In association with: Austrian National Tourist Office
Venture out of the city centre and explore Vienna’s diverse districts
Lavish palaces, lush gardens and architecture oozing grandeur – these typical scenes in Vienna could have been taken straight from the page of a fairytale. While the charm of this city is no secret, it’s off the beaten track that the true magic lies.
In the city’s grätzel, the local term for small neighbourhoods, everyone is welcomed. From cobbled streets and bustling market squares to cosy cafes and quaint art galleries, each grätzel has its own unique identity. These diverse, multicultural neighbourhoods are the perfect place for visitors to come to immerse in local life and discover the authentic Vienna.
Art and culture
In Wieden, Vienna’s fourth district, Freihausviertel is an arty hotspot. A short walk from the city’s best-known market, Naschmarkt, Freihausviertel is a trendy spot, and attracts creatives with its modern galleries and laid-back eateries. Café Anzengruber is one of the best, tempting visitors with its classic Viennese dishes.
A 10-minute walk brings visitors to Gußhausviertel & Karlsplatz, where culture lovers and history buffs will find plenty of enticing attractions. Among the Gründerzeit-style buildings, the Wien Museum, which reopened its doors at the end of 2023, takes visitors on a journey through time, documenting the city’s artistic and cultural heritage, while St Charles Church is the awe-inspiring centrepiece of this grätzel.
More to explore
Elsewhere in the city, a wander round the grätzel of Spittelberg will uncover romantic courtyards, idyllic gardens and peaceful cafes. Foodies will find plenty to satisfy their palates here, including &flora’s inventive oriental dishes and the vegetarian soul food at Tian Bistro.
There’s a vibrant Jewish community in Karmeliterviertel, located in the second district. Don’t miss the Karmelitermarkt, where visitors can browse the 80 stalls and pick up everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to cheese specialities and local delicacies.
To find out more, visit heartbeat.wien.info
City life
Help make your clients’ holiday in Vienna a breeze by recommending the Vienna City Card. The perfect companion for any trip to the city, the card offers an array of benefits, including travel on public transport and discounts in museums, tourist attractions and participating hotels and restaurants. Prices start from €17 per day.
PICTURES: WienTourismus/Paul Bauer, Christian Stemper, Mafalda Rakoš