The Best Rooftop Bars and Wine Taverns for Scenic Views in Vienna

Last Updated on 20/10/2025

Many travelers choose rooftops and Heuriger for views; this guide shows you where to sip cocktails at Das Loft’s panoramic skyline, enjoy the 360° Ocean Sky over St. Stephen’s, explore the Heuriger in Grinzing & Neustift am Walde, relax on summer terraces and taste Sturm, while noting potential heights and evening crowds.

Key Takeaways:

• Rooftop highlights like Das Loft and 360° Ocean Sky deliver sweeping skyline and St. Stephen’s Cathedral views paired with creative cocktails and a stylish atmosphere.
• Heuriger in Grinzing and Neustift am Walde offer authentic wine-tavern charm—rustic settings for sampling local wines and seasonal Sturm.
• Summer terraces and outdoor biergartens provide relaxed, alfresco evenings with long daylight, casual seating, and scenic vantage points across the city.

Types of Rooftop Bars

Sky Bars	Panoramic cocktails — examples: Das Loft, 360° Ocean Sky; prime for sunset photos and sweeping skyline vistas.
Garden Rooftops	Lush terraces — planted seating, shade, herbs and small trees create an intimate, cooler atmosphere in summer months.
Heuriger-style Terraces	Wine tavern influence — authentic Heuriger in Grinzing & Neustift am Walde; seasonal wines and traditional snacks, not always high-rise but often paired with rooftop stops.
Summer Terraces & Biergartens	Casual outdoor seating — communal tables, beer-focused menus, busiest on weekends and ideal for relaxed evenings.
Pop-up / Seasonal Rooftops	Temporary concepts — city festivals or hotel pop-ups that appear May–September with DJs, curated cocktails and event-driven menus.

• Sky Bars
• Garden Rooftops
• Heuriger Wine Taverns
• Summer Terraces & Biergartens
• Sturm (seasonal young wine)

Sky Bars

You’ll find Sky Bars like Das Loft and 360° Ocean Sky focus on unobstructed sightlines: Das Loft pairs inventive cocktails with broad city panoramas while 360° Ocean Sky gives you direct views toward St. Stephen’s Cathedral, making it ideal for skyline shots. Expect peak demand at sunset — photographers and couples often arrive 30–45 minutes before golden hour to secure the best vantage.

Visit with the expectation that these venues are often crowded and moderately priced; advanced reservations are common and the spaces are typically wind-exposed, so you should bring a light layer. You can plan around quieter weekday nights or book a table with a window-side spot if you want uninterrupted views.

Garden Rooftops

You’ll notice Garden Rooftops emphasize greenery and microclimates: planter beds, small fruit trees and shaded pergolas lower ambient temperature and create privacy pockets, so these rooftops are busiest from late May through September. Many use local herbs in cocktails and small-plate menus to reinforce a farm-to-glass feeling, giving you a different sensory experience than purely glass-and-steel Sky Bars.

Some rooftop operators intentionally echo the Heuriger mood, offering regional wines and rustic snacks; when you want an authentic wine-tavern outing, head to the real Heuriger neighborhoods in Grinzing & Neustift am Walde and combine that with a garden rooftop stop. Seasonal Sturm typically appears in September–October, so plan visits in autumn if you want to taste that young wine.

Expect practicalities such as limited seating, occasional insects attracted by greenery, and surfaces that become slippery when wet after rain; you should reserve during weekends and aim for early evening to catch comfortable temperatures and active plantings in bloom.

Assume that you always check opening months and event schedules, book ahead for sunset tables, and bring a jacket because rooftops can be wind-exposed.

Wine Taverns in Vienna

Traditional Heurigers

You’ll find the classic heuriger experience clustered in Grinzing and Neustift am Walde, where dozens of family-run taverns spill out onto vine-shaded terraces and wooden benches. Many serve local varieties—Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and the mixed-vine Gemischter Satz—straight from the cask, and Sturm appears seasonally (typically September–October), drawn by people seeking that tart, effervescent young wine. Expect live Schrammelmusik on summer evenings, simple cold platters and a convivial, unpolished atmosphere that makes these spots ideal if you want to trade skyline cocktails for vineyard views.

Practical details matter: smaller heurigers often have limited hours and prefer cash, so plan accordingly and, if you want to avoid crowds, aim for weekday afternoons or earlier evenings. You can easily pair a heuriger visit with a short hike up Kahlenberg or a stroll around Cobenzl to take in sweeping views of the city before settling in for a long, leisurely meal.

