Art & culture – All our local tips

Have you ever dreamt of a place where you get a delicious breakfast for only 3 euros (coffee not included, but for half the price)? Yes? Then you should definitely head to this place!

The Tunnel is located in the 8th district, in a nice and quiet street. During the nice season there are even some places to sit outside on the sidewalk. Interiors are in dark wood, with some nice big sofas and all in all it is very cosy.

There are some very big tables, where you have to share the place with other people, and as well some smaller ones if you have to discuss something serious with your breakfast partner!

There is a difficult choice among 8 international yummy breakfast dishes:
*Muesli with yogurt and fruits 
*Spanish omelet
*Greek omelet 
*Ham omelet
*Continental
*Continental vegetarian
*Arabian breakfast (my favourite: with homos, eggplant salad, stuffed vine  leaves, feta cheese, olives and Syrian Bread)
*Italian breakfast

Breakfast from 09:00 to 11:00 (self-service!)

Lunch from 11:30 to 14:30

The lunch menu is 5 euros and there is always a meat and a vegetarian dish, or you can choose from “a la carte” menu which includes vegan and vegetarian dishes aswell!

At 21:00 the party starts with concerts, student gatherings, cheap beer and good atmosphere. Food is served until 01:00 am, and Pizza even until 01:30!

Oh and they also exhibit each month works of different artists!

PS: If you prefer to be served at your table for breakfast, the little brother Cafe Merkur (check the Café Merkur article) is offering the same breakfast from 10:00 to 12:00 with service for €3,50. It’s just around the corner!

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“Der Tunnel” | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Restaurants (Intern.) | Breakfast € 3.00
Florianigasse 39 | Inner districts | +4319475720
365 days from 09:00 to open end!

Alphaville is THE place to go when you are interested in movies aside the mainstream. Although they even offer the current blockbusters. The staff has an enormous expertise when it comes to film, film critics, film theory and enjoy sharing their knowledge. They respond nicely to every question one may have- be it administrative stuff like price range or detailed information on movies or a recommendation.

Even non-insiders will be treated nicely which is to be pointed out because Vienna is sometimes known for its -let’s put it that way-not so nice aka grumpy waiters and people in general.

Actually Norman from Alphaville wrote me an Email saying that the Banksy piece of art was not stolen but legally destroyed by the property management. The art theft story sounded way more exciting of course but actually this event points out that there is still a lot of ignorance to be dealt with when it comes to street art.

Another great and maybe comfier place is located in the 8th district – 8 1/2 – they even have a couch where you can be indecisive whether to take an arthouse movie or an independent documentary or maybe an asian slasher movie…

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Alphaville | Art & culture, Relaxing | DVD per night € 3.60
Schleifmühlgasse 5 | Inner districts | +4315851966
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 22:00, Sun 14:00 – 19:00

Am Himmel can be translated with “at heaven” or “in paradise”, and both is the truth. Up in the hills of Vienna, there is this special spot where recreation from the city life is guaranteed.

For centuries the area Am Himmel is known to be good for wandering tours for Viennese inhabitants. Back in 1784 there were exotic gardens and a little castle, later on also the Sisi-chapel (named after the famous empress Sisi) which attracted lots of visitors.

It was only 1997, that the area was designed as it is now with the restaurant Oktogon for exhausted wanderers who only want to sit down and enjoy the view. As one of the main attraction, you can also find a celtic circle of arbor vitae up there: The circle in general symbolizes life, human nature, the world and everything which is alive. But it not only a general statement, but each of the 40 trees stands for some personalities, some characteristic, some strengths and weaknesses.

Considering your birth date, just take a look and find out more about the tree in this period – and more about yourself. Unfortunately, the descriptions are in German, so be sure to take a translator with you or ask another visitor. And be aware: During wintertime, some of the trees are in glass houses until it´s getting warmer again.

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Am Himmel | Art & culture, Bars, Relaxing, Restaurants (Intern.) | Dishes € 10.00
Himmelstraße/ corner Höhenstraße | Outer districts | +4313288936
Wed – Fri 12:00 – 22:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 22:00

This cultural center, bar and restaurant is a hidden spot in the popular 7th district. Especially their green hidden inner court yard, which can be used all year long, is a rare place to find in the middle of the center. They serve from breakfast to dinner and cocktails, basically everything. Their Lunch menus are very popular as well. In busy lunch hours and evenings the service can be a bit slow, but is always very friendly!

