Vienna
One of the first things you’ll notice about Vienna – whether you’ve paid attention to this elsewhere or not – is how… clean it is. Anybody used to city streets overdue for a repave or garbage bags perpetually blocking the sidewalk is in for a treat they didn’t know they needed. Then there’s the ease of transit: The infrastructure, the buildings – everything is so well connected. Moving from place to place is effortless. Public transport is a dream. The architecture, of course, is gorgeous; you may expect beautiful facades, but you aren’t prepared for the beauty of Viennese interiors. In sum, Vienna is a classy city – but no matter your level of sophistication, you’ll feel as if you fit right in amid this Austrian idyll.
Know Before You Go
Quiet Time
Relative to other big, bustling global cities, the volume is perpetually on Low in Vienna. It’s not that there isn’t anything going on – “quiet” and “sleepy” are two very different things – it’s simply that the locals have mastered the art of using their inside voices. It’s all part of a sort of laidback luxury on offer, and it’s a treat to be able to hear yourself think.
Service
Repeat after us: The customer is not always right. That’s the attitude of the Viennese service industry, anyway, thanks to the fact that they’re paid a living wage and pride themselves on skill, not lip service. In fact, servers are cheekily known for becoming increasingly aloof the more you demand their attention. (And no, you aren’t required to tip.)
Hyper-Local Wine
Vienna’s 19th District is the most popular place to take yourself on a city-bound wine tour, but the truth is, the entire metro area loves its wine. If you’d like to enjoy the expansive varietals on offer in Austria, there’s really no need to leave the city center. If you come across it, we highly recommend you try a taste of the once-ubiquitous plum wine.
Mind Your Manners
Politeness is king here, from quotidian courtesies to societal decorum. As such – and along with the aforementioned cleanliness and relative quietude of the city – it’s considered gauche to flout the rules or go on a bawdy bender. There’s plenty of merrymaking to partake in, but go overboard and you’ll risk getting the tsk-tsk of your life from a disapproving local.
No Shame
It may seem to contradict the polite code of conduct, but basically, Austrians have a different relationship with their bodies than English speakers and aren’t afraid to flaunt it, regardless of age, fitness, or mole count. If it’s not your thing, no worries. But don’t be surprised if you visit a swimming hole and find more birthday suits than swimsuits.
Forget Driving
Vienna has one of the best public transit systems in the world. It’s even designed with the express intent of keeping women’s commutes safe and free of hassling. Forego the rental car you’re used to getting in other European destinations and pick up a transport card instead. From the tram to the train to the ever-timely train, you’ll never be far from a connection point. (Download the WienierLinien app to help you find the route that’s right.)
Can’t-Miss Neighborhoods
Ninth District (Alsergrund)
From the cuisine to the considerable student population, the 9th District offers Vienna’s fresh, urban side to its denizens, often in the form of a constantly-updated roster of coffee shops and bars. Since it’s not among the top tourist destinations, this district is also authentically Viennese and historical to boot.
Seventh District (Neubau)
If you love the vibrant, daring side of cities like Berlin and want to find something similar in Vienna, the 7th District is your spot. Independent shops, galleries, and cafes abound, catering to a young, hip crowd. Though it’s a small district, it’s on a main shopping lane that leads to Westbahnhof and includesthe Museumsquartier, a must-see cultural complex.
Second District (Leopoldstadt)
This urban island sits next to the Danube Canal; the city center can be found on the other side of the canal. Popular among locals due to its competitive prices and relatively affordable real estate, it’s also got plenty to do for travelers: Trendy beach bars are the spots to hit in the summertime; year-round, the Karmelitermarkt is the spot where you’ll find the best of the neighborhood’s (largely kosher) food scene.
When to Go
Spring and fall are the best times to check out Vienna, when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and the crowds are thinner than in the high season. April and May is when you’ll experience the city in bloom; September and October promise weather that’s still tolerable and a welcome respite from the bustle of the summer months.
Featured Local:
Una Stefanovich
Una Stefanovich is a blogger and photographer living in Vienna, where she moved to pursue her masters degree in anthropology with a research focus in social media studies. Today, Una works by developing social media strategies, creates blog content, and teaches others how to successfully use social media to promote their businesses. She also loves to practice her photography skills, particularly when she’s out exploring various parts of the world through her travels.
Una’s Must-Dos
Kurpark Oberlaa
Kurpark Oberlaa is a very peaceful garden in the 10th District, largely overlooked by tourists. With its many ponds, the park is peaceful and great for walks, picnics, and simply enjoying the serenity of the nature. Ample olive trees will make you feel as if you’re in the Mediterranean, and the park is so spread out that you’ll never feel like it’s crowded. What’s more, it’s home to several traditional Austrian restaurants, as well as a pizzeria. On a sunny weekend, make this your spot.
Corbaci
You will fall in love with this restaurant at first sight, as it has a remarkable tiled ceiling that’s unlike anything else in the city. Order up delicious, classic dishes, or roll the dice and try an updated – and decidedly unusual – Austrian creation. If you visit at lunchtime, you’ll be sure to snag a menu with lower prices than what’s on offer at dinnertime.
More of Vienna
Meinz Bar
Meinz is a relatively new bar in Vienna known for exciting cocktail creations – they even have savory cocktails, served with small snacks – and frequent live music. Servers here are super chatty and friendly, and the star of the bar is the bar chef Nicci, always in the mood to shake some specialty cocktails, unique for any quest. Hidden in the heart of Vienna, this place is a must for anybody in the mood for a stiff drink.
Art History Museum
Vienna has many stunning museums, among them the Art History Museum. Besides stunning artwork, the palace itself is beyond breathtaking. Stop by, grab a cup of coffee from the cafe inside, and take your time as you admire the art, the environment, and the spectacular views of Vienna outside.
Klee am Hanslteich
A gorgeous Austrian restaurant situated on a pond, surrounded by forest, this place is located on the outskirts of the Viennese 17th District. It’s a true insider’s spot, frequented by locals only, perfect for having a schnitzel by the pond. It’ll feel like you’re lost deep in nature, when in reality you’re only 20 minutes from the heart of Vienna.
