A well-established Stammersdorf Heuriger, Schmidt stocks wonderful Muskateller and Grüner Veltliner and offers wine tastings of local vintages. In November, around the birthday of St Martin, you can also sample the traditional Martinigansl (goose). Schmidt is a few minutes' walk northwest of the tram 31 terminus, and the same distance southeast of the bus 30A terminus.

This newcomer on the banks of the canal made a huge splash in Vienna's bar scene in 2006. Its beach-bar design, complete with beach chairs, sand and an open-air outlook, attracts hordes of Viennese on hot summer evenings and at times its impossible to find a chair. Films occasionally feature, blankets are available on cooler evenings, and Glühwein (mulled wine) is served in December.

Dark, Bohemian and full of character, Alt Wien is a classic dive attracting students and artsy types. It's also a one-stop shop for the lowdown on events in the city - every available wall space is plastered with posters advertising shows, concerts and exhibitions. The goulash is legendary and perfectly complimented by dark bread and beer.

The state ticket office only sells tickets to federal venues: Akademietheater, Burgtheater, Schauspielhaus, Staatsoper and Volksoper. The office charges no commission, and tickets for the Staatsoper and Volksoper are available here one month in advance. Credit cards are accepted and credit-card purchases can be made by telephone. Alternatively, tickets can be booked over the internet.

A seminal club for years, Roxy still manages to run with the clubbing pack and sometimes to lead the way. DJs from Vienna's electronica scene regularly guest on the turntables and most nights it's hard to find a space on the small dance floor. Expect a crowded, but very good, night out here.

Stadthalle is the largest concert venue in the city and usually caters to large, mainstream rock bands and local heroes. Check the posters around town for upcoming shows or check the website.

Flex has been attracting a more mainstream crowd in recent times, but it still manages to retain a semblance of its former edginess, and the title of best club in town. The sound system is without equal in Vienna (some would say Europe), entry price generally reasonable and dress code unheard of. The monthly DJ line-up features local legends and international names, and live acts are commonplace.

Rumour has it that Jenseits was formally a brothel, which is highly plausible considering the kitschy red velvet interior. It attracts a mainly alternative and arty crowd - DJs perform most nights.

A gorgeous little bar outfitted in '70s retro, Shabu welcomes all and sundry with an unaffected ambience and laid-back staff. Regular DJs provide an excellent backdrop of calming tunes, and the absinthe selection from around Europe is extensive. Don't miss the Japanese room, or should we say closet.

Brunner's major attraction is its view; from its elevated position on the 22nd floor of Vienna's Twin Towers, the entire city is laid out in all its grandeur. The best time to visit is just before the sun sets over the Vienna Woods to the west, after which the fluorescent lighting system kicks in and spoils the scene somewhat.