Precious antiques, one-of-a-kind boutiques fizzing with indie cool, luxury hat ateliers and food markets – Vienna is seriously underrated as a shopping destination and deserves to be better feted. Our Telegraph Travel experts round up their pick of the best options, whether you are after traditional Viennese ‘candy mosaic rock’, a dirndl with a modern twist or some Art Deco jewellery.
Find places to shop by area
City Centre (1st district)
Meinl am Graben
The Viennese have long flocked to this deli and wine shop to stock up on local delicacies and gourmet gifts. The iconic Austrian household brand for coffee, hot chocolate, jams and pickles not only showcases quality food from its own range as well as premium Austrian companies but also sells its own crockery: most coveted are Meinl’s iconic coffee mugs printed with its famous poster boy’s upside-down red fez, used by many traditional coffeehouses in Vienna. Coffee tins featuring Klimt designs are also a popular gift option, and those in the know buy Meinl’s powidl (plum) compote, which is a fantastic accompaniment to pancakes. Linger for specialty coffees and freshly made pastries in the cafe.
Contact: meinlamgraben.eu
Prices: ££
Riess at Cuisinarum
Every Austrian grandma worth her salt used to own a set of Riess enamel pans and mugs. When the 470-year-old family business updated its cookery range a few years ago it triggered quite an extraordinary revival in enthusiasm for the brand. At this store just steps from Stephansplatz, a traditional gugelhupf cake tin with ‘Gmundner Streublumen’ (traditional flower design), a mug with green jumping deer, a blue-and-white patterned milk jug, or a classic white (dumpling) skimmer will delight passionate cooks with a love for countryside design.
Contact: cuisinarum.at
Prices: ££
Österreichische Werkstätten
While ‘Wiener Werkstätte’ (the Viennese design and production company) and its co-founder Josef Hoffmann may ring a bell with lovers of Austrian Art Nouveau and Art Deco, fewer know its modern successor Österreichische Werkstätten. Founded by the very same genius designer, the label continues Wiener Werkstätte’s tradition of beautiful everyday objects designed in simple and elegant shapes. Best buys include the ‘Ver Sacrum’ fabric-and-leather bags and accessories, decorated with some of Josef Hoffmann’s most iconic Art Deco patterns. The Art Deco jewellery designed by Neue Wiener Werkstätte is also divine.
Contact: oew.at
Prices: £££
Mühlbauer
Hats are quite a thing in Vienna, owing to the city’s noble heritage and, at times, extreme temperatures. The Mühlbauer family, one of the country’s oldest hat makers, has not rested on its laurels. Blending traditional styles with cutting-edge design, and remaining mercilessly committed to quality, pieces from their atelier remain must-haves among chic Viennese society. For a dash of regional elegance, go with a stylish remake of a Styrian, Tyrolean or Salzburg felt hat with green or brown ribbons. Or opt for one of the classical lines, from dazzling summer straw hats to sophisticated winter options made from the likes of lambskin and cashmere.
Contact: muehlbauer.at
Prices: £££
Dorotheum
Even if you have no intention of buying, this 300-year-old auction house and Viennese institution located in splendid Dorotheum Palace merits a visit in itself. Gift shoppers in search of certified antiquities, ‘Wiener Werkstätte’ (early 20th century) pieces and quality vintage will find a rich selection of jewellery, silverware, porcelain, glass, ceramics, drawings and paintings. Most travellers go for suitcase-sized, non-breakable objects rather than fine porcelain, such as jewellery and watches. Though the Galerie is generally pricey it includes antiques for under €100 and has proved a fertile ground for bargain hunters.
Contact: dorotheum-juwelier.com
Prices: ££-£££
Zuckerlwerkstatt
Vienna’s ‘Candy Workshop’ is heaven for sweet-toothed travellers. When owners Maria and Christian started out in the sweet making business they roamed the world for inspiration in all things candy-themed before finding their ideal confectionary master in Fritz Heller, of legendary Austrian sweet factory Heller. Their shop around the corner from Hofburg sells vibrantly coloured silky candy with a retro feel. Go for the traditional Wiener Seidenzuckerl or Heller’s arty ‘mosaic rocks’. Visitors can watch the candy makers in action at the shop various times a day.
Contact: zuckerlwerkstatt.at
Prices: ££
Mothwurf
The Styrian couture family business has given the traditional dirndl and folkloric Austrian gear a stylish makeover, with clear cuts and modern interpretations of historic fashion pieces. Seasonal collections usually include sharp and playful casual wear, and stylish country gear, as well as lovely evening dresses. Expect authentic design made from the finest textiles, from luxurious linens, softest cottons, and buttery leathers to sumptuous silks. The Viennese flagship store is located on the ground floor of baroque Batthyány Palace close to Café Central.
Contact: mothwurf.com
Prices: £££
Leopoldstadt (2nd district)
Simon & Jakober
Slightly off the tourist trail (but nonetheless a five-minute walk from the beautiful baroque Augarten and its eponymous porcelain manufactory) you’ll find this lovingly tended boutique owned by the local Heinischs family; they originally opened this charismatic little shop to sell the honey they produce at their Moosau farm in Northern Lower Austria. Over the years, they have added a rich selection of regional knick-knacks sourced across the country, from artisan chocolates and mustards in various flavours, and fragrant handmade soaps to traditional linen bread bags and ‘grandma’ kitchen towels.
Contact: simon-jakober.at
Prices: ££
Wieden (4th district)
Naschmarkt
Going strong since the 18th century when it was a dairy market, the Naschmarkt hasn’t lost its touch. There’s always a good buzz, with street food to munch on, stalls piled high with fruit, veg and spices, and an array of enticing shops. Keep an eye out for the Schokocompany selling organic, bean-to-bar Zotter chocolate). Erwin Gegenbauer’s special oils and vinegars made in his nearby manufactory is also worth a gander. For rare Austrian wine head for ‘Beim Georg’. More generally, there are plenty of great bargains to be had just wandering through the market, especially silverware, vintage leather handbags, and gemstones.
Contact: naschmarkt-vienna.com
Prices: ££
Neubau (7th district)
Susanne Bisovsky at the Salon
Never has Viennese folklore looked so sophisticated and inspiring. Celebrated Austrian fashion and costume designer Susanne Bisovsky reinvents local chic by using the sweet ‘Wiener Mädel’ (Viennese girl) as her muse, playing with elements of historic Trachten (traditional garments) from Austria and Eastern Europe. Black fabrics that radiate with vibrant flowers, bouffant skirts and cheeky Austrian-style hats have become her signature. It’s not your usual souvenir spot, but for those looking to add some authentic Austrian flavour to their wardrobe, it is perfect.
Contact: bisovsky.com
Prices: £££
How we choose
Every shop, market and venue in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
Cr:https://sg.style.yahoo.com/