The warm ambient inside and the cosy yard give space to colorful crowds from young to old, cultural interested people, intellectuals, students, activists and many more. The upper floor of the building is used for workshops (feminist, anti-racist), exhibitions and other events.

A yearly highlight for us: The Roma festival in September, with Roma music and exhibitions! Great atmosphere is guaranteed!

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Amerlingbeisl | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Restaurants (Austrian) | main € 7.00
Stiftgasse 8 | Inner districts | +4315261660
09:00 – 02:00 daily

It used to be a factory once in Vienna’s 10th districtand now it evokes the atmosphere of an Off-Space in Berlin or of the Meatpacking district in New York, and not that of a Viennese Gallery space. The new BrotKunsthalle opened on October 9th, 2009 with the exhibition The Promise of Loss. A Contemporary Index of Iran (curated by Shaheen Merali).

The show presented new works by young Iranian artists and aims to give a glimpse into the contemporary art world and culture of Iran.

The new show will be the first of a series of…well nit known yet how many there will be but numerous ones…on the occasion of the owner’s 60th birthday. please find updates on the website.

BROTKunsthalle is in the process of becoming a vibrant and manifold art space beyond the realm of the general Viennese mainstream locations. There are going to be three exhibitions a year. By involvingother galleries and art institutions it aims to be a place of multifaceted cooperation. It is supposed to be a plattform for various artists, curators, art lovers – to create something new.

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BROTKunsthalle | Art & culture, Festivals & events | Free
Absberggasse 35 | Outer districts
Thu – Sat 12:00 – 18:00

Upon entering one feels pitched it into some magical world like the wand shop in Diagon Alley (for all non Harry Potter-junkies- that is where all the students get their magic equipment supply).

A lady in her Sixties (hard to tell to be honest), Mrs Tengg is the owner of the old bookstore (already since 1993). Her night shift opening hours are a perfect opportunity for people who work late or students (technical university is close by) to check out the latest book releases or some old school literature. This is something special since Vienna hasn’t yet decided on a more customers-friendly regulation regarding shopping hours.

She calls her store a “Gemischtwarenladen” which translates to grocery’s store in a really traditional way. She focuses on Russian and French lyric (she is a great fan of lyric in general) and art books, but offers also a great variety of bestsellers and new releases (couple of them in English). And the best part about it is- she knows most of the books she sells.

Get your own customized book recommendation. If you are not into books check it out nevertheless – it will be your special Vienna experience. Something to tell your grandchildren. Take some time to get to know one of Vienna’s genuine “institutions”.

Since the owner is always there until past midnight it is almost like a 24 hours daily store. But please call to make sure it is open.

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Bücher Strass | Art & culture, Shopping | Bookmark from € 2.00
Operngasse 28 | Inner districts | +436649313041
Please call to make sure it is open

15 years ago a nice little coffee shop was founded in the young university district. But it was not a “normal” coffee shop: Due to Café Berg`s connection with the bookstore “Löwenherz“, which is specialized on gay literature, the spot became a hotspot of the queer-, transgender-community.

But not only gay people love Berg: It is one of the loveliest coffee houses in the district, where organic (and fair trade) food is served, where you do not pay a fortune and everyone is easygoing. A non-smoking-area and a little garden for the warmer seasons exist as well.

Apart from the changing menus full of national and international dishes, the waiters take also care of your dogs – they even have special “doggy-bags” for our hairy friends. As a fan of brunches, I am always thankful for cafés serving breakfast until 15:00 like Berg does.

The whole place is equipped with wireless, but – and this is a little drawback – you have to pay for it: €1 for 30 min, €1,50 for 60 min.

Are you already a fan of the spot now? Then do not hesitate to order one of the “Berg”-fan-T-Shirts and equipment via their website, which is also in English.

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Café Berg | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Austrian) | Main from € 7.00
Berggasse 8 | Danube Canal Area | +4313195720
Summer 10:00 – 00:00 daily (warm dishes till 23:00), October 10:00 – 01:00

Vienna is called the “city of music”, but if you want to discover what sounds, notes and rhythm are about, Haus der Musik is definitely a Must-go. You will find it in almost every tourist guide and it is not too exaggerated to say that you can spend a day in there. Not mentioned all the time though is Cantino, the restaurant in Haus der Musik.

Family Weinzirl, who not only own Cantino but also the restaurant Weinzirl in Konzerthaus, are experts in making you feel comfortable. Taking the glass lift up to the roof top of Haus der Musik, you will discover Cantino and feel welcome immediately.

