Tigra Discovers Vienna
Hidden Courtyards in Vienna – A Walk Through the Historic Old Town
Sometimes, all it takes in Vienna is an open doorway. One moment, you are standing in a lively street in the city centre; just a few steps later, you find yourself in a courtyard where the bustle of the city seems far away.
Vienna's historic Old Town, in the 1st district, is full of such surprises. Behind the façades of centuries-old townhouses lie elegant arcades, traditional Pawlatschen galleries, narrow passageways and historic courtyards. Some tell stories of everyday life in centuries past, while others still connect neighbouring streets today.
Several of Vienna's most beautiful hidden courtyards are just a short walk from the Boutique Hotel Das Tigra on Tiefer Graben. Join us on a walk to discover three remarkable courtyards that reveal a different side of Vienna's historic city centre.
Why Are There So Many Historic Courtyards in Vienna?
Many buildings in Vienna's Old Town were constructed on densely developed plots of land. Behind their street-facing façades, inner courtyards, additional buildings and passageways connecting neighbouring streets gradually took shape.
One particularly distinctive feature of traditional Viennese architecture is the Pawlatsche. These open-air galleries, built along the courtyard-facing sides of residential buildings, provided access to individual apartments. They were also part of everyday life: neighbours met here, exchanged news and carried out daily household tasks.
Another characteristic feature is the Viennese Durchhaus, or passage house. These buildings allow pedestrians to pass through a building or a series of interconnected courtyards from one street to another.
What once served practical purposes has become one of the most fascinating architectural features of Vienna's historic Old Town.
Heiligenkreuzerhof – Where Vienna Suddenly Becomes Quiet
One of our favourite places is the Heiligenkreuzerhof, located between Schönlaterngasse 5 and Grashofgasse 3, 1010 Vienna.
Step through the historic passageway and the atmosphere changes. The narrow streets disappear behind you, revealing a spacious courtyard surrounded by centuries-old buildings.
The Heiligenkreuzerhof forms part of the historic property of the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz and offers a glimpse into Vienna's long-standing connections with its monasteries and religious institutions.
Yet you are still right in the heart of Vienna's 1st district. St. Stephen's Cathedral and the lively streets of the city centre are only a few minutes away on foot.
Take a moment here. Not necessarily to visit a particular attraction, but simply to admire the architecture, observe the historic façades and enjoy a quieter side of Vienna.
Bäckerstraße 7 – Renaissance Architecture Behind an Unassuming Doorway
Not far away, another courtyard awaits, almost impossible to imagine from the street outside.
Behind the façade of Bäckerstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, lies the arcaded courtyard of a 16th-century Renaissance townhouse.
Particularly noteworthy are the intricate wrought-iron details, which originate from the collection of the Biedermeier painter Friedrich Amerling.
Bäckerstraße itself is worth exploring. Between historic façades and small shops, the street still reveals traces of old Vienna that are easily overlooked when visiting the city's major attractions.
Outside, the lively rhythm of the city. Just a few steps beyond the doorway, a Renaissance courtyard. It is precisely these contrasts that make walking through Vienna's historic centre so rewarding.
Bräunerstraße 3 – A Glimpse into Traditional Viennese Life
Another remarkable example can be found at Bräunerstraße 3, 1010 Vienna, the birthplace of the celebrated Viennese actor, playwright and satirist Johann Nepomuk Nestroy.
The courtyard preserves architectural features characteristic of many historic Viennese residential buildings: open Pawlatschen galleries, wrought-iron railings and a wall fountain.
While visitors from around the world stroll along the nearby Graben shopping street, courtyards like this remind us that Vienna's historic centre was not only a place of trade and imperial grandeur, but also a residential neighbourhood for centuries.
As you walk along Bräunerstraße towards the Hofburg Palace, take a moment to look beyond the magnificent façades.
Sometimes, the most interesting details are hidden just behind them.
Our Tigra Tip – A Walk Through Vienna's Hidden Courtyards
Don't turn Vienna's historic courtyards into a checklist.
Begin your walk directly at the Boutique Hotel Das Tigra, Tiefer Graben 14–20, and stroll via Hoher Markt towards St. Stephen's Cathedral. From there, follow the smaller streets of the Old Town towards Bäckerstraße.
If the entrance is open, take a look inside the Renaissance courtyard at Bäckerstraße 7. Continue along Schönlaterngasse to the Heiligenkreuzerhof.
From there, make your way back via Stephansplatz and Graben towards Bräunerstraße, where another example of traditional Viennese courtyard architecture awaits.
Allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes for this walk, depending on how much time you wish to spend exploring each location.
Please note that some of these historic courtyards belong to residential buildings and may not always be open to the public. We kindly ask visitors to respect closed entrances and the privacy of local residents.
And keep your eyes open along the way.
Perhaps the most beautiful courtyard of your walk will not be one of the places we have recommended. Perhaps you will discover it entirely by chance, behind an open doorway.
That is exactly what we love about Vienna's historic Old Town. St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace and Graben are all within easy walking distance of one another, yet between these famous landmarks, there are still countless little places waiting to be discovered.
Located in the heart of this historic neighbourhood, the Boutique Hotel Das Tigra is the ideal starting point for exploring Vienna on foot. Many of the city's old streets, hidden courtyards and historic passageways are just a short walk away.
Sometimes, you simply need to know which doorway to look behind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vienna's Hidden Courtyards
Where can you find beautiful historic courtyards in Vienna?
Some of Vienna's most interesting historic courtyards can be found in the 1st district (Innere Stadt), including the Heiligenkreuzerhof, Bäckerstraße 7 and Bräunerstraße 3. Many are located within walking distance of St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Boutique Hotel Das Tigra.
What are Pawlatschen in Vienna?
Pawlatschen are traditional open-air galleries along the courtyard-facing sides of historic Viennese residential buildings. Originally used to access individual apartments, they also served as places where neighbours met and interacted. Today, they are a distinctive feature of Vienna's architectural heritage.
Can you visit Vienna's historic courtyards for free?
Some historic courtyards in Vienna can be visited free of charge when their entrances are open. However, as several belong to private residential buildings, public access is not always possible. Visitors should respect closed entrances and the privacy of residents.