48 Hours in Vienna: A Local‘s Guide

Image by pixabay.com

Vienna (image by pixabay.com)

The capital of Austria happens to be the largest and the most prosperous city of the country. It has deeply rooted cultural traditions, including classical music, opera, theatre and art. The home and inspiration for such big names as Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A startling architecture style which varies with every step you take. You probably already know what we are talking about – it’s the beautiful and majestic Vienna. And these things I mentioned are tidbits that most of us already knew. Or at least heard about!

Vienna (image by pixabay.com)

Vienna (image by pixabay.com)

Vienna contains even more, including the spots where local people love to spend their time, catch up with their friends, have a nice dinner and enjoy the great spirit of the city. Our purpose here is to introduce you with another – local – side of Vienna. Our spotters are ready to take you on a 48 hour trip around Vienna. You will feel the pulse of the city, meet lovely local people and have a memorable time – like a local.

Day 1: 09:00 – 13:00

Phil Vienna (by David Titcumb)

It’s your very first day in Vienna? Let’s start it with a solid breakfast at Phil‘s. This spot is mostly famous for its bookshop, which happens to be a high-class spot. But locals know that here you can also find a bar/cafe/restaurant – all of them under the same roof! Our spotter David says that Phil is the loveliest place for breakfast – you can choose from many breakfast types on offer. For a satisfying morning meal you will have to pay around € 6, so it’s a really reasonable price for a solid start of the day.

Freiwilliger Durchgang Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

Freiwilliger Durchgang Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

After a proper breakfast, let’s take a walk around Vienna, or to a special place called Freiwilliger Durchgang. It actually means “walk through voluntarily”. Long story short, our local Julia says that “the typical Viennese is lazy. So the owner of buildings that were connected by their courtyards voluntarily allowed pedestrians to take a shortcut through their property.” Nowadays, there are only a few alleyways left, but they are considered special architectural heritage in Vienna. If you head straight to Raimundhof alleyway, you will find Julia’s favourite shop called Graf und Gräfin vom Raimundhof. It’s a cozy store which sells high-quality accessories, jewellery or bags. If you are not in the mood for shopping, just make yourself comfortable in one of restaurants that you can find in the alleyways.

Day 1: 13:00 – 19:00

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One of the best ways to get a sense of the spirit (and taste) of a city is through its food. So let’s have a lunch in the oh-so-Austrian brewery bar Wieden Bräu. Burgers, schnitzels and beer. Well, that’s some stodgy Austrian lunch you are about to have! You can also spend your afternoon in Wieden Bräu’s beer garden, which is usually super crowded, but definitely worth your attention if you want to try some local beer or have a chit chat with the locals. Our spotter David mentions that Wieden Bräu’s location isn’t crowded with tourists. So, if you choose to have lunch here, you will definitely feel like a local!

Museumsquartier Vienna (by pixabay.com)

Once you have finished your fulfilling lunch at Wieden Bräu, let’s head another one of the city’s spots that demands your attention! This place is called Museumsquartier. Our local Linda says that it’s “A spot of the superlatives: 60,000 m² (!) for art, architecture, design, dance, theatre, fashion, restaurants, cafes and space for relaxation. It’s a world in a world and if you are into art, it’s not difficult to spend a whole day in this impressive area.” Museumsquartier is a perfect combination of modern and old architecture situated in a huge square. Here you can find plenty of different spots – cafes, restaurants, museums, theatre – so it’s up to you which type of relaxation you decide to choose! Linda’s personal favorite is MUMOK museum, which is the shelter of modern art. Museumsquartier will give you a chance to perceive Vienna’s modernity with a glimpse of ageless attributes.

Day 1: 19:00 – 23:00

1070 Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

1070 Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

We decided that you need an unexpected twist for your dinner. So, if you are ready for some exciting surprises, let’s move on to 1070. The concept of this cozy restaurant is simple: just tell the waiter what you don’t want to eat. And this is it, now just wait. The chef will serve you several surprising dishes and every time you will have no idea what to expect. The portions aren’t enormously big, so there’s a great chance that you will want to have several dishes. All meals are considered the chef’s inspiration and are made with fresh ingredients. Just keep in mind that this restaurant is really small, so if you want to have a super special dinner, don’t forget to make a reservation!

Dachboden Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

Dachboden Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

After a memorable dinner at 1070, let’s go straight to Dachboden, which is the German word for ‘attic’. What will you find there? A spectacular view from a bar over Vienna’s rooftops. Here you can enjoy a relaxing evening, enjoy some snacks and probably have a few drinks. And the view… It out-rivals everything! Furthermore, our local Julia honestly recommends her favorite event at Dachboden – Wednesday night! During the night you will have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of jazz/soul/swing music. However, keep in mind that there is a limit of 120 guests, so come here as early as possible, the place opens at 15:00!

