It’s easy to hang out in Vienna: It’s full of exhibitions, cozy cafés and Christmas markets, and you can easily pass your days just drinking coffee, Punsch and Glühwein. But if you still feel yourself coming down with the winter blues, never fear! There are tons of great activities you can enjoy alone or with friends, even after the holidays end. Need some ideas? Look no further, Metropole’s got you covered.
1. Take board games to the next level
Board games aimed at adults are more popular than ever, with games like Settlers of Catan capturing the mainstream. Even if your friends are only used to poker or uno, don’t count them out! With a little enthusiasm and competitive spirit, you’ll have your friends collecting natural resources and building imaginary roads, settlements and cities in no time. Not ready to host a game night at your house? Fortunately, Vienna has several venues that let you test, borrow, or purchase brand new or classic games, usually offering snacks and drinks as well.
Our favorites are the following:
- Vienna Boardgamers English Board Game Night |is a weekly meetup where all games are played in english Café Zehnsiebzig | 7., Burggasse 68/1 | Opening hours: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Brot und Spiele is a popular Viennese Beisl, open every night for some game time., Laudongasse 22 | Opening hours: 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Café Sperlhof is an old coffee shop/bar, stocked on board games and billiard tables | 2., Große Sperlgasse 41 | Opening hours: 4 m. – 1:30 a.m.
2. Take a stab at ice skating
Many cities offer ice skating in the park, but few have as gorgeous a backdrop as the Wiener Eistraum, right in front of the the neo-gothic town hall. Several ice paths branch off the main square into Rathauspark, where the trees are bathed in lights, creating a romantic winter wonderland that’s hard to top. Somewhat less romantic but way more spacious, the Wiener Eislaufverein has maintained a rink over by the Stadtpark since 1901, offering a multitude of special events for children and adults like Soulful Sundays or a special New Year’s concert on Jan 1.
- Wiener Eistraum | 1., Rathausplatz | Opening hours: 10 a.m. -10 p.m.
Tip: buy your ticket online to skip the queue and save some money.
Or if you want to have a short, but free session, show up half an hour before closing time, at 9:30 pm.
- Wiener Eislaufverein, Lothringerstraße 22 | Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
3. Conquer Karaoke – Sing your heart out!
If you want to discover a different side of someone; invite them to a karaoke bar – you will unquestionably see (and hear) something new. Don’t be discouraged by any lack of musical talent – if worst comes to worst, you can probably still manage Taylor Swift’s Shake it Off. Either way, it’s not the voice that matters, but the attitude. Grab the mic, be heard, and enjoy the attention!
Pro tip: practice at home – YouTube has countless videos with lyrics.
- Lemmon, a popular cocktail and karaoke bar, in the first district | , Wolfengasse 1, Vienna | Opening hours: from Tuesday till Saturdays: 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. (closed on Sundays and Mondays).
- Celeste a small music venue and bar| , Hamburgerstraße 18, Vienna | The Karaoke night on Thursdays starts at 9 p.m.
4. Bond over bowling
Whether you’re super-competitive or mega chill, bowling is a sport for everyone! Enjoyable either way, it’s perfect for socializing – whenever you’re not busy chasing spares, you can just hang out with your teammates. Easy to learn, it’s ideal for children and grandparents as well.
- Plus Bowling Center Wien | , Beheimgasse 5-7 Vienna | Opening hours: 9 a.m – midnight.
- Bowling in Prater: Kugeltanz | , Hauptallee 124, Vienna | Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday: 2 p.m. – 11 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 1 a.m., Sunday: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
5. Hit the dance floor – from ballrooms to dark rooms
The great communicator, dancing can turn a room full of awkward strangers into a party – lift your spirit, start moving around, take up space! Whichever’s your preference – a waltz, a tango, or freestyle – you can find a place for it in Vienna.
- Viennese waltz classes | Various locations and hours, depending on the class
- Learn to salsa || , Schwarzspanierstraße 13, Vienna | Opening hours: Monday 6:30 p.m. – midnight.
- Go deep at Grelle Forelle, which specializes in electronic dance music | , Spittelauer Lände 12, Vienna | Opening hours: Club 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. Live shows: vary.
- If you’re into smaller clubs, definitely check out Celeste | , Hamburgerstraße 18, Vienna | Opening hours: 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- You think musical innovation ended in the ’90ies? You’ll find friends here: Loft on Saturday! | , Lerchenfeldergürtel 37 Vienna | Saturday at 9:50 p.m.
(Foto credit: Opera Ball at the Vienna State Opera – © WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud/Couture Vivienne Westwood Vienna, Unsplash.com, Canva.com, Hal Gatewood, Unsplash.com, wienerweihnachtstraum.at)
