At first sight the Gürtel is not one of Vienna’s most scenic locations. It is a busy arterial road dividing the inner districts from the outer suburbs, and the subway runs along the viaducts of the old Stadtbahn transit system. But this is precisely its appeal. The arches and stations were designed by Jugendstil architect Otto Wagner, and now the arches between Thaliastrasse and Nussdorferstrasse are home to music venues. The heavy traffic meaning means that loud music is not a nuisance, so bands and DJs can pull out all the stops. In the summer the party moves out into the pavement cafés – the whole night – and in the end of August the bars join forces to stage the Gürtel Night Walk with thousands of visitors and live music.

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The Gürtel’s stellar popularity was triggered by the Chelsea. Its landlord, a former professional soccer player, had the courage to open a bar there when the area was still a red-light district. Live bands and DJs serve up Britpop, punk and related genres. The differences between Chelsea and its neighbors are clear at a glance. For one thing, it lacks the standard glass façade. The rhiz bar, just a few steps, makes no secret of the goings-on inside. This is home to the Vienna electronic scene, and it is not uncommon for the music to come courtesy of a laptop. A groovy sound is available in the neighboring Loop, which is a mix of bar, club and lounge.

The Kramladen isn't committed to any particular style of music. From punk rock concerts to singer/songwriters to techno parties, everything is represented here. At B72, guitar music meets electronic beats and breaks, which when expertly mixed provide a good sound into the early hours of the morning. Café Carina offers a colorful mix of music from rock to singer-songwriter and occasional open mic sessions – all with free admission.