Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in Austria.
Austria captivates visitors with its imperial cities, Alpine landscapes, and rich musical heritage. From Vienna's grand palaces to Salzburg's baroque architecture and the stunning Tyrolean Alps, this Central European gem offers world-class culture, outdoor adventures, and legendary coffeehouse traditions.
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Hand-painted ceramic dishes, mugs, and decorative pieces from the Gmunden pottery tradition dating back to the 17th century. The distinctive green floral motifs on white or cream backgrounds are quintessentially Austrian and highly collectible.
The legendary chocolate cake with apricot jam, invented at Hotel Sacher in 1832, available in wooden gift boxes for travel. Sealed boxes keep for weeks and come with a certificate of authenticity signed by the hotel.
Traditional Austrian boiled wool fabric made into jackets, coats, hats, and accessories in deep greens, grays, and earth tones. Prized for warmth and water resistance, loden has been produced in the Tyrol region for centuries.
World-renowned Austrian crystal figurines, jewelry, and decorative objects made by Swarovski, founded in Wattens, Tyrol in 1895. Ranges from affordable keychain charms to elaborate collector pieces.
Salzburg's connection to Mozart inspires high-quality souvenirs including Mozart Kugeln (marzipan and praline balls), sheet music facsimiles, figurines, and memorabilia. Best authentic versions available at original producers.
Premium Austrian fruit brandies distilled from apricots, pears, plums, and cherries. Wachau apricot schnapps and Tyrolean Williams pear schnapps are particularly prized. Available in decorative gift bottles.
Traditional Austrian folk costume including Dirndl dresses for women and Lederhosen for men, made from high-quality materials with regional embroidery. Modern versions are fashionable everyday wear and wedding attire.
Hand-painted Vienna Porcelain from the second-oldest porcelain manufactory in Europe (est. 1718). Figurines, tableware, and decorative pieces featuring classic Viennese motifs and the iconic Wiener Philharmoniker Augarten Figurines.
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Vienna's most famous open-air market stretching 1.5 km along the Wien River. Over 120 stands sell fresh produce, Austrian cheeses, olives, spices, meats, and prepared foods from around the world. The Saturday flea market features antiques, vintage items, and curios.
One of Austria's most atmospheric Christmas markets dating to 1491, set among Salzburg's baroque cathedral squares. Handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, nativity figures, and seasonal foods fill the historic spaces. Live music and warm Glühwein create a magical festive atmosphere.
Vienna's largest and most beloved Christmas market with over 150 stalls set before the illuminated Neo-Gothic City Hall. Famous for handmade gifts, mulled wine, and traditional Austrian Advent foods. Ice skating rink adjacent to the market in December.
Vienna's longest street market at 1 km, serving the multicultural Ottakring neighborhood. Less touristy than Naschmarkt with excellent prices on fruits, vegetables, spices, and ethnic food products. Authentic local shopping experience beloved by Viennese residents.
Daily farmers market in Salzburg's baroque university square, selling organic produce, fresh flowers, Tyrolean cheeses, Salzburg meats, and homemade jams. Perfect for a morning stroll combined with coffee at a nearby café. Local farmers bring seasonal alpine products.
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Where to find different types of shops.
Vienna's premier shopping thoroughfare running from the State Opera to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Flagship stores of international luxury brands line the pedestrianized Kärntner Straße, while the Graben features upscale Austrian designers alongside the iconic Plague Column. The Kohlmarkt leads to the Michaelerplatz with Demel confectioners.
Vienna's longest shopping street stretching 1.8 km through the 6th and 7th districts, now largely pedestrianized. Over 300 stores ranging from H&M and Zara to independent boutiques, electronics shops, and bookstores. Busy on weekends with locals and tourists alike.
Vienna's hippest shopping neighborhood clustered around the MuseumsQuartier in the 7th district (Neubau). Independent boutiques, vintage shops, record stores, and design studios line streets like Kirchengasse and Neubaugasse. Best hunting ground for Austrian designer fashion and unique gifts.
Salzburg's most famous shopping street in the old town, famous for its ornate wrought-iron guild signs hanging above each shop. Mozart was born at No. 9. Medieval arcades lead to hidden courtyards with boutiques selling Austrian fashion, jewelry, chocolates, and souvenirs. A mixture of global brands and artisan shops.
Authentic local shopping street on the right bank of the Salzach, preferred by residents over the touristy Getreidegasse. Bakeries, butchers, bookshops, and small boutiques cater to everyday Salzburg life. Good prices and a more genuine Austrian shopping atmosphere.
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Austria's largest shopping center located in Vösendorf, 15 km south of Vienna city center, with over 330 stores across 133,000 square meters. Anchored by MediaMarkt, H&M, Ikea (adjacent), and Interspar. Free shuttle buses from Vienna's Westbahnhof and Südtiroler Platz on weekends. Extensive food court and cinema complex.
Premium urban shopping center in Vienna's 3rd district directly above Wien Mitte U-Bahn station, with over 100 stores including flagship branches of Massimo Dutti, Calvin Klein, and Apple. Glass atrium architecture with excellent natural light. High-quality food court and rooftop terrace.
Salzburg's main shopping mall with over 130 stores and restaurants on two levels. Easy access by bus from Salzburg city center. Anchored by Interspar, Bipa, MediaMarkt, and H&M alongside fashion boutiques. Popular with locals for everyday shopping and a modern food court.
Innsbruck's largest shopping center in the Dreiheiligen district, with 115 stores and extensive parking. Good mix of Austrian chains and international brands, plus supermarket, DIY store, and cinema. Serves the practical shopping needs of Innsbruck residents and visiting skiers.
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is not customary in Austrian shops, supermarkets, or department stores — marked prices are final.
At flea markets (especially the Saturday Naschmarkt flea market), gentle negotiation is acceptable, particularly for multiple items or antiques.
End-of-season sales (January and July) offer genuine 30-70% discounts at clothing stores — no negotiation needed as prices are already reduced.
At smaller markets and craft fairs, politely asking if there is a 'Preisnachlass' (discount) for cash or multiple purchases is sometimes successful.
Tax-free shopping: Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refund (up to 20%) on purchases over €75 from shops displaying the 'Tax Free' sign — collect the form at point of sale.
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Antiques over 100 years old require export documentation; protected wildlife products (ivory, certain furs) cannot be exported; EU customs allowances apply within Schengen zone.
Austria's VAT is 20% on most goods. Non-EU visitors can claim refunds on purchases over €75 at participating retailers. Request a Tax Refund cheque at point of sale, have it stamped at airport customs, then claim cash or card refund at Global Blue or Planet Payment desks.
EU residents: No limits within EU. Non-EU: tobacco (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g), alcohol (1L spirits over 22% or 2L wine/beer), perfume (50ml), gifts up to €430 by air/sea or €300 by road.
Austria Post and DHL offer reliable international shipping. Most shops will ship purchases directly. Fragile ceramics and crystal can be professionally packed and shipped from the store. Allow 1-2 weeks for European delivery, 2-4 weeks internationally.
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