An island of countryside-like idyll in one of Vienna’s youngest districts, surrounded on all sides by the city’s newest apartment blocks. Notgalerie’s wooden church was once rescued from demolition to be completely reassembled and now hosts a programme of art events appreciative of the character and leisurely pace of its new location.

Miranda is a beautiful little cocktail bar located in a calm side street of the 6th district.  It offers a great selection of seasonal cocktails, a combination of their own creations and interpretations of classic drinks. Designed by Tzou Lubroth Architects, the interior is a tasteful mix of pastel colors. The center piece is a huge green granite bar. Best just sit at the bar and watch the barmen mixing drinks.

If Dogs Run Free is a great place to have coffee or a cocktail or both. It is located between Naschmarkt and Museumsquartier and always worth a stop. It has a calm and cool atmosphere. They also serve some great homemade sandwiches. They offer a small but great selection of drinks and at night it is usually packed.  It is designed by two architects and the ceiling installation is changing every year.

The Donaukanal is a regulated water channel running through Vienna. During summertime the canal banks are filled with after-workers, creatives and party people strolling up- or downstream or grabbing a drink at one of the many bars.

I love visiting places that offer a totally different idea of urbanity and experimental concepts for urban (mass) housing. The Wohnpark Alterlaa, built from 1973–1985, is such a project. Hop on the subway to get there and I recommend that you take an extended walk through the area and the surrounding park.