A Drag Queen’s Guide to Vienna: Where to Shop, Eat and Party

Vienna drag queen, burlesque performer, make-up artist and “DJane” who goes by the fabulous name, Tamara Mascara, lavishes us with her charm and some great tips for your next getaway to Vienna.

A full-on shopping trip on Mariahilfer Strasse is an absolute must for a perfect day in the city on the Danube. "The phil on Gumpendorferstrasse is a great place for a break: It’s a bookstore, café and bar all in one. Students and hipsters love it. The Felixx just around the corner is a cozy place to round off your shopping spree."

You’ll find even more tips for shopping here. 

After dropping off the shopping bags at Tamara's apartment and getting all dolled up, it's time to start the evening out on the town with dinner at the revolving Danube Tower Restaurant, with fantastic 360° panorama views included! "I can warmly recommend Café Berg for dinner. It's totally gay friendly. If you prefer things a little more refined, then drop by The Bank Brasserie." Diners are served the finest dishes and excellent drinks in the former bank headquarters. One of Tamara's insider tips is Das Augustin: "Great, affordable cuisine and a cozy ambience. And the restaurant even has its own cat. What more could you want!?"

Invigorated, it's time to continue since the night is still young and delicious cocktails are waiting to be had amid the imperial ambience of the Palm House in the Burggarten. "The multi-award winning barkeeper Kan Zuo also creates fine drinks for good prices in his bar The Sign Lounge." Those who prefer things even more convivial before hitting the dancefloor should – like Tamara Mascara – enjoy a hot chocolate with rum in the legendary gay café Savoy right on the Naschmarkt: "I love it." A fun, flirtatious crowd should pay a visit to the hip Village Bar. A tip (with a wink) from someone who knows the scene: "This place is popular with a really large number of gay singles."

Where else can you be out and about on the gay and lesbian scene from early to late? You can find a selection of cafés, bars and restaurants here. 

After freshening up your make-up, it's time for the highlight of the evening: The roughly quarterly Burlesque party "Imperial Madness" in Tamara's popular Volksgarten Hall of Columns. It's no wonder that the party girl immediately heads off to dance among the partygoers. However, the DJane's absolute favorite event is "The Circus" in the Wiener Arena: "It's the biggest gay party in Austria with an international line-up and sparkling shows. An absolute must for every gay visitor to Vienna!" Last stop for the party night: the Why Not. The gay hotspot has been a fixture on the Viennese club scene for an absolute eternity. "It all happens here every Friday and Saturday." And if that's not enough, there are all sorts of special parties to head for. For example, the Ken Club: "The coolest pop club in the city. Drag queens at the turntables create a great atmosphere," says the DJane, who performs here regularly.

Find out where it's going down on Vienna's gay and lesbian scene here. 

You'll find many more of the latest tips for visiting Vienna as well as great prize contests at www.facebook.com/GayCityWien and www.facebook.com/GayfriendlyVienna. 

Do you have recommendations for Vienna? Share with us in the comments section below.