The vibrant Karmeliterviertel neighborhood in Vienna is less than a ten-minute walk from the historic city center.
After the famous Naschmarkt and the creative district of Neubau, Vienna’s young people and artists have also discovered Karmelitermarkt in the city’s 2nd district. Once home to much of Vienna’s Jewish community, this area now boasts culinary pioneers such as the Schöne Perle trattoria, which has been reinterpreting classic Viennese cuisine on nearby Leopoldgasse since 2002.
More recently, a new spot has joined the market area: Danmayr serves specialties from southern Italy—antipasti, refined wild boar mortadella, and delicate prosciutto. The wine list features a carefully curated selection of Austrian and Italian labels. On sunny days, enjoy premium Venetian coffee from Caffè del Doge served at outdoor tables.
Right across the way sits Madiani, inviting guests on a culinary journey through Georgia. The menu features authentic dishes like khinkali, large dumplings with flavorful fillings. Don’t miss their delicious Russian and Georgian breakfasts, served with tea from a samovar; or try the Viennese breakfast of bread, butter, and honey.
Generous breakfasts—served even past lunchtime on Saturdays—can also be found at Einfahrt, a café-bar set at the market’s edge. The venue regularly hosts interesting exhibitions and every Wednesday jazz concerts by singer Sandra Rose.
Just a short stroll away on Große Sperlgasse, Vienna reveals a darker side: The Crime Museum is housed in the historic Soap Boiler’s House (Seifensiederhaus), mentioned in documents since 1685. Here you can explore the city’s criminal history, from infamous poisoners to the assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph.
For a lighter note, visit Kabine, the concept shop by Karin Krank and Ulrike “Biene“ Janitschek on Karmelitergasse. Find innovative creations by young designers, bold T-shirts, and quirky everyday objects from the o.k. collection. Heading back toward the center, stop by the habres+partner gallery in Hollandstraße, where the large windows display emerging works across painting, video, and mixed-media installations.
