Back to Editorial

A Local's Vienna: Best-Kept Secrets & Cool Design Spots

"I spent most of my childhood in the opera, which shaped my sense of culture, discipline, and beauty," says Vivian Frey, our local expert in Vienna. Guided by design and the culture of the table, she works in PR and is the founder of Savoir Épure, a community of design aficionados. "Quality matters to me, and so do people who stand behind their work," she says. From curated concept shops to creative neighborhood bistros, she shares her local take on Vienna’s best-kept secrets and inspiring design spaces.

Portrait of Vivian Gaia FreyVivian Gaia Frey
A Local's Vienna: Best-Kept Secrets & Cool Design Spots

Urban Speed Market

Urban Speed Market is pure cool; a compact shop shaped by owners Emil and Sabi whose taste is always two steps ahead of everyone else. The edit spans design, fashion, and pantry staples, all chosen with a sharp eye. The colors, objects, and rhythm of the space pulls you out of Vienna for a moment. It’s playful, modern, and precise—a small spot that signals where taste in the city is moving.

Rosebar Centrala

Rosebar Centrala is a small, modern neighborhood bistro with cool interiors and a strong wine list. The menu changes often and follows the seasons, so there’s always something new to try. The dishes are reinterpreted classics that taste amazing and showcase how creative the kitchen is.

bon ton

Brigitte Amort found her inspiration in the world of architecture and art before embracing her passion for handmade objects and starting bon ton ceramics. The bon ton collection includes handmade ceramics and porcelain objects made by European artists and small manufacturers, with a focus on craftsmanship and artistic excellence.

blumenkraft

blumenkraft · Vienna

Blumenkraft

Blumenkraft combines elegant and understated florals with a very modern space. They also beautifully curate seasonal arrangements. For someone who values flowers with character, Blumenkraft is a stop worth including—even if you’re just peaking through the window (which is how I discovered it).

Ährnst

Wake up early on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday morning for the chance to try some of the best croissants in Vienna at Ährnst. They bake in limited quantities and sell out quickly, so show up around 8 am for the best selection. The man behind it all, Julian Lubinger (nicknamed “the croissant whisperer,”) is trained as a gourmet pastry chef and uses both sourdough and long fermentation for the croissants. 

Follow Vivian for more of her favorite spots in Vienna and her recs all over the world.

KEEP READING

6 Spots to Go Right Now in Lima


Keep reading

All articles