Advertising feature: Fall in love with Vienna’s neighbourhoods
Cobblestoned streets bordered by storied houses, art galleries tucked into quiet corners, the smell of apfelstrudel wafting from centuries-old bakeries: true magic lies off the beaten path in Vienna - in local neighbourhoods, or grätzel, to be precise.
Places where people gather to meet and be creative; where diversity and authenticity thrive; where visitors become temporary neighbours. Clients in search of the true Vienna would do well to peel back its layers - and the city's varied and vibrant neighbourhoods are an excellent place to start.
Vienna is made up of 23 municipal districts, each with its own flair and flavour. Every grätzel boasts its own attractions, character and charm, and in turn, draws a particular crowd. But what makes each community unique is a sense of togetherness - and it's not only reserved for residents.
In the fourth district, multicultural Freihausviertel - just a stone's throw from Naschmarkt, Vienna's best-known market - attracts a creative crowd. Dotted with laid-back stores, modern galleries, trendy shops and classic-turned-contemporary eateries, it's a dynamic hub for crafty clients, who will love the renowned Freihausviertelfest that takes place every year.
The fourth district is also home to Gußhausviertel and Karlsplatz, a striking showcase of Viennese history. Not only is this grätzel dominated by Gründerzeit architecture, top sights include the spectacular Wien Museum, which opened this month; the baroque Karlskirche (Church of St Charles); and the enormous Gußhaus, a cannon foundry, which was built in 1750.
Jewish history is tangible on every street corner in Karmeliterviertel in the second district, fast becoming one of the city's trendiest quarters.
The heart of the neighbourhood is occupied by the Karmelitermarkt, which boasts outstanding culinary delights including Tewa, an organic restaurant specialising in oriental-Mediterranean cuisine, and Skopik & Lohn, which serves up one of Vienna's most legendary schnitzels.
In the ninth district, visitors will find Servitenviertel, or Paris in miniature, home to rows of well-preserved, historic houses, whose ground floors have been transformed into beer gardens and French-style pubs and bistros. Francophiles can spend their time wandering central street Servitengasse, which recently became pedestrianised following its reopening last month.
In Vienna, there's a grätzel for everyone - and each promises to leave clients feeling like a true Viennese. For more information, visit heartbeat. wien.info
Vienna City Card
Help clients move more flexibly and sustainably through the city by opting for the Vienna City Card, which offers a raft of benefits including travel on public transport and discounts at museums, tourist attractions, and participating restaurants and hotels. The Vienna City Card is environmentally certified and starts from €17 a day.