As many as six districts separate Spittelberg from the Innere Stadt, the historic heart of Vienna, but this district can boast of being the city’s second largest pedestrian zone after the centre.
Often overlooked by tourists, it is one of the city’s most picturesque areas: a quaint labyrinth of streets, squares and cobbled alleyways just a stone’s throw from the prestigious Museumsquarter that has the air of a small village, with elegant 19th-century Biedermeier-style buildings; pretty little restaurants and traditional taverns hide in the district’s narrow streets and courtyards.
A sort of village within a city, not so far from the centre but free of traffic and noise, where you can still breathe in the romantic atmosphere of yesteryear.
For a relaxed dinner, a romantic afternoon, a walk away from the hustle and bustle, Spittelberg is the ideal setting. In summer, the atmosphere in the district is cheerful and jovial, with Viennese people gathering on the outdoor terraces of cafés and restaurants; in winter, it is simply magical.
Spittelberg is the classic neighbourhood where there are no museums or famous monuments to visit but should be explored on foot without a precise itinerary. During your walk, look up to admire the beautiful Biedermeier buildings and peek inside the courtyards to admire the well-kept private gardens.
Spittelberg is also perfect for shopping: the area is full of cute little craft shops, ateliers of young designers and art galleries.
If you understand German, check out the programme of the neighbourhood theatre and cinema, the Theater am Sp ittelberg and the Filmhaus am Spittelberg: there is always an interesting show or film on the calendar of these two modern venues.
The picturesque district of Spittelberg lends itself perfectly to a Christmas scene, and in fact the Spittelberg Christmas market, set up along the district’s characteristic cobbled streets and squares, is one of the most atmospheric in Vienna and a favourite with the Viennese.
There are more than a hundred stalls exhibiting at this market, which is highly appreciated for the quality of the decorations and handicrafts on sale. There are also stalls selling sweets and the inevitable hot punch, just what you need to warm up after a day of outdoor shopping.
Once an infamous area, considered somewhat of the city’s red-light district, then a neighbourhood of artists and students, Spittelberg is now one of Vienna’s trendiest areas to go out for dinner or a drink. Its restaurants, inns and bars attract a mixed clientele of professionals who want to give themselves a bohemian air, students and tourists curious to see a more authentic Vienna.
Here are some of the most interesting restaurants and bars in Spittelberg:
The Spittelberg district is located in the Neubau, Vienna’s 7th district. It can be easily reached from the centre by underground (lines U2 and U3, recommended stop Volkstheater) or by tram.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.
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