Heading to Vienna for Eurovision 2026? Here’s where to go and what to do
Vienna has a rich LGBTQ+ scene and history. (Photo by Joerg Koch/Getty Images)
Vienna has a rich LGBTQ+ scene and history. (Photo by Joerg Koch/Getty Images)
Vienna has been named the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, and the vibrant Austrian capital offers an ample amount of activities for LGBTQ+ visitors.
Famous for its world-class music and cultural scene, Vienna now ties in fourth place with Copenhagen, Malmö and Stockholm for hosting Eurovision three times. Only Dublin, London and Luxembourg City have hosted more.
Eurovision 2026 will take place on Saturday 16 May at the Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor arena. The two live semi-Finals will take place on Tuesday 12 May and also Thursday 14 May.
But there’s so much more to discover in Vienna, including its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
Where to go?
Everywhere in Vienna will be welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, Gumpendorfer Strasse and Naschmarkt (5th and 6th districts) are known for their vibrant gay scenes.
The district of Neubau is also considered gay-friendly, as are Margareten and Josefstadt.
TravelGay’s “Vienna Gay Map” lists lots of locations in Vienna that are LGBTQ+-friendly. The map also highlights saunas, hotels, and other amenities that are fit for the community.
What to do?
There are many renowned LGBTQ+ events in Vienna, including an amfAR Salzburg event, which will be held on 24 August. The gala dinner and charity auction will see proceeds go directly into the research of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS research.
Should you fancy picking up a book the gay and lesbian bookstore “Löwenherz” in the 9th district is well worth a visit.
Café Savoy, one of Vienna’s oldest and most beautiful LGBTIQ+ locations, is listed by Vienna’s tourist board as a must-visit, alongside The Marea Alta, which is described as a “one-of-a-kind bar” with offering such as drag shows, DJ nights and karaoke.
If you fancy a hot sauna infusion after a night of partying in Vienna, the Kaiserbründl Men’s Sauna is highlighted by the city’s tourist board, while a visit to the Heidi Horten Collection is also recommended.
As highlighted by GayTravel4U, there are countless gay events held in Vienna, with a Diversity Ball set to be held on 6 September, aiming to “create a world-wide culture of diversity, in which we are as different as we are,” and an international fetish meeting, which will be held in November.
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