U1, U2, or U4: Karlspl. €6, students €4, under 11 free. Groups of 6 or more €5 per person. Audio tour €2. Open M-Sa 9am-12:30pm and 1-6pm, Su noon-5:45pm.
LEOPOLD MUSEUM
Museumspl. 1
ART MUSEUM
1 525 700 www.leopoldmuseum.org
The Leopold collection has recently been rearranged to guide the viewer through the art, architecture, and design elements of “Vienna 1900.” The glistening white walls and large airy rooms provide a cheery setting to view some of the comparitively dark (and depressing) works of Egon Schiele, on whom the collection has a particular focus. There are also works by other prominent Austrian artists, such as Gustav Klimt, Kolo Moser, and Oskar Kokoschka.
U2: Museumsquartier. Or U2 or U3: Volkstheater. €11, students €7, seniors €8, family (2 adults, 3 children) €23. Open M, W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-9pm, F-Su 10am-6pm.
PRATER AND WEINER REISENRAD
Riesenradpl.
AMUSEMENT PARK
1 729 54 30 www.wienerreisenrad.at
The Prater is home to Vienna’s symbolic ferris wheel, the Wiener Reisenrad, which you will have undoubtedly seen on numerous postcards (if not in a certain James Bond film, you die-hard fans). While a corner of the park is devoted to over 250 amusement rides and games and plenty of ice cream stands, the rest is pure, peaceful green space that was formerly an imperial hunting ground. On the weekends, a walk or run through the expanse is a common activity for the local Viennese.
U1 or U2: Praterstern. Park free. Each ride has individual prices. Wiener Reisenrad €8.50, students and Vienna cardholders €7.50, ages 3-14 €3.50, under 3 free. Each ride has its own hours. Check the website for rotating schedule.
ST. MARXER FRIEDHOF
III, Leberstr. 6-8
CEMETERY
1 4000 80 42
Even bringing along a friend or visiting in the middle of the day won’t prevent this spooky cemetery from feeling like a real-life horror film. The gravestones are overgrown with weeds, and the grass comes up to your knees in this ghost town. St. Marxer’s claim to fame is as the real resting place of Amadeus Mozart, which is easily spotted as the only manicured tomb in the entire place.
Tram #71: St. Marx. Bus 74A. A map of the tombs is located at the entrance. Free. Open daily 7am-dusk.
MUMOK (MUSEUM MODERNER KUNST STIFTUNG LUDWIG WIEN)
Museumspl. 1
MUSEUM
525 00 1400 www.mumok.at
This modern art museum seems to be hit or miss depending on the current exhibits that rotate every two to three months. The events range from displays of prominent modern art to more obscure installations that experiment with interesting themes such as light, movement, or space. The museum space itself is a grey, square warehouse with glass elevators to swiftly guide you through the museum’s five floors.
U2 or U3: Volkstheater. Or U2: Museumsquartier. €9, seniors and Vienna cardholders €7, students under 27 free, students over 27 €6.50, families €14, annual pass €33. Open M-W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-9pm, F-Su 10am-6pm.
AUGARTEN
Entrance on Obere Augartenstr.
RECREATION
Although slightly secluded from the rest of District II, this green space is immensely popular with families and almost overrun with squealing children on the weekends. Tall trees line gravel paths that lead to the park’s slightly frightening (and somewhat hideous) Flakturm, tall cement bunkers built during WWII.
Tram #21. Free. Open daily dawn-dusk.
Outer Districts
SCHLOß SCHÖNBRUNN
Schönbrunner Schloßstr. 47
PALACE, GARDENS, IMPERIAL APARTMENTS
1 811 130 www.schoenbrunn.at
Schonbrunn Palace’s gardens rival many a famous French palace garden (ahem, Versailles). The main avenue stretches from the palace to the Fountain of Neptune, behind which the arched structure of the Gloriette stands majestically on a hill. The Gloriette was built to commemorate the return of Prague to Habsburg rule in 1775 and the view of the palace, gardens, and city from here is breathtaking. The palace itself has an extensive set of imperial rooms, the most impressive of which you can view on the Imperial Tour (although the Great Gallery is unfortunately under restoration until 2012). If you have the time and a few extra euros to spare, the Grand Tour has some of the most ornate, albeit smaller, rooms, including the Millions Room, the palace’s most valuable room due to the rare rosewood wall paneling.
