Exploring the MuseumsQuartier (MQ) is a great introduction to Vienna. The museum complex offers a mix of art and culture right in the heart of the city. Not only is it home to some of Vienna’s best museums, it also functions as a communal space for outdoor events like the yearly MQ Winter with Djs, Iglu-Bars, light projections and a curling area. In the summer, the MQ comes to life with outdoor bars, music events and the famous “Enzo”-loungers.
There is lots to see and do around the MQ…
Morning:
Start your morning with breakfast at the Café Leopold located above the Leopold museum. The amazing brunch spread is accompanied by a great view of the quarter. In the summer the upper patio area is the best spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the buzzing courtyard. At nighttime the cafe turns into a bar/club, so check the event schedule while you’re enjoying your breakfast.
The morning is the ideal time to check out the city’s museum scene. The monumental buildings of the Natural History and Art History museums across the street host impressive exhibitions that will keep you captivated all day. The Leopold museum gives a introduction to some of the most renowned Austrian artists: Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka.
The mumok is located in the imposing grey basalt cube in the MQ. This modern art museum hosts contemporary photography, film and video art, installations, sculptures and paintings. Little fun fact: The outside of the building is musical – knock against the walls and you will hear them resonate.
Lunchtime:
There is plenty of lunch options in the MQ. My favourite is the well hidden Glacis Beisl which has it’s entrance at Breite Gasse. The “Beisl” hosts a cute glühwein-garden in winter, complete with a little wooden cabin outfitted with blankets to snuggle up. In summer their beer garden is a popular spot to dine.
Just a few blocks down from the MQ the 25hours hotel is located. On warm days the airstream trailer “Burger de Ville” offers some of the best burgers and fries in the city. The hotel bar “Dachboden” on the upper floor is a great choice in winter and summer. Enjoy an espresso after lunch overlooking the Parliament.
Afternoon:
Right next to the architecture centre in the museums quarter you will find the Corbaci Café. Under it’s oriental tiled roof dessert specialities like Marillenknödel or Apfelstrudel are served.
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Right behind the MQ you will find the cobblestoned quarter Spittelberg. It’s galleries and artisan shops make it an ideal place to hunt for little gifts and souvenirs. Speaking of souvenirs- who doesn’t love a retro-selfie? There is an old photo machine right at the MQ point entrance. Be patient, the old machine takes a while to spit out your sepia- portrait.
Dinnertime:
One of Vienna’s best Italian restaurants is just up the street of the quarter, on Burggasse. I Ragazzi is famous for authentic Italian pizzas from the woodburning oven, made with buffalo mozzarella and freshly shaved prosciutto di parma. The pizza “I Terroni” and “Ragazzi” are highly recommended as well as their limoncello. Just saying.
At night:
The Donau Bar (Danube Bar) is an old synagoge transformed into a cool bar with the help of daily changing light projections and Djs. Oh, and there’s a sausage stand located right in the bar. Brilliant. Classic sausage orders are the “Käsekrainer mit Kren” (cheese sausage with horseradish) and “Waldviertler” (smoked sausage). Sausages are usually eaten with mustard, horseradish and a piece of bread. After this snack you should be ready to sleep party.
Later:
If you’re lucky, the Volkstheater hosts a party at their “Rote Bar” next door – nothing says Vienna like partying under a chandelier. Another good party address is the quirky Wirr a few blocks down on Burggasse.
The Curious Pretzel 
Great Post and Nice Article.All of the photos are so good.Really I like this.Thanks for sharing.
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Glad you enjoyed it! Vienna is a very photogenic city for sure.
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