Landstraße, Vienna's third district, is a place that many visitors only glimpse briefly on their way to the city centre. As the largest of Vienna’s single-numbered districts, it blends historical grandeur with modern life. While most travellers arriving from Vienna International Airport pass through Landstraße Wien via the City Airport Train (CAT) at Wien Mitte station, few take the time to explore its attractions.To the north, the district is bound by the Wien River and the Wiener Kanal, while its southern edge blurs into the industrial outskirts near the Erdberg bus station. Close to the city centre, Wiener Konzerthaus has long established itself as one of Vienna's major concert venues for top classical, contemporary, jazz and world music.
Landstraße balances history, culture, and modern convenience. It’s home to the iconic Belvedere Palace, a must-visit for art lovers, where you can admire Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece, The Kiss. The district also boasts the serene Stadtpark, perfect for a relaxing stroll, and the Wiener Konzerthaus, a hub for world-class music performances. For those interested in architecture, the Hundertwasserhaus is a quirky and colorful landmark worth exploring.
Landstraße is also a transportation hub, with Wien Mitte station connecting you to the City Airport Train (CAT) and other parts of Vienna. With its mix of historic charm, green spaces, and excellent dining options, Landstraße is a district that deserves more than just a passing glance. For more tips on exploring Vienna’s neighborhoods, check out the Vienna Districts Guide.
Residential areas weave through the district, from modern apartment complexes to colourful public housing estates including the Rabenhof. One of the most striking features of Landstraße is that, despite its name, there is no street called "Landstraße" in the district. Instead, the main thoroughfare is Landstraßer Hauptstraße Wien (Main Street of Landstraße), a lively artery leading visitors through the district’s core.
To save time and have extra fun, ask my local partner guide Claudia to navigate you to the best spots on a neighbourhood tour.
Historic Sites
The local museums along with the other historical sites reflect the diversity of the district ranging from elegant Belvedere Palace, which houses the Austrian National Gallery, to colorful blobby Kunsthaus Wien, and the Museum of Fakes and Fake Art. Landstraße's deep-rooted history is evident in its preserved landmarks and cultural institutions, blending Austria's imperial past and contemporary artistic expressions.
Landstraße’s historical sites offer a fascinating journey through time, from imperial grandeur to modern creativity. For more insights on Vienna’s museums and cultural attractions, visit Vienna Unwrapped’s Museum Guide.
1. Belvedere Palace and Gardens
The Belvedere Gardens, a stunning example of Baroque landscape architecture, connect the Upper and Lower Palaces and offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. With symmetrical patterns, sculptures, fountains, and cascades, the gardens are a serene environment perfect for a leisurely stroll. They rival the beauty of Schönbrunn’s gardens and are free to enjoy. Start your visit at the Lower Belvedere, once the residence of Prince Eugene, now a museum showcasing art exhibitions in opulent rooms like the Marble Gallery and Golden Room.
The Upper Belvedere is home to a magnificent collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s iconic The Kiss, offering panoramic views of Vienna—a treat for art lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
For those interested in contemporary art, Belvedere 21 (Add link) is a must-see. Located in a 20th-century pavilion, it contrasts the historical collections of the main palaces, focusing on modern and local art. This museum hosts temporary exhibitions, talks, and workshops, with fewer crowds than the main Belvedere venues.
Address: Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna (Upper Belvedere/National Gallery/Klimt), Rennweg 6, 1030 Vienna (Lower Belvedere/contemporary exhibitions; state rooms)
Opening Hours: Upper Belvedere – daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Friday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Lower Belvedere, Orangery – daily 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Friday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
2. Military History Museum (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum)
The Military History Museum in the Arsenal complex includes exhibits like the car in which Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo — the event that triggered World War I. The museum’s extensive collection of weaponry, uniforms, and historical artifacts offers a deep dive into Austria’s military past. The museum building itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed in the Moorish-Byzantine style..
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Address: Military History Museum, Arsenal 1, 1030 Vienna
3. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Grave at St. Marx Cemetery
A visit to St. Marx Cemetery offers a unique and moving experience for those interested in Vienna’s rich cultural history. Nestled in a quiet, unassuming part of the city, this historic cemetery is best known as the final resting place of one of the world’s greatest composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
St. Marx Cemetery, established in 1784, marks a significant shift in Vienna’s burial practices following Emperor Joseph II’s health reforms, moving away from grand cemeteries like the Central Cemetery to smaller, more serene spaces. Closed for burials in 1874, it now serves as a peaceful memorial park, where weathered tombstones and ivy-covered paths create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
Among the cemetery’s many graves is the symbolic memorial to Mozart, who was buried in a communal grave in accordance with contemporary hygiene regulations. Though the exact location of his remains is unknown, the elegant angel sculpture at his memorial allows visitors to honor the composer and reflect on his untimely death at the age of 35.
Address: Leberstraße 6, 1030 Wien, Austria
Opening Hours: Daily at 6:30am - 6:30pm
4. The Rabenhof and Public Housing Architecture
Vienna’s social housing system is world-renowned, and Landstraße’s Rabenhof complex is a striking example. Built in the 1920s, it’s a symbol of "Red Vienna," the city's era of progressive social reform. Visitors interested in architecture and social history may find this stop particularly insightful. The striking red-brick façade and geometric design of Rabenhof reflect the architectural principles of the time, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Address: Baumgasse 29-41 1030 Wien
5. KunstHaus Wien
Designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this museum showcases vibrant, eco-friendly architecture and hosts exhibitions on modern art and environmental themes. the KunstHausWien expands on Hundertwasser’s artistic philosophy, housing a permanent exhibition of his work along with temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The building’s undulating floors, vibrant colors, and lush greenery create an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a work of art.
