If your idea of a good afternoon involves a little less sightseeing and a lot more staring at photographs, make a beeline for WestLicht. Founded in 2001, Vienna’s photography museum occupies a former glass factory turned lofty exhibition space, where changing shows range from major names like Vivian Maier and Ernst Haas to overlooked gems from Austrian photography. There’s also a permanent collection of around 360 cameras, including the world’s first commercially produced camera. And on Thursdays, stick around for its Hai Bar, named for the two sharks keeping watch behind the counter.

As much as we love slurping a foamy Wiener Melange in the morning, OTOTO is the place to turn to when the need for something stronger simply can’t wait. Tucked into Neubau’s creative 7th district, this café-meets-concept-store is the perfect spot for an iced matcha or specialty coffee, while browsing its selection of independent brands, from coffee beans and pantry staples to vinyls, magazines and design-led finds.

At Altstadt Vienna, a boutique hotel in the creative Spittelberg neighbourhood, no two rooms are alike and contemporary art is as much a part of the stay as the fluffy bathrobe. Founded in 1991 by art collector Otto E. Wiesenthal, the hotel’s 62 individually designed rooms and suites are dotted with works from his collection, including pieces by Andy Warhol. 

Forget magnets and mass-produced trinkets. Vienna’s 7th district is packed with independent design stores, but Die Sellerie is the one to bookmark. Founded in 2010 by designers and art directors Patrick Bauer and Georg Leditzky on Burggasse, the charming concept store brings together a carefully curated edit of European design and art, from fine-art prints and ceramics to home accessories, textiles and whimsical objects. There’s also the store’s own collection, designed in Vienna and produced in Austria, making it the perfect place to pick up a souvenir.