U4, Tram #10 or 58, or Bus 10A: Schonbrunn. Admission to gardens and grounds free. Imperial Tour (22 rooms) €9.50, children €6.60, students €8.50, Vienna cardholders €9.50. Grand Tour (40 rooms) €13, students and Vienna cardholders €11.40, children €9. Grand Tour with guide €14.40/13/10. Open daily Apr-June 8:30am-5pm; July-Aug 8:30am-6pm; Sept-Oct 8:30am-5pm; Nov-Mar 8:30am-4:30pm.
KIRCHE AM STEINHOF
Baumgartner Höhe 1
CHURCH
1 910 601 12 04
Kirche am Steinhof, built by Otto Wagner, is a shining (literally) example of Viennese Art Nouveau architecture. The copper dome is blindingly bright against the otherwise green hillside where the church resides. The surrounding parkland was formerly a Nazi psychiatry center that played a horrific role in the Nazi euthanasia experiments, but today the whole complex is part of the Otto Wagner Hospital. Four angels stand guard at the entrance to the church, while ornate mosaics, creamy white walls, and stained-glass windows illuminate the interior.
U3: Ottakring. From the stop, take 48A: Psychiatrisches Zentrum. Tours (50min.) €6, students and children €4, under 15 free. Art Nouveau tour (1½hr.) €10, ages 15-18 €7, students €6. Viewing Sa 4-5pm. Mass Su and holidays 9am. Tours Sa 3pm. Art Nouveau tour runs Apr-Sept every F at 3:30pm.
ZENTRALFRIEDHOF
Simmeringer Haupstr. 234
CEMETERY
1 760 410 www.friedhoefewien.at
Stone cherubim, crosses, and pillars decorate over 2.5 million tombs in Vienna’s Central Cemetery. From the main entrance (Gate II), a straight walk down the central aisle will bring you to the most famous inhabitants, including Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, and Wolf in section 32A, as well as a fake tomb for Mozart (the real one is in St. Marx). In front of the large Dr. Karl Lueger Kirche, the central church, the presidents of the Second Republic are buried in the manicured Presidentsgruft. Gate 1 of the cemetery leads to the large and unfortunately neglected area of Jewish memorials.
Tram #71: Zentralfriedhof; the 2nd Zentralfriedhof stop is the main entrance. Free. Cars €2.20. Open daily May-Aug 7am-8pm; Sept 7am-7pm; Oct 7am-6pm; Nov-Feb 8am-5pm; Mar 7am-6pm; Apr 7am-7pm.
FOOD
Inner City
KLEINES CAFE
Franziskanerpl. 3
CAFE
Kleines Cafe might just be the smallest coffeehouse in the whole city, but you know what they say—small coffee house, big heart. Or is it big feet, big... never-mind. The cappuccinos are piled high with a top hat (not just cap) of foam, and beers and wine are also a popular choice. The outdoor seating in Franziskanerpl. is a delight during the summer, and the cozy, leather interior feels expanded with the clever use of mirrors.
U1 or U3: Stephanspl. Coffee €2-4. Entrees €5.50-10. Open M-Sa 10am-2am, Su 1pm-2am.
IMERVOLL
Weihburggasse 17
VIENNESE
513 52 88
Imervoll is one of the best places to go in the Inner Stadt for traditional Viennese cuisine that’s more authentic (and flavorful) than just a schnitzel. The constantly changing menu is a handwritten paper on the glass wall of the entrance, boasting dishes like Rindsgulasch (beef stew with dumplings and paprika; €9.40) and Gebratene Bachforelle (fried trout with onion and salad; €11.70). In warm weather, customers flock to the outdoor seating in Franziskanerpl., leaving the simple yellow interior quite empty.
U1 or U3: Stephanspl. Entrees €8-17.50. Appetizers and salads €6.50-14.50. Open daily noon-midnight.
FIGLMÜLLER
Wollzeile 5
>
VIENNESE
512 617 77 www.figlmueller.at
For a weiner schnitzel bigger than your head, Figlmüller is undoubtedly the place to come. This family-run restaurant has become well known for its massive schnitzels (€13), so tourists abound, though a table or two of locals still emerge. The recommended side potato salad and greens (€3.80) is the ideal schnitzel companion and should not be overlooked. Come hungry, leave with a food baby.