Day 1: 23:00 – …

Das Donau Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

Das Donau Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

After an invigorating day in Vienna, we are sure you are ready to get to know Vienna’s nightlife. In this case, our locals suggest Das Donau. It’s a wicked bar where you can grab a few drinks, have an easy snack (vegetarian and non-vegetarian hot dogs included!) and dance to kickin’ electronic music. Furthermore, Das Donau differs from other city’s spots with its visual arts. It’s impossible to overlook the constantly changing and floating light installation on the ceiling. It gives this place a special vibe which will make you stay till late night (or until morning, during the weekends Das Donau is opened till 06:00!).

Day 2: 09:00 – 13:00

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A cup of high-quality coffee in the morning… Sounds like a perfect plan, doesn’t it? Then let’s take a walk to Cafe Prückel. This cafe is 100 years old and was renovated in the 1950s. Maybe because of its authenticity (high-ceiling, 50s style furniture!), Cafe Prückel still has a special atmosphere. So, if you want to grab a cup of coffee with a perfectly delicious cheese cake (why not to start your day with something sweet?), then this cafe is a top spot! For breakfast you will need to pay about € 6.60, but prices may vary depending on your meal choice. By the way, this is the number one “Kaffeehaus” for our spotter Linda!

Schottentor Vienna (by Andreas Hussak)

Schottentor Vienna (by Andreas Hussak)

The next stop after your breakfast is Schottentor. At first glance it may look like a slightly strange place to visit since it is the biggest hub of tram lines, but don’t be fooled, as our local Andreas says that “Schottentor has much more to offer than just good public transport connections.” It is the place where the main building of the University of Vienna as well as Votiv church is located. This church will catch your attention as soon as you reach Schottentor. You can admire its immensity while relaxing at Sigmund-Freud-Park, which is in front of the Votiv. The park is really popular amongst locals and students! By the way, on your way to Schottentor, you will pass Freyung’s pavement. Here you will notice a part of the pavement is cut out. Our spotter Andrea explains that it shows the “original cobbles stones of the time around the year 1200.” So don’t miss it!

Day 2: 13:00 – 19:00

 Ethiopian restaurant Vienna (by Sabrina Grohsebner)

Ethiopian restaurant Vienna (by Sabrina Grohsebner)

In our opinion, you need to try something completely different for your lunchtime. And the Ethiopian restaurant is a perfect catch! This place is an absolute hotspot amongst locals. So why it is so special? Because of the food, that’s for sure! A perfectly delicious meal with lots of ingredients is served on a big, round piece of Ethiopian bread. Spotter Sabrina mentions that the food comes in great portions, but if you still feel a bit hungry, you can have a popcorn and coffee that are served by waitresses wearing tradition Ethiopian clothes. An insanely memorable Ethiopian experience in Vienna!

Strudlhofstiege Vienna (by Sabrina Grohsebner)

Strudlhofstiege Vienna (by Sabrina Grohsebner)

Strudlhofstiege – that should be your next stop after your Ethiopian lunch! It is difficult not to notice this place, because it is situated between the main roads of Alsergrund. Although it is possible that most people just pass through it, our local Sabrina strongly recommends you pay attention to it. Strudlhof, a private painting school and later Imperial Painting Academy, was founded by Viennese painter and sculptor Peter Strudel. Sabrina says this place has something magical when you start thinking about its viable past. Not very far away from Strudlhofstiege you will also find Dazu – a farming shop. Here you can buy organic vegetables or jars filled with treats: honey, home-made mustard or salsas. A perfect place for warm-hearted shopping!

Day 2: 19:00 – 23:00

Centimeter Vienna (by Andreas Hussak)

Centimeter Vienna (by Andreas Hussak)

It’s dinner time! We hope you are super hungry, because the next spot we suggest is for true and devoted eaters. We present to you: Centimeter. This spot is famous for its enormous portions, so take note of local Andreas’ honest advice: “Never make the mistake and order more than one dish per person at once. The potato soup might already be enough. The fingerfood, they promote as just an appetizer, is actually enough to sate me completely.” So choose wisely or otherwise you will face some sinful over-eating! Still, a strongly recommended spot for your super stodgy dinner in Vienna.

Café Carina Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

Café Carina Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

Can you still move after that small food festival in Centimeter? Then it’s time for live music and proper relaxation in Cafe Carina. Almost every night you can catch different types of live music concerts: from jazz to metal. The owners of the place are really open minded, so they are open for all music styles and all artists (especially local bands!) are always welcome. Surprisingly, there is no entrance fee!

Day 2: 23:00 – …

The Loft Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

The Loft Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

In conclusion, you will need to finish your 48 hours journey in Vienna on a high note. If Café Carina is not really your cup of tea and you need something more party like, then you need to visit The Loft. Every Wednesday you can take part in a poetry slam, quiz and open mic night, but all other weekdays/weekends are sacred to parties! An honest tip from our local Julia: dancing is strictly recommended. The owners of Loft are devoted to their work, so they always do their best to organize the best party in the city. You can’t miss it!


More? Check our Vienna blog or app!

Last Changed Date: 2016-05-19 11:45:13 +0200 (Thu, 19 May 2016)