Leslie Massey
Vienna, Austria, is a great destination for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the city's rich history and culture. The city boasts stunning architecture, a vibrant art scene, and a plethora of culinary delights. When visiting Vienna, there are several essential items to consider bringing to enhance your experience and capture the essence of this captivating city. From traditional Austrian clothing to delectable chocolates and wines, here's a glimpse of what you may want to bring or purchase during your stay in Vienna.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Mozartkugeln chocolates, Mozart chocolates, Sacher Torte, Viennese sausages, mustard, cider, apricot-based products, jams, honey, cheese, pickles, compotes, cakes, wafers, truffles, and other confectionery items |
| Drinks | Local Viennese wine, beer, Slivovitz, Obstler, plum brandy, and herbal teas |
| Clothing | Austrian hats, Dirndl, Lederhosen, Trachten, silk neckties, and boiled wool items |
| Art | Prints, posters, or reproductions of works by Gustav Klimt or other contemporary Viennese artists |
| Music | CDs of compositions by Mozart, Beethoven, or Strauss, and folk music |
| Home Decor | Crystal glassware, vases, lamps, chandeliers, drinkware, and other decorative items made with precision and craftsmanship |
| Souvenirs | Snow globes, postcards, playing cards, miniature beer steins, keychains, figurines, books by Austrian authors, and items featuring Lipizzaner horses |
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What You'll Learn
Local food and drink
Vienna is famous for its sausages, so it's worth trying the ubiquitous traditional Viennese sausages sold at booths around the town and at sporting events. The city has also invented a whole new vocabulary to go with sausage eating, so be sure to learn some of the local lingo before you go!
If you're a meat-eater, you might also want to try the Wiener Schnitzel pork cutlets, which are said to be the bread and butter of the Viennese meat-eating diet. You can also find Kalbsbutterschnitzel (a veal schnitzel patty) and Krautfleckerln, Eierschwammerl and Zwiebelrostbraten.
For dessert, there are plenty of cakes and pastries to choose from. Try the Sachertorte, a famous Viennese chocolate cake, or apple strudel. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, go for Kaiserschmarrn: shredded pancake with plum compote, which is said to be a favourite of Franz Joseph.
When it comes to drinks, Vienna is known for its coffee, wine, and beer. Try the local craft beers, or opt for a glass of sparkling wine from Schlumberger, Austria's leading sparkling wine producer. And don't forget to pick up some Viennese coffee beans or ground coffee to recreate the city's classic coffee experience when you get home.
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Clothing and accessories
When packing for Vienna, it's important to consider the seasonality of your visit. Winters in Vienna can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, so make sure to bring warm clothing like coats, scarves, gloves, and hats. On the other hand, summers can be pleasantly warm, so lightweight clothing, hats, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
As for clothing and accessories to bring to Vienna, here are some suggestions:
Clothing
- Traditional Austrian clothing, such as the Dirndl and Lederhosen, are exquisite and highly distinctive. While you may not see locals wearing them in Vienna, they make great souvenirs and can be worn at theme parties or cultural festivals.
- Boiled wool clothing and accessories are popular in Austria and can be found in traditional department and clothing stores. Boiled wool is known for its warmth and coziness, and jackets made from this material are highly recommended, although they can be pricey.
- If you're looking for something more modern, Vienna offers a variety of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to unique shops along the Kärntner Straße. You can find everything from Austrian-designed clothing to international brands.
- For men, Vienna has some excellent menswear stores, such as Wilhelm Jungmann & Neffe, Knize, and Seidensticker, where you can find items like silk neckties.
Accessories
- Swarovski crystals are a well-known product of Austria, and Vienna has a massive showroom where you can purchase their crystal products, including jewellery, home décor, and more.
- Vienna is known for its fine crystal glassware and elegant wine glasses, vases, and decorative items. J. & L. Lobmeyr, a Viennese glassmaker since 1823, is a great place to find precision-crafted crystal items.
