Vienna’s insider tips – 5 places off the beaten track
What are Vienna's insider tips? And where are the locals hanging out? One thing is certain - it doesn't always have to be Schönbrunn Palace or the Belvedere Museum. Often you only have to walk a few meters to escape the tourist crowds and to discover Vienna in a completely different way. If you don't need a selfie in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral and you like to get off the beaten track, then you should read on - because we'll take you away from the typical sights - and show you where the locals hang out.
Experience elegant Vienna in the Krypt Bar
The Krypt.bar is not far from the main university in Vienna. Though 'finding' is probably not the right term here, as the bar is so well hidden that you won't find it unless you know where to look. There are no signs indicating the existence of the bar at Wasagasse 17.
We looked for the Krypt.bar and found it. A narrow staircase leads down through black glass doors into an architectural jewel that extends over around 250 square meters. Rarely is a bar in a basement in Vienna so spacious.
A seven meter long bar made of marble and walnut is an absolute eye-catcher, small niches and hidden lounges offer plenty of opportunities to retreat. What a chic setting!
The extravagant interior design is just as unusual as the cocktail menu.
Our tip: If you like to try something new when it comes to taste, this is the right place for you - you won't be disappointed. Our personal highlight was the “carrot daiquiri”.
A real insider tip in Vienna: Rooftop in the 25 Hours Hotel
Under the roof of the 25hours Hotel there is a breathtaking view in a good atmosphere. The entire hotel (and therefore also the bar) is dedicated to the theme of the circus. Not only the rooms, but also the bar in the attic are furnished with interesting and funny interior finds from the circus ring. For example, a colorful mix of different drums hang above the bar.
The rooftop bar is a real chameleon because it adapts to many requirements of social life. A quiet workplace or a cozy lounge in the afternoon and a true insider "afterwork hotspot" in the evening. At the weekend, the cozy atmosphere invites you to an extensive brunch.
Of course, the outdoor terrace always plays the most important role. In a relaxed and cozy ambience, there is a sensational view of the ring buildings and the parliament - and with good visibility to the vineyards of the place “Korneuburg”.
On the menu from the attic you will find local, individual cocktails at good prices.
Relax in a different way in Vienna at the Herrmann beach bar
Sun, sand and cocktails, good food and cool drinks offer a holiday feeling right on Vienna's Danube Canal in the Herrmann beach bar.
The location is just a few minutes' walk from Schwedenplatz (U1) and is the ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
“Vienna is almost perfect. All that's missing is the sea", you often hear yourself and others talking about the cultural capital of Austria. There is still no sea here, but with your feet in the sand and the view of the Danube you get a beach feeling.
Delicious drinks and snacks invite you to relax for hours and if you are lucky there is also live music to be heard.
Brunch in Vienna with a difference
The popular breakfast hotspot Ulrich is located in the hip 7th district of Vienna and invites you to linger for a while thanks to its relaxed flair. The Ulrich is a mixture of restaurant, café and bar and is particularly popular with locals.
When the temperatures are warmer, the beautiful guest garden directly in front of the baroque “Ulrichskirche” (Ulrich churche) and without traffic is particularly inviting.
The breakfast plates there are available from 6.20 €. It's not cheap, but you can look forward to creative flavor combinations that are absolutely worth the money once you've had enough of the traditional Viennese breakfast.
Spicy or sweet - there is something for everyone.
Incidentally, Ulrich's "little brother" is "Erich" and is only a few minutes' walk away. On the breakfast menu you will find some vegan combos, which makes this insider hotspot particularly popular with friends of meatless cuisine.
Enjoy Vienna in a different way and feel good
When it comes to coffee houses, Café Hawelka is another insider tip that is also very popular by locals.
This café used to be a popular meeting place for artists, intellectuals and writers (including Hundertwasser). Dark walls and an overall worn look ensure that the store's age is visible. Practically, the café is only a few meters away from St. Stephen's Cathedral.
A real highlight are the “Buchteln” (a typical Austrian dessert) in Café Hawelka. Josefine Hawelka, the wife of Leopold Hawelka (the owner of the café) baked the famous Austrian dessert until her death in 2005.
The delicious buns can still be tasted in Café Hawelka today. Together with a Viennese melange you dive into real Viennese history. More Vienna is not possible!
Well then, enjoy your drinks and meal!
Five Viennese insider tips to try out
These are our personal highlights for experiencing Vienna in a different way. We hope you have fun trying it out and enjoying it! In this way, Vienna definitely remains varied and also has new surprises for long-time residents.