In Vienna, new energy amid old-world charm

Die Werkbank sells handmade bags, jewelry, furniture and other original products from emerging designers. Provided to China Daily

In Vienna's bohemian Seventh District, craftspeople, artists and shopkeepers are breathing new life into a handful of old cobblestone streets known as Spittelberg. Steps from the MuseumsQuartier, the city's museum district, the neighborhood overflows with Old World charm and hidden garden restaurants.

It wasn't always picturesque. Named after a hospital built here in the 1500s, the hill filled in over the centuries with low-rent housing, taverns and brothels. By the 1970s, the red light district was headed for demolition, but locals insisted on preservation instead.

Restored Biedermeier buildings on pedestrian lanes now house galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants. With summer tourists gone, Viennese enjoy strolling and dining outside on pleasant autumn evenings.

Die Sellerie: Founded in 2010 by four eco-minded graphic designers, this showroom offers playful handmade prints and cards, home accessories and gifts. The owners designed the shop with a work studio in the back. The small venue, which has no telephone, is open Thursday through Saturday.

Burggasse 21. Diesellerie.com.

Amerlingbeisl: Viennese flock to the inviting vine-draped courtyard and patio at this popular pub. Tucked away on a pedestrian street, the pub occupies the house where the portrait-painter Friedrich von Amerling lived in the 19th century.

Stiftgasse 8. 43-1-526-1660. Amerlingbeisl.at.

Die Werkbank: After renovating the small, dark space where her father sold antiques and made furniture, Katharina Sobotka opened her own store in September 2012. She sells her handmade bags as well as jewelry, furniture and other original products from emerging designers. "My customers are looking for something different - personal, handmade, local," she says.

Breite Gasse 1. 43-650-524-8136. Werkbank.cc.

Carina E Vincenzo: In this year-old store, Daria and Varvara Khosroeva, who are sisters, sell an eclectic mix of clothing, vintage furniture, Swedish makeup and Italian olive oil and wine. The store is housed in a former cloister lined with wall paintings from 1653.

Breite Gasse 11. 43-1-236-8974. Carinaevincenzo.com.

Restaurant 1070: With no menu and a flexible number of courses, this tiny restaurant turns out an abundance of fresh, seasonal food and good wines by the glass. On chilly evenings the owner, Dagmar Wulz, offers blankets at outside tables.

Gutenberggasse 28. 43-676-566-1774. Restaurant-1070.com.

The New York Times