Part 2, Meet our neighbours in Vienna
These lovely local shops are just a short walk from Max Brown 5th District, in the bohemian Margareten area. Planning a visit to Vienna? Enjoy up to 20% off our new hotel with code SERVUS until 17 October 202.
Recordbag, Where locals go for a great selection of music
Owner: Sylvia Benedikter
Tell us about Recordbag…
Recordbag (est. 2004) offers a mix of music, merchandise, and clothes. We bring together music and fashion as a way of life. You’ll find handpicked music, insider tips, special Record Store Day releases, and some hard-to-find Austrian music relics. We also host regular in-store events with national and international artists.
What makes Vienna special to you?
Vienna, with its rich history, beautiful old architecture, cosy coffee houses (“Kaffeehaus”), and plenty of green spaces like Prater, Stadtpark, and Donauinsel, is also a city that lives and breathes music. From the Vienna State Opera to Heurigen pubs with live music and the “Donauinselfest,” our biggest free open-air music festival, Vienna is the perfect place to have a record store. It’s a city where music and culture come together, making it an ideal spot for music lovers to explore and enjoy.
What’s your favourite thing about the neighbourhood?
This area is full of charm with its mix of people and small shops. Many musicians live around here, including Falco, who grew up in this district. You’ll find like-minded people in special spots such as Margaretenhof (built in 1884), Naschmarkt with its flea market, Filmcasino, our old cinema from the 1950s, and lots of restaurants serving traditional food. There’s so much character to explore!
How would you describe a typical Viennese?
Cosy, grumpy but helpful with a morbid sense of humor.
Karl Café, A local favourite café and bakery
Owner: Lena Guggenbichler
TELL US ABOUT KARL …
KARL is the place to be and when I say “be” I really mean it. Come as you are and how you feel. We are a small but very fine specialty coffee shop in the heart of Vienna’s 5th district. Our goal is for everyone to eat and drink what they like and educate people on good coffee and high-quality food. All our pastries are handmade and baked fresh every day and we are strongly oriented towards Scandinavian pastries. Choose from sweet and savoury options, including what some call the best vegan grilled cheese around.
WHAT MAKES VIENNA SPECIAL TO YOU?
Growing up in Vienna, you might not realise how special it is. But with time, you see that no other city is quite like it. I love Vienna’s blend of openness, diverse cultures, lots of parks and nature, and vibrant city life. It’s funny that its unique in being both known as the most unfriendly city and having the highest quality of life.
WHAT´S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AND IT´S COMMUNITY?
Their dogs are a big part of the community. People here are curious and open to new things, and we have many friendly elderly neighbours who have become some of our favourite regulars. It feels like living in a small town.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL VIENNESE?
Grantig 😊 (stubborn), curious, and sarcastic, but friendly once you get to know them.
