A Night Owl's Guide to Vienna: Where to Find Rock, Punk, Indie, Metal & Alternative Live Music
Vienna. Beyond its grand opera houses and classical melodies, there's a pulsating heart beating to the rhythm of electric guitars, thrashing drums, and raw, unfiltered vocals. If you're a fan of rock, punk, indie, alternative, or metal, you'll find Vienna's live music scene surprisingly vibrant, diverse, and ready to make some noise. The city offers a fantastic array of venues, from legendary former squat houses to cozy basement clubs, all dedicated to showcasing both established acts and burgeoning local talent. Forget the waltz for a night and dive into Vienna's electric underground.
Arena
This is arguably Vienna's most iconic and versatile alternative music complex. Housed in a former slaughterhouse, Arena is a sprawling space with multiple indoor stages and a large outdoor area that comes alive in warmer months. It's the go-to for everything from punk rock legends and established indie bands to metal festivals and experimental acts. Its industrial charm and varied programming make it a cornerstone of Vienna's heavier music scene.
Baumgasse 80, 1030 Vienna
Chelsea
A true Vienna institution and a beloved spot on the Gürtel, Chelsea is a classic indie pub and live venue. It is celebrated for its focus on indie rock, post-punk, and alternative acts, alongside DJ nights. It's a fantastic place to catch energetic smaller bands in a tight, convivial atmosphere.
Lerchenfelder Gürtel 29-30, 1080 Vienna
Szene
A reliable medium-sized concert hall, Szene Wien is a steadfast venue for a wide array of rock, metal, punk, and alternative bands, both Austrian and international. It's known for its good sound system and providing a solid concert experience.
Hauffgasse 26, 1110 Vienna
B72
Another staple under the U-Bahn arches on the Gürtel, B72 is a two-level venue that consistently offers a diverse mix of live acts from the indie, rock, alternative, and punk spectrum. With a stage downstairs and a more relaxed area upstairs, it's perfect for both moshing and mingling.
Hernalser Gürtel 72-73, 1080 Vienna
Replugged
Known for its good sound system, Replugged focuses almost exclusively on rock, hard rock, and metal acts, often showcasing local and regional talent. It offers a no-frills, loud, and proud environment for headbanging.
Lerchenfelder Str. 23, 1070 Vienna
Cafe Carina
Tucked away under the Gürtel arches, Cafe Carina offers a fascinating mix. While it's a cozy, slightly divey bar during the day, it transforms into a vibrant hub for smaller, independent, and often experimental bands at night. You'll find everything from garage rock and punk to noise rock and alternative acts, often with free entry. It's a fantastic spot to discover raw, emerging talent.
Josefstädter Straße 84, 1080 Vienna
Viper Room
If metal is your passion, the Viper Room is a key destination. It hosts a regular lineup of metal, hardcore, and hard rock bands, alongside themed club nights. Expect an energetic crowd and heavy sounds.
Landstraßer Hauptstraße 38, 1030 Vienna
Escape Metalcorner
Escape Metalcorner is a legendary institution. As the name suggests, this one is for true metalheads. Located near the Gürtel, this no-frills club is dedicated purely to the heavier side of music – a haven for metal, hardcore, and punk. Expect loud music, a passionate crowd, and a true underground atmosphere. They frequently host local and international metal acts.
Neustiftgasse 110, 1070 Vienna