U1 or U3: Stephanspl. Additional location at Backerstr. 6. English menu available. Entrees €10-15. Open daily 11am-10:30pm.
TRZESNIEWSKI
Dorotheerg 1
SANDWICHES
1 512 32 91
From Polish origins to a Vienna institution, Trzesniewski (try saying that three times fast) offers mini open-faced sandwiches on brown bread (€1). The intriguing flavors, including wild paprika (quite spicy!) and mushroom and egg are definitely for those willing to step out of a PB-and-J comfort zone. Other ingredients include onion, tunafish, and cucumber, and many are vegetarian.
U1 or U3: Stephanspl. From the stop, walk down Graben, and look for the signs on your left about 3 blocks down. Brotchen €1. Open M-F 8:30am-7:30pm, Sa 9am-5pm.
EISSALON TUCHLAUBEN
Tuchlauben 15
GELATO, DESSERT
1 533 25 53 www.eissalon-tuchlauben.at
So creamy, so delicious, and easily the best gelato in the entire city. Look for the bright orange overhangs and the orange cups to match. Sit down at the outdoor patio to indulge in a large sundae or take out a cup or cone for a cheap, sweet thrill. The hazelnut is not to be missed.
U1 or U3: Stephanspl. Cups and cones €1.70-4. Open M-F 10am-11:30pm, Sa 11am-11:30pm.
ÖSTERREICHER IM MAK
Stubenring 5
CAFE, BAR
1 714 01 21 www.oesterreicherimmak.at
Serving up modern and traditional Viennese cuisine, Österreicher im MAK has all the appropriate design elements to rival its neighboring museum (yes, the MAK)—a large hanging chandelier made entirely of wine glasses and a combination of oddly shaped high and low bar tables, which admittedly look cooler than they feel. During lunch, if the weather is good, most people enjoy the outdoor patio and take advantage of the bargain daily lunch special (€6.40).
U3 to Stubentor; Tram #1 or 2. Coffee €3-5. Entrees €9-20. Wine by the glass €7-10, by the bottle €20-30. Open daily 9:30am-1am.
CAFE DIGLAS
Wollzeile 10
CAFE
1 512 57 65 www.diglas.at
The popularity of this plush kaffeehaus has grown over the years, evident now by the menu offered in every language imaginable. While the crystal chandeliers, velvet booths, and marble tables may feel like a step back in time, the prices do not, so don’t rush home and put on your corset just yet. A coffee and dessert alone can set you back close to €10.
U1 or U3: Stephanspl. Teas €3.30. Breakfast €4.20-9.20. Entrees €7.50-15.50. Apple strudel €4.50. Open daily 7am-midnight.
LIMES
Hoher Markt 10
MEDITERRANEAN
1 905 800 www.restaurant-limes.at
Limes serves up fresh salads, pastas and other Mediterranean fare in an “urban chic” interior or out on the patio at the edge of Hoher Markt. Inside, the bar’s high white stools seem to contradict the dining room’s low, green couches and candelabras; luckily they are separated by wispy strands of green fabric. Decor aside, the food is downright tasty.
U1 or U3: Stephanspl. Or U1 or U4: Schwedenpl. Credit card min. €15. Entrees €6.50-20. 50. Open M-Sa 9am-midnight.
1516 BREWING COMPANY
Schwarzenbergstr. 2
PUB
961 15 16 www.1516brewingcompany.com
If you want some familiar-looking food (read: classic American grub), 1516 has large portions of burgers, soups, and salads in a pub-style restaurant and bar. Its tap beer brewed on the premises is the drink of choice, and the large slab of barbecued baby-back ribs served with potatoes and salad (€13) is large enough to share.
U1, U2, or U4: Karlpl. Entrees €8-13. Sandwiches and burgers €5.50-9.20. Open M-Th 10am-2am, F 10am-3am, Sa 11am-3am, Su 11am-2am. Kitchen open until 2am.
ZANONI AND ZANONI
Lugeck 7
GELATO, DESSERT
512 79 79 www.zanoni.co.at
On a hot summer’s night, Zanoni and Zanoni is just the thing to make all your gelato dreams come true. With an impressive list of choices, you may as well opt for the large cone with three flavors (€2.50) and make your selection easier. If we put these flavors in a milkshake, it would definitely bring all the boys to the yard.
