So, you say to me: Kat, we’ve seen the sights! We really want to get to know Vienna and maybe get some tasty food and drink along the way!
No problem. As most seasoned travelers know, one of the most rewarding things you can do in a new city is just walk around and see what you find. However, when time is of the essence and you only have a weekend and want to get your money’s worth, local knowledge is priceless.
Here are some tips, both for those taking a budget break and those with a little more to spend. The good thing about most of these places is that most tourists don’t even know they exist, which, as well as giving you a sense of satisfaction, is a lot more relaxing than being surrounded by a swarm of camera-happy visitors.
First on my list would be Kahlenberg. My personal recommendation would be to take tram 38 from the Schottenring to Grinzing (which is impressive in itself) and then take a leisurely ride through the vineyards to the top of the hill. Here, the view is spectacular and best of all, there are lounge chairs where you can recover from the trip! In fact, there is also a popular hotel here, for those in love with panoramic views.
While you’re in the area, it’s worth looking for a Heuriger. These are traditionally Austrian restaurants, many hidden in the streets of Grinzing. The fare is traditionally local and simple, but one can get some amazing Viennese delicacies. Two of the best are Am Himmel, which is only a ten minute walk from Grinzing. Be careful though, as opening hours often start as early as three, and sometimes they are only open in the summer months.
If after your walk you want to relax, you can pay a visit to the Sargfabrik. This is a rare combination of bath house, restaurant, concert hall and community life in the south of the city. It’s worth checking their website (sargfabrik.at) to find out if the bathhouse has a special soirée that night, as access is sometimes limited. But otherwise, for about 7 EUR, you can relax, enjoy a sauna, swim and a jacuzzi. Just keep in mind that going nude is the European way! While Sargfabrik is certainly not the flashiest or most expensive spa, it is charming and authentic, and walking around gives you a real feel for the city. Particularly good for those who want a cheap or budget vacation. It is also worth mentioning that there are many cheap hotels and restaurants in this area.
One thing you absolutely cannot miss in Vienna is the Coffee House Experience, as I like to call it. Waiters in Vienna are usually quite surly, so don’t take it personally if your waiter doesn’t seem to have smiled in a decade. Viennese coffee is traditionally of high quality and it is common practice to come, sit in a Kaffeehause, read the newspaper, have a cup of coffee and eat a piece of cake. Some of you may know Vienna for its famous Sacher Torte and the subsequent (and ongoing) dispute between the Hotel Sacher and the Demel restaurant over who invented it, but there is a staggering array of delicious cakes available in almost every cafe. Some of the best even have their own cakes, like Café Griensteidl in the city center. Other favorites are Café Schwarzenberg near Schönbrunn, Café Donmayer, Café Prückel and Café Central. Prices vary but a slice of cake is the coffee is pretty cheap. If you want to treat yourself, head to Demel or Hotel Sacher, but be prepared to pay!
At this point, you’re probably feeling a little peckish. So… this brings me to my final section; Restaurants Having spent most nights of my last month in Vienna dining out, I’ve upped several personal favorites, ranging from cheap and cheerful to delicious but somewhat damaging to the wallet.
First of all, Vienna is full of Italian, Chinese, Viennese and Japanese restaurants. Indian and Thai are somewhat more difficult to find, although it is possible. Starting at the top end is Dots Experimental Sushi, situated in the middle of the gigantic Maria Hilfer Strasse. Points can be expensive, but considering the quality and service you receive, it’s well worth it. The sushi is absolutely awesome, and while they offer some weird combinations (cream cheese, peanut butter, anyone?), you can also get hot food and traditional sushi. Delicious.
Heading a bit further north towards District 4, you are spoiled for choice. Here you will not only find the impressive 7 Stern Bräu, where you can taste approximately every beer in the known world (just a slight exaggeration), but also the impressive Amerlingbeisl. The food is delicious and the setting amazing, especially at night. If you’re looking for romance, you’ve found it! Interestingly, the restaurant’s private rooms also serve as meeting places for, among others, student groups, young communists, and feminist groups. It can be quite interesting to see them come out later in the evening and guess which group they belong to!
If you happen to find yourself peckish and in the vicinity of Hundertwasser Haus, head over to Pizza Mari, an authentic Italian restaurant, raved about by Italians themselves. The menu is very limited – just various appetizers and some classic pizza combinations – but the quality is out of this world. My stomach growls just thinking about it.
While there are plenty of other restaurants I could mention, the last one I want to talk about is Deewan, famous for its “pay what you want” policy. Beloved among students, there are no prices and at the end of the meal you simply leave what you think they deserve. However, because of this, the place is almost always packed, but the food is of great quality and there is a chance of getting a bargain. I would suggest not taking advantage though!
Well, that’s me about to end up in Vienna. I hope you found this article informative and interesting; if so, please comment. Suggestions on other topics are also welcome.
Happy journey!
