Close to the glamor of the Innere Stadt, Wieden is a laid-back neighborhood perfect as a home base and worth a day of exploration. Sandwiched between the Opera and the train station, the neighborhood is part of downtown Vienna, marked by the city’s long history. Explore its back streets to find pockets of life revolving around its squares, from student hangouts to galleries and restaurants

In the morning, watch from the Karlsplatz, Vienna’s main square, as the city awakes. Peek into St Charles’ Church, the largest Baroque church north of the Alps. Soft morning light streams through beautiful windows onto elaborate statuary and decoration. Nearby, learn about the city at the Wien Museum Karlsplatz, the system’s main branch, with impressive documentation. Return in the evening for a concert at the Musikverein, Vienna’s most famous venue.

Stroll along the cobbled street of the Schleifmühlgasse, which is lined with contemporary art galleries and restaurants. Try foods from all over the world or shop at the Naschmarkt. Visit the neighborhood’s more unusual museums, like the Third Man Museum, dedicated to Orson Welles’ masterpiece film, or the Schubert Sterbewohnung, where the composer died in 1828. As the sun sets, join students in front of the neoclassical Technical University of Vienna as they celebrate the end of another week of classes.

Wieden is located in central Vienna, directly adjacent to the Landstrasse district. Wien Hauptbahnhof marks its southern border, making the neighborhood easy to access from local and international destinations. The district itself is relatively small and easily walkable. Tram lines and the train run along its main axes. Compared to other parts of the city, parking is relatively easy to find in Wieden.

From Wieden, continue the tour of Vienna to the east, amid the Klimt collections and royal architecture of the Belvedere Palace, one of the city’s best-loved sights, not far from the Soviet War Memorial.