Vienna is the grand dame of Europe. A monarchy up until 1918, echoes of her aristocratic roots can still be felt and experienced by visitors today. As important as this history and tradition are to the city, there is also an edgy, emerging art, fashion and food scene that are definitely worth exploring, experiencing and tasting – for the hipster in all of us!

Amanda Blakley
1 / 8
1. The Danube Canal
The Danube Canal is an unlikely destination for some of the most unique pop-up bars and restaurants throughout the warmer months in Vienna (April - October). Pedestrian walkways get the beach treatment with sand, chaises and parasols. Dine on delicious tacos while drinking a cold beer and wiggling your toes in the sand. Be sure to visit Tel Aviv Beach for some of the best Israeli food outside the Middle East and Slow Tacos for marvelous Mexican!

Amanda Blakley
2 / 8
2. Balthasar
Coffee house culture is a huge part of Viennese life and so visitors and locals alike are spoiled for choice. For something more akin to a Brooklyn brew, we loved Balthasar in the up and coming Praterstrasse 2 (second district).

Amanda Blakley
3 / 8
3. Volpension
Volpension is the most darling and original concept currently on our radar, employing senior citizens who are living month to month on meager Austrian pensions. The brilliant young minds behind this bakery/tea house have tapped them for their secret recipes and heirloom baking skills. They provide the pensioners with an opportunity to contribute to something unique and original to current-day Vienna, to encourage social interaction between the young and old, and to put some extra pennies in their pockets!

Amanda Blakley
4 / 8
4. MUMOK
The MUMOK is a contemporary art museum housed in a steel coloured stone building in the middle of the Museumsquartier, an example of fine city planning. Begin your art crawl here into and through the late 20th century where thought provoking works are exhibited by luminaries like Warhol and Cosima von Bonin as well as artists at the forefront of the current-day art scene. If you are looking to save some Euros, get a combined ticket for the neighbouring Leopold Museum, housing an impressive modern art collection with works by Schiele, Klimt and Josef Hoffmann.

Amanda Blakley
5 / 8
5. Supersense
Supersense is part hipster coffee shop and part boutique offering customers the opportunity to ignite all their senses. From sound (they sell analogue music from cassettes to records), smell (create your own memory scent in a glass vial composed of various elements to be cracked and inhaled at a poignant life event), taste (a selection of locally roasted coffee and delicacies) and much more.

Amanda Blakley
6 / 8
6. Karmelitermarkt
Karmelitermarkt offers up interesting food stalls and restaurants permanently stationed in an open square in Praterstrasse 2. The neighbourhood is up and coming and is full of contemporary art and interesting cafes and boutiques that are worth a visit.

Amanda Blakley
7 / 8
7. Naschmarkt’s Flea Market
The Flea Market at Naschmarkt is another must-visit spot. It's considered one of the best flea markets in all of Europe, held in the parking lot of the Naschmarkt (also a fun destination for its colourful food stands and stalls serving ready-made delicacies daily). Look out for antique books, art, records and more.

Amanda Blakley
8 / 8
8. Roberto’s American Bar
Roberto’s American Bar sets the standard for cocktail culture in Vienna. Small, smoky, dark and intimate. What the bar lacks in space it more than makes up for in style and hospitality. Cocktails with a capital C. Ask for Roberto and tell him we sent you!
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