Ruqayyah Snyder
Vienna, Austria's capital, is known for its cafe culture, coffee houses, and breweries. So, it's no surprise that coffee beans and local brews are popular souvenirs from the city. But there's much more to Vienna than its beverages. The city is also known for its confectionery, including the famous Sacher Torte, Mozartkugel balls, and Imperial Torte. Beyond food and drinks, Vienna offers a range of unique souvenirs, from traditional Austrian folk wear like lederhosen and dirndls to Augarten porcelain, snow globes, and artefacts reflecting the city's Art Nouveau and Modernism heritage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cakes | Sacher Torte, Imperial Torte, Mozartkugel balls, Grand Guglhupf sweet cake, Neapolitan hazelnut wafers |
| Confectionery | Altmann & Kühne chocolate and pralines, Manner cookies |
| Drinks | Local beer, coffee beans, schnapps, Stroh |
| Glassware | Wine glasses, beer glasses, steins |
| Artifacts | Artifacts reflecting Vienna's Art Nouveau and Modernism heritage, Ver Sacrum bags and accessories, porcelain mugs, vases, coffee services |
| Jewellery | Swarovski crystal bangles, bracelets, brooches, sets, skull head jewellery for men, edelweiss jewellery |
| Clothing | Dirndls, lederhosen, embroidered socks |
| Accessories | Hats from Mühlbauer, sunglasses from Andy Wolf |
| Homeware | Augarten porcelain, figurines, decorative plates, jewellery boxes, Viennese breadroll (Semmel) porcelain box, cake tins, snow globes |
| Other | Ornaments from the Old Viennese Christmas Market, Habsburg figurines, Gustav Klimt-themed products, brushes from Melanie’s Bürstenwelt, portable porta-folios from the Architekturzentrum, tea sets from the Museum of Applied Art |
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What You'll Learn
Food and drink
Vienna is one of Europe's gourmet capitals, with a vibrant food and drink scene. The city is known for its coffeehouses, pastries, and cakes, as well as its traditional dishes.
Traditional Food
Viennese cuisine is a melting pot of traditions, with influences from Central Europe, Italy, and France, as well as imports from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is characterised by hearty, calorie-rich meals with saturated fats. Pork and beef are staples, but chicken, turkey, and goose are also popular. Meat lovers can enjoy dishes like Wiener Schnitzel (a signature dish of flattened, breaded veal cutlet), Tafelspitz (Emperor Franz Joseph's favourite boiled beef dish), and Gulasch (a paprika-spiced meat stew).
For those who prefer vegetarian options, there is Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded pancake with plum compote, sweet dumplings like Marillenknödel, or the classic apple strudel.
Vienna also has a thriving street food culture. Traditional sausage stands, or "Wurstelstand," serve simple yet flavourful sausages made from beef and pork, encased in sheep's intestine, and topped with sharp mustard. These are often accompanied by Austrian potato salad, radishes, asparagus, and other fresh vegetables. Langos, a deep-fried flatbread coated in garlic paste, is another popular street food, especially at outdoor events and Christmas markets.
Drinks
Coffeehouses are an integral part of Viennese culture, and the city boasts a thriving café scene. Beer is also widely consumed, with the local city brewery, Ottakringer, hosting various events, including its own summer beer festival. Vienna is also surrounded by vineyards, with Schlumberger, Austria's leading sparkling wine producer, offering public tours and tastings.
The city also has a strong focus on organic and natural wines. Wine bars like R&Bar and O boufés, owned by Greek-Austrian chef Konstantin Filippou, showcase the best of these. Vienna is also home to Europe's coolest wine fairs, such as Vievinum and Karakterre.
Where to Eat
Figmulller Wollzeile, in the city centre, is renowned for its schnitzel, while Griechenbeisl, Vienna's oldest restaurant, serves traditional fare. For fine dining, Steirereck Meierei, a three-Michelin-starred Austrian restaurant in the Stadtpark, offers a unique culinary experience.
Vienna hosts several festivals celebrating food and drink, including the Genuss Festival, which showcases small-scale farms and regional producers, and the European Street Food Festival, featuring food trucks serving Austrian and international cuisine. The Vienna KRAFT Bier Fest and Super Bier Fest celebrate craft beer, while the Waldviertelpur festival highlights the food and drink of the lowland Waldviertel region, known for its poppy seed breads and pastries.
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Glassware and crockery
Vienna is a great place to shop for glassware and crockery, with a range of options to choose from. The city has a strong heritage in Art Nouveau and Modernism, so you can find tasteful artefacts that reflect these grand eras. For example, the Österreichische Werkstätten shop (Austrian Arts) on Kärntner Strasse 6 sells a range of sophisticated items, including "Ver Sacrum" bags and accessories featuring original patterns by Josef Hoffmann, as well as Art Nouveau-style "Melon" coffee services and vases.
