good choice. This American-style bar offers posh champagne drinks.
Political life. If you really want to get to the core of Austria's protest culture and alternative scene, take a ride to St. Marx and visit the Arena, a place that has been occupied by activists. It hosts daily concerts and political events.
Headliners. On the eve of ECR, James Blunt will take the big stage on 25 February. And if you find yourself returning to Vienna, you can catch Green Day on 2 June, Billie Eilish on 19 June, and Guns N' Roses on 9 July on the big stage. For lovers of classic festivals, there's also the Electric Love Festival (4-6 July).
Finale. To end this musical journey, please see below for a bonus offering captured at Jazzland. Enjoy the Vienna vibes during ECR!
International greats keep the spirit alive at Jazzland.
