Nomen est Omen. So, as the name (Donau = Danube) suggests, be prepared to have the feeling of diving into a world of lights, music and sombre colors when entering the place.

This is a great place to start your evening at. Maybe you’re just done enjoying contemporary art in Museumsquartier (check Museumsquartier article) or need a chill out after an exciting shopping expedition on Mariahilferstraße, so much the better coming here as it’s right next to a couple of urban hot spots!

Donau shows itself as a wicked combination of a place where you can have a beer or two, get to know the newest tunes and still are able to have a conversation, as the music’s volume is not beyond the convenient. There’s also quite stylish snack bar and some really comfortable original cinema armchairs giving the place a certain old school Viennese character.

And – I love this interior’s element – don’t miss catching a glimpse of the ceiling and the remarkable art installation giving you the feeling of actually floating lazily along the blue river…

Plus; if you already feel like gaining an impression of what your evening might be like or if you just want to see whether you like the music or not, there is also an online radio station you should check out!

I just happened to stumble upon this place, not being aware of the possibility to find yet another cool shop in this area. Vienna taught me a lesson again, I should have known better.

If you ever are on the search for a record, a long-forgotten LP, a colorful gramophone or if you’re just in the mood for rummaging around in – as the name says- Old and New music treasures you should definitely pay this place a visit.

I have to admit, when I entered the shop I was quite overwhelmed by the loads of colors, discs and quirky stuff standing and hanging around all over the place. Or to say it with the words of my friend: “I’m not sure whether I should call this place dusty or cool”. There is a lot to explore actually! Besides evergreens, classic music and current hits, you’ll enjoy getting to know some special contains such as Viennese Lieder, Cabaret, Old Austrian student songs and a lot more..

And once you think you’re overseeing the place slowly one of the friendly shop owners may guide you to one of the two fully record-packed rooms that are hidden in the back of the shop…so make sure you’re not loosing track of time while exploring!

Last week I got introduced to the work of avant-garde musician John Cage, not being aware of the fact that there’s really potential for me to become an experimental music’s addict. How I happened to make this experience? I’ll tell you.

Just recently I got to meet somebody that is studying classic piano, so being asked if there was any concert or other possibility to listen to his music he kindly invited my friends and me to join one of his ‘Klassenabende’. And so should you.

The principle is simple: Groups of music students get to present their artistic and creative progress in public, on a regular basis. As, mostly, there are not too many people watching these shows, you’re welcome to enjoy their appearance in one of those many beautiful chambers of Vienna’s Music University.

Besides from Piano, Clarinet, Viola and Organ Klassenabende there’s a great variety of acoustic matinees, vocals soirees and music brunches (calorie- and greaseless, of course) being communicated over their website. And as Music University is situated right next to Belvedere you’re likely to have a great view from the show room as well.

Classic or contemporary music and Viennese architecture, a perfect combination. And the best thing about it: It doesn’t cost anything.

Have you ever dreamt of a place where you get a delicious breakfast for only 3,50 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. In summer 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 cozy.

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 hummus, eggplant salad, stuffed vine leaves, feta cheese, olives and Syrian Bread), or an Italian breakfast.

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

Lunch from 11:30 to 14:30

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

Check out their concerts, there is live music every night, many times with free entrance.

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!

When I used to live in the 8th district the U.S.W. was my favorite pub. “u.s.w.” is the German shortcut for “and so forth” while “Beisl” is Austrian slang for pub. The bar is only a 200m walk from the university campus (check out the Altes AKH article). Usually I happened to be there on Sundays when there was free Chili Con Carne served with any drink as well as on Thursdays – table soccer’s for free.

Nowadays they serve differing meals every Sunday, still for free! The food is generally typical Austrian, like Nockerl or Spätzle – no, both can’t be translated because it only exists here (and right after the border). Okay I’ll try: it’s a little bit similar to gnocchi but the dough’s made of eggs and flour. We love to eat them fried with eggs (again) or cheese.

I very much like the mix of music played at the U.S.W. – mostly Alternative, Indie and Rock.

Their menu in April – in this order: Chili Con Carne, roasted dumplings witch egg, bell-pepper-flavored chicken with the above described Nockerl, Schweinsbraten [the Austrian classic] & last but not least Schinkenfleckerl [noodles with bacon au gratin].

“Mahlzeit!” [= what we say for 'Enjoy your meal!']