If you're looking for something more traditional, Augarten porcelain is a classic choice. Made in Europe's second-oldest porcelain manufactory just across the Danube Canal, Augarten offers a range of items such as jewellery boxes, figurines, decorative plates, and coffee services. You can find Augarten products at their flagship store on Seilergasse 3 or at the Porcelain Museum on Obere Augartenstrasse 1.
For a unique drinking experience, consider purchasing a Viennese beer glass, stein, or wine glass. Beer glasses can be found etched with your favourite Viennese beer, and steins, typically made from stoneware, porcelain, pewter, crystal, or glass, can be custom-made with your family name or a favourite beer brand. You can also find wine glasses decorated with green vine leaves, a distinctive feature of Vienna's wine culture.
Lastly, Vienna is known for its delicious cakes and sweets, so why not purchase a beautiful cake tin or some porcelain crockery to recreate the experience at home? Riess, a manufacturer of enamelware, offers generously-proportioned breadboxes and pretty glazed stoneware cake tins in various shapes, such as Gugelhupf and Rehrücken.
Whether you're looking for elegant glassware or traditional crockery, Vienna has something to offer, making it a great place to shop for these items.
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Jewellery and accessories
Vienna is a great place to shop for jewellery and accessories, with a range of options to suit different tastes and budgets. Here are some ideas for what to buy and where to find them:
Jewellery
If you're looking for unique jewellery, Vienna has several options to explore. Swarovski Crystal is a well-known brand that produces luxury items, including jewellery, sculptures, and couture. Their collection features a range of bangles, bracelets, brooches, and sets, as well as skull-shaped jewellery for men.
For those interested in art-inspired pieces, the Österreichische Werkstätten shop (Austrian Arts) at Kärntner Strasse 6 offers various artefacts, including jewellery, themed around Gustav Klimt's famous painting, "The Kiss". You can find miniature sculptures of "The Kiss" for €795, or explore other "Kiss"-themed products.
If you're a fan of the Edelweiss flower, you can find fun Edelweiss-themed jewellery, including costume pieces, which make great souvenirs. These can be found at various souvenir shops and markets throughout the city.
For a more personalised option, consider getting custom-made jewellery with your name, family crest, or any design of your choice. These unique pieces can be found at local jewellers or specialty stores.
Accessories
When it comes to accessories, Vienna has a lot to offer, especially if you're interested in items that reflect the city's rich history and culture. Here are some ideas:
- Snow globes: Snow globes were invented in Vienna, and you can still buy them from the original manufacturers. The Perzy family's manufactory in the 17th district offers snow globes featuring various Viennese landmarks, personalities, and motifs.
- Bags and accessories: Ver Sacrum bags and accessories, found at Kärntner Strasse 6 and selected museum shops, use original patterns by Josef Hoffmann, reflecting Vienna's Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) heritage.
- Spectacle frames: Andy Wolf, a design hub in Vienna, offers a range of stylish and durable spectacle frames made of acetate plates. Their collection includes sunglasses in various colours and frame styles, with prices ranging from €220 to €350.
- Hats: Mühlbauer, a family-owned hat store over a hundred years old, offers imaginative and classic hat designs.
- Porcelain items: Augarten, one of Europe's oldest porcelain manufacturers, offers a range of porcelain products, including jewellery boxes, figurines, decorative plates, and coffee services. Their flagship store is located at Seilergasse 3, 1010 Vienna, and their porcelain manufactory can be found at Obere Augartenstrasse 1, 1020 Vienna.
- Viennese cake tins: Riess enamel cake tins, such as the Gugelhupf or Rehrücken tins, are a practical and traditional option for baking enthusiasts. These can be found at Cuisinarum, Singerstrasse 14, or Haardt & Krüger Schottengasse 3a.
- Beer glasses and steins: With Vienna's strong beer culture, you'll want to pick up some authentic Austrian beer glasses or steins. These can be found etched with your favourite Viennese beer brand or featuring traditional Viennese designs, including the city's landmarks.
Whether you're looking for jewellery or accessories, Vienna has a wealth of options that showcase the city's elegance, history, and cultural traditions.
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Clothing and costumes
Vienna is a great place to shop for clothing and costumes, with its unique fashion heritage and long history of craftsmanship. Here are some ideas for what to buy:
Traditional Clothing
If you're looking for traditional Austrian clothing, you can find dirndls and lederhosen in many stores in Vienna. While these items are typically associated with rural areas, they are also quite fashionable in the city and are making a comeback across Austria. You can also find traditional hats at the Mühlbauer hat store, which has been in business for over a hundred years.
Jewellery and Accessories
For those who want to add some sparkle to their wardrobe, Vienna offers a range of jewellery options. The Swarovski Crystal company, based in Austria, produces luxury items such as figurines, home decor, chandeliers, jewellery, sculptures, and couture. You can find a variety of bangles, bracelets, brooches, and sets, as well as skull-themed jewellery for men. Additionally, you can explore costume jewellery inspired by the edelweiss flower, as well as embroidered socks.
