Grätzl Guide: Student life in the 8th district (Josefstadt) in Vienna

Written by: Helene Auserwöger, 16.05.2024

The 8th district in Vienna, also known as Josefstadt, is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. From historic buildings to cosy cafes and modern bars, Josefstadt seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, earning its reputation for some of Vienna’s finest Grätzl. Nestled in the heart of this dynamic district is the STUWO Strozzigasse, a student dormitory that provides students with a beautiful home. Join us as we introduce you to the STUWO student accommodation Strozzigasse and explore the highlights of the 8th district.

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“A Grätzel is a Viennese expression for a special, often especially trendy part of a district that is defined by specific stores, green areas, bars or pubs and restaurants. Oftentimes a Grätzel covers a few streets and building complexes; however, its borders are not clearly defined and may change over time.”

STUWO student dormitory Strozzigasse

Address: Strozzigasse 6-8, 1080 Vienna

Our first dormitory, the STUWO Strozzigasse, in the 8th district is very dear to us and it has been a delight for residents ever since the beginning with comfortable rooms and practical amenities. You can use the fitness area for sports and indoor-workouts. The musicians among us can express their musical talents in the music rehearsal room. If you need to print something for university, then you can use the Printbox in the entrance hall to quickly print without much hassle for a small fee! The courtyard is perfect for taking a break from long hours of studying and meeting other residents outside!

“I can recommend this dormitory to everybody because it makes sure you have a beautiful stay and amazing time in Vienna with a great location, music rehearsal room and fitness area.” – Deivid

Viennese universities and colleges in the 8th district

The 8th district may not host major universities or colleges itself, but it’s still an ideal spot for students. From our STUWO student dorm Strozzigasse, you can reach the following universities fairly quickly:

Transport connections: Bus line 13A, tram line 46 & Josefstädter Straße U6

The 8th district not only impresses with its lively atmosphere but also boasts excellent transport connections – ideal for students! Here’s an overview of the most useful connections from the STUWO student residence Strozzigasse:

  • Bus line 13A: Take the 13A from Piaristengasse station and you’ll be at the AKH Wien campus in no time.
  • Tram line 46: The 46 tram stops almost directly outside the door of STUWO Strozzigasse and takes you to Ring/Volkstheater station. From there, you can easily transfer to lines that will take you to the main university, TU Wien, Juridicum and the Academy of Fine Arts. If you board in the other direction, you’ll reach U6 Thaliastraße in just two stops, providing quick access to Westbahnhof as well.
  • Other tram lines passing through the district include 2, 5, 33, 43, and 44.
  • Josefstädter Straße (U6) and tram line 5: The 5 tram also provides quick access to Westbahnhof (U3) or Josefstädter Straße station (U6).

Other transportation options:

  • Car-Sharing: In Vienna, you’ll find several car-sharing providers like Free2Move and ShareNow or ELOOP E-Carsharing, which allow you to get around even without owning a car.
  • If you already own a car, consider giving your fellow students a ride to university. Car-sharing not only benefits the environment but also your wallet – plus, it’s a great way to make new connections.
  • Bicycles: Vienna boasts a well-connected network of bike paths, making it easy and environmentally friendly to explore the city on two wheels. It’s a fantastic alternative for staying fit on your daily commute to university.

Cafés, restaurants and bars in 1080

The 8th district is a lively neighbourhood full of culinary diversity and cosy bars for perfect evenings. From traditional Austrian cafes to international delicacies and vegan treats – there is something for everyone. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:

Cafés

  • Hildebrandt Café: A charming café with a cosy atmosphere – the perfect spot for your weekend brunch.
  • Crème de la Crème: A café with a French flair, known for its exquisite cakes and desserts. Perfect for a sweet afternoon.
  • Café tagsüber: Small but sweet – this café offers not only delicious brunch options but also fair-trade coffee for conscious connoisseurs.
  • Cafè Hummel: At Café Hummel, you can enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner in a classic Austrian style. In the summer, you can also enjoy the sunshine outdoors.

Restaurant/Bar

  • Polkadot: A cool student bar with alternative music, chilled drinks, and a fantastic atmosphere perfect for an evening with friends.
  • Brot & Spiele: For all board-game lovers, this place is a must! Choose from over 100 board games and enjoy delicious baked bread.
  • Centimeter: This place is called Centimeter for a reason, because here you pay for your warm or cold sandwich based on how many centimetres you order (starting from €0.30 per cm).
  • Café Benno: Even in this unassuming café, there’s plenty going on; drinking, eating, playing at an affordable price. Also, don’t miss out on one of the live music and pub quiz nights!

