Vienna's old-world roots are giving way to new-world business and nightlife, says Friederike Heine

Having established itself as a hub for the booming East-West business, the Austrian capital is a popular business venue not only for its convenient location, but also because of its tight-knit network of financial institutions and specialists such as lawyers, tax advisers and consultants. Lawyers hardened to the locals' cultural superiority will enjoy the capital for its efficient approach to business, as well as its undeniably rich cultural history.

Despite its imposing facade, the city seems to be loosening up – its trendy bars and cafes have become popular haunts for a young, stylish crowd. The reinvention of the Gasthaeuser – the Austrian greasy spoons that are on every corner – as well as the city's nightlife, which ranges from gritty bars to uber-designed lounges, are but a few elements that contribute to the city's unique charm.

Although the Viennese often refer to their home city as a Dorf (village), the city offers a plethora of cultural hotspots, as well as countless bars and restaurants that boast both flawless design and luxury – a perfect backdrop for entertaining clients.

Where to stay

As the Austrian capital morphs into an increasingly popular venue for international business, so the number of international hotels increases. The Hilton, the Imperial and the Grand Hotel are but a few of Vienna's many opulent accommodations.

However, when asked where to rest one's head, most of Vienna's lawyers recommend the Hotel Sacher. Situated at the heart of the city, it has been an Austrian institution since its opening in 1876.

For lawyers seeking a more contemporary ambiance, the Hollmann Beletage offers 25 rooms, each packed with techie amenities. Griesser Gerlach Gahleitner associate Branco Jungwirth suggests dropping in for lunch in the romantic neighbouring courtyard. "Also, be sure to make use of the spa and the hotel cinema," he says. "This will surely enhance your stay."

Schoenherr corporate partner Monika Wildner recommends the Hotel Altstadt. Hidden away on a non-descript residential street and marked only by a small plaque, the Altstadt offers a magnificent lounge with an open fireplace, parquet floors, squashy sofas and high windows that let the sunlight flood in. "Although it is not situated in the heart of Vienna, it offers exquisite rooms and a lovely breakfast," she says. "It is an insider tip, and will therefore be less busy."

What to eat

After a long day of business meetings, settle down to a glass of champagne at Meinl Am Graben – the downstairs bar in the gastronomic mecca that is Julius Meinl am Graben, which opened on the first floor of a gourmet shop in 1999. "This definitely plays in the premier league of Vienna's culinary hotspots," says Wolf Theiss partner Horst Ebhardt.

In addition to an exquisite menu – apparently the oxtail with burrata and roasted goose liver is not to be missed – this posh eatery boasts a unique mixture of industrial design and cosy living-room atmosphere.

According to Brandl & Talos corporate partner Ernst Brandl, visitors should under no circumstances leave the city without tasting Vienna's world-famous Sachertorte, a kind of upmarket mud cake, at the Sacher Cafe. This traditional cafe's visitors include Elizabeth II, Jerry Hall, Princess Grace of Monaco, Indira Ghandi, Leonard Bernstein and John F Kennedy. "Be sure to ask for a table in the conservatory," he says. "This will make the cake taste even better."

For snacks and drinks, the romantic Cafe Restaurant Halle and the cosy Kantine are favourites of Vienna's lawyers, and it's hard not to love the Turkish tiled ceiling at Bistro Milo.

What to do

For younger lawyers, the Museumsquartier is a popular destination, says Brandl. In 2001, the former imperial stables and riding school morphed into this amazingly untouristy collection of museums. "Visit the Kunsthalle's rotating exhibitions, the black basalt Museum Moderner Kunst (museum of modern art) and the Zoom Kinder Museum," he says. "There are shopping amenities as well as exquisite restaurants and party venues."

The Naschmarkt, a 500-year-old market snaking a mile to the southwest of the town centre, offers a traditional breakfast of Palatschinken, a traditional Viennese pancake filled with apricot jam, or Kaiserschmarrn, rich with eggs and raisins. "You can watch the market stall-holders begin their day with a hot chocolate and a sausage," says Brandl.

In the evenings, grab a drink at the Palmenhaus, an imperial greenhouse with an impressive display of greenery situated under a soaring glass atrium with a DJ after 8:30pm. Wirtner suggests taking a cab to the Danube Canal and getting in the queue for Badeschiff Wien, an anchored ship that has been converted into a club packed with locals. In the summer, the roof deck pool is popular for night swimming. Similarly ideal for entertaining clients is the DO & CO Hotel's sleek upstairs bar, which offers spectacular views.

Other tips

According to several Vienna-based lawyers, the city can easily be discovered by foot. If you do wish to rest your feet, however, try one of Vienna's famous Fiaker, the traditional horse-drawn carriages that once operated as the city's taxis. "This is something I always recommend to visitors, as it gives you an idea of what Vienna must have been like in the past," says Wildner.

Trams, which travel along the ring road, are also a practical form of transport. They accept the Vienna transport pass, valid for a day or a week. Buy one at the airport, any u-bahn (underground) station or tobacconist, suggests Jungwirth. This brilliant form of transport will whisk you through the leafy Stadtpark down to the Danube, with glimpses of the Prater Fairground.

Music, cafes, pastries and wine – this is Vienna in a nutshell. It is a city that does not hurry, and, as you saunter through its stately streets, neither should you.