U1 or U3: Stephanspl. U1 or U4: Schwedenpl. Another location at Burging 1. Small cone (2 flavors) €2. Large cone (3 flavors) €2.50. Open daily 7:30am-midnight.
AIDA
Singerstr. 1
CAFE, CONFECTIONERY
089 898 82 10 www.aida.at
Undoubtedly you will stumble across the coffee and confectionery shop Aida at one of its multiple branches all over the city. You can’t miss it; the decor is bubble-gum pink chairs and neon pink signs, for crying out loud. While the melange (€3) is a bit on the small side, the Stephanspl. location overlooks the plaza and church, and it’s satisfying to sit in the chairs instead of being blinded by them from afar.
U1 or U3: Stephanspl. Coffee €1.80-3. Strudel and torten slices €1.30-3. Sundaes and ice cream €4.30-5. Open M-Sa 7am-8pm, Su 9am-8pm.
Core Districts
NASCHMARKT
Wienzeile
MARKET
This open-air market is the best way to begin a day of sightseeing in the city, as the market feels like a sight itself! Endless stalls of olives, stuffed peppers, dried fruits and nuts, cheeses, meats, vegetables and fruit sell their wares, and on Saturdays, there is a flea market. Running parallel to the stands, sit-down restaurants and cafes offer coffee and more professionally assembled meals, from sandwiches to seafood.
U1, U2, or U4: Karlspl. Prices vary by stall. Market stalls open M-F 6am-7:30pm, Sa 6am-5pm. Flea market open Sa 6:30am-4pm.
RA’MIEN
Gumpendorfer Str. 9
VIETNAMESE
1 585 47 98 www.ramien.at
You will be worshipping your large bowl of pho noodles, lo mein, or rice by the end of your meal and craving gyoza dumplings (€7) for days afterward. The rice bowls, such as the one with duck, Thai basil, and chili (€8.50), come with a small salad and slice of fruit.
U2: Museumsquartier. Credit cards min. €10. Entrees €7-14. Open Tu-Su 11am-11pm.
ZUM ROTEN ELEFANTEN
Gumpendorferstr. 3
VIENNESE, FRENCH, CAFE
1 966 80 08 www.zumrotenelefanten.at
The cream-colored walls and dark wooden chairs give this cafe an artsy yet sophisticated flair that is emphasized by the patrons, who sip their coffee particularly daintily. The French-inspired cuisine is flawless, and the lunch menu is an extremely good value. Look for the sign with just the picture of a red elephant.
U1, U2, U4; Tram #1, 2, or D: Karlspl. Lunch €8. 2-course dinner €19. Open M-F 11:30am-2:30pm and 6pm-midnight, Sa 6pm-midnight.
GASTHAUS WICKERL
Porzellangasse 24A
VIENNESE
1 317 74 89
This cozy, traditional beisel (pub) has everything from the wooden tables and chairs to the beers on tap. The food is delicious, especially the Karnter Nudeln (Viennese dumplings) topped with diced tomatoes and with side salad (€9.10), though if you’re really sticking to “tradition,” you could always go with the weiner schnitzel (€9.50) instead.
Tram #D. Salads €5-7. Entrees €7-14. Open M-F 9am-midnight, Sa 10am-midnight.
DER WIENER DEEWAN
Liechtensteinstr. 10
PAKISTANI, HALAL
925 1185 www.deewan.at
This well-loved Pakistani buffet lives by the motto, “eat what you want, pay what you wish.” The booths with high ceilings and funky painted w
alls are always packed (and the university is nearby), so come on off hours to ensure you get a table. The buffet always offers meat and vegetarian dishes, and all of the food is halal.
U2: Schottentor. Or Bus #40A: Bergasse. You decide! Open M-Sa 11am-11pm.
HALLE
Museumspl. 1
CAFE
523 70 01 www.motto.at
One of the trendy outdoor cafes in the middle of Museumsquartier, Halle’s breakfasts (€5.50-9.40) will set your day on the right track. The lunch special changes daily (eggs and omelettes, crossiants, and extra large cafe lattes; €7.20-8.50), and there is a bar and drink menu for when the sun goes down. If the weather is right, take advantage of the tables on the patio overlooking the bustle of the MQ courtyard.
Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide Page 5