International Flair

  • Mamamon: If you’re craving tasty Pad Thai, then this is the place to be. Authentic Thai cuisine awaits you!
  • Oreno Ramen: Let yourself be enchanted by Japanese cuisine and enjoy delicious ramen dishes in a cosy atmosphere.
  • Taqueria Los Mexikas: For all lovers of Mexican tacos, this restaurant is a must. Here you’ll find a wide selection of authentic tacos.
  • HEY!HOTPOT: An innovative new spot for All-You-Can-Eat HotPot. Unlike traditional HotPot, here everyone has their own pot.

Vegan Food

  • Tisch Restaurant: This restaurant offers sustainable, vegan cuisine with a variety of dishes such as vegan Wiener Schnitzel, vegan Spaghetti Carbonara, and vegan cakes.
  • Flip n Dip: Here you’ll find a wide selection of meatless burgers that will even convince meat lovers.
  • Vevi: Vietnamese cuisine but make it vegan! A must-visit for all lovers of Vietnamese food!

STUWO Tip: Take a stroll along the subway arches at Josefstädter Straße and discover cool bars like Chelsea, Loop and Coco located directly inside the subway arches. The vibe is simply unbeatable and perfect for a relaxed, lively or fun evening in Vienna.

Leisure and culture in the 8th district

The 8th district is full of exciting leisure activities and cultural highlights. Here’s an overview of the best activities and places you shouldn’t miss:

Sports and Activities

  • Mountaineering Club Climbing Center: A paradise for climbing enthusiasts with a variety of routes and challenges for all skill levels.
  • Vienna Sports Hall: Here you’ll find a wide range of training opportunities for those who want to stay fit – from CrossFit to medical training.
  • Sports in the Park: The Schönborn– and Hamerlingpark have sports courts where you can play football or shoot some hoops with your friends.

Cultural Highlights

  • District Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of the beautiful Josefstadt and discover the cultural treasures of the neighbourhood.
  • Piaristenkeller: This rustic cellar houses the K&K Wine Treasury, a wine cellar dedicated to Empress Sissi, as well as the Emperor Franz-Josef Hat Museum, where you can admire and even try on hat fashion from past eras.
  • Museum of Folk Culture: A fascinating museum offering insight into the changes in lifestyle and culture of the people.
  • Vienna Shoe Museum: For all shoe lovers, this museum is a must! Here you can explore the evolution of shoe fashion over the years.
  • Escape Rooms: On rainy afternoons, a visit to Open the Door or Exit the Room is a great way to solve puzzles together and have an exciting time.
  • Theatre: For culture and theatre enthusiasts, there’s the Theater in der Josefstadt and the Kabarett Niedermair – both offering student discounts. Additionally, at Vienna’s English Theatre, you can enjoy performances in English.

Parks and Recreation

  • Hamerlingpark: Here you can play football and ping-pong or spend a relaxed day in the greenery.
  • Schönbornpark: This park has basketball, volleyball, and football courts for those who want to be sporty.

Shopping and Grocery Options: From pastries to organic goods and vintage shopping

Right close by the STUWO student dormitory on Strozzigasse, there are also numerous convenient shopping options:

Nearest Supermarkets

Nearest Bakeries

  • Bakery Felber: Discover a variety of delicious baked goods made with traditional recipes.
  • Geier. the Bakery: At Geier, you’ll find a wide selection of delicious bread as well as sweet and savoury baked goods.
  • Ströck: Enjoy the flavourful breads and pastries that are prepared fresh here every day.
  • Öfferl: Here you can find bread that is handmade with passion and character. Experience the unique taste of Öfferl’s fresh and crispy bread.

Organic Stores

HUMANA Second-Hand: Browse through unique vintage treasures at unbeatable prices and give used clothing a second home.

Conclusion: A vibrant student life in the heart of the 8th district

The 8th district, Josefstadt, is a hub of cultural diversity, historical landmarks, and lively cafes, bars, and restaurants. The STUWO student accommodation Strozzigasse provides the perfect starting point to explore the coolest Grätzel and fully enjoy student life in Vienna. With its ideal location, excellent transport connections, comfortable amenities and proximity to universities, it’s a top choice for students looking to experience the exciting life of Josefstadt. Whether you want to discover cultural highlights, indulge in culinary delights or relax in the numerous parks – Vienna’s 8th district offers everything your heart desires. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Josefstadt and experience an unforgettable student life in the heart of Vienna!

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