Modern Wine Bars

In neighborhoods like the 7th and 8th districts you’ll encounter sleek, sommelier-driven wine bars that contrast sharply with the heuriger tradition; many list 20–60 wines by the bottle and 8–12 by the glass, with tasting flights commonly priced between €15–€35. These venues emphasize natural and orange wines alongside classic Austrian bottles, pairings of small plates and informative staff-led tastings, and often stay open later than heurigers—so you can move from a rooftop like Das Loft or 360° Ocean Sky into an intimate urban wine room. For a broader look at Vienna’s bar scene that ties rooftop views and historic charm to modern spots, see Best Bars In Vienna: Rooftop Views, Historic Charm And …

More practically, many modern wine bars host producer nights and pop-ups—so if you want hands-on tasting with the winemaker, check event listings in advance; limited seating is common, so book ahead for weekend nights. Budget roughly €25–€50 per person for a tasting and small plates, and ask the staff for local recommendations like a dry Grüner Veltliner or an aged Blaufränkisch if you want to taste Austria’s range rather than just international labels.

Tips for Choosing the Best Venue

Pick between a dramatic skyline experience and a relaxed, local atmosphere by matching the venue to your mood: if you want rooftop drama choose Das Loft or 360° Ocean Sky for floor-to-ceiling panoramas and a direct sightline to St. Stephen’s Cathedral; if you prefer authentic local wine, head to a Heuriger in Grinzing or Neustift am Walde where seasonal specialties like Sturm are served alongside hearty platters. Check early whether the rooftop has windbreaks or heaters for comfort, and consult guides such as The best bars in Vienna for recent lists and opening-hour notes.

• Reserve ahead for peak slots (typically 30–60 minutes before sunset) at popular rooftop bars to secure a window seat.
• Choose weekdays or earlier evenings to avoid long queues and higher cover charges at trendy spots like 360° Ocean Sky.
• For a laid-back night, opt for a wine tavern in Grinzing where communal tables and local vintages make for cheaper pours and friendlier service.
• Factor in weather: terraces and summer terraces often close or reduce seating when temperatures drop or wind picks up.

Knowing the venue’s priority—view, vibe, or vintage—lets you plan arrival time, budget, and whether to book a table.

Timing Your Visit

Arrive about 45 minutes before sunset if you want photographic golden-hour light plus evening city illumination; in summer sunsets can be as late as 21:00–21:30, while in December they fall around 16:00–17:00, so plan accordingly. Weeknights from Tuesday to Thursday are quieter and often cheaper, whereas Fridays and Saturdays fill fast and may have door policies or cover charges at the most popular rooftop bars.

For Heuriger experiences aim for early evening (17:00–19:30) to catch convivial crowds and full food menus; if you prefer a late-night skyline, pick spots known to stay open past midnight and check whether the bar closes terraces early in colder months.

Dress Code Considerations

Adopt smart casual for most rooftop venues: upscale places like Das Loft often expect neat attire, while trendy spots such as 360° Ocean Sky welcome fashionable, well-groomed looks. Avoid sportswear and baggy gym gear at higher-end rooftops, and bring a light jacket—temperatures on terraces can drop by 5–10°C after sunset.

At a Heuriger you can be markedly more relaxed—think neat casual shirts and sensible footwear for gravel or garden seating. Heels can be hazardous on uneven terrace surfaces, so choose sturdy soles if you plan to move around or step onto viewing ledges.

Knowing to avoid pristine white garments when sampling Sturm or ordering saucy local dishes will help you enjoy the evening without worrying about stains.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enjoying Wine and Cocktails

Step	Action
1 — Choose the setting	Pick a venue that matches your mood: Das Loft for floor-to-ceiling skyline views and craft cocktails, 360° Ocean Sky if you want a drink with St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the background, or a Heuriger in Grinzing or Neustift am Walde for a relaxed wine-and-board experience.
2 — Select your pour	Order by purpose: aperitif (spritz or light white), main drink (Grüner Veltliner or Zweigelt), or seasonal Sturm. At Heuriger expect 0.1–0.2L glasses or shared bottles for groups of 2–4.
3 — Pair the food	Match acidity and weight: Grüner Veltliner with cold cuts and asparagus, Riesling with spicier preparations, Zweigelt with roasted meats. For rooftop cocktails, choose lighter bites to avoid palate fatigue.
4 — Pace yourself	Alternate drinks with water and plan 2–3 small plates per two people if sharing. If you’re hopping between bars, limit to 2–3 drinks total to keep the evening enjoyable.
5 — Try Sturm seasonally	Seek Sturm in September–October; it’s lightly fermented and usually 4–7% ABV. Open bottles carefully—the natural carbonation can be lively.
6 — Pay & tip	In Vienna, tipping around 5–10% is standard for sit-down service; at Heuriger you can round up or add a small percentage for table service.

