It is no secret that Vienna is a breathtaking city. Its stunning architecture, rich culture, and delicious food make it a hot-spot for tourists, but amidst the tour guides and selfie sticks it can sometimes feel difficult to get an authentic Viennese experience. That is why Altovita has picked out some of our favorite ‘off-the-beaten-track’ spots, that will allow you to experience the true essence of Vienna like a local.
Sample traditional Viennese delights
- Mueller’s Heuriger – a heuriger is a traditional Austrian tavern serving homemade food and wine. At Mueller’s you can sample smooth home-brewed wine alongside traditional Viennese sweet treats to really tantalize your taste-buds!
- Naschmarkt – saunter through this trendy and stylish market sampling local vinegar, cheese, meats, desserts, and wine
- Karmelitermarkt – the unassuming brother of the Naschmarkt. Come here for a more chilled market experience surrounded only by locals
Experience coffee shop culture
- Kleines Café – popular for its understated charm, you will be sharing this cafe with locals perusing their newspapers. The cafe is situated in a small, beautiful square in the heart of Vienna, yet away from the selfie-sticks!
- Phil – this bookstore/café is a favorite among locals. Sip on freshly brewed coffee or homemade lemonade whilst flicking through one of their books – English reads are available! You can also catch music and poetry performances here.
Quick Bites
- Bier and Bierli – Traditional Austrian food at low prices in a quirky setting, located just opposite the opera: what’s not to love?
- Vienna Sausage – cheap but absolutely delicious hot dogs, friendly service, and plenty of indoor seating so you can devour them in the warmth
- Alt Wien – frequented by artists and writers, this traditional Austrian pub has a real bohemian vibe. The walls are covered in old posters and the room is often filled with smoke as locals smoke in the corner over their coffees and beers. Alt Wien offers a range of Austrian main courses and snacks at low prices
- Try a traditional Eitrige – sausage topped with cheese and served hot which you can buy from street vendors around the city
What to do
- Escape the bustling city streets by exploring the Wienerwald (Viennese forest), or go for a stroll in the Türkenschanzpark
- Go beyond the main shopping street, Mariahilfer Straße, for just behind it and further into the 7th district there are numerous boutique shops great for picking up something a bit more unique