Address: Untere Weißgerberstraße 13, 1030 Vienna
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
6. Other Places of Interest: Museum of Fakes and Fake Art
The Museum of Fakes and Fake Art delves into the intriguing world of forgeries, replicas, and the art of deception, showcasing meticulously crafted fakes that have duped experts throughout history. Through interactive displays, visitors can explore the techniques behind forgery, from pigment analysis to brushstroke replication, while learning about infamous cases and the masterminds behind them. With rotating exhibitions, workshops, and expert-led insights, the museum offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
Address: Löwengasse 28, 1030 Vienna
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Highlights: A unique museum exploring the world of forgeries, replicas, and the art of deception.
Eating, Drinking, Shopping and Staying in Landstraße
Shopping in Landstraße means smelling perfumes in 1950s perfumery Leni, stroking soft wool at the local wool café and biting into a fresh sourdough bread of iconic Joseph Brot bakery, among other things.. From bustling markets to sleek shopping centers, the district caters to diverse tastes.
1. Landstraßer Hauptstraße
Landstraßer Hauptstraße is a lively shopping street that blends modern retail with local charm. Stretching through the middle of the third district, this avenue is lined with an eclectic mix of boutiques, department stores, and small independent shops, like Leni’s perfumery at no 13. You’ll find everything from high-end fashion and trendy accessories to unique local crafts and everyday essentials.
For a more immersive experience, explore the hidden side streets and passageways, where quirky shops and cafés await, like the Laniato Wollcafé at no 14/16. The street is also home to Hannibal’s quirky homeware shop (no 39) and popular Vintage Shop ty Textile House (no 75/77).
Gourmet and Culinary Highlights
Landstraßer Hauptstraße is also a haven for food lovers, offering a variety of dining options and gourmet experiences:
1. Vom Fass
A gourmet store offering premium spirits, oils, vinegars, and delicacies from around the world.
Location: Landstraßer Hauptstraße 17, 1030 Vienna
Timings: Monday–Friday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am–5:00 pm.
2. Joseph Brot
A bakery and bistro known for its sourdough bread, patisserie, and organic offerings.
Address: Landstraßer Hauptstraße 4
Specialties: Breakfast, warm dishes, and wine.
3. Heunisch & Erben
A fine dining and wine bar with a three-toque kitchen, serving gourmet dishes and an extensive wine list.
Address: Landstraßer Hauptstraße 17
Specialties: Tasting menus and Austrian classics like Wiener schnitzel.
4. Öfferl
A bakery and café with a beer garden, famous for its cruffins, pastries, and hearty breakfast options.
Address: Landstraßer Hauptstraße 19
Specialties: Bread, pastries, and coffee.
5. Zuckergoscherl
A charming beer garden with vegan and meat options, including avocado tartare and burgers.
Address: Landstraßer Hauptstraße
Specialties: Breakfast, dinner, and vegan-friendly dishes.
6. Gradwohl
An organic bakery specializing in whole-grain pastries and healthy desserts.
Address: Landstraßer Hauptstraße 63
Specialties: Vegan options and wholesome bread.
Cultural and Historical Landmarks
Landstraßer Hauptstraße is steeped in history, with several notable buildings and landmarks:
Elisabethenkirche and St. Elizabeth Hospital: A neoclassical religious and medical complex dating back to 1796.
Beethoven Apartments: A museum dedicated to Ludwig van Beethoven, who lived here from 1817 to 1819.
Sünnhof: Once a summer residence, now home to shops and restaurants.
Zur Goldenen Birne: The former residence of Austrian writer Adalbert Stifter.
Esterházy (Arenberg) Palace: A 19th-century cultural hub where Johannes Brahms performed.
Rennweger Barracks: A historic military complex from the late 19th century.
2. Rochus Market (Rochusmarkt)
For a taste of everyday Viennese life, visit the Rochus Market near Rochusgasse. Smaller and more local than the Naschmarkt, it offers fresh produce, artisanal bread, and regional delicacies. Pop into a coffee shop, browse the market stalls, or enjoy a snack at one of the small eateries.
3. Landstraße Wien Mitte
With 30,000 m² of space, Wien Mitte The Mall is the largest and most modern shopping centre in central Vienna. Home to 50 shops and restaurants, it offers a diverse mix of fashion, electronics, lifestyle stores, and dining options.
3. Foodie Spots
Vienna’s third district culinary scene offers a few fine food and drink experiences, such as cheese monger, grocery and restaurant Lingenhel at no 74, much loved open sandwich shop Trzesniewski at Rochusmarkt (booth no 8/9) and gourmet restaurant and wine shop Heunisch & Erben at no 17. To taste a cross section of Austrian bread culture fresh from the bakery try Joseph Brot (no 4), Öfferl (no 19) and Gradwohl’s Auszeit (no 63).
4. Stay In Landstraße
In the past years Landstraße has developed a few excellent contemporary hotels that match well with the boho foodie spots in a quietly traditional neighbourhood. Among the highlights are the Ruby Sophie hotel, housed in the historic ballrooms of Sofiensäle, boho spots Hoxton Vienna and Hotel Daniel, as well as the Art Nouveau inspired five star hotel Hilton Vienna Park.
