Gypsy*Guide - Vienna*Austria

Vienna is often compared to Budapest as they both used to be the crown jewels of the once majestic AustroHungarian empire. But Vienna is much more than history and pretty buildings. Today we have the pleasure of being introduced to the best of the city by one of my fave bloggie friends Vicky from Bikinis and Passports. Vicky was the first blogger I´ve ever met in real life and we´ve been blogger besties ever since! :) I love this girl, so make sure you stop by her blog and check out her favorite places should you ever visit Vienna! (and you definitely should! ;D) 

I feel so honored that Gabby asked me to share some of my favorite places in Vienna with her amazing readers. Ever since I moved to Vienna for school 3 years ago I have really learned to love and appreciate the city. Not only do you get to see little bits and pieces of history at every corner you walk by, but Vienna also has so many amazing restaurants, bars and parks to offer. Here are some of my personal favorite picks:

FOOD:

1.     Shanghai Tan – if you like asian cuisine, you will love this places. Anything from their wonton soup to the specialty rolls is a great choice and I have never had anything I didn't like. On the weekends you should probably make reservations. For an extra special time, ask for one of the booths downstairs :)

Rochus - in the 3^rd district is great for brunch. They serve things like homemade hummus, special eggs with truffle and have amazing breakfast combos.

3.     Dots im Brunnerhof – this place has incredible experimental sushi and is especially nice in the summer since you can sit in the pretty courtyard. It's in the 19^th district, so a little further out but can easily be reached with the D tram (Nussdorf).

NIGHTLIFE:

1.     Palais Kinsky – currently my favorite club. They have multiple floors with different kinds of music. You can chill to some house tunes or sing along to Britney Spears :) Fridays are my favorite there but I heard Saturdays are pretty good as well, depending on the DJ.

2.     Freiraum – it's a café, bar & restaurant all in one! Located right on Mariahilfer Straße it is easy to get to and always packed with a fun crowd. They serve delicious cocktails (and an yummy breakfast). Reservations are probably a good way to go since at night it can be hard to get a table.

MUST - DO:

1.     Hermann Strandbar – if you come to Vienna during the summer you have to stop by this place. Located by Schwedenplatz (Urania) along the Danube Channel you will find a sandy place thats always super busy when its warm out. You can either bring your own drinks or have some at the bar there.

2.     The Ring – whenever I have people over that haven't been to Vienna before I like to show them the ring, which surrounds the first district. You can walk along it and see all the important historic buildings like the university, cityhall, Burgtheater, Hofburg, opera, …

3.     Naschmarkt – a big market with amazing little restaurants inbetween. You can find anything from exotic fruits to hard-to-get herbs there. My 2 favorite places to eat there are Neni which is a little more casual or Nautilus which is an amazing seafood place.

IF YOU HAVE TIME:

1.     Vintage Flo – a vintage shop where you'll find vintage chanel earrings, next to designer costumes and amazing hats. Definitely not cheap but wonderful for browsing!!

2.     Türkenschanz Park – a wonderful place to spend a sunny afternoon or go for a picnic. There are little meadows, ponds and benches to catch some sun. 

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3.      Cupcakes – it is the most adorable cupcake café and it just opened last September. I looove going there for a cupcake and latte with my girlfriends. You can also buy cute cakestands and cupcake-accessories there! 

Thanks Vicky!!! I cannot wait to visit you someday soon! ;)
Have you ever been to Vienna?