Vienna, the beautiful capital of Austria, is known not only for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture but also for offering a delightful shopping experience. Whether you’re in search of groceries, specialty foods, trendy fashion, or sustainable products, Vienna has a wide range of options to suit every taste and lifestyle.
From traditional supermarkets and organic stores to vibrant local markets and upscale shopping districts, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about shopping and groceries in Vienna. We will also explore how to shop sustainably and where to find specialty stores for international products.
Supermarkets, Local Markets, and Organic Food Stores
Finding fresh, high-quality groceries in Vienna is easy thanks to the city’s well-stocked supermarkets, vibrant local markets, and an increasing number of organic food stores that cater to a variety of dietary preferences.
1. Supermarkets in Vienna
Vienna’s supermarkets offer a wide range of products, from everyday essentials to gourmet treats. Here are some of the most popular supermarket chains in the city:
a. BILLA
BILLA is one of Austria’s largest and most well-known supermarket chains, with locations all over Vienna. You can find everything from fresh produce and baked goods to meat, dairy products, and household essentials. BILLA offers both standard and premium products under the BILLA and BILLA Corso brands, with the latter focusing on higher-quality and gourmet items.
- BILLA Plus (formerly Merkur) is another option that caters to those looking for larger supermarket spaces with a greater variety of products, including more international brands.
b. SPAR
SPAR is another major supermarket chain in Vienna, known for its variety of fresh produce, high-quality meat and fish, and household goods. SPAR also operates smaller convenience stores under the SPAR Express brand, as well as larger supermarkets known as Eurospar and Interspar, which offer a wider selection of items.
- SPAR Gourmet is a premium version of SPAR, providing gourmet products, organic food, and a fine selection of wines and cheeses.
c. HOFER (Aldi)
HOFER is the Austrian branch of the global discount supermarket chain Aldi. It’s known for offering high-quality products at lower prices. HOFER stores have a more limited selection compared to larger supermarkets but are ideal for budget-conscious shoppers looking for fresh produce, dairy products, and basic groceries at affordable prices.
d. Lidl
Lidl is another popular discount supermarket chain offering affordable groceries with a focus on quality. Lidl stores are smaller and provide a curated selection of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and baked goods. Lidl also frequently features special promotions on international food products and non-food items.
e. Penny Markt
Penny Markt is one of the cheaper supermarket chains in Austria, offering a wide range of groceries at low prices. It’s a good option for shoppers looking to save money on basic household essentials.
2. Local Markets (Wochenmärkte)
Vienna is home to several local markets, known as Wochenmärkte, where you can find fresh, locally-sourced produce, regional delicacies, and artisan products. These markets are popular with locals and expats alike and are great places to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheese, meat, and other specialty items. They also provide an opportunity to experience Vienna’s vibrant food culture.
a. Naschmarkt
The Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most famous and bustling market, located in the city center near Karlsplatz. It stretches for nearly 1.5 kilometers and offers an incredible variety of fresh produce, exotic spices, specialty foods, and international cuisine. You’ll find food stalls selling everything from Turkish baklava and hummus to Austrian cheeses and sausages. On Saturdays, there’s also a large flea market adjacent to the main market.
- Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the freshest products. Don’t hesitate to haggle at some of the stalls, especially on weekends.
b. Karmelitermarkt
Located in the second district (Leopoldstadt), Karmelitermarkt is a smaller, less touristy market that offers fresh organic produce, local meats, baked goods, and artisanal food products. This market is beloved by locals for its relaxed atmosphere and high-quality products. There are also several cozy cafés and eateries nearby, making it a great spot for brunch.
c. Brunnenmarkt
Brunnenmarkt in the 16th district (Ottakring) is one of Vienna’s largest permanent street markets, offering a mix of local and international foods, especially from Turkey and the Balkans. It’s known for its affordable prices and vibrant multicultural atmosphere. The market is an excellent place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and Middle Eastern specialties.
d. Yppenmarkt
Located next to Brunnenmarkt, Yppenmarkt is a smaller market that focuses more on organic and artisan products. It’s a hub for the creative and multicultural community in Ottakring and often hosts events like food festivals and live music performances.
3. Organic and Health Food Stores
Vienna has a growing number of organic and health food stores, catering to consumers who prefer to shop for eco-friendly, sustainable, and organic products.
a. Denn’s Biomarkt
Denn’s Biomarkt is one of the largest organic supermarket chains in Austria, offering a wide range of certified organic products, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, and vegan options. They also stock organic cosmetics, cleaning products, and dietary supplements. Denn’s stores are ideal for health-conscious shoppers looking for high-quality, eco-friendly products.
b. BioMarkt Maran
Maran BioMarkt is another popular organic supermarket in Vienna, known for its extensive selection of organic fruits, vegetables, and sustainable household goods. Maran offers products that are sourced locally and ethically, making it a favorite among those who prioritize sustainability.
c. Reformhaus
Reformhaus stores specialize in natural and organic products, with a focus on health foods, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. These stores are great for finding gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan products, as well as holistic wellness items.
Popular Shopping Districts and Malls
In addition to grocery shopping, Vienna offers a variety of shopping districts and malls that cater to fashion lovers, luxury shoppers, and bargain hunters alike. Here are some of the best places to shop for clothes, accessories, and home goods in Vienna.
1. Mariahilfer Straße
Mariahilfer Straße is Vienna’s most famous shopping street, stretching from the Westbahnhof train station to the MuseumsQuartier. It is a pedestrian-friendly boulevard lined with both international chain stores and local boutiques. You can find a wide range of shops here, from fashion brands like Zara, H&M, and COS to electronics, home goods, and beauty products.
- Tip: Mariahilfer Straße is perfect for a full day of shopping. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby to take a break between browsing.
