The possibilities for shopping in Vienna are as extensive as its cultural offer, although as in all the emblematic cities of the world it has its own typical souvenirs that no tourist should miss.
The Best Typical Gifts and Souvenirs to Buy in Vienna
Vienna, as a traditional, classic and cultural city, has many shops specializing in different typical Austrian gifts, ranging from local delicacies and alcohol, to the typical snowballs. The sellers, both in stores and markets are true experts in their field, and they will surprise you with their pleasant ways and dedication to assist your wishes, investing as much time as necessary to help you choose the perfect product.
1. Stroh, the Typical Alcohol
Stroh Vienna
It is a so-called Inländer Rum – a liquor that was invented to pretend to be rum, without using sugarcane that the real rum is produced from. It is very tasty, though, and definitely worth trying. The typical brand is Stroh – it is a mixture of characteristic spices that give it a particular aroma and flavour resembling a great rum. Stroh comes in different versions with a different alcohol content based on consumer preferences (from 38 to as much as 80%) and can be purchased at any supermarket.
Those who do not want to carry bottles during their trip or do not have check-in luggage, can buy Stroh and herbal liquors in duty free shops at the airports.
2. Mozartkugel Bonbons
Mozartkugeln bonbons. Photo by Yike G under license CC BY-SA 3.0
Vienna is also well known for its cakes and pies such as Sachertorte, made with exquisite chocolate or the typical Appelstrudel (apple pie), but delicious as they are, they can’t be taken back home. Instead, legendary Viennese sweets – the Mozartkugel chocolates are perfect as a gift and will be very easy to pack. Mozart bonbons are made of pistachio marzipan and nougat covered with chocolate. Delicious!
3. Perzy Handmade Snow Globes
Perzy handmade snow globes
A very classic gift would be the original old-fashioned snow globe from Vienna that the factory Perzy has been manufacturing since 1905. These snow globes are so exclusive because their design is totally handmade, they are hand painted and mounted with glass instead of plastic like most of commercial snow globes.
4. Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil is typical and is produced in the state of Styria, but can be found throughout the country including Vienna. It is delicious and healthy, and is used in salads, dishes made with potatoes and also with the typical dish Spätzle. It can be found in markets and food stores throughout the city.
5. Swarovski Crystals
Earrings with Swarovski crystals
The best and most exclusive stores of the classic Austrian brand Swarovski are located in Vienna. They are a perfect place to buy a classy, elegant and memorable gift. As in other famous jewellery chains, the prices are high.
6. Lobmeyr Glass
Colection NEO Lobmeyr by Martino Gamper
The Viennese manufacturer Lobmeyr has been making glasses, lamps and other utensils since 1823 in elegant designs made with top quality glass. It can be found in the historical centre, two minutes away from the San Stephen’s Cathedral.
7. Porcelain with Gustav Klimt’s Art Motives
Porcelain coffee cups with Gustav Klimt’s famous The Kiss motive
Sensual, ornamental, stylized portraits with vibrant colours and mosaic-like patterns characterize the highly recognizable style of Gustav Klimt. This symbolist painter is not only the most renowned artist of Vienna Secession movement, but also one of the most characteristic painters of modern art.
His extremely original, sensual and romantic artworks are an inspiration for numerous souvenirs or gifts from Vienna. The most elegant ones include a set of romantic porcelain coffee cups or set of plates with the reproduction of the world-famous “The Kiss” and other beautiful motives by Klimt.
8. Flavoured Mustard and Mayonnaise in Tubes
Wenger Senf Mustard in Tubes
It is not an exclusive product of Vienna or Austria, but it is “exotic” for countries in southern Europe where these types of products are not common. They come in different flavours, some of them surprising, like horseradish, estragon or sweet mustard. In addition, they are comfortable to transport and original. Thus, they can be a surprising gift for lovers of unusual culinary products.
Where to buy in Vienna
The best areas for shopping in Vienna are the following:
Kohlmarkt is one of the most important shopping streets in the city where there are haute couture stores with world-famous brands. You will find here the most upscale brands such as Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Ferragamo etc. and luxury items from prestigious firms such as Tiffany and Cartier among others.
In the Mariahilferstrasse you will find the typical fashion shops with conventional brands that you can find in the majority of European cities such as H&M, Mango, Zara etc. In this area, you can walk in a relaxed pace while enjoying a pleasant Viennese atmosphere, making a stop at some of the many cafés in the area.
Naschmarkt is the most important street market in the city where you can buy all kinds of typical crafts of Vienna. Moreover, you can taste here local street food from many street vendors that are distributed in its vicinity.
Shops originating from the historical Wiener Werkstätte workshops are widely popular with tourists because you can buy all kinds of typical handmade crafts. You can find some on Kärntnerstrasse.
Shops Opening Hours
To better organize your shopping in Vienna, remember that the business hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays until 6 p.m. On Sundays both shopping centres and small shops are closed.
More on Shopping in Vienna
If you have more tips on shopping in Vienna, you know more traditional or typical products, other areas to go shopping or have any questions, write a comment.
If you are visiting Vienna around the Christmas time, read our article Christmas Markets in Vienna – All You Need to Know. You’ll find here advice on best gifts to buy and best Christmas fairs in the city.
Christmas Markets in Vienna – Austria (2019) – All You Need To Know
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Hi, thanks for this post. I have question, where buy Klimt coffee cups from your photo? They are so beautiful.
Hi Silvia,
You can buy it in the shop Österreicher Werkstätten in Kärntner Straße 6, 1010 Vienna.
Best regards,
Kevin
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!
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