Hidden Vienna Tips
My recommendations for excellent food, drinks
and excursions around Vienna
Viennese Restaurants
It should be a schnitzel, but Viennese cuisine is varied and offers a foray into the varied history of the multi-ethnic state of the Habsburgs. Whether it's dumplings from Bohemia, goulash from Hungary or schnitzel from Italy - the Viennese have made it their own.
Coffee Houses
The coffee house is an institution and for the Viennese the second living room. It’s an absolute must see for every visitor of Vienna - but you shouldn't queue up for the coffee house. In addition to the top 10 of the World Wide Web, there are a multitude of wonderful examples awaiting to be discovered - including grumpy waiters and an overwhelming selection of coffee variations and pastries.
International Cuisine
Vienna has always been a city of cultural meetings and exchanges. In the past few decades, more exotic tastes have appeared, enriching Vienna's local landscape. No matter what district you are in, a culinary trip to a beach in Far East Asia or the Mediterranean is only one dish away.
Bars & Wine Taverns
A long day of exploration is best rounded off with a glass of wine or a fine cocktail. Vienna's bar scene has seen an exciting growth, but you can also experience a typical piece of Vienna at the classic Heuriger (pub) without moving around too much. The trend of craft beer has also reached Vienna, and so some bars supplement this list as research centres for hop experiments.
Ice cream Parlours
It may sound surprising to many visitors, but Vienna is rightly the secret capital of the frozen delight. We owe it to the Italian community, who brought the tradition of ice-cream making from their home country and raised it to a new level by combining it with good Austrian milk. If you love ice cream, you shouldn't think twice about calories in Vienna!
Excursions & Day Trips
Vienna’s surroundings are full of charm, culture, and stunning scenery — perfect for a day trip beyond the city. Most destinations are less than an hour away and easily reached by train.
Enjoy wine, history, and breathtaking landscapes in places like the Wachau Valley, Baden, or even Brno. Each offers a glimpse into a slower, more authentic Austria — where nature, tradition, and local life meet.