Jazzland

Jazzland is Vienna's oldest jazz cellar and a fixture of the city's music scene since 1972. It occupies a cellar beneath the Ruprechtskirche, the church that is often described as the oldest in Vienna, on the edge of the old town above the Danube Canal. Going down the steps into the club feels like stepping back into the classic era of European jazz clubs, and that is very much part of its appeal.

The programme covers all styles of jazz, with live performances at least six times a week. Because the line-up changes from night to night, it is worth checking the programme to find a style that suits you. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, with the audience seated close to the band, and many regulars have been coming for years.

The club is open every day except Sunday from 19:00, and the music starts at 21:00. Jazzland does not take reservations, so arrive early if a popular band is playing or if you want a good table close to the stage. Coming at opening time also gives you time for a drink before the set begins. Check the programme on the website to see who is playing, as the line-up changes nightly.

Jazzland suits jazz lovers, couples and anyone looking for an evening of live music with a strong local flavour. It is less polished than a concert hall and less formal than Porgy & Bess, which many visitors see as a plus. Check the website for admission prices before you go, and bring some cash in case it is needed. A night here pairs well with a visit to the Ruprechtskirche earlier in the day, followed by dinner in one of the nearby restaurants.

The club is on Franz-Josefs-Kai, the road that runs along the Danube Canal, a couple of minutes' walk from Schwedenplatz station (U1, U4). The Ruprechtskirche and the lanes of the so-called Bermuda Triangle, a cluster of bars and restaurants around Ruprechtsplatz and Seitenstettengasse, are directly above, so it is easy to combine dinner or drinks in the old town with a late set at the club.