Of all of Vienna's districts, the 7th is probably the hottest spot for the young, fun-loving and creative bunch. It encompasses the vast Museumsquartier, the traditional Volkstheater, the quaint Biedermeier houses and romantic lanes of Spittelberg, the trendy restaurants and clubs of Siebensterngasse as well as alternative boutiques of Kirchengasse and specialty stores along Neubaugasse.
Innovativeness and environmental consciousness co-exist here with traditional Viennese charm. Since 2001 this district has been dominated by the Green Party, as the only one in Vienna, perhaps in all of Austria. The local politicians promote responsible family-friendly policies that attract a hip, youthful and internationally-oriented community to this fancy part of town. Explore Neubau on a Saturday afternoon and you’ll be surrounded by a lively crowd of students, urban artists, fashion aficionados, and young families with kids.
If there was only one word to describe the shopping here, it would be individual. The Mariahilferstrasse that borders this district features all the Zaras and H&Ms of the world, but enter the district and there's not a major brand or chain store in sight. Instead, the trendsetters who run local businesses in Neubau believe that the things you use or wear in your daily life should be just like yourself – personal. Fashion here means a perfect symbiosis of art and living. Numerous art studios, stylish boutiques, organic food stores, modern cafés and bars create a special, almost bohemian-like atmosphere. This section features some of these 7th district stores with personality.