With its passion for details and lovely decorations, changed according to the season, the restaurant is worth a visit. Furthermore, you get one of the best views at the old city center.

But you should not go just because of the view or the interior, it is about food: In Cantino they really serve good Spanish tapas (according to Gault Millau ‘09 maybe the best tapas outside of Spain”!), Italian pasta, and fresh sea food and a huge variety of wine. Of course, you cannot afford to eat there daily, but for an unforgettable evening, it is definitely the place to go.

If you have the chance to be in Vienna on a Sunday, I can highly recommend the Tapas Brunch from 12:00 to 15:00 for a very special start of the day.

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Cantino in “Haus der Musik” | Art & culture, Music, Restaurants (Spanish) | Menu € 37.00
Seilerstätte 30 | Old city/center | +4315125446
Mon – Fri 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 23:00, Sat 18:00 – 23:00, Sun 12:00 – 15:00

Living room ambiente at a video rental store…it is located right off the busy shopping street- a calm habour for movie-lovers (maily oldschool and arthouse).

Every 1st Sunday/month – “Patschenkino” (translates to slipper cinema) meaning that you can behave like at home, you can smoke, drink, feel free to chill, be yourself and enjoy THE art of movie making. They have a great selection of  Arthouse, classics, insider tips, movies for children, rare stuff and tv-series – and TATATATATA – the usual suspects: BLOCKBUSTERS.

And even the “gourmets” get there money’s worth – Illy coffee (Italian), Lasko beer from Slovenia, Austrian wine, healty juices, Frucade (a BOBO drink, I used to drink it as a kind, the relaunched the brand), Fritz Cola (same) and various snacks. You can either have them for take away or enjoy your snacks and drinks there.

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Cinethek OZ | Art & culture, Cinemas, Relaxing | Per DVD per night € 3.60
Lindengasse 53 | Inner districts
Mon – Fri 14:00 – 23:00, Sat 12:00- 12:00, Sun 12:00 – 19:30

Enjoy Vienna from above: There´s at least one spot in every city where you can go up and enjoy a great view at the whole surrounding. In Vienna, one of these places is the over 40 years old “Donauturm”. But it is not only the view which is attracting people; you can also get quite good food in a nice and extraordinary surrounding.

Taking the elevator up to the top of the Donauturm, you can either chose to go to the terrace, order a coffee in the Café which is 160 meter above ground or you can have lunch or dinner in the restaurant in 170 meter. The kitchen of the restaurant is mainly traditional Austrian food specializing in Roast beef of all variations.

To provide you with a view of the city, you can sit outside on the terrace or inside with walls made from glass and it is based on a turning platform. So, you might get to see St. Stephens when taking your seat while paying the bill with the view of Schönbrunn castle.

If you happen to be in Vienna during a full moon night (know that in advance and want to spend € 44.00 for an evening), Donauturm offers a special “full moon night” including a rich buffet, lectures about the moon and much more. And if you are lucky, you can even win an estate on the moon!

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Der neue Donauturm | Art & culture, Bars, Restaurants (Austrian) | Elevator € 5.50
Donauturmstraße 4 | Across the Danube | +4312633572
Cafe 10:00 – 00:00 | Restaurant 11.30 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 00.00 daily

The Donaupark is a really nice and big park which has more to offer than just trees. A lot of roses are planted there which let the air smell beautifully even in the autumn when most of them are withered.

Of course, there is a big play ground where I used to chase the peacock when I was a little rugrat. There is a tiny zoo, a tiny skater park, some kind of tennis courts, huge chess figures and a mini railway, which can be used by adults as well.

If you want to discover your inner child you may do it here. But you can stay old and just watch the artists at the Donaupark stage who may entertain you with music (Jazz and local) or with a cabaret (mostly in German with Austrian dialect).

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Donaupark | Art & culture, Music, Relaxing
Arbeiterstrandbadstraße 122 | Across the Danube
24 hours daily

Not only is Gartenbaukino a festival location for the independent film festival Viennale but also a host for every year’s Oscar Award -night screening including free breakfast at 3ish am.

Built in the 60ies it still got that kind of communist-Berlin-style touch to it, retro-style as we would put it now. It has got more than 700 cosy, non – Cineplex seats and a huge wide-screen with old school curtains that open when the movie starts. Gartenbaukino is an integral part to Viennale’s success (side note- Viennale is the owner of Gartenbaukino).