Selecting Your Drink

You’ll want to match the drink to both the view and the pace: choose a spirit-forward cocktail at Das Loft when you plan to linger and savor the skyline, or pick a citrus-forward spritz at 360° Ocean Sky to keep things light while you admire St. Stephen’s. For wine, default to Grüner Veltliner for a food-friendly, peppery acidity; it’s one of Austria’s most versatile whites and pairs well with classic Heuriger fare.

If you’re exploring Heuriger in Grinzing or Neustift am Walde, sample by the glass—order 0.1–0.2L pours of a local Grüner or a fruity Riesling to taste differences across producers. When Sturm is available in early autumn, treat it as a separate category: it’s slightly fizzy and lower in alcohol (around 4–7% ABV), and it’s best enjoyed cold and fresh—open bottles gently because natural fermentation can produce pressure.

Pairing with Local Cuisine

You should aim for balance: pair light whites with cold boards (Brettljause), Liptauer spreads, and pickled vegetables that you’ll find at Heuriger, while letting a medium-bodied Zweigelt stand up to roast pork or game dishes. At rooftop bars offering small-plate menus, favor seafood ceviche, tuna tartare, or shaved vegetable salads to avoid overpowering delicate cocktails or low-ABV wines.

Practical ordering works well: for two people, get 2–3 shared plates alongside a bottle or a couple of glasses so you can switch between sips and bites without wasting food. If you want a tasting approach, ask for smaller pours and alternate between a Grüner Veltliner, a Riesling, and a glass of local red to map how each wine changes with different bites.

For Sturm specifically, pair it with soft cheeses, fruit preserves, and sweet pastries from local bakers—the wine’s natural sweetness and effervescence cut through creamier textures and complement fruit-based desserts. You’ll often find that simple Bauernbrot with a slice of regional cheese highlights Sturm’s fresh, yeasty character better than heavy spiced dishes.

Factors to Consider for Scenic Views

• Das Loft
• 360° Ocean Sky
• Heuriger — Grinzing & Neustift am Walde
• Summer Terraces & Biergartens
• Sturm (seasonal young wine)

Location and Orientation

You should prioritize rooftop spots whose sightlines face the landmarks you want: 360° Ocean Sky gives a direct view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, whereas Das Loft emphasizes a broad skyline sweep. Heuriger in Grinzing and Neustift am Walde sit on the Döbling hills, so your vantage is often over vineyards and toward the city rather than straight into the urban canyon.

Opt for terraces with the right azimuth for your goals: a west-facing terrace delivers sunset color from about 18:00–21:00 in summer, east-facing ones catch morning light; check elevation and nearby structures—mid-rise blocks can block lower rooftops. Also factor wind exposure at height and how seating is arranged so you can secure an unobstructed view without glare or glare-prone glass panels.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

You’ll find contrasts: Das Loft leans upscale with craft cocktails and softer lighting for conversation, while 360° Ocean Sky attracts a younger, trendier crowd with DJs and a livelier tempo. Heuriger are communal and rustic—expect communal long tables, local food, live traditional music in many venues, and seasonal specialties like Sturm served in September–October.

The mix of music level, lighting and table spacing determines whether you can enjoy a quiet glass or lively night out; weekends often peak between 20:00–22:00 so book ahead when possible, and watch for wind or wet floors on exposed terraces which can make edge seating risky.

Pros and Cons of Rooftop Bars vs. Wine Taverns

Pros	Cons
Rooftops: panoramic, skyline and landmark views — think Das Loft and 360° Ocean Sky overlooking St. Stephen’s Cathedral.	Rooftops: higher prices and cover charges; cocktails often run €12–18 and seating can be limited on peak nights.
Wine Taverns: intimate garden terraces in Grinzing & Neustift am Walde with local vintages and a relaxed atmosphere.	Wine Taverns: seasonal rhythm — many Heuriger scale back or close in winter and some operate only weekends.
Rooftops: reliably modern service, curated cocktails, and skyline-focused photography opportunities.	Rooftops: noise and crowds can reduce intimacy; you’ll often trade quiet for views.
Wine Taverns: excellent value for wine — house pours often €3–6 — plus local snacks and a communal vibe.	Wine Taverns: less dramatic cityscape views; vistas focus on vineyards, hills, and village charm rather than icons like St. Stephen’s.
Rooftops: central locations make them easy to combine with late-night plans and public transit links.	Wine Taverns: some spots require a short trip outside the inner city (you’ll need public transit or a taxi to reach Neustift am Walde).
Rooftops: consistent opening hours year-round for many venues, with heated terraces in cooler months.	Rooftops: weather-exposed setups can still be affected by wind or rain despite heaters and covers.
Wine Taverns: seasonal specialties like Sturm and newly pressed wines give you authentic, time-limited experiences.	Wine Taverns: menu and wine selection can be basic at smaller Heuriger; if you want variety, research specific taverns first.

