Inner districts – Local tips (art & culture)

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

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

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

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

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

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