For Viennese locals and tourists, Leopoldstadt is the perfect summer destination. Located on the artificial island ringed by the Danube and the Donaukanal, it functions as the city’s green lung, with the Prater park and its attractions a quick trip from the city. Explore the surrounding neighborhood to get a sense of the deep history of urban Vienna and the different groups that made it what it was.

Especially on beautiful summer days, get to the Prater early to avoid lines at the Wurstelprater, the permanent amusement park within its bounds. Ride the Riesenrad, the Ferris wheel made famous by Orson Welles’ The Third Man, or watch a star show at the historic Zeiss Planetarium Wien.

Wander through the neo-Baroque architecture of the Gründerzeit, just north of the park, then enter the Karmeliterviertel, the center of Viennese Jewish life. Try traditional and international foods or pick up delicious fruits and vegetables at the historic Karmelitermarkt, now one of the city’s hippest culinary destinations.

Continue on to the Augarten, a splendid baroque palace and garden, which is home to the Vienna Boys’ Choir and a famous porcelain factory. Spot the incongruous Flaktürme VII, reminders of the way World War II changed this city.

Leopoldstadt takes up the southern half of the Danube’s artificial island, right across the Donaukanal from the Innere Stadt and the city’s most famous sights. The neighborhood’s main transportation station is accessible by bus, tram and metro and offers quick connections throughout the city. Parking facilities are available at the Prater, but these can fill up quickly, especially on summer weekends.

After an exciting day in Leopoldstadt, spend the evening at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Austria’s biggest stadium, and cheer on the Rapid Wien soccer team alongside 50,000 other fans.