If your idea of a perfect outing is haggling down prices as unique flea markets, you have met your match with the Floh Markt near the Naschmarkt and the Kettenbrückengasse. The flea market is set-up with vendors and crafters from all walks of life, some selling quality, authentic wares while others try to convince you their knock-offs are the real deal. The market street is reminiscent of an Eastern European gypsy market which adds to its charm and excitement. From books to antiques to knock-off designer handbags, you can leave here with anything under the sun!
Those looking to take something typically Viennese home with them should look no further. Founded in 1718, this Viennese porcelain manufacturer has been producing fine, hand-made china for almost three centuries. Two designs are particularly popular: the Viennese Rose (Wiener Rose) and Maria Theresia (green plants), which you can see on plates, cups, vases, ashtrays and candlesticks. The black and white art deco designs by Josef Hoffmann are also wonderful and represent the bridge to modern style.
After the collapse of the iron curtain, Vienna's eastern neighbors entered and Mariahilfer Strasse became their shopping mile; special offers for household equipment and signs in Czech became the norm. Today, since the completion of construction on the underground, Mariahilfer Strasse has widened its pavements and gained a lot of new stores: Virgin Megastore, Turek, Peek & Cloppenburg, Mango and H&M, to name but a few. On Saturdays during the Advent season the street is a pedestrian zone only.
Dating back to as early as 1774, the huge food market Naschmarkt always draws enormous crowds and has a lively atmosphere. Built on a long esplanade over the river, it is a wonderful place to stroll and buy a wide range of international food items. Prime quality meats, fish and produce stalls line the area where the citizen's buy expensive food. Mixed in with these gourmet ingredients are many juice bars and the city's most famous sauerkraut stall. The market scene also offers Chinese and Indian cuisine supplies. This section's icon is Zur Eisernen Zeit, a stylish bar which attracts steady footfalls.
In the 12th-century, the Graben (ditch) was a moat of water in front of the rampart. After it was filled in, people used it as a market place and today it is still a place of commerce. There are many old, well-established shops in the center of Vienna: the jewellers Haban and Heldwein, Meinl am Graben for gourmet food or Schwäbische Jungfrau, selling bed-linen. Today the Graben is a pedestrian area. But with all the wonderful shops you should not forget to look up from time to time - there are some beautiful old houses with wonderful fronts and gables.
Rochusmarkt lies in the heart of the shopping-crazy Landstrasse district, offering a diverse array of stalls selling local souvenirs and products as well as produce raised by nearby farmers. Rochusmarkt underwent a heavy renovation in 1991, during which this bustling market square was transformed into an outdoor playground of fun shops and sensational food stalls. Perfect for sunny days of souvenir shopping or just a quick bite among locals, Rochusmarkt is a worthwhile stop.
The Manner Shop at Vienna is the flagship branch of a chain of chocolate shops. It is named after Josef Manner who started this renowned food retail company and is situated on the site of his original chocolate shop founded in 1890. This shop has racks and racks of confectioneries and chocolates, especially those which have made this store a famous name. Among the collection, popular items include Manner Wafers, Casali Chocolate Bananas, Casali Rum-Kokos and Austria Mozartkugeln. Whether you are looking for delightful wafers, cookies, biscuits or Belgian waffles, this store won't disappoint.
If you love shopping for curios and unique merchandise, it is a must to visit Artup. This gallery/shop offers an assortment of goodies ranging from fashion accessories and home decor to art pieces. And, if you want to go a step further and pick rare souvenirs, Artup has a limited edition category that is a far cry away from your typical window displays. The shop offers an interesting mix of everything and certainly calls for a shopping spree.
Most of those who visit Vienna visit the world famous St.Stephen's Cathedral. The Haas Haus, right opposite the dome, is also well known - you simply cannot miss it! The Austrian architect, Hans Hollein, designed the new structure of the building, formerly used as a furniture and interior decorating store by Philipp Haas & Sons, who gave the building their name. During its planning and construction, the project came under much discussion and scrutiny, which is usual when new architecture is planned in an old part of city center. A mixture of office and retail, with a cafe and an expensive (but great) penthouse restaurant has calmed the Viennese folks' ire caused by the cylindrical house with its mirror facade.
Vintage fashion takes the stage at the Bocca Lupo along the Landskrongasse in Vienna. This fashion label is a great place if you want to rummage through some discounted trendy wear and get the best deals. You will find high end brands like Chanel, Gucci, Hermes and so many more at an affordable rate and if you look properly you will certainly take home some prized possessions at the end of the day.