- Augarten porcelain is another delicate and beautiful option for souvenirs or gifts. You can find everything from tableware to decorative items.
- If you're looking for something more functional, consider purchasing a Vienna-themed whipped cream dispenser to recreate the city's famous decadent whipped cream-topped coffees and desserts at home.
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Art and literature
Vienna is a treasure trove for art and literature lovers. The Austrian National Library, for instance, holds almost 12 million volumes, including every book ever published in Austria, as well as works by Austrian authors created abroad and books concerning Austrian culture. The State Hall, built in the 18th century, is the largest Baroque library in Europe, housing over 200,000 valuable books, some of which date back to the 1500s.
The Literature Museum displays the works of notable authors who once resided in Vienna, such as Franz Kafka, Johann Nestroy, Ingeborg Bachmann, and Arthur Schnitzler. From letters to manuscripts and novels, the museum holds a wealth of original work from the 18th century to the present day.
In the late 19th century, a society of writers called 'Young Vienna' met in various coffeehouses across the city, most notably Café Griensteidl and Café Central. The group, which included Hermann Bahr, Arthur Schnitzler, Karl Kraus, and Felix Salten, experimented with modernism, moving away from traditional 19th-century literature. Café Central, with its grand interior, remains open today, serving Viennese dishes, speciality coffee, and cakes.
For art enthusiasts, Vienna offers a range of museums and galleries. The MAK Museum, or the Museum of Applied Arts, showcases applied art, design, architecture, and contemporary art. The Albertina is known for hosting prestigious art exhibitions, while the Belvedere holds the largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt, including the famous painting "The Kiss". The Kunsthistorisches Museum offers art viewings for visitors with visual or cognitive impairments through tactile tours and special programs.
The Imperial Palace, or Hofburg, is home to nine museums, boasting a unique collection of grand history and the world's largest collection of Egon Schiele's works. The Klimt Villa, where the painter spent his final creative period, is also located in Vienna.
When it comes to souvenirs, book lovers can explore Shakespeare & Company, an iconic bookstore with a wide range of literature. Antique maps, prints, and posters of Vienna's landmarks and architecture are also unique mementos.
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Homeware and decor
Vienna is a great place to shop for homeware and decor. The city is known for its elegant and intricate porcelain, with Augarten being a symbol of Viennese craftsmanship and elegance since 1718. You can find beautifully designed dinner sets, decorative pieces, and limited-edition figurines at the Viennese porcelain manufacture at Augarten.
If you're looking for something more modern, the Wiener Werkstätte design movement in Vienna offers a range of artistic and decorative styles, including jewellery, home decor, and accessories. You can find elegant crystal glassware, wine glasses, vases, and other decorative items made with precision and craftsmanship. J & J Lobmeyr on Innenstadt's Kärntner Strasse is a renowned glassmaker that produces chandeliers, stemware, and decorative pieces, all mouthblown and handcrafted.
For those interested in contemporary designs, Myung-Il Song's Atelier Song in the quirky Leopoldstadt District offers unique items that are "on the borderline between art and fashion". Song sells her own designs as well as items from avant-garde designers, including glassware, perfume, candles, ceramics, and more.
For a more traditional experience, the Naschmarkt and Neubaugasse Street flea market offer a range of homeware items at bargain prices. You can also find artisanal linens at Zur Schwäbischen Jungfrau on Graben shopping street, known for its tablecloths and bed sheets.
Finally, for those interested in architectural designs, the Architekturzentrum offers portable portfolios with building data and maps, perfect for any architecture enthusiast. The Schauraum of the Museum of Applied Art also offers vases, tableware, and tea sets made in Vienna.
