Discover Highlights in Vienna
The 8 most beautiful neighborhoods in Vienna
In 2024, Vienna was once again ranked 1st in the world for quality of life (source: The Economist) and not without reason.
In addition to social and economic factors as well as educational opportunities, infrastructure and leisure activities, Vienna never fails to impress with its charming neighborhoods, also known as Grätz(e)l. Originally derived from the outdated term “gereiz”, which meant “circle”, this term describes a compact, inner-city formation consisting of several narrow streets. There are many of these in Vienna. Below we present the 8 most beautiful neighborhoods and their hotspots in Vienna.
1st Vienna city centre (1st district)
Vienna’s 1st district is the heart of the city and can be considered a unique neighborhood in its own right. In any case, the beautiful “old” district should not go unmentioned. With its numerous small alleyways and magnificent Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, you almost feel like you’ve been transported back in time as you stroll around.
Our top 3 hotspots:
Café Central
Café Central is a real institution. It is located in Herrengasse and the entrance cannot be overlooked. The café offers traditional Austrian cuisine and embodies the famous Viennese coffee house culture. Guests have been enjoying the elegant atmosphere, excellent coffee and charming service since 1876.
Natural History and Art History Museum
You can experience a great piece of history on Maria-Theresien-Platz, where the Natural History and Art History Museums are located. The latter was built for the extensive collections of the imperial family near the Hofburg. The impressive collection is one of the most important art collections in the world.
Vienna State Opera
A visit to the State Opera is of course a cultural highlight in Vienna. It is internationally recognized as one of the most important opera houses and offers variety for different tastes. However, if opera is not a must for you, you can also enjoy the sight of the beautiful building from the outside.
2. St. Ulrich & Spittelberg
The 7th district is generally known for its creative streak. This charm is immediately apparent when you enter the romantic alleyways in St. Ulrich and Spittelberg. Numerous Viennese pubs (inns) and art shops invite you to linger for several hours. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ve come to the right place.
Our top 3 hotspots:
Christmas Markets
If you visit Vienna in winter, we highly recommend a stop at the Christmas market on Spittelberg. Here you can experience a colorful variety of art, punch and food stalls. The alleyways are also decorated with marvelous fairy lights, which creates a very special atmosphere.
Museum Quarter
The MQ (MuseumsQuartier) is a favorite destination for art and culture enthusiasts who appreciate a modern touch. The central square is filled with numerous dining and drinking options. A standout attraction is the Leopold Museum, home to the world’s largest Egon Schiele collection.
Witwe Bolte
Fancy a Wiener Schnitzel? We recommend making a reservation at the traditional “Witwe Bolte” restaurant. This is the oldest restaurant on the Spittelberg. You can look forward to old Viennese home cooking all year round and a cozy guest garden in summer.
3. Karmeliterviertel
The Karmeliterviertel exudes a pure feel-good atmosphere. This is mainly due to the large number of cafés and the farmers’ market that takes place every Saturday at the Karmelitermarkt. In this neighborhood, you can relax after a busy week and still feel inspired by the hustle and bustle.
Our top 3 hotspots:
Karmelitermarkt
As already mentioned, the Karmelitermarkt is a great recommendation – especially because of the generous selection of restaurants. Viennese and non-Viennese alike have been enjoying spending time in this marvelous place since 1671.
Room 37
This restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan dishes inspired by the 5 elements cuisine. In addition to a traditional Viennese breakfast, you can choose from a variety of modern dishes. The coffee menu is also creative, featuring turmeric latte, matcha latte, and chai latte. However, those who prefer a Viennese Melange will not be disappointed.
Palais Augarten
Another excellent way to relax in the heart of the city is to visit Palais Augarten. The Augarten was originally used as the emperor’s hunting ground. Today, passers-by can relax and unwind on a walk through the manicured greenery.
4th Danube Canal
The neighborhood by the Danube Canal offers everything you could wish for after a long day in the city. Enjoy a balmy evening by the water, whether on a leisurely stroll, sitting on the banks or in one of the many great beach bars open in summer.
Our top 3 hotspots:
Strandbar Herrmann
A summer without a visit to Strandbar Herrmann? Not with us. This cool location is usually open from mid-April to the beginning of October. A special experience is the public viewing with a huge screen and great acoustics while you bury your toes in the sand.
Klyo
If you are looking for a unique breakfast option with a panoramic view over the Danube Canal, we recommend Klyo. In the evening, you can enjoy the view with delicious cocktails. The food and drinks are phenomenal.
Summerstage
The Summer Stage on the Danube Canal is located slightly away from the city center. Here you can choose from a wide variety of eateries, from Italian to French cuisine. There is also the opportunity to round off the evening with a game of boules.
