A Millennial's Guide to Neubau, Vienna

Neubau is akin to some of the more vibrant neighborhoods you might find around London’s South East or Berlin, with throngs of independent shops, galleries, and cafes frequented by well-clad youths. The seventh district, like any gentrified area, hasn’t always been this way.

Vienna’s art scene has always been fruitful, boasting a long reigning reputation for producing and showcasing talent. Tearing tourists away from the seventh’s Museumsquartier is no easy feat—however, just around the corner in the backstreets, lives a melting pot of aesthetic goodness for those with a creative temperament; a torrent of smaller galleries and street art.

One such gallery, Hubert Winter, is situated just around the corner from the Museumsquartier. Presenting a mix of both Austrian and international artists, this contemporary space is dedicated to keeping its finger firmly on the pulse of the art world.

Along the main strips of Neubaugasse, new restaurants and cafes are constantly popping up, pushing the area into being one of the most desirable in Vienna’s culinary scene. Cafe Espresso, on Burggasse, has the feeling of being a typical Viennese coffee house with a touch of insomnia. Possessing a Jekyll and Hyde personality, it doubles up as a daytime hangout and a smoky and intimate bar after hours.

For a breathtaking selection of spices, sauces, and other various exotic foodstuffs, Prosi Supermarket is the place to head to. One of the largest supermarkets to stock world foods in Vienna, the shelves are well-stocked with products primarily from Asia, Africa and Latin America—it is the perfect place to pick up vital ingredients for a fiery curry dish.

If dining out, you’ll find almost every cuisine going in the seventh district. Austrian is an obvious one to start with—at Schnitzelwirt, you will find a staggering 15 different dishes featuring the Viennese star Schniztel as well as some other traditional fare. Or if looking for something a little on the exotic side, Tsutenkaku Sushi-Haus provide amazing maki in a cosy atmosphere and Restaurant Landia specialises in amazing vegan food and Restaurant 1070 is also one to visit.

Along the main strip of Neubaugasse, there is a mix of thrift shops, junk stores, and high-end clothing boutiques where you can splurge. Dress yourself in Viennese vintage at Burggasse 24, a chic and homely boutique featuring a delightful collection of retro numbers in the daytime and hosting the occasional art exhibitions in the evening. You can also pick up some second-hand vintage attire at KingPin and Bootik 54, both generously stocked with an amazing range of 60s,70s,80s, and 90s clothing.

Music moguls will enjoy eye-catching Tongues, a small yet mighty record store containing a colourful collection of vinyls, with a particularly strong selection of Vienna’s favourite musical genre—electro.

Going out in Vienna often contains themes of techno, trash, and rooms dense with smoke. Bars and clubs are aplenty in Neubau, with venues of both the classy and seedy types. Run-down yet chic Donau is a great place to start, with a tempting menu of cocktails and lots of dark corners. Cafe Prosecco Bar Piccaro is also a gem—run by friendly locals and frequented by young artists. If venturing into the small hours, Dual will serve you well.