Glasses and Eyewear
Vienna is known for its design hubs, and you can find unique eyewear at shops like Andy Wolf. They offer a range of sunglasses with colourful frames and creative names like 'Pepper', 'Mike Hammer', and 'Miss Marple'.
Cake-themed Clothing
Given Vienna's renowned cake culture, you might want to dress the part. You can find clothing and accessories featuring cake motifs, such as the 'Ver Sacrum' bags and accessories line, which uses original patterns by Josef Hoffmann.
Vintage and Antique Shopping
For those who love vintage and antique pieces, Vienna offers a range of options. You can explore the Naschmarkt flea market for vintage Augarten porcelain, including jewellery boxes, figurines, decorative plates, and coffee services. Additionally, you can find unique, handmade beer steins throughout the city, some of which can be customised with your family name, crest, or motto.
So, whether you're looking for traditional Austrian clothing, unique accessories, or vintage finds, Vienna has a wealth of options to elevate your wardrobe and showcase the city's rich cultural heritage.
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Art and artefacts
Vienna is a city steeped in history and culture, and its art and artefacts reflect this. The city has a strong heritage in Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) and Modernism, so consider purchasing tasteful souvenirs that reflect this grand era. Among the most sophisticated gifts are those that echo their originals in pattern, material, and shape.
For instance, 'Ver Sacrum' bags and accessories utilise original patterns by Josef Hoffmann, and can be purchased at Österreichische Werkstätten shop (Austrian Arts) on Kärntner Strasse 6, as well as selected museum shops. You can also find porcelain mugs, Hoffmann's Art Nouveau-style 'Melon' coffee service, and vases in the same style.
If you're looking for something a little more fun, Vienna is credited with inventing the snow globe, and you can buy them from the original manufacturers. These feature various Viennese landmarks and personalities, such as Stephansdom, the Ferris wheel, and Empress Elisabeth. You can find these at the factory shop in the 17th district (Schumanngasse 87), or at their stands in the major Christmas markets.
For art enthusiasts, Vienna has many museums with excellent gift shops. The Architekturzentrum sells unusual yet useful gifts, such as portable portfolios with building data and maps, perfect for architecture buffs. The Museum of Applied Art (Schauraum) offers a variety of products, including vases, tableware, and tea sets, all made in Vienna.
For fans of Gustav Klimt, you can find a range of products featuring motifs of his art, including miniature sculptures of his famous work, "The Kiss". These are available at Oesterrichische Werkstaetten on Kärntner Straße 6. Alternatively, the Grand Hotel Wien offers a special package that includes a stay at the hotel, a bottle of champagne, a Grand Guglhupf 'Klimt' cake, a walking tour, and tickets to the Klimt exhibition at the Belvedere.
Finally, Vienna is known for its traditional Augarten porcelain, made in Europe's second-oldest porcelain manufactory across the Danube Canal. You can find a range of items, including jewellery boxes, figurines, decorative plates, and coffee services, at the Augarten flagship store on Seilergasse 3, or at the porcelain manufactory in Augarten.
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Frequently asked questions
Vienna has a lot of unique gifts to offer, including speciality fruit preserves, Habsburg figurines, and commemorative wristwatches. You can also find items made from local materials, like apricot preserves from the Wachau Valley or pumpkin seed oil from Styria. If you're looking for something truly unique, you can visit the Mühlbauer hat store, which has been around for over a hundred years and offers imaginative designs like loose-weave hats.
Some classic souvenirs that represent Vienna are the Sacher Torte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam, and Mozartkugel balls, which combine pistachio, marzipan, nougat, and chocolate. You can also find traditional Austrian folk wear like lederhosen and dirndls, as well as ornaments from the Old Viennese Christmas Market. Vienna is also known for its coffee culture, so you might want to bring home some locally roasted coffee beans or a unique beer glass or stein.
Yes, Vienna has a lot of food-related souvenirs to offer! You can find various cakes and sweets, including the Imperial Torte, Neapolitan hazelnut wafers, and chocolates from Altmann & Kühne, known for their gorgeous packaging. If you're interested in baking, you can buy an original Viennese cake tin or a breadbox from Riess. For those who enjoy cooking, consider purchasing speciality oils like pumpkin seed oil to drizzle over your dishes.
There are several places in Vienna where you can buy souvenirs. The Österreichische Werkstätten shop (Austrian Arts) at Kärntner Strasse 6 offers a variety of sophisticated gifts, including Art Nouveau-style accessories and porcelain mugs. The Augarten flagship store at Spiegelgasse 3 or the Porcelain Museum at Obere Augartenstrasse 1 sells traditional Augarten porcelain items. You can also find unique souvenirs at the Lichterloh store (Gumpendorfer Strasse 15-17) and Simon & Jakober (Taborstrasse 35).
