The Second District is known as “Matzos Island” because it has been Vienna’s Jewish area for centuries. This district is actually located on an island right in the heart of the city. Its northern part (where the Chabad House is located) is just a short walk from the Old City. Throughout the district, you’ll find a wealth of kosher shops and restaurants, a kosher hotel, markets, and beautiful parks.
The Most Important Places in the Second District
1. Taborstrasse – Chabad House and Kosher Restaurants
Just a short walk from the Schwedenplatz subway station, right across the bridge that spans the Danube Canal, you’ll find Taborstrasse. This street is also known as the Jewish Street, and many Jewish families reside nearby. You can also find several kosher restaurants, kosher supermarkets, and, of course, the city’s central Chabad House. Don’t be surprised if you see many kippah-wearing individuals strolling happily down the street; it’s a common sight in Vienna.
It’s highly recommended to stop by and say hello to Rabbi Michi Botman at the Chabad House; he’s always happy to help with anything, and on Sabbaths and holidays, they organize wonderful community meals. The Chabad House in Vienna is renowned as one of the best Chabad Houses in Europe! For more information about the Chabad House, kosher meals, and prayers, click here.
If you observe kashrut, you’ll have a variety of kosher restaurants to choose from. There are meat restaurants like Bachur Tov, or dairy options such as Novellino or Pizza Prego. If you’d like to try something different and enjoy kosher Asian cuisine, you can check out the excellent Mea Shearim restaurant. Another great spot for light meals is the “Ve’ahavta” Bistro, located near the entrance to the Chabad House.
- Bachur Tov (Meat): Taborstraße 19, 1020 Wien. Map
- Novellino (Dairy): Zirkusgasse 15, 1020 Wien. Map
- Pizza Prego (Dairy): Taborstraße 43/5-6, 1020 Wien. Map
- Mea Shearim (Meat): Schmelzgasse 3, 1020 Wien. Map
For purchasing kosher groceries, you can visit the kosher supermarkets located on or near the street. The two recommended supermarkets are Super Mehadrin and Shefa Market. Shefa Market also has a neighborhood cafe offering breakfast, fresh juices, coffee, and pastries.
2. Augarten Park
This park contains Vienna’s oldest Baroque garden. The garden is designed in the French Baroque style, featuring vibrant flowerbeds, shaded paths among walnut, lemon, and maple trees. Additionally, the park includes several playgrounds for children and an ancient church. In the heart of the park, you’ll find two massive concrete towers that served as defensive structures against Allied air attacks during World War II. The park is open during daylight hours only.
- Augarten: 1020 Wien. Map
3. Karmelitermarkt
This small market is one of Vienna’s oldest. It’s located a short distance from the Old City Center, Schwedenplatz, and Taborstrasse (the Jewish Street). This is definitely a local market, and you’re unlikely to see many tourists here. The market has about 80 stalls offering vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and meat (they even sell horse meat!). In addition, there are many restaurants, bars, and galleries. The market is surrounded by the historic buildings of the Second District. Read more about markets in Vienna.
- Karmelitermarkt: 1020 Wien. Map
4. Prater Amusement and Nature Park (Wurstelprater)
Vienna’s amusement park is located within the Prater complex, which, in addition to the amusement park, includes a wonderful natural area with a small forest and artificial lakes. The park opened to the public in 1766, making it the second oldest amusement park in the world (after Bakken Amusement Park in Denmark). Today, the park boasts about 250 exciting attractions for all ages, the most famous of which is the Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad), which has become one of Vienna’s symbols over the years. Read more about the Prater Amusement and Nature Park in our extended article.
- Prater: 1020 Wien. Map
