A Shopper’s Guide to Vienna: All You Need to Know

Introduction

Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria, is a true paradise for shoppers. The city offers a blend of traditional markets, luxury boutiques, and modern shopping centers, catering to every taste and budget. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to make the most of your shopping experience in Vienna.

Shopping Districts

  1. Mariahilfer Straße

Mariahilfer Straße is Vienna’s most famous and busiest shopping street. Stretching from the city center to Westbahnhof train station, it offers a variety of international brands, department stores, and local shops. Whether you’re looking for fashion, electronics, or souvenirs, Mariahilfer Straße has it all. The street is pedestrian-friendly, and there are numerous cafes and restaurants where you can take a break and enjoy Viennese coffee and pastries.

  1. Kärntner Straße, Graben, and Kohlmarkt

These three streets form a pedestrian shopping area in the heart of Vienna’s historic center. Kärntner Straße is a popular shopping destination, featuring a mix of international brands and local stores. Graben is known for its luxury boutiques, including high-end fashion, jewelry, and watch shops. Kohlmarkt is the epitome of luxury shopping in Vienna, boasting flagship stores of renowned designer brands such as Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.

  1. Naschmarkt

The Naschmarkt is Vienna’s largest and most famous market. It dates back to the 16th century and offers a wide array of fresh produce, exotic spices, and local delicacies. On Saturdays, the Naschmarkt also hosts a flea market, where you can find antiques, vintage clothing, and unique souvenirs. The market is a perfect place to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere and sample traditional Austrian and international dishes.

  1. Neubaugasse

Neubaugasse, located in Vienna’s trendy Neubau district, is known for its independent boutiques, designer stores, and vintage shops. This hip shopping street is the ideal destination for fashion-savvy shoppers seeking unique, one-of-a-kind items. The area also offers a variety of cozy cafes and eateries, where you can relax and enjoy the neighborhood’s laid-back vibe.

  1. Landstraßer Hauptstraße

Landstraßer Hauptstraße is a bustling shopping street located in the 3rd district of Vienna. It features a mix of international brands, local shops, and department stores. This shopping area is less touristy than the city center, providing a more authentic Viennese shopping experience.

Traditional Souvenirs

Vienna offers a variety of unique and traditional souvenirs that make perfect gifts or mementos of your trip:

  1. Sacher Torte: This world-famous chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate icing is a must-try and can be purchased from the Hotel Sacher or other confectionery shops.
  2. Mozartkugeln: These chocolate and marzipan balls are a popular Austrian treat, named after the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
  3. Viennese Porcelain: The Augarten Porcelain Manufactory produces elegant, high-quality porcelain items that make for a special keepsake.
  4. Austrian Wine: Austria is known for its wine production, and a bottle of Grüner Veltliner or another local variety is a perfect gift for wine enthusiasts.
  5. Hand-Painted Christmas Ornaments: These delicate glass ornaments, often featuring intricate Viennese designs, are a lovely reminder of your time in the city.

Payment Methods and VAT Refunds

Most shops in Vienna accept credit cards, but it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases, especially at markets or smaller shops. The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and currency exchange offices can be found near major tourist attractions and train stations.

Non-EU visitors are eligible for a VAT refund on purchases over a certain amount, usually around €75. To claim the refund, you will need to obtain a tax-free form from the retailer at the time of purchase. Make sure to have your passport with you, as the retailer may need to verify your eligibility. When leaving the EU, present your completed form along with your purchased items and original receipts to the customs office at the airport. Once the form is stamped, you can either receive your refund immediately at the airport or mail it back to the retailer for a refund.

Shopping Hours

Typical shopping hours in Vienna are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm, and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Some larger shops and shopping centers may stay open until 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm on weekdays. Most shops are closed on Sundays, with a few exceptions, such as souvenir shops and stores at train stations and the airport.

Sales and Bargains

Vienna has two main sale seasons: the winter sale (Winterschlussverkauf) in January and the summer sale (Sommerschlussverkauf) in July. During these periods, you can find discounts of up to 50% or more on clothing, accessories, and other items. Additionally, many shops offer special promotions and discounts throughout the year, so keep an eye out for bargains during your visit.

Etiquette and Tips

When shopping in Vienna, it is customary to greet the salesperson with a friendly “Grüß Gott” (Hello) upon entering the store and “Auf Wiedersehen” (Goodbye) when leaving. It is also considered polite to ask for assistance before handling merchandise, especially in smaller shops or boutiques.

