While staying in Vienna for the summer, one of my goals has been to live more like a local. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still the typical tourist with an obscenely large unfolded map and constant look of lost on her face; however, I want to explore Vienna outside of the bustling 1st district.
To suit my fancy, I settled on the 16th District, Ottakring, described as a hip, up and coming neighborhood (I’m ready to up my hip factor) with a mixture of Turkish immigrants and artists. So far, so good and here’s why:
1) Brunnemarkt: An expansive open-air market that spans across over three blocks on a walking street. Except for Sunday, it’s open from the morning until the evening. You can hit most of your major food groups here: meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables and even fish. I bought some watermelon (my melon of choice) and eggs (10 eggs for 1 €, what a steal!). The best part is that the prices are comparable, if not better in some cases, to supermarket prices.
2) Yppenplatz: Quite conveniently located at the end of the brunnenmarkt is a little square called Yppenplatz. Several restaurants, all featuring different types of cuisine, surround a cobblestoned plaza lined with trees and plenty of outdoor seating. In the evening it’s filled with the noise of conversation, clinking of glasses, and delicious smells.
3) Easy access to Downtown: Getting to the 1st District is never that challenging. There are two U-Bahns (Vienna’s metro) that service the Ottakring, as well as a tram that goes directly to the ring that circles Vienna’s 1st district. I myself am a mere stone’s throw from both the U-6 and the 46 Tram. In addition to public transportation, it is totally possible to bike to the center, something I have yet to work up the courage for.
4) Ottakringer Brewery: Vienna’s oldest brewery! Started way back in 1837, this local brewery has tours Monday through Thursday with a beer tasting concluding the hour-long tour. I’m a fan of the Ottakringer Helles, thankfully, available at many of the local bars in the neighborhood.
5) Hair Design by Richard: My homing pigeon. In a foreign place everyone needs markers, a way to orient themselves in an otherwise unfamiliar place. Typically, one can use monuments, street corners, or even nature itself. In my case, it’s a hair shop. The first time I walked by there appeared to be a floating mannequin head outside the door with an unruly blond wig on it. Who wouldn’t take a double look at that? If that doesn’t say “I’m home,” I don’t know what does.
