Josefstadt (8th district)

The 8th district (Josefstadt) is by far the smallest of Vienna's 23 districts and lies directly behind City Hall (Rathaus). You can cross it on foot in a quarter of an hour.

The district is densely built, middle-class in character and comparatively quiet – a residential district with a theater tradition, small shops, and bars and restaurants where locals outnumber visitors. If you're coming from the city center and want to see how Vienna works beyond the sights, you're here in a few minutes.

Its proximity to the 8th and 9th districts makes it a good starting point for a walk off the beaten path.

Architecturally, Josefstadt has remained largely Biedermeier and Gründerzeit (late 19th century), because it suffered comparatively little damage in World War II. The streets around the Piaristenkirche (Piarist Church) and along Josefstädter Straße therefore look more intact than in most other inner districts. Walking from the city center to the Gürtel, you cross two hundred years of Viennese urban history in a quarter of an hour.

Getting there: U2 (Rathaus), U6 (Josefstädter Straße), trams 2, 5, 33 and J.