5th Servite Quarter
It is no coincidence that the Servitenviertel is also known as the French Quarter. In this neighborhood in the 9th district, you’ll feel like you’re strolling through the charming streets of Paris. The village-like atmosphere is created by the marvelous avenues with beautiful cobblestones, and, of course, there is no shortage of French restaurants.
Our top 3 hotspots:
La Mercerie
Some would argue that Café La Mercerie serves the best croissants in Vienna. We definitely recommend a visit to this French restaurant with its particularly authentic atmosphere and enchanting interior.
Strudlhofstiege
A must-see in the Servitenviertel is the beautiful Strudlhofstiege. It was named after the Austrian sculptor and painter Peter Strudel and is probably the most famous staircase in world literature. Heimito von Doderer mentioned the Strudlhofstiege and the surrounding area in his novel of the same name.
Servitenmarkt
If you are looking for entertainment during the week, you should definitely keep a Thursday afternoon free. This is the day of the week when the farmers’ market takes place in the Servitenviertel. The location is directly in front of the church and offers a wonderful, idyllic ambience that is not to be missed.
6th Freihausviertel
Located between Naschmarkt and Karlsplatz, the Freihausviertel impresses with its numerous small eateries and culinary insider tips. A visit is particularly worthwhile in the evening on a leisurely stroll with a stop at a traditional Viennese café. Let yourself be enchanted by the charm and energy of this neighborhood.
Our top 3 hotspots:
Kaffee Alt Wien
Nowhere else can you savor the aroma of real Viennese coffee as intensely as at Kaffee Alt Wien. The institution has been spoiling its visitors since 1922, but it’s not just excellent coffee that can be ordered here, but Austrian home cooking of all kinds. A particular highlight are the comfortable red velvet benches, where you can spend many relaxing hours.
Magic Flute Fountain
A stop at the Mozart Fountain, also known as the Magic Flute Fountain, is a must during a walk. This is located in the alley of the same name (Mozartgasse) and depicts the famous couple Tamino and Pamina from the opera “The Magic Flute”.
Vienna Museum
Get to know Austria’s capital from a very special perspective at the Wien Museum. From history to culture, art and fashion, the diverse exhibitions show everything that makes Vienna so worth seeing. Right next door is the Karlskirche, whose imposing appearance is also not to be missed.
7th Nussdorf
If you prefer things a little quieter, you should take a little detour to Nussdorf in the 19th district. Lovers of good wine will feel just as at home in this neighborhood as admirers of romantic cobbled streets and picturesque courtyards. The clocks seem to tick slower here.
Our top 3 hotspots:
City hiking trail 1 to the Kahlenberg
For a short hike, we recommend the city hiking trail 1, which takes you to a breathtaking view over Vienna. Once you reach the Kahlenberg, you can look out over the peaceful vineyards and all the way to the Danube.
Wieninger wine tavern
Brettljause and Spritzwein – what more do you need to round off a cosy evening on the Nussberg? In addition to cold Heuriger classics, you will find various delicacies of Austrian cuisine on the menu, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. Enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle while watching a beautiful sunset!
Mayer am Pfarrplatz
If you don’t fancy the climb, Heuriger Mayer am Pfarrplatz is the perfect choice. We were particularly taken with the charming garden with vines. In the evening, the relaxed atmosphere is accompanied by atmospheric live music and romantic lighting.
8th Josefstadt
Vienna’s 8th district, also known as Josefstadt, is the smallest district in terms of area at 1.1 square kilometers. Despite its size, there is a lot to discover in this neighborhood. On a tour through the picturesque streets, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and embark on an exciting journey through history at the same time.
Our top 3 hotspots:
Theatre in the Josefstadt
Fans of art and culture should not miss a visit to the theatre in Josefstadt. What makes the program so popular is the colorful variety of modern, socially critical plays and timeless classics. The red and gold interior takes you back to the times of Strauss and Nestroy.
Gelato Carlo
A piece of Italy is of course a must in Vienna. Gelato Carlo is a particular highlight in summer. In the ice cream parlor on Hamerlingsplatz, you can enjoy original gelato that you can only get in Italy. Savor heavenly tiramisu, refreshing Viennese fig, nutty Piedmont and much more!
Folklore Museum
The Folklore Museum cuts a fine figure both inside and out. The museum is housed in the baroque Schönborn Garden Palace. Since 2019, visitors have also been able to enjoy an excellent breakfast in the morning and coffee and cake in the afternoon at Café Hildebrandt. A break in the delightful garden is the perfect way to round off your visit.