Vienna boasts several modern shopping centers and malls that cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. These malls often provide a convenient, one-stop shopping experience, with a range of international brands, local stores, and dining options under one roof. Here are some of the most popular shopping centers and malls in Vienna:

  1. SCS (Shopping City Süd)

Located in the southern part of Vienna, the Shopping City Süd (SCS) is Austria’s largest shopping mall. With over 330 stores, it offers a vast selection of international and local brands, as well as a variety of dining and entertainment options, including a multiplex cinema. SCS is easily accessible by car or public transportation and provides ample parking space for visitors.

  1. Donau Zentrum

Situated in the 22nd district of Vienna, Donau Zentrum is the largest shopping center within the city limits. It features over 260 stores, including well-known international brands, local boutiques, and a diverse range of dining options. The Donau Zentrum is easily reachable by public transportation, with the U1 metro line stopping right at the mall (Kagran Station).

  1. Ringstrassen-Galerien

The Ringstrassen-Galerien is a luxurious shopping center located near the Vienna State Opera and the historic city center. This upscale mall offers a selection of high-end boutiques, designer stores, and fine dining establishments. The elegant and sophisticated atmosphere of the Ringstrassen-Galerien makes it a popular destination for visitors seeking luxury shopping experiences.

  1. Gerngross

Located on Mariahilfer Straße, Gerngross is a modern department store with a wide range of fashion, beauty, home, and electronics items spread across six floors. The store offers both international and local brands, along with a food court on the top floor, which provides a panoramic view of the city.

  1. Millennium City

Millennium City, situated near the banks of the Danube River, is a multifunctional shopping and entertainment center. In addition to over 100 shops and restaurants, the mall features a 21-screen cinema, a fitness center, and a bowling alley. The U6 metro line conveniently connects Millennium City to the city center (Handelskai Station).

  1. Q19

Q19, located in the 19th district of Vienna, is a shopping center that offers a mix of fashion, lifestyle, and everyday essentials. With around 40 stores, it provides a more intimate and relaxed shopping experience compared to larger malls. Q19 is easily accessible by public transportation, with the U4 metro line stopping nearby (Heiligenstadt Station).

These shopping centers and malls in Vienna offer a comfortable and convenient shopping experience, with a wide range of international and local brands, as well as numerous dining and entertainment options. They provide a perfect alternative to the traditional shopping streets and markets, especially during colder months or rainy days.

Here’s a brief overview of some additional shopping centers and malls in Vienna and the surrounding area, which offer a diverse range of shopping experiences for locals and tourists alike:

  1. Lugner City

Lugner City is a shopping center located in the 15th district of Vienna, near the bustling Mariahilfer Straße. It houses around 100 shops, including clothing stores, restaurants, and a cinema. Lugner City is known for its unique architecture, with a glass-covered courtyard, and regularly hosts events and promotions.

  1. Shopping Center Nord (SCN)

Shopping Center Nord, situated in the 21st district of Vienna, offers a variety of shops, services, and dining options across two floors. It features a mix of international and local brands, as well as a supermarket and a pharmacy. SCN is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus and tram lines stopping nearby.

  1. G3 Shopping Resort Gerasdorf

G3 Shopping Resort Gerasdorf is a large shopping center located just outside of Vienna, in the town of Gerasdorf. It features over 140 stores, including popular international brands, local retailers, and a selection of restaurants and cafes. The mall offers ample parking space and is accessible by car or by using the free G3 shuttle bus from Vienna.

  1. City Gate

City Gate is a shopping center located in the 21st district of Vienna, offering a range of shops, restaurants, and services. It features a supermarket, fashion stores, and a fitness center, catering to the everyday needs of local residents and visitors.

  1. Riverside

Riverside is a shopping center located in the 23rd district of Vienna, offering a mix of fashion, lifestyle, and service shops. The mall features a supermarket, several international and local retail stores, and dining options. Riverside is easily accessible by public transportation, with the U6 metro line stopping nearby (Siebenhirten Station).

  1. Stadion Center

Stadion Center, located near the Ernst Happel Stadium in the 2nd district of Vienna, offers a selection of shops and services, including a supermarket, fashion stores, and a pharmacy. It also houses a fitness center and several dining options. The mall is easily accessible by public transportation, with the U2 metro line stopping right at the center (Stadion Station).