Along side with other independent art house movie theaters like the stylish Metro, the small but nice Stadtkino (all of them also Viennale locations) or DeFrance (focus on French movies) the purpose of Gartenbaukino is to be an opponent to the commercial franchise cinema complexes that spring up like mushrooms.

I have to admit that sometimes they are more convenient than the old ones (wider screens, more service, ) but they’ve got no unique character and there’s definitely no genuine interest in showing movies that are not part of mainstream pop culture.

COMING TO TOWN “up in the Air” – the new Clooney movie – maybe a mainstream movie but watch it an extraordinary setting – the Gartenbaukino.

IMPORTANT NOTE – already a bit in advance. March7th,-nite of the Oscar’s (aka the Oscar Award) – great ambiente, bfast for free, great talks – better than in front of your a small tv – all by yourself.

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Gartenbaukino | Art & culture, Cinemas, Festivals & events | Row 4- 14 € 6.50
Parkring 12 | Old city/center | +4315122354
Daily

Built in 1921 by the famous Austrian philosopher (and architect, gardener, primary school teacher!) Ludwig Wittgenstein for his sister in cooperation with the architect Paul Engelmann, this rational Bauhaus style white house was bought in 1977 by the Bulgarian government and today is home of their cultural institute.

For those interested in Eastern culture and architecture, go here! It’s quite hidden among other buildings in the 3rd district. Check their website for the monthly program full of events, such as movies, concerts and expositions.

The building itself can be visited for free from Monday to Thursday, or arrange an appointment  by phone for an individual tour.

Check their event program for the Jazzclub Wittgenstein which usually has free entrance!

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Haus Wittgenstein | Art & culture, Music | Free
Parkgasse 18 | Inner districts | +4317133164
Mon – Thu 10:00 – 12:00 & 15:00 – 16:30

Thousands of cars pass by every day on the “Gürtel”; the red-light-district is only minutes away; the nearby shopping street is attracting crowds to spend money for little and big things. And in between all these noises, rackets and hectic atmosphere, you can take a deep breath and take a break at the city’s main library at Urban Loritz Square. Even the building, connected to the underground station, just stands out and promises something different.

The promise is kept: In the modern library not only book lovers and newspaper addicts find an impressive number of 288.000 books, but also 57.300 AV Media (DVDs, CDs, computer games,…), 130 PCs and 40 audio- and video-stations. The prices are also very modest: There is a yearly ticket for 18 Euros, but you can also get a daily pass for borrowing objects for the next 4 weeks.

Of course there is also a special children section in the library, a planet for kids named “Kirango”. which can be found online as well.

There are always lots of events taking place at Urban Loritz Square such as exhibitions, flea markets and – of course – readings; almost all of them for free! And if you are exhausted from browsing through all this or if you want to read immediately, take some more steps up to the Café restaurant Canetti, where there is a good view from the terrace and quite delicious food. Your journey to another world can start…

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Library at Urban Loritz Square | Art & culture, Cinemas, Music, Shopping, Festivals & events, Restaurants (Intern.)
Urban-Loritz-Platz 2a | Inner districts | +431400084500
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 19:00, Sat 11:00 – 17:00

There is no better meeting point in Vienna than MuseumsQuartier (for “insiders”: Muqua): Either you go to one of the many museums or you have breakfast at one of the various restaurants. Either you buy good and quite unique presents or just get some new ideas at the shop. Whatever you want to do, you can find it on this 60.000 m2 area.

As one of the ten biggest cultural spots in the world, MuseumsQuartier offers a huge variety of different art museums like Leopold Museum and MUMOK (Museum of modern art), modern exhibition halls such as Kunsthalle Wien or festivals like Wiener Festwochen or ImPulsTanz Festival. Moreover, you can also find the Tanzquartier (the location for modern dance, both training and shows), the Architekturzentrum (center for architecture), a museum for children (ZOOM), some smaller galleries and production studios. It is just all in one.

But even though Vienna is known for its cultural taste, locals more or less use MuseumsQuartier for another reason: To hang out and enjoy each other’s company. Whenever you walk through the area you always see a lot of mostly young people sitting around, having some drinks, reading and simply having a good time.

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MuseumsQuartier | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Relaxing, Snacks, Theaters
Museumsplatz 1/5 | Inner districts | +4315235881
Museums generally 10:00 – 18:00 daily

Need some spices for a traditional Thai dish – don´t worry, go to Naschmarkt. You want to buy fresh vegetables from farmers – well, go to Naschmarkt. You are craving for sushi – the answer is obvious: Go to Naschmarkt.

