Neubau & the Ringstrasse, Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a city of layers, where imperial grandeur meets a thriving modern art scene. On our first day in the Austrian capital, Charles and I – along with his childhood friends Meryl and Sharon – set out to experience both. Our journey took us from the trendy, cobblestone streets of Neubau (the 7th District) to the historic monuments of the Ringstrasse.
If you are looking for a mix of local culture, historic cafes, and world-class art, here is how to spend a perfect day in Vienna.
Neubau: Vienna’s Artistic 7th District
We began our morning in Neubau, Vienna’s 7th district. Often described as the city’s creative heart, this neighborhood is a maze of independent boutiques, vibrant street art, and hidden courtyards.
What to see in Neubau:
- Sankt Ulrichs Platz: This charming square feels like a village within the city. Don’t miss the Baroque Kirche Sankt Ulrich and its historic Plague Column.
- Coffee Culture: We stopped for a perfect café latte at Ulrich, a local favorite for brunch and people-watching.
- Vintage Shopping: Neubau is a haven for vintage lovers; spots like Burggasse24 offer curated fashion in a stunning, high-ceilinged space.
Strolling the Ringstrasse: Imperial Architecture
Leaving the bohemian vibe of Neubau behind, we walked toward the Ringstrasse, the grand circular boulevard that replaces the city’s former walls. This “ring” is home to Vienna’s most iconic landmarks.
We passed the neo-Gothic Rathaus (City Hall) and the Burgtheater before stopping for a quintessential Viennese experience: lunch at the illustrious Café Landtmann.
WTF Tip: Café Landtmann was a favorite of Sigmund Freud. Ordering a Wiener Schnitzel or a slice of Sachertorte here is like stepping back into the 19th century.
The Volksgarten and Freyung Passage
After a heavy Austrian lunch, we traipsed through the Volksgarten. This public park is famous for its manicured rose gardens and the Theseus Temple. It’s the perfect spot to catch your breath before heading toward the Freyung Passage (Palais Ferstel), one of the most elegant shopping arcades in Europe, featuring stunning marble columns and vaulted ceilings.
Art Immersion: The MuseumsQuartier and Leopold Museum
We spent the remainder of our afternoon in the MuseumsQuartier (MQ), one of the largest districts for contemporary art and culture in the world.
Our primary goal was the Leopold Museum. It houses the world’s most significant collection of works by Egon Schiele, alongside masterpieces by Gustav Klimt. Standing in front of Klimt’s Medicine (Hygeia) and Schiele’s raw, expressive portraits was the perfect finale to our day of exploration.
Last visited in September, 2019
