City Style Guide: Vienna

During my blog hiatus, I got to take a brief trip to Vienna and was amazed at how this city surrounds itself with a fantastic art scene. The land of Wiener Schnitzel also doesn't let down when it comes to dining, shopping, and relaxing rain or shine.
SLEEP
As you pull up to Le Meridien you are greeted by a row of pristine Vespas for rent, and the fun doesn't end there. The lobby is an art gallery on its own with contemporary works continuously evolving from Austria's up and coming artists.
For an authentic old world Austrian feel with grand marble and intricate fabrics, stay at the swanky Bristol hotel instead.

EAT
Be sure to check out Naschmarkt or as I prefer to say Nosh Market for a fun foodie experience.
If you are a fan of the 1950's American diner aesthetic don't miss the multiple Aida cafes throughout the city serving up coffee and cake.
Pastell is an airy, bright space with traditional Austrian dishes and friendly owners.
Stop in at Kantine for a quick bite and drink in between museum hopping in the museum quartier.

SHOP 
Every major modern furniture designer seems to have a showroom here and they are all really fun to stumble upon as you walk this city.
Bodum: The company store devoted to their colorful and ergonomically designed kitchenware.
Spodd: A contemporary women's clothing store filled with an amazing selection of jeans
Lomography: The world's first store devoted to the photographic art of Lomography.
Kare: A cheap and chic home store that is similar in style to Z Gallerie
Butlers: A German home store filled with lots of affordable extras to pick up for your next party.
Ordning & Reda: A Swedish paper company devoted to simple Scandinavian design in an array of colors.
Kartell: You can pick up your own piece of contemporary art for your home at the Kartell flagship store right next to the Museum Quartier.

SEE
The center of Vienna is built around Stephansplatz, a gorgeous Gothic cathedral with a tiled roof in a colorful chevron pattern.
The entire MQ (museum quartier) is a must see rain or shine. In the rain visit the interiors of the museums, and when the sun is shining lounge outside in the urban living room that is the courtyard of the Museum Quartier. Check out the award winning lounge chairs that are a constant throughout the space.