MAK Vienna
Jun 5, 2025

MAK Vienna

Contemporary and applied arts

""MAK" in Vienna houses contemporary and applied arts. I truly believe it's a sanctuary for the city's artists. Protip: visit on Tuesday..."

Whether it's to visit an exhibition or for a class, the MAK has plenty to offer. A museum-cum-arts college, this famous building has been a feature of inner-ring architecture since the 19th century. The museum was first conceived in 1863, with plans based on the South Kensington Museum (which is now the V&A) in London. This is something I find remarkable about Viennese architecture: only a handful of buildings, such as the WUK on Währinger Straße, are red-brick in the Northern European style; the majority of Viennese buildings tend to be stuccoed in that familiar off-white and extravagantly ornamented, especially along the Ringstraße.

It is not the only reason I like the exterior of the MAK. First opened to the public in 1871, it was expanded in the early twentieth century, then partially rebuilt in the '40s after damage sustained in the war. During the '80s and '90s the whole interior underwent restoration and was designed in order to reconfigure the exhibition space.

Surprisingly for a Viennese art museum, if you visit the MAK on a Tuesday, admission fees are waived. And, as I briefly mentioned in the introduction, this is no mere museum: MAK is a sanctuary for applied artists. There are many opportunities to study or even take evening courses here - Aktzeichnen (life-drawing) for example. This class is very popular! Also, offers for furniture, Wohngemeinschaften (flatshares) and the like are pinned up regularly in the student space. The vibe is, thankfully, in no way stuffy or elitist.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Stubernring 5

Adult admission:

7.90

1711360

Find your way with 162 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Vienna guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Vienna

Thum Schinkenbar

Ham and more!

Famous for its superb ham, Viennese manufacturer Thum has opened a flagship store that boasts simple and hearty street food in the typical Viennese style.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Jul 7, 2025

Aurora

Top of the skyline

The rooftop bar on the 16th floor is the undisputed star of the many rooftop bars that sprung open in recent years with a stunning view of the inner city.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Jul 7, 2025

The Docks at Alte Donau

Swimming in Manhattan

"The Docks at Alte Donau" in Vienna are perfect for swimming in the middle of the city! Or walking around if the weather is chilly.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 5, 2025
Venster 99 Vienna

Venster 99

Underground energy

"Venster 99" in Vienna is a famous club/bar that's famous in the city's underground scene for its punk and hardcore events. Even I didn't know about it!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 5, 2025
Schallter Audio & Records Vienna

Schallter Audio & Records

Rummaging through music

"Schallter Audio & Records" in Vienna is a very organized music store where I bought my first record here. They even sell spare parts for record players...

029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 5, 2025
CigköfteM Vienna

CigköfteM

Accidentally vegan

Have you ever tried cig köfte? "CigköfteM" in Vienna makes it perfect. Awesome for vegans, a must-try.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 5, 2025
Klangfarbe Vienna

Klangfarbe

Musicians' paradise

"Klangfarbe" in Vienna is a music shop in a renovated gas tank - it just also happens to be the city's biggest music store...

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 5, 2025
Amerlinghaus Vienna

Amerlinghaus

House full of culture

"Amerlinghaus" in Vienna is where I have rehearsals with my theater group! It's a cultural association, with many events open to the public!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 5, 2025
Hacienda Ephemer Vienna

Hacienda Ephemer

The Mexican in the hood

"Hacienda Ephemer" in Vienna is my all-time favorite, go-to neighborhood hang-out spot. They have Tex-Mex fare but also my favorite Zwickl...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 5, 2025
Naturkost Liola Vienna

Naturkost Liola

My local bio-food supplier

"Naturkost Liola" in Vienna sells products from local farmers & follows a zero-waste principle. In summer, they also have the cutest little wooden terrace!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 5, 2025

Bao Bar

Best sweet potato fries ever

"Bao Bar" in Vienna makes excellent... you guessed it, bao buns, but actually, the reason I come here is the absolutely perfect sweet potato fries...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 5, 2025
La Romana Vienna

La Romana

THE best gelato in town

"La Romana" quietly serves the best ice cream in Vienna, hands down. My all-time favorite is their pistachio...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 5, 2025

Heading to Vienna?

162 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Vienna?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

162 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Vienna

Get to know our other Spotters from Vienna

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
33
Filters