Vienna’s mightiest shopping street runs nearly two kilometres from the Westbahnhof down to the MuseumsQuartier, with its central stretch pedestrianised and made for slow wandering. The big flagships are all here, but locals duck into the side streets – especially Neubaugasse – for independent boutiques, vintage and coffee. Come on a Saturday morning to see half of Vienna out shopping, and finish at the MuseumsQuartier end with a break in one of the courtyard cafes.
Situated at the waterfront of the Danube and connected through a pontoon bridge, the “Copa Cagrana” and the “Sunken City” are good places to spend summer evenings. Variety is given by numerous…
A warm Middle Eastern restaurant run as an integration project – two-thirds of the team come from refugee or migrant backgrounds, employed with fair pay and real training. Great mezze and a genuinely good story.
A gloriously cosy “grandmas’-living-room” cafe where seniors bake the cakes and serve alongside younger staff – a social enterprise fighting old-age poverty and loneliness. Come for the famous Germ-Buchteln and a slice of Omas Kuchen.
A well-run, sociable hostel chain with bright dorms and privates, an in-house bar and free walking tours – the easy, affordable base for younger travellers and anyone counting euros.
A design-forward hotel by the Prater run as a social enterprise since 2015, employing and training refugees while proving a social business can still delight guests. Eco-conscious, warm and genuinely feel-good – with a restaurant serving local dishes.
A “lean-luxury” design hotel in a converted concert hall – compact, stylish rooms, a cool bar and self-service simplicity that keeps prices down. Great value with real character.
A characterful, family-run boutique by the Naschmarkt and Theater an der Wien, with art-filled, individually styled rooms and a warm welcome. A lovely mid-range base a little off the tourist track.
A quirky, arty family-run hotel in hip Neubau with a much-loved Filipino-Viennese courtyard cafe and vintage-styled rooms. Creative, friendly and full of neighbourhood soul.
A playful, circus-themed design hotel right by the MuseumsQuartier, with a buzzy rooftop bar (great sunset views), a good restaurant and free bikes. Fun, central and full of character.