Designed by Austrian artist Adolf Loos, a founding father of modern architecture, Loos American Bar is an enduring Viennese icon that reflects the imperial city’s rich history. Wood, glass, bronze, and onyx define its Art Deco ambience, making Loos American Bar an essential stop on any evening in Austria’s effervescent capital.

The moody cocktail bar was my personal favorite for its intimate small space and stylish vibes. The menu comes in a book with any type of classic cocktail one could imagine. If you’re not a smoker, this isn’t the place for you since Roberto American Bar allows indoor smoking, so everyone’s lit up. Centrally located, this is the perfect spot after sightseeing or concert in Old Town.

It means “gem” in German, Kleinod is also located near St. Stephen’s church and is a local favorite. The Art-Deco style design is for either the seen or or those who just want to see. Many cocktails are Asian-influenced with Wasabi Martini, Lemongrass-infused favorites, or their famous Earl Grey Fizz. Be part of the sophisticated scene, with a whole lotta class in spirit! (Get the pun?!)

A block away from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Onyx Bar sits on top of DO & CO Hotel with the most gorgeous view of the church. Floor-to-ceiling windows make this chic bar an absolute standout. It’s a cocktail bar with great selections and a wide collection of cigars as well. If you’re barhopping near the cathedral, then you can start at Onyx then end up at Roberto or Kleinod.

Made for the social media generation, cocktails here are not only delicious but also snap-worthy. Fish & Gin comes with a Nemo tail, and Manneken Pis is shaped like, well, Manneken Pis in Brussels. Away from tourists, The Sign is a fantastic neighborhood bar closer to University of Vienna. Just because it’s not in Old Town, doesn’t mean that it’s any less crowded especially on weekends. Often voted as the Best Bar in Vienna, The Sign has made a name for itself in the art of mixology, and is taking it quite seriously. Creative and inventive, some cocktails even entail crazy ingredients like seaweed or squid ink.

The Michelin-starred restaurant also offers a bar & lounge, Das Loft sits on top of Sofitel Hotel and features a magnificent ceiling mural designed by Pippiloti Rust. See the mural from the outside at night, and in turn, the bar will appear as it it’s floating in color. The view is even more breathtaking, so come here during sunset hours especially during wintertime. The vibe can be perceived as pretentious, but if you only head to the cocktail bar then dress code isn’t enforced. On Sunday afternoons, there are live DJs spinning turntables.

Day drinking at Palmenhaus is the best break from sightseeing in Old Town. The cafe/brasserie was build in 1901 by architect Friedrich Ohman who was commissioned to build a butterfly and palm house in the Hofburg Palace gardens. You can either grab a drink at the famous Marble Bar, or sit outside and people watch. There are DJs that spin live on Friday nights, so you may run into tons of tourists, but grabbing a drink in a renovated greenhouse is a pretty epic experience all on its own. Yes, the cocktail menu is very on point. Or just order a local sparkling wine.

Puff is a former brothel that dates back hundreds of years. It has now been transformed into a stylish bar with glass floor and leather seats. “Puff” actually is a German slang for “brothel,” and there is a secret pink room featuring a jacuzzi and beds. The beautifully decorated bar is enhanced by recycled water bottles and highlights a huge array of cocktails. Get the proseccos mixed with fresh fruit brought over from nearby Naschmarkt.

Since Naschmarkt is already a must-see, might as well get a drink out of it! Cocktails might be stretching it a bit, but it’s on the list because you can find fantastic stands featuring microbrews, craft beers, and smaller local wine shops. Austria has a growing wine industry, producing lesser known labels in smaller volumes worth exploring. For cocktails specifically, head over to Naschmarkt Deli where DJs play live on weekends, and don’t forget Landsknecht beer house or Do-An.