Once again, Vienna has been named the most livable city in Europe, and this is also due to the special feeling of life that can be felt there: above all, the heart of the Austrian capital beats in the districts.

Grätzel cannot be easily translated as neighborhood or district because these small parts of residential areas in the city are quite a special blend of the people who live there, the unique architecture, and the culinary offerings. This is where the legendary cool lifestyle of the Viennese originates. Deriving from the outdated word "gereiz," which means "surrounding area," it describes a small unit consisting of several alleys.

Where are these little universes? Even the famous amusement park Prater is, for example, a district of its own, but often it’s markets like the Karmelitermarkt in the same-named district that are the real heart of the area. Some districts have historically evolved, like the French-inspired Servitenviertel. Others have just undergone a transformation, like the once red-light district that is now a vibrant neighborhood, Stuwerviertel. And some are even just emerging – like the Seestadt. If you’re looking for the trendiest district, you’ll probably end up in Freihausviertel, just a few minutes’ walk from the urban subway hub Karlsplatz and the Naschmarkt, full of classic taverns, casual bars, and great second-hand shopping opportunities.

Markets are often the center of a neighborhood, and the Meidlinger Markt has long outgrown its status as a hidden gem: It is located in the twelfth district, the working-class area, and offers a truly Viennese flair along with excellent quality of the goods on offer, many of which are of regional origin. The people in these neighborhoods are also original, and their incredible diversity should definitely be explored by visitors alongside the usual attractions like St. Stephen's Cathedral or the Hofburg – and you will see that despite the image of Viennese people as “grumblers,” here you are a neighbor for a time and not just a guest!