Shopping in Vienna
What to Buy
- Sachertorte: Original from Hotel Sacher or Demel, comes in sealed wooden boxes for travel
- Mozart Kugeln (Mozartkugel): Marzipan-nougat chocolates. Buy authentic Fürst from Salzburg or various Vienna brands
- Manner Wafers: Pink-packaged hazelnut wafers, quintessentially Viennese snack
- Augarten Porcelain: Fine china from Vienna's historic manufactory since 1718
- Swarovski Crystal: Austrian crystal jewelry and decorative items
- Petit Point: Intricate embroidered items (bags, coin purses) from Stransky or Zur Schwäbischen Jungfrau
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: Styrian specialty, dark green oil with nutty flavor
- Austrian Wine: Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, or Zweigelt from Wachau or Burgenland
- Music: Classical CDs, sheet music, or instruments from specialized shops
- Christmas Decorations: Year-round at Käthe Wohlfahrt or seasonal markets
Shopping Areas
Luxury & International Brands:
- Kohlmarkt & Graben: Premier shopping with Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, plus traditional Viennese shops
- Kärntner Strasse: Mainstream international brands, department stores
- Goldenes Quartier: Luxury shopping district near Graben with high-end boutiques
Local & Independent:
- Neubau (7th District): Vintage shops, independent designers, concept stores around Kirchengasse and Neubaugasse
- Freihausviertel (4th District): Antiques, records, quirky boutiques
- Spittelberg: Artisan workshops, crafts, galleries
Markets:
- Naschmarkt: Food, spices, delicacies; Saturday flea market for antiques
- Karmelitermarkt: Authentic local market with fresh produce (2nd District)
- Brunnenmarkt: Vienna's longest market, multicultural atmosphere (16th District)
- Christmas Markets: Mid-November to December at Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn, Spittelberg, Belvedere
Department Stores & Malls:
- Steffl: Upscale department store on Kärntner Strasse with rooftop restaurant
- Gerngross: Traditional department store on Mariahilfer Strasse
- Ringstrassen Galerien: Shopping arcade near Opera with boutiques and cafés
Shopping Tips
- Hours: Typically Monday-Friday 9/10 AM-6/7 PM, Saturday until 6 PM. Most shops closed Sundays except tourist areas and train stations
- Tax Refund: Non-EU residents can claim VAT refund (20%) on purchases over €75. Ask for Tax Free form, get stamped at airport customs before checking bags
- Bargaining: Not customary except at flea markets. Prices are fixed in shops
- Payment: Credit cards widely accepted, though smaller shops may prefer cash. Contactless payment common
- Sales: Major sales in January-February (winter) and July-August (summer)