Live music venues in Prague, Vienna, Budapest
 

My fiance and I are visiting Prague, Vienna, and Budapest later this month. One of his only requests for this trip was to be able to see local live music. (The others were castles and wine: check.) Does anyone know of good venues to catch local (probably rock) bands in any of these three cities? I have in mind a bar or a pub, not necesarily a night club. I am not a big fan of techno music. Thanks.

bump

anyone?

Try posting on the Thorntree page of www.lonelyplanet.com.

You'll probably get lots of responses.

Have a great trip.

I had a great time in Budapest; I spent time at the Old Man's Music Pub, because it was right across the street from my B&B. It's small, dark, and overcrowded but one of the most popular places in town for the "over 25" set, and there's music every night. Not always live, but you can always check their schedule. Very international crowd, everyone I came across there spoke English:

Address : VII. Akácfa u. 13.
Tel : (+36-1) 322 7645

Open daily :15:00-04:00
except:
Friday: 15:00-04:30
Saturday: 15:00-04:30

There is heaps of information on night clubs at http://www.inyourpocket.com/hungary/budapest . I used that site a lot.

If you and your fiance are into traditional folk music, look into the local phenomenon known as "Dance Houses," where young people get together regularly, live musicians show up, and instructions are given to traditional dance moves. After about an hour of instruction, the musicians just play and everyone drinks beer and dances. I went to one of these, it was in a gymnasium-type place at a community center and took place every Friday night. Nobody spoke a lick of English but they didn't mind at all that I was there. I think it would be more fun with a partner though.

Here's an example of one with some information. You can just show up and see what you think (this description also from inyourpocket.com)

Clubs & Discos -
Kalamajka Dance House (Belvárosi Ifjúsági Mûvelõdési Ház)

If you’re suspicious that the ‘Real Hungarian Folk Music’ advertised on the many leaflets being thrust in your direction might be as real as Euro-Disney, start growing a moustache and come here. This place has the atmosphere (and price) of an impromptu celebration following a successful boar hunt in Transylvania. In what looks like a disused office, you can learn traditional dances to vibrant music provided by those who’ve brought their instruments.

Address : V. Molnár u. 17.
Tel : (+36-1) 266 7866

Saturday: 18:00-02:00

This website has more information and several more dance houses listed.

http://www.budapesthotels.com/touristguide/Tancz.asp

It was one of the highlights of my trip; I really got that feeling of having discovered a hidden pocket of real Hungarian culture.

Carrie

In Prague, I'd recommend the Lucerna, which is both a club and concert hall. They do have live Czech rock bands a couple times a week, and it's a friendly place for a big age range, no dress code. It's pretty central, also, at Vodickova 36 in Prague 1 (near the Museum or Mustek metro stop).

I stay near a really popular dance club, but I think that's more like what you don't want (the Roxy, at 33 Dlouha).

I can't name names, but I have seen several places (or heard, both), just walking north on Dlouha from the main Old Town square back to my hotel at night, so I think you can find some nightlife around there, if you want. That's a popular streets with bars, restaurants, etc.

But I think Lucerna would be best for you.