2. Kärntner Straße and Graben
For a more upscale shopping experience, head to Kärntner Straße and Graben, two of Vienna’s most prestigious shopping streets located in the city center. Here, you’ll find luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Prada alongside traditional Austrian boutiques selling fine jewelry, watches, and high-end fashion.
- Steffl Department Store: Located on Kärntner Straße, Steffl is a luxury department store offering designer clothes, shoes, accessories, and cosmetics. The top floor has a panoramic bar with views of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
3. Donau Zentrum
Donau Zentrum is the largest shopping mall in Vienna, located in the 22nd district. It features over 260 stores, including fashion brands, electronics retailers, toy shops, and furniture stores. There’s also a large food court and a cinema, making it a popular destination for families and groups.
- Stores: Includes popular brands such as C&A, Foot Locker, Desigual, and MediaMarkt.
4. SCS (Shopping City Süd)
SCS (Shopping City Süd), located just outside the city limits in Vösendorf, is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe. It’s a massive complex with over 300 stores, offering everything from fashion and home decor to electronics and sporting goods. SCS also has a large IKEA, making it a go-to destination for furnishing homes and apartments.
- Tip: SCS can get busy on weekends, so it’s best to visit during weekdays for a more relaxed shopping experience.
5. Millennium City
Millennium City is a modern shopping mall located in the 20th district, near the Danube River. It offers a wide variety of shops, including fashion stores, beauty retailers, and electronics shops. Millennium City also houses a cinema, a bowling alley, and a number of restaurants, making it a great place for a full day out.
Tips for Sustainable Shopping
Vienna is a city that takes sustainability seriously, and there are plenty of ways to reduce your environmental impact while shopping. From buying organic products to supporting eco-friendly brands, here are some tips for sustainable shopping in Vienna.
1. Shop at Organic and Local Markets
Supporting local markets and organic stores is a great way to promote sustainability. By purchasing seasonal, locally-sourced produce from Vienna’s markets or organic supermarkets, you reduce your carbon footprint and support small-scale farmers.
- Naschmarkt and Karmelitermarkt offer a wide range of organic and locally-sourced food products, often grown by local farmers using sustainable practices.
2. Buy in Bulk
Many organic and health food stores in Vienna, such as Maran BioMarkt and Denn’s Biomarkt, offer bulk-buying options for grains, nuts, dried fruits, and other pantry staples. By buying in bulk, you can reduce plastic waste and cut down on packaging.
- Tip: Bring your own reusable containers or cloth bags to fill up on bulk items.
3. Support Fair Trade Products
Vienna has a growing number of stores that offer Fair Trade certified products, ensuring that the goods you buy were ethically sourced. Look for Fair Trade labels on coffee, chocolate, tea, and other imported goods at supermarkets like Spar Gourmet and Denn’s Biomarkt.
4. Opt for Secondhand and Vintage Shopping
Vienna is home to many secondhand shops and vintage stores that offer fashionable, sustainable clothing options. Shopping secondhand helps reduce the demand for fast fashion and cuts down on textile waste.
- Humana and Carla are two of the most well-known secondhand shops in Vienna, offering a wide range of clothes, shoes, and accessories at affordable prices.
- Burggasse 24 in the 7th district is a trendy vintage store known for its curated selection of high-quality vintage fashion.
Specialty Stores for International Products
As a multicultural city, Vienna has a variety of specialty stores that cater to international communities, offering products from all over the world. Whether you’re craving Asian cuisine, Middle Eastern spices, or Latin American ingredients, there are many stores where you can find what you need.
1. Prosi Exotic Supermarket
Prosi Exotic Supermarket is one of the most popular stores in Vienna for international groceries. Located in the 7th district, Prosi offers products from across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. You can find everything from Indian spices and African grains to Mexican tortillas and Asian sauces.
- Tip: Prosi also has a restaurant next door where you can sample dishes from around the world.
2. Asia Markt
For those looking for authentic Asian ingredients, Asia Markt stores are found in several districts of Vienna. These stores specialize in Asian food products such as rice, noodles, sauces, spices, and fresh vegetables, as well as kitchen utensils and specialty items like sushi mats and chopsticks.
- Wong Asia Markt and Kyoji are two popular options, offering a range of products from China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.
3. Maschinenraum Middle Eastern and Turkish Groceries
Located near Naschmarkt, Maschinenraum is a great store for Middle Eastern and Turkish groceries. You can find spices, olives, dried fruits, nuts, and a range of Halal meat products. The store also offers baked goods and traditional Middle Eastern sweets like baklava.
4. Mercado Latino
If you’re craving Latin American products, Mercado Latino is your go-to store. It specializes in foods from countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, including tortillas, sauces, beans, and a variety of spices. You can also find Latin American drinks such as yerba mate and aguardiente.
5. British and American Stores
For expats from the UK and the US, there are several specialty stores in Vienna that carry British and American products. Bobby’s Foodstore in the 1st district is the most famous British-American shop, offering a wide range of goods like Cadbury chocolates, Marmite, Heinz baked beans, and American cereals.
- Nashmarkt British Store also offers British products such as tea, biscuits, and marmalades.
Conclusion
Shopping and groceries in Vienna offer a diverse and enriching experience, whether you’re stocking up on everyday essentials or hunting for specialty international ingredients. With a wide variety of supermarkets, organic stores, local markets, and shopping districts, Vienna has something for every lifestyle and budget.
The city’s focus on sustainability, coupled with the availability of products from around the world, makes it easy to integrate into the local culture while maintaining your own dietary preferences and shopping habits. By exploring the different markets and shops Vienna has to offer, you can enjoy the best of both local and global flavors.