If you’re a movie lover, a music enthusiast, or a hopeless romantic (or maybe all three), there’s one little record store in Vienna that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list: Alt & Neu, officially known by its original German name Teuchtler Schallplattenhandlung u Antiquariat. This charming shop played a starring role in the cult classic Before Sunrise, where Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) share a shy, magical moment in a listening booth while Kath Bloom’s song Come Here plays.

The Real Story Behind Alt & Neu

Located at Windmühlgasse 10, Alt & Neu Records is one of Vienna’s most iconic romance film locations.

The store’s name translates to Teuchtler Record Store and Antiquarian Bookshop, and true to its name, it offers an extensive collection of vinyl records, music CDs, and even vintage books. You’ll find everything here, from classical and jazz to rock, international pop, and more obscure genres waiting to be rediscovered.

Pro Tip: Visit Alt & Neu on a weekday morning for a quieter experience. This will ensure you can browse at your own pace and soak in the vibe without the crowds.

Movie Lovers Welcome

Many visitors come to the store as avid movie lovers, hoping to relive a piece of Before Sunrise. The owners know this well and have leaned into their cinematic fame. Inside, you’ll find posters and memorabilia from the film scattered throughout the store, adding to its unique atmosphere.

Fun fact: The famous listening booth where Jesse and Celine share their quiet, intimate moment? It never actually existed in the store! It was a specially constructed movie prop. While you won’t find the booth in real life, you are still welcome to stand in the same space as our beloved characters and listen to Kath Bloom’s infamous song.

What to Expect Inside

Browsing Alt & Neu is like embarking on a musical treasure hunt. Records are organized by genre, making it easy to dive into your favourite styles or explore something new. Whether you’re hunting for rare classical recordings, Austrian folk music, or vintage rock albums, you’re bound to leave with something.

Pro tip: Chat with the staff. They’re incredibly knowledgeable and might introduce you to artists or records you’ve never heard of.

Nearby Spots for a Perfect Day

Alt & Neu’s central location makes it easy to combine your visit with some other Vienna highlights:

• Café Sperl: Another Before Sunrise filming location, this traditional Viennese coffeehouse is perfect for coffee, cake, and soaking up classic Old-World charm. Its cozy atmosphere makes it ideal for relaxing and people-watching, just like Jesse and Celine did in the movie.
  
• Naschmarkt: Vienna’s most famous market, bustling with stalls offering everything from fresh local produce to international street food. Take your time sampling cheeses, olives, and pastries, or grab a seat at one of the market’s trendy restaurants for lunch.
  
• Mariahilfer Straße: A lively shopping street just a short walk away. Here you’ll find everything from well-known international brands to quirky local boutiques. Truly making it a fun place to wander, shop, and soak in the city’s vibe.

These spots are all within easy reach of each other, so you can experience a slice of Vienna’s culture, cuisine, and cinematic history without rushing.

What are you waiting for?

Alt & Neu is the perfect record store that bridges music, cinema, and history. Whether you’re there to find a rare vinyl, soak up that 90’s movie nostalgia, or simply explore Vienna’s musical heritage, this shop offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Safe travels,

Carina

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