  1. Auhof Center

Auhof Center, situated in the 14th district of Vienna, is a shopping center that offers a wide range of shops, services, and entertainment options. It features a supermarket, fashion stores, a cinema, and a fitness center. Auhof Center is easily accessible by car or public transportation, with several bus lines stopping nearby.

  1. Das Mall Landstraße (Mall Wien Mitte):Das Mall Landstraße, also known as Mall Wien Mitte, is a shopping center in the heart of Vienna’s 3rd district. The mall features a variety of shops, services, and dining options, as well as a supermarket. Its central location, right next to the Wien Mitte-Landstraße transport hub, makes it easily accessible by public transportation.
  2.  Galleria:Galleria is a small shopping center located in the 3rd district of Vienna. It offers a mix of retail stores, services, and dining options, catering to the everyday needs of local residents and visitors.
  3. Huma Eleven
    Huma Eleven is a shopping center located in the 11th district of Vienna, offering over 90 shops and dining options. It features a mix of international and local brands, a supermarket, and a food court. Huma Eleven is easily accessible by public transportation, with the U3 metro line stopping nearby (Simmering Station).
  4. Columbus Center:The Columbus Center is located in the 10th district of Vienna, offers a variety of shops and services, including a supermarket, fashion stores, and dining options. It caters to the everyday needs of local residents and visitors in the area.Address: Columbusplatz 7-8, 1100 Vienna, Austria

These shopping centers and malls in Vienna and the surrounding area provide a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for tourists and locals alike. With a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities, they cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Shopping Center Exact Address Public Transport Connection
SCS Vösendorf, Shopping City Süd, 2334 Vösendorf, Austria Badner Bahn (Stop: Vösendorf-SCS)
Donau Zentrum Wagramer Str. 81, 1220 Vienna, Austria U1 Metro (Stop: Kagran)
Ringstrassen-Galerien Kärntner Ring 5-7, 1010 Vienna, Austria U1, U2, U4 Metro (Stop: Karlsplatz)
Gerngross Mariahilfer Str. 42-48, 1070 Vienna, Austria U3 Metro (Stop: Neubaugasse)
Millennium City Handelskai 94-96, 1200 Vienna, Austria U6 Metro (Stop: Handelskai)
Q19 Grinzinger Str. 112, 1190 Vienna, Austria U4 Metro (Stop: Heiligenstadt)
Lugner City Gablenzgasse 5-13, 1150 Vienna, Austria U6 Metro (Stop: Burggasse-Stadthalle)
Shopping Center Nord Ignaz-Köck-Straße 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria Bus 28A, 29A, 31A, Tram 30, 31
G3 Shopping Resort Gerasdorfer Str. 1, 2201 Gerasdorf bei Wien, Austria Free G3 Shuttle Bus from Vienna Floridsdorf Bahnhof
City Gate Wagramer Str. 195, 1210 Vienna, Austria Bus 25A, 26A, 29A, 31A, 33A
Riverside Breitenfurter Str. 372, 1230 Vienna, Austria U6 Metro (Stop: Siebenhirten)
Stadion Center Olympiaplatz 2, 1020 Vienna, Austria U2 Metro (Stop: Stadion)
Auhof Center Albert-Schweitzer-Gasse 6, 1140 Vienna, Austria Bus 49A, 50A, 52A, 52B, 47A
Das Mall Landstraße (Mall Wien Mitte) Landstraßer Hauptstraße 1B, 1030 Vienna, Austria U3 and U4 Metro (Stop: Wien Mitte-Landstraße), S-Bahn (Stop: Wien Mitte)
Galleria Landstraßer Hauptstraße 99-101, 1030 Vienna, Austria U3 Metro (Stop: Rochusgasse)
Huma Eleven Landwehrstraße 6, 1110 Vienna, Austria U3 Metro (Stop: Simmering)
Columbus Center Columbusplatz 7-8, 1100 Vienna, Austria U1 Metro (Stop: Keplerplatz)

This table provides an overview of the shopping centers and malls in Vienna and the surrounding area, including their exact addresses and the public transport connections to each center.

In conclusion, Vienna offers a diverse and exciting shopping experience for tourists, with a wide range of shopping districts, traditional markets, and luxury boutiques. This shopper’s guide provides you with all the essential information to make the most of your shopping spree in the Austrian capital. Remember to enjoy the unique Viennese atmosphere, sample the local delicacies, and bring home some memorable souvenirs to cherish for years to come.