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Gifts and souvenirs
Vienna is a great place to shop for souvenirs, with its mix of traditional and modern offerings. Here are some gift ideas to bring back from Vienna:
Food and Drinks
Viennese chocolates are a popular choice, with options ranging from Mozartkugeln, marzipan Mozart chocolates, and pralines to premium single-origin bars and uniquely flavoured truffles. You can find beautifully packaged chocolates at Altmann & Kühne, or opt for the variety of Mozartkugel products with pack sizes, shaped boxes, and alternatives like bars or coins. Leschanz Wiener Schokolade König is another popular choice for its variety boxes. If you're looking for something other than chocolate, consider the Sacher Torte, a decadent chocolate cake made popular by the Hotel Sacher. You can purchase a mini cake to-go or look for pre-packaged mixes and souvenirs featuring this iconic dessert, such as chocolates and preserves.
For those with a sweet tooth, there are also apricot-based products like jams, liqueurs, and chocolates, reflecting Austria's abundance of apricots. You can also find delicious cakes like the Imperial Torte, Neapolitan hazelnut wafers, and Manner cookies.
If you're looking for something savoury, Vienna's famous sausages and mustards are a great option. You can also explore local condiments and other culinary souvenirs like jams, pickles, and compotes from traditional Viennese companies like Staud's.
For drinks, Vienna offers a range of options, including local wines, cider, and craft beers. The city has a rich coffee culture, so you might want to bring back some Viennese coffee beans, ground coffee, or a Vienna-themed whipped cream dispenser.
Arts and Crafts
Vienna has a vibrant modern art scene, so you can find prints featuring contemporary Viennese artists. You can also discover the work of Gustav Klimt, a famed Austrian symbolist painter who shaped the city's artistic and cultural scene.
For a unique souvenir, consider purchasing items inspired by the Wiener Werkstätte, a significant design movement in Vienna. This includes jewellery, home decor, and accessories. If you're interested in crystal, Swarovski is a well-known brand founded in Austria, offering crystal decor, jewellery, and more.
For a traditional Austrian souvenir, explore the Naschmarkt, where you can find local artisan cheeses, exotic spices, Austrian honey, and homemade jams. You can also shop for textiles, such as tablecloths and embroideries in the Tirolean style or petit-point Viennese doilies. China shops offer plates in the Burgenland or Gmundner ceramic tradition, and you can find elegant crystal glassware, vases, and decorative items made with precision and craftsmanship.
Other Unique Gifts
If you're looking for something beyond food and crafts, there are plenty of options. Vienna is known for its rich musical history, so you can pick up CDs featuring compositions by famous Viennese composers like Mozart, Beethoven, or Strauss. You can also explore bookstores for English translations of famous Austrian literature.
For fashion enthusiasts, silk neckties from a store like Wilhelm Jungmann & Neffe make a stylish gift. Traditional Austrian clothing like Dirndl and Lederhosen can be a fun souvenir, especially if you plan to attend a theme party or cultural festival.
Lastly, Vienna has charming boutiques and markets, so you can find unique items like playing cards, posters or prints of Vienna's architecture and landmarks, and even miniature beer steins.
With its diverse range of souvenirs, Vienna offers something for everyone!
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Frequently asked questions
Vienna is known for its decadent whipped cream-topped coffees and desserts, chocolates, cider, sausages, and wines. You can also find various apricot-based products, including jams, liqueurs, and chocolates.
Vienna is famous for its crystal glassware and lighting. You can find elegant wine glasses, vases, and decorative items made with precision and craftsmanship. The snow globe was invented in Vienna, so you can buy them from the original manufacturers featuring various Viennese landmarks and personalities.
Vienna offers a range of traditional Austrian clothing, including the famous Dirndl and Lederhosen. You can also find boiled wool clothing and decor, which is warm, cozy, and nearly waterproof.
You can consider beautifully packaged coffee sets, chocolates, Viennese craft beers, local condiments, or bottles of local wine. For something unique, look for items featuring the Lipizzaner horses, such as figurines, prints, or keychains.
The Naschmarkt in Vienna offers a range of local and international products, making it an excellent place to find authentic Austrian souvenirs. The Christmas markets are also a great option, with an abundance of felted wool ornaments and decorations.
