The Bank Brasserie & Bar
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About
Located in the former main hall of a historic bank building within the Park Hyatt, this restaurant is a temple of grand architecture. It features marble columns, high ceilings, and an open kitchen where chefs prepare international and Austrian classics. The atmosphere is grand, theatrical, and exceptionally luxurious. Expert recommendation: The seafood platters and the steaks from the wood-fired grill are highlights. Practical pro tip: Even if you don't stay for dinner, visit the 'Bar' which is located in the former cashier's hall; the cocktail menu is inspired by banking themes. It's one of the best spots in the city for a sophisticated 'Power Lunch' during the work week.
Highlights
- Dine in a former bank hall
- Open show kitchen
- Grand high-ceilinged interior
- Excellent cocktail menu
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Zum Schwarzen Kameel
Dating back to 1618, 'The Black Camel' is a vibrant mix of a high-end delicatessen, a wine bar, and a formal restaurant. The Art Nouveau interior is stunning, but the real action happens at the standing-room-only sandwich counter. It is the place to see and be seen for Vienna’s social elite. Expert recommendation: Try their legendary open-faced sandwiches (Brötchen)—the spicy egg or the ham with horseradish are favorites. Practical pro tip: Do as the locals do: grab a glass of Austrian Sekt (sparkling wine) and a couple of sandwiches at the bar for a quick, sophisticated snack. It’s perfect for a mid-shopping break near the Graben.
Esterhazykeller
Deep beneath the streets near the Graben, this historic wine cellar dates back to the 17th century. It was once frequented by Joseph Haydn. The atmosphere is rustic and cavernous, with brick vaults and wooden benches. It serves wine from the Esterházy estates and simple, hearty Austrian snacks and platters. Expert recommendation: Try the 'Heurigen' style cold platters (Brettljause) with a glass of their signature Grüner Veltliner. Practical pro tip: It’s a great 'hidden' spot to escape the summer heat, as the deep cellar remains naturally cool. It’s also very budget-friendly for the first district. Access is through a small courtyard that feels like stepping back in time.
Clock Museum (Uhrenmuseum)
Tucked away in one of the oldest houses in Vienna near the Am Hof square, this museum contains over 3,000 timepieces spanning seven centuries. The collection ranges from massive tower clocks to tiny pocket watches and musical clocks. The sensory experience is characterized by the rhythmic ticking of hundreds of mechanisms and the chime of bells on the hour. Expert recommendation: Be there exactly at the turn of the hour to hear a cacophony of chimes from the various historic clocks. Practical pro tip: It’s a small, quiet museum often overlooked by crowds. It’s perfect for a 45-minute detour while exploring the city center. Note that it is closed on Mondays.
Café Central
Café Central is Vienna's most celebrated grand café, housed in a palatial neo-Gothic building in the heart of the first district. Opening in 1876, it became the meeting place of Vienna's intelligentsia — Lenin, Freud, Trotsky, and the young Adolf Hitler all frequented these marble-topped tables. Today, expertly dressed waiters in bow ties serve an extensive menu of coffees, from melange to einspänner, alongside elaborate Viennese pastries and light meals. The towering vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and grand piano accompaniment transport visitors to the golden age of Viennese café society.
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