While football may pale in popularity compared to skiing in Austria, this does not stop Austrians from gathering to watch their favourite teams throughout the season. When it comes to major tournaments, there is a good collection of well established bars poised to throw open their doors (sometimes at odd hours), to accommodate.
However, when Austria actually qualify, now that’s a whole different ball game. Unassuming parks, ‘beach bars’, and far flung corners* of the city get out the big screens in preparation for what everyone hopes will be a decent run. So whether you want to join us as we get swept up in football fever, or simply support your own team while on holibobs, fear not, we know the best places to watch Euro 2020 in Vienna…
*Please note; the outdoor section of the following list is based on where the fan zones were last Euros, please double check all locations before visiting.
This boisterous central pub is always popular with the locals. Easily the most central, it’s location makes it the perfect stop before or after a day of sightseeing. Quickly crowded, especially when Ireland are involved, get there early for a seat, but expect the ‘craic’ if you are just standing!
Where: Schwarzenbergstraße 1-3, 1010 Vienna
Good for: Supporting Ireland, supporting anyone playing England, atmosphere, rugby players.
Opening hours: Daily 10am-2am (4am Friday and Saturday)
It may have recently changed hands, but it hasn’t lost any of the charm. With a good range of craft beers and burgers this is a good spot if you want to sit and enjoy a game in the evening, especially as you can reserve. TV’s are spread all over the pub, with a mix of seating and standing, downstairs there are even more, and with DJs most evenings you can even dance the night away to some bangers.
Where: Währingerstraße 3, 1090 Vienna
Good for: burgers, multiple screens, getting a seat
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 3pm- 2am; Sat 12pm-3am; Sun 12pm-1am
The newest Irish pub on the block has begun with a bang! Once the garden is open they will boast a whopping 500 odd seats and with screens inside and out. Their close proximity to the Rathaus (town hall) again makes it and easy stop for the sightseers out there while also boasting a full menu for those who wish to wine and dine while watching.
Where: Florianigasse 2, 1080 Vienna
Good for: projector, loads of seats, outdoor screens, food
Opening hours: MON-THUR; 11am–12am, FRI; 11am–2am, SAT; 10am–2am, SUN; 10am–12am
Not one of the main players but they have been pulling in the crowds for Liverpool and Rangers matches of late. If you are just looking for a quiet beer, it’s proximity to the Hundertwasser House and some other nice dining options (Gasthaus Wild) mean it is worth having on the radar. Being the only non Irish pub, it may also mean England fans may get some respite from the banter.
Where: Löwengasse 6, 1030 Vienna
Good for: supporting England away from abuse, Liverpool/Rangers fans
Opening hours: MON-FRI; 6am–1am, SAT/SUN; 12pm-2am/12am (Sunday)
With a number of different bars and food stalls enclosed in this park, it is a popular destination for groups. With a faux beach and deck chairs it is also the perfect summer spot to chill down by the canal and get a feel for what summer is like for the locals in the city. They usually have a number of screens, a mix between normal chairs and deck chairs (get there early for them), and when Austria qualify, a cinema sized screen.
Where: Herrmannpark, 1030 Vienna
Good for: beach vibes, giant screen, deck chairs
Opening hours: Daily 10am–2am
The campus courtyard is probably most famous for its Christmas market, but come the summer, the couple of bars within it throw out some sand, benches and deck chairs to make a small inner city beach. With a playground and relatively enclosed space it’s great for families and those looking for a (slightly) quieter option than the above.
Where: Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Vienna
Good for: being central, options, student vibes, taking the family
Opening hours: hours vary depending on the bar
Screen wise, Adria is one of the weakest on the list. However, as an outdoor venue, it is easily one of the most popular venues on the whole canal as it gets the most sun and is easily the best people watching spot in the whole city. With a few different bars, street food options and a multitude of seats and spots to perch, even if you are not watching a game, it’s worth a visit.
Where: Obere Donaustraße 77, 1020 Vienna
Good for: hanging out with locals, people watching during half time
Opening hours: Daily 10am–1am
Another one with less screens but worth it for the novelty of being able to sing ‘I’m on a boat’. On shore there are some other bars/street food spots, that may be showing the games as well, it also has a gym and a small (and cold) swimming pool floating out back as well as an Adidas Running Base, and a small football cage, it is great for the more active of us out there.
Where: Hmm the canal, it’s a boat… roughly here.
Good for: singing ‘I’m on a boat’, swimming pool, novelty factor, the ‘Gram
Opening hours: MON; 4pm-12am, TUE-SUN; 10am–12am
This popular music venue normally ends being the main fan–zone for one of the leading Austrian Broadcasters. Therefore when it comes to Austrian games, expect live broadcasts on sight, plenty of students and music and DJ’s at the weekends! Near one of the universities it will forever be a popular spot for students.
Where: Währingerstraße 59, 1090 Vienna
Good for: being in a cultural hub, hanging with students
Opening hours: MON-FRI; 9am–8pm, SAT-SUN 3pm–8pm (may vary)