For more than 300 years now, the area on the Wienzeile between Karlsplatz and Kettenbrückengasse is used for markets – and it is getting bigger and bigger.

You will find a visit at Naschmarkt recommended in every tourist guide, and it is always quite a challenge to find your way through the crowds. But still the Naschmarkt is not only a place for foreigners, but also for Viennese locals who love the international atmosphere: Little stalls with fresh vegetables and fruits, wines, cheese and sausages; stand-up buffets offering Italian, Turkish, Greece, Egypt, Indian, Slovakian and of course Austrian food; highly motivated sales persons welcoming you in different languages to their house – that´s what Naschmarkt is all about.

For the last years, Naschmarkt has also become the place for Asian restaurants so do not be surprised to stumble over a Sushi or Thai or Chinese bar every two minutes.

As there is also the biggest Viennese fleamarket every Saturday, especially during summertime it seems like all of Vienna is on Naschmarkt. So, if you are more up to go shopping and relax, it might be better to visit the place during weekdays or in the morning. And do not forget to take a look at the surrounding: You will find some of the most beautiful buildings in this area!

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Naschmarkt | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks
Naschmarkt | Inner districts
Mon – Fri 06:00 – 18:30, Sat 06:00 – 17:00 | Fleamarket Sat 06.30 – 18:00

Traditional meets experimental Austrian cuisine – reinterpreted by the star-chef Helmut Österreicher, staged by Peter Noever, the director of the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts). Creativity combined with a down to earth touch that is what the interior, the menu and the affiliated MAK design store are shouting out loud and clear.

Already when you enter the restaurant/bar/café you are amazed by the chandelier made out of empty bottles. At first glances it looks like a classic one but on a closer inspection you notice something outstanding about it.

The most fascinating part about this place is the interior design which is rounded up by the delicious plates the menu has to offer. They offer a great variety of Austrian and international wine – Italian, Spanish, French (the usual suspects).

Typical drink at Austrian restaurants: “G’spritzter” (white wine with bubbly mineral water).

A great aspect is also the shop where you can get yourself a Vienna art gallery guide or the latest up to date design doorstop.

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Österreicher im MAK | Art & culture, Bars, Shopping, Restaurants (Austr.)
Stubenring 5 | Old city/center | +4317140121
09:30 – 01:00 daily

The Sargfabrik is Vienna’s biggest self-governing community and cultural building. There are flats, a kindergarten, a concert hall, meeting rooms and a bath house (sauna, swimming pool, wellness area).

They have nice cultural events and nice concerts, usually focusing on alternative and world music. Here is the program!

It is definitly worth a visit if you are interested in the arcitecture and also in the project itself. That it’s name means “coffin factory” is not just a curiosity, it realy used to be one!

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Sargfabrik | Art & culture, Music, Relaxing, Festivals & events
Goldschlagstraße 169/2 | Outer districts | +430198898121
Mon – Tue 12:00 – 17:00, Wed – Fri 12:00 – 23:00

Shakespeare & Company is an English bookstore with its own personality. It’s small but filled with so many books that by turning around you unwillingly chuck them on the floor- or at least if you are a girl with a big bag.

I was actually very perplexed when the lady at the cash desk lit a cigarette. But then I figured it’s her own shop why shouldn’t she do what she wants? Besides her niece or grandchild was running around the shop and until now I am not sure whether the sign at the door “Beware of the little art” or something like that- was referring to her or some art I could not detect anywhere.

Though the shop is small you have your Austrian guide books and- even better -your Xenophobe’s guides. Beside they don’t sell everything but they have books you may not find in any other stores.

Girls- stop fishing for compliments- you may get them there plus a small discount. As I found an interesting book about the origin of the democratization in Poland the cashier was impressed with my interest in a difficult topic and immediately gave me a discount. Who needs men when there is the Shakespeare & Company bookshop?

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Shakespeare & Company | Art & culture, Shopping
Sterngasse 2 | Old city/center
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 21:00

Street art in Vienna is maybe not as big as in city like Berlin, known for artistic invasion of public space. But also in Vienna artists claim their spots. It embodies absolute freedom and the option to express either a sociopolitical statement or to share a piece of art with as many people as possible.

An art theft has apparently occurred at Schleifmühlgasse 6, 1040 Vienna. (I have to mention that Schleifmühlgasse hosts also three ‘regular’ galleries) One of numerous pieces of street art left all on house fronts all over Vienna by famous street artist Banksy has been stolen. Where once used to be a happy riot cop with a smiley there is now a hole in the wall. Needless to say that this is not only a loss to the art world but also a loss to the locals.

