Top Rated Shopping in Vienna

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.

Established in 1916, this huge food market 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 an interesting array of international foods. Prime quality meats, fish and produce stalls line the area where the city's well-heeled splash out on expensive foods. Mixed in with these gourmet ingredients are many juice bars and the city's most famous sauerkraut stall. Moving down through the market, the scene changes to Chinese and Indian cuisine supplies. This section's icon is Zur Eisernen Zeit, an eccentric pagoda-style bar with equally remarkable clientele.

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.