Vienna is my home town and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We Viennese are proud to live in the most liveable city in the world. And we can’t stop telling everyone about it. I can tell you why. Vienna is not only considered to be one of the most cultural cities in central Europe, it is also worth a visit for our incredibly delicious “Sachertorte”, the coffee house culture, plenty of incredible sights, beautiful parks, the one and only Viennese Schnitzel and of course, the Viennese humour (if you can call it humour). The city is is incredibly walkable and best experienced on foot.

What to see & do?

1st district – Noblesse oblige
We’d recommend you to walk around the city center and get lost in the 1st and most exklusive district of Vienna. Places such as the Hofburg palace, the St. Stephans cathedral, Michaelertor or Hotel Sacher attract the masses. They are definitely worth to visit but also worth to quickly move on. Rather visit places loved by locals such as: the garden of roses in Volksgarten, little off track streets such as Bäckerstraße and the quite famous but still local Café Hawelka.

MQ – the city’s art hub
The Museumsquartier (MQ) in Vienna is home to different museums and art galleries such as Kunsthalle Wien, Leopold Museum and European’s biggest museum for modern art MUMOK. And it’s also a meeting place for young and old. People drink coffee in one of the bars, children play on the installed loungers, students read their books and artists find inspiration in this vibrant environment.

Donaukanal – Vienna’s summer hot spot
Us Viennese we live for our springs and summers. If you visit Vienna during the grey time of winter you’ll probably call us grumpy and unfriendly. Come back in spring and find people sitting at the shore of the Donaukanal, where the Danube crosses the city. Bike along the canal, stop for a drink in one of the many bars and restaurants (I highly recommend Blumenwiese) and admire some of the best street art of the City.

Where to shop & wander?

Mariahilferstraße – the green paradise for shoppers
In Mariahilferstraße pedestrians and bikes are privileged over cars (they are granted limited excess), thus the 30 meter wide and 2 km long shopping street turned into Vienna’s shopping mekka. You’ll find everything from outdoor coffees and street artists to famous shopping brands and small shops selling handcrafted art.

7th & 8th district – awww I love them
Bordering the Mariahilferstraße, you’ll find my two favourite districts of Vienna: the 7th and the 8th. Both of them are small in size but you’ll find many boutiques, second hand shops and bars when walking along its narrow, old streets. Just wander around and get lost in its beauty.

Where to eat?

Mochi – sushi, sushi njam njam njam
Thinking about a random sushi place? This place is the opposite. Mochi offers Japanese cuisine in an exclusive but cozy environment in the 2nd district. The restaurant is basically an open kitchen with only 8 tables and offers high-end Japanese dishes for a reasonable price. Make sure you book, it is always fully booked – for a good reason. Def. try their signature dish: chocolate mochi (honestly the best mochi I’ve ever eaten).

Il Sestante
Pizza, again. What else can you eat when living together with an Italian? Il Sestante is run by Italians serving authentic napolitan pizza. Thin though, thick crust. Delicious. Approved by Luca. And guess where Il Sestante is situated? In the 8th district, my favourite.

Tart’a Tata
Craving for something sweet? Then you’re right at the tinny, french patisserie Tart’a Tata in the 7th district. They produce all their pastry fresh. Deliveries come straight from the bordering kitchen. You can watch the bakers work through the huge window facing the street.

Where to stay?

Magdas hotel – the social concept hotel
Magdas Hotel is Vienna’s first social business hotel. It has been established during the refugee crisis and is run by a divers team together with former refugees. The whole interior designed is urban- cool and up-cycled. Besides 80 rooms it offers a bike rental service, a bookstore and a little garden coffee.