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pumpkins waiting to be carved at last year's fall festival

This Friday and Saturday, September 26 & 27, a fall festival (Herbst Fest) and organic farmer's market will take place on Vienna's Freyung Platz. The Freyung Platz is a beautiful cobblestone plaza in the heart of the first district (near Stephansdom), and the fall festival gives a taste of what the spectacular Christmas markets there are like. There ...

Cool shops, classy museums, and a hip courtyard comprise the MQ.

This Friday and Saturday evening (Sept. 19 & 20), a free fashion show will take place in Vienna's Museums Quartier (MQ). Many of the styles featured will showcase approximately 20 local independent designers, many of whom have chic and funky items for sale in the MQ and surrounding neighborhoods. Models will strut down the runway in Arena21 ...

Cafe Central serves cakes and coffee near Stephansdom.

When searching for a true Viennese coffee house experience, look no further than Cafe Central. The centrally-located cafe is filled with classy traditional decor, elegantly-clad waitstaff, and numerous Austrian edibles and beverages. Sample Vienna's signature Melange (similar to a cappucino) coffee drink and a slice of one of Cafe Central's many enticing cakes (like Vienna's esteemed Sachertorte) to reenergize after ...

Danube Canal view from Leopoldsberg.

Summer and Fall are opportune times of the year to enjoy strolling in Vienna's National Forest (the Wienerwald). Enjoy the quiet and seclusion from cars and other city noise afforded by the forest's tree-lined trails. Or sample a glass of local wine or Sturm (alcoholic grape cider available in Fall) at one of the nearby guest houses' outdoor dining areas. To get to ...

Surf the net among the trees and fresh air of MQ.

When the weather is pleasant and you're itching to get online, consider heading to one of Vienna's free outdoor wireless areas. Currently available internet areas include the main courtyard of MuseumsQuartier, the quartier21 section of the MuseumsQuartier, Gaussplatz, Karlsplatz, and The Academy of Picture Arts (Akademie der Bildenden Kuenste). Each zone is part of the "q/spot free ...

The shop sports an inviting arched entranceway.

When looking for books printed in English in Vienna, The British Bookshop is the place to go. Formerly in two different locations, the closing of the Mariahilferstrasse store leaves the Weihburggasse location as the premium place to find quality English reads. The store stocks a plethora of bestsellers and classics, and is sectioned off into different genres (mystery, hobby, romance, etc.) ...

"Sand in the City" has a beach bar atmosphere.

At Vienna's "Sand in the City" area, relaxing chairs, sand, tropical plants, and sun umbrellas dapple the scene. The overall effect is much like a conglomeration of tiki-type bars. Normally an ice skating rink in winter, the area is covered with sand and offers a variety of themed places to sit and relax with a drink, activity, or something ...

The Iranian food offerings include pitas with zesty grilled vegetables and a creamy sauce.

When the Rathaus Film Festival is underway, people flock to the food in addition to the films. Filling more space on the city hall plaza than the viewing screen and seating, the smörgåsbord of exotic food stalls draw a sizeable dinner crowd. Foods from all over the world are represented, including American hamburgers and ...

The Junger Flea Market promises to be hip and eclectic.

This Tuesday, July 29, a new flea market will have its first run in the Museums Quartier "Freiraum" space. DJ-spun music and visual entertainment are advertised, as well as an LP record sale and swap sponsored by PLAY.FM. The market will take place from 2pm-9pm and features vendors between the ages of 13 and 25. A slew of ...

The Rathaus Film Festival covers famed operas, ballets, and concerts.

July marks the opening of Vienna's annual Rathaus Film Festival, when folding chairs and a jumbo flat screen take over the city hall plaza to display famous operas, ballets, concerts, and more. The festival shows performances every night, beginning at about 9pm (when it begins to get dark), and runs through the first week of September. In addition ...