After the terrible riots experienced by the Jews living in the Judenplatz (Jewish Square) area in Vienna’s first district, they moved to a more distant location across the Danube Canal to what is known today as the second district. Many refer to it as Vienna’s Jewish Quarter. For this reason, the area also became known by the nickname Matzo Island (Matzoinsel). 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 a short walk from the Old City. Throughout the district, you will find many kosher shops and restaurants, as well as memorials commemorating the destruction the community endured during the Holocaust.
The Jewish Street – Taborstraße
A short walk from the Schwedenplatz underground station, just across the bridge that spans the Danube Canal, Taborstraße begins. This street is also known as the Jewish street, and many Jewish families live near it and on the streets branching off from it. Additionally, you can find several kosher restaurants, kosher supermarkets, a wine shop, and of course, the city’s main Chabad House. Don’t be surprised to see many people wearing kippahs walking casually on the street; it’s a common sight in Vienna.
It’s worth stopping by to say hello to Rabbi Moti Segal and Rabbi Michale Botman from the Chabad House; they are always happy to help with anything. On Shabbat and holidays, they organize wonderful communal meals. The Chabad House in Vienna is known as one of the best in Europe! More information on the Chabad House, kosher meals, and prayers.
Kosher Restaurants, Cafés, and Supermarkets
If you keep kosher, you can choose from a variety of kosher restaurants. There are meat restaurants like Bachur Tov and dairy restaurants like Novellino or Pizza Prego. If you’d like a change and want to eat Asian food, you can try the excellent Mea Shearim restaurant. Additionally, right next to the Chabad House, there is a kosher bistro called “VeAhavta,” where they sell falafel, sandwiches, and other Israeli dishes. For those looking for a kosher Viennese coffee house, the café at the Ohel Bakery is a perfect fit. There you can also buy traditional and kosher Austrian pastries and sweets.
You can find more information about kosher restaurants in Vienna in our detailed article.
On Taborstraße, there is also a kosher supermarket called “LeMehadrin,” where you can find many products from Israel. A few streets away is another kosher supermarket called “Shefa,” which also has a selection of kosher products and a café.
Accommodation in the Second District – In the Jewish Area of Vienna
This area is the most preferred for those who want to stay near the Chabad House. Read more about recommended hotels in the Chabad House area. Furthermore, the first kosher hotel in the city recently opened on Taborstraße. This hotel offers strictly kosher breakfasts and rooms adapted for Shabbat.
If you don’t want to be right on the Jewish street, there are other excellent places throughout the large second district. Another nice area is near Vienna’s large amusement park, the Prater Park. Read about recommended places to stay throughout Vienna’s second district.
Synagogues in the Jewish Quarter
Throughout the Jewish Quarter, there are several active synagogues belonging to different streams of Judaism. Read a comprehensive overview of the synagogues in Vienna where active prayer services (minyanim) are held.
Main Attractions in Vienna’s Jewish Quarter
The Memorial Columns for the Destroyed Synagogue – Leopoldstädter Tempel
The synagogue of the second district was the largest in Vienna. It was built in 1858 in the Moorish style by the architect Ludwig Förster. The building was large and impressive in its beauty, with a magnificent prayer hall. Various architects of synagogues across Europe drew inspiration from this synagogue, which is why there are quite similar buildings in cities like Zagreb, Prague, Krakow, and Bucharest.
On November 10, 1938, the synagogue was destroyed during the Kristallnacht pogroms.
Today, on the site where the synagogue stood, there are three tall metal columns that serve as a memorial, illustrating the impressive height of the synagogue building. There is also a memorial plaque with brief information about the destroyed synagogue. The complex adjacent to this monument now serves the Jewish community and houses the offices of the Ezra organization, which assists community members.
How to get to the memorial columns site?
The nearest underground station to this site is Nestroyplatz station. The red line – U1 – passes through this station. From there, it’s about a 2-minute walk.
Address: Tempelgasse 5, 1020 Wien
Map:
Prater Park
The large park is located within the boundaries of the second district. It is a vast natural area with large lawns, a small lake, and many charming paths. In addition, part of the park is a huge amusement park with many rides and lots of activities for the whole family. It is definitely a lovely area for recreation, especially during the spring and summer. We have prepared a separate article with very comprehensive information about the Prater Park. Read more information about Prater Park.
Map:
Augarten Park
Another lovely park located a short walk from Taborstraße is Augarten Park. It is a green lung in the heart of the district with a variety of paths and lawns. A charming place for a picnic or a light walk in the fresh air. In the heart of the park, there are also bunkers from World War II that still stand as a memorial to the terrible Nazi past of Vienna and Austria in general. In the heart of the park, there is a nice café with outdoor seating on warm sunny days.
Map:
Local Markets in the Second District
Throughout the second district, there are several nice and very local markets. In these markets, there are stalls and stands selling fruits and vegetables, fish, household goods, and more. Some of them now have more restaurants and cafés, and the atmosphere is mostly Viennese, young, and pleasant.
These are the recommended markets:
- Karmelitermarkt: Close to the Jewish area and Taborstraße. The market has a variety of stalls, restaurants, and very pleasant cafés. Map
- Vorgartenmarkt: Located further from the Jewish area, but this is also a place with diverse stalls, cafés, and restaurants. Map
Read more information about the Jewish community in Vienna and other Jewish sites throughout the city.
