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Right inside the heart of Vienna’s inner city there’s a calm hidden spot, perfect for having a short break between two sightseeing checks on your Vienna-to-do list, just waiting for you. Despite of its central position this place remains a peaceful one and I’d highly recommend you stop by here for having an urban picnic or just to round up your Albertina visit with some moments of admiring the city panorama from the inside.

Also if you’re just about to end a classy evening in Vienna’s opera house this place represents a good destination of a short late night stroll, as when it’s dark already, you can see the opera building itself in its, in my opinion, most beautiful appearance: illuminated by dozens of dimmed lights.

The way to get there is also kind of interesting: instead of taking the elevator or escalator that leads you right up to the place itself you shouldn’t be too lazy to climb up the big steps leading to the museum. Changing from time to time, their design is dedicated to one of the exhibition’s artists, so maybe you’ll happen to walk upon one of many artists’ masterpieces such as Magritte, Kandinsky or Monet…but don’t step on the water lilies!

Do you consider yourself a vintage fashionista? Do you also feel the need of conserving the charm of old times by spicing up your outfit with bowler hats and patterned bow ties? Or maybe you’re looking for some super authentic 60′s sunglasses? Then I’m telling you, this is the place to go.

Freistil has always impressed its customers with its widely spread collection of habiliments, old fashioned accessories and souvenirs, both fancy and student budget suitable ones. For those that are excitedly preparing for either going to a classic Viennese ball or want to be top-styled for an elegant opera, visiting this shop offers some real treasures.

Aside from topper hats, flannel vests to colorful umbrellas and oddities such as walking sticks and mustache brushes I’m sure you won’t have any trouble finding items you never wished for but need to buy right now.

Of course, in case you’re searching for something special or just need some stylistic advice, there’s always the possibility to ask the nice shop owner who will be happy to provide you with some guidance through the shop and all the background information on the articles there are to share.

But be aware of not losing track of time while exploring!

Situated in one of Vienna’s many beautiful and remarkable Art Nouveau buildings (already 110 years old!) this place combines great coffee with a special nostalgic atmosphere. Once you’ve entered the place you’ll recognize the many things that are to explore inside, from the many medal coffee badges and old fashioned lamps promoting Fanta lemonade, to that one of a kind cushioned telephone booth (maybe not suitable for claustrophobics).

This place represents one of Vienna’s traditional coffee houses, which means that there were already many generations spending time in here having a chat about life, discussing the latest urban news or reading one or another tome. Besides coffee and tea they offer a selection of Viennese pastries and cakes. Around lunchtime there’s also the possibility to enjoy an easily-affordable menu, maybe one of the reasons many students come here.

And when it’s getting warm outside you should definitely explore the Café’s terrace from which one can enjoy a view on the Wienfluss flowing by. Last but not least one should mention that the Café is open until 02:00 which makes it a great place to either start your night or get a caffeinated energy boost in between two club visits.

Ever felt the wish to abandon fork, knife and spoon for one evening? I for my part wish this quite often, so when I came to eat here the first time I was amazed see that I finally was allowed to do so.

After a long time, when there were not a lot of authentic African restaurants to be found in the city, this place turned out to be a culinary hot spot within the last few years. Situated in a former classic Viennese coffee house, this restaurant surprises with a little weird but enchanting Caféhaus meets Africa atmosphere.

Let’s get straight to business, the food itself! Most dishes are a combination of various appetizers, served on a big round Ethiopian bread that looks a little bit like a huge pancake and tastes rather like classic Austrian rye bread. And the fun’s already about to begin! After some moments of cluelessness how to fit any of these pastes and salads into your piece of bread without messing up the table, your hands and even your outfit completely, you’ll figure out quickly how to get these delicacies into your mouth.

And if you’re still a little bit hungry (unlikely because these dishes come in great portions), there’s also a coffee and popcorn tradition processed as a treat of the house, served by waitresses wearing traditional wardrobes, rounding up this extraordinary food experience completely.

Feeling like having exquisite lunch or dinner in combination with a glass of fine wine these days? Flein’s situated right next to the beautiful Institut Francais building, Vienna’s French Cultural Institute, so there’s the great possibility to combine your meal with a little bit of rummaging around in French books, comics and music records or taking a walk in the spot’s beautiful garden.

Flein’s offering various dainties from all over, some endued with a little touch of French cuisine. So besides French classics such as Crème Brulée you should also give the international delicacies a chance, some of them will blow your mind.

One thing I really love about this spot is its cosy garden, hidden by many trees and offering a view direct into the Institute’s enchanting yard. Especially on a mild summer evening when crickets are chirping, the sun disappears slowly and the chains of lights hanging from tree to tree light this place up, it turns out to be a very nice place to spend your time at.

Of course, also in winter time Flein provides its guests with a cosy interior where you can warm yourself up with some tea or wine, watching snowflakes passing by outside the window panes…C’est si bon!