Corr.by the author: I have been told that it was not sold, it is hard to tell what is true and what isn’t – gossip travels fast and urban legends form quickly. I will tr to get the latest updates on this one and will keep you posted.

The good thing is that more and more artists have the urge to express themselves and present their philosophy. Art is not restricted to galleries, museums – the institutional and commercial aspect is to be put aside for a moment or to contemplate on the impact of these interventions.

A couple of months ago a daring artist sprayed “Cross line to feel female” and “Cross line to feel male” tags across town – even or above all in front of museums – questioning stereotypes of masculinity and feminity.

The quartier21 in MQ (Museumsquartier) also turns art into an immediate experience in public space, a passageway is being used as exhibition space -but this is not as spontaneous as the artists that risks something by appropriating the space that belongs to all and no one. Keep your eyes open and you will see a piece of art on almost every corner…

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Street art | Art & culture | Free
Anywhere across town | Old city/center
24 hours daily

The University of Vienna is a place where you may feel that just by wandering the hallways your brain gets soaked up with wisdom (unfortunately it does not work that way). This building may deceive you by looking old and very historical but it’s only a bit more than a 100 years old. Well, I don’t care, I just love it.

In the centre of the University there is a tiny little park with some benches, canvas chairs and a little café. This is a really nice place to relax, especially during the summer break when most of the students are at home and it becomes a lot quieter then.

The best time to take some pictures of the university is Saturday morning- it gets uncannily empty then.

Try to walk around in the University and you definitely get lost. And if you manage to find the library (I couldn’t find it until the 2nd semester of my studies) take a look at the old reading room. It still has old tables and shelves and seeing all those busy students at work may evoke a desire to study as well. But don’t worry, get out of the University, take a deep breath and it will go away.

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University of Vienna | Art & culture
Dr.- Karl-Lueger- Ring 1 | Old city/center | +43142770
07:00 – 22:30 daily

Only fair traded and organic products are offered in Weltcafé, which is an important part of the student and alternative scene in Vienna. Located in the university district, it was the first coffee-shop mostly offering products from developing countries with focus on coffee, chocolate and tea in 2005.

But Weltcafé is not only a spot for getting extraordinary good coffee compositions or all kind of tea varieties, it is also known for international kitchen and exotic dishes for a fair price. Every day you get lunch menus including soup and main plate for €5,80 – and if you stay longer, you can enjoy the daily cocktail happy hour from 20:00 till 23:00, which is definitely worth a try as well. Moreover, there is a Sunday brunch starting at 10:00 and offering international breakfast from all over the world.

The relaxed and “living-room”-atmosphere of the place provides a good spot for music events, exhibitions, readings, discussions and much more. As part of the fair-trade scene Weltcafé´s intention is clear: They want to inform and teach people about fair trade, about developing countries, about political issues – it is about being aware. But it is also about entertaining, feeling good and having a great time!

In 2010, Weltcafé features one country every month – with special food, a movie evening, some discussions and exhibitions. In March it is all about Mosambik (e.g. a talk about development and tourism on the 24th of March) – and it´s worth the journey, you bet!

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Weltcafé | Art & culture, Bars, Relaxing, Restaurants (Intern.) | Snacks from € 1.70
Schwarzspanierstraße 15 | Inner districts | +4314053741
09:00 – 02:00 daily (Jul – Aug 09:00 – 22:00)

Established only in 2001, this little exhibition center in the 7th district is home of some of the best photo expositions in Vienna. This is just something a photographer, an amateur or just a curious visitor can’t really miss.

Every 20 days or so a new thrilling event is there to be admired. In the past they’ve hosted the very cream of photography from Araki to Burri and Salgado. Every year the World Press Photo winning photos are showcased here.

Located in a minimalist former loft it is perfectly arranged to focus the visitor on photographs without distractions. The only one being the permanent collection of more then 800 historical cameras which won’t pass unnoticed.

From time to time they organize auctions of old-timer equipment and an old glorious Graflex could be yours for a little more then 300 Euro. The adjacent Westlicht all-Laica shop  is worth visiting even if you can’t afford buying one!

current exhibition:

9 February –  5 April 2010 Herbert LIST, Retrospektive

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Westlicht | Art & culture | Entry fee € 6.50
Westbahnstraße 40 | Inner districts | +4315226636
Tue – Wed & Fri 14:00 – 19:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 19:00