Rooftop Bars

You can expect rooftops to deliver immediate, camera-ready panoramas of Vienna: venues like Das Loft give you a sweeping skyline, while 360° Ocean Sky puts St. Stephen’s Cathedral front and center. If you want a list to scout the best spots quickly, consult The 49 best rooftop spots in Vienna to compare views, opening hours, and reservations.

When you plan a rooftop night, factor in price and timing: expect peak-hour waits, reservation requirements for weekends, and typical cocktail prices around €12–18. For photography and skyline cocktails, prioritize sunset slots and arrive 30–45 minutes before golden hour to secure the best vantage.

Wine Taverns

You’ll find a different rhythm at Heuriger in Grinzing and Neustift am Walde: low-key garden tables, house-made wines, and local snacks where conversation and vineyard vistas take precedence over dramatic city icons. Many taverns serve wine by the glass for about €3–6, making them a budget-friendly way to sample regional varieties.

Operationally, plan ahead—some Heuriger open only evenings or weekends and often fill up for late-summer and harvest-season weekends. If you’re chasing seasonal treats, head there in September–October to try Sturm, Austria’s young wine specialty, served in many taverns for a short window each year.

For more relaxed views away from the central bustle, choose a tavern with a hillside terrace in Neustift am Walde; you’ll trade cathedral shots for quiet vineyards and a local atmosphere that’s ideal for longer, unhurried evenings.

Conclusion

From above, Vienna reveals a layered skyline that you can drink in at spots like Das Loft and the 360° Ocean Sky — the former offering sophisticated cocktails with sweeping city panoramas, the latter providing a trendy rooftop experience with direct views of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. If you want a memorable evening, these venues combine elevated vantage points, attentive service, and menus designed to complement the cityscape.

From vine-lined heuriger in Grinzing and Neustift am Walde to relaxed summer terraces and outdoor biergartens, you can move from panoramic rooftops to authentic wine-tavern charm without losing the view. Seek out a glass of Sturm in season and plan your visits so your itinerary balances skyline sunsets with long, convivial evenings at traditional wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.

FAQ

Q: Which rooftop bars in Vienna give the best panoramic views of the city?

A: Das Loft and 360° Ocean Sky are top picks. Das Loft features floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek cocktail menu—ideal at sunset for sweeping views of the Ring and spires. 360° Ocean Sky offers a trendy, social atmosphere with direct vistas toward St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the inner city; it’s great for evening drinks, DJ sets and skyline photos. For both: book a table for golden hour, ask for window or terrace seating and arrive early on weekends to avoid long waits.

Q: Where should I go for authentic heuriger (wine taverns) with scenic views in Grinzing and Neustift am Walde?

A: Grinzing and Neustift am Walde are classic heuriger districts—look for family-run taverns with outdoor terraces, grapevine-shaded seating and simple, hearty food. Order local wines such as Gemischter Satz or Grüner Veltliner and pair them with a Brettljause (cold cuts, cheeses, spreads) or warm seasonal dishes. Many taverns are perched on gentle hills, providing vineyard and city-silhouette views; weekends fill up fast, so reserve ahead or arrive midweek for a quieter experience.

Q: Where can I enjoy summer terraces, biergartens and try Sturm (Austria’s young wine)?

A: Vienna’s summer terraces and biergartens—found along the Danube, in parks and on rooftop terraces—offer shaded, relaxed evenings with beer and casual food. For Sturm, plan trips in early autumn (typically September–October) to heuriger and wine taverns: Sturm is sold freshly tapped and ranges from lightly fizzy and sweet to more fermented styles.

It’s commonly served alongside savory snack platters, roasted chestnuts or seasonal pastries; ask staff about sweetness level before ordering. Outdoor terrace venues in heuriger districts are prime spots to pair late-summer evenings with a glass of Sturm when in season.