Leopoldstadt

Vienna’s island district

Noteworthy for: Visitors come here to enjoy the park and ride the city’s iconic Ferris wheel.
Vienna’s Leopoldstadt district is comprised of a river island, located just to the west of the city centre. The island rests between the Danube River and the Danube Canal (the northern part of the island is taken up by the Brigittenau district).

Before the outbreak of the Second World War, Leopoldstadt was the main Jewish ghetto in Vienna, supporting a vibrant Jewish culture. The ravages of the war saw the local population decimated and shipped off to concentration camps. During the last few decades, however, Jewish emigrants have moved into the area and revitalised the traditional community.
Some of the main draws here are the Wiener Prater (a public park) and the city’s celebrated Ferris wheel (Riesenrad). There’s also the Prater Tower with its spinning chairs, plus an assortment of other rides for you to try in the sizeable amusement park.