Loading...
-
1st District | Antiques & Collectibles
The Dorotheum was the first imperial auction house, established in 1707 by Emperor Josef I as a pawnshop. Occupying the former site of the Dorothy Convent (hence the name), it has built up a grand reputation over the years. If you're looking for something truly special—an 18th-century oil portrait or a real fur, a Rococo mirror or a fine silk fan, a china figurine or sterling-silver spoon, an old map of the Austrian Empire or even a stuffed parrot—the best place to try and find it is Dorotheum, Vienna's fabled auction house. Have you ever wanted to see how the Austrian aristocracy once lived, how their sumptuous homes were once furnished? Well, don't bother with a museum—you can inspect their antique furnishings, displayed as if in use, for free, and without the eagle eyes of sales personnel following your every move. The neo-Baroque building was completed in 1901 and deserves a walk-through (you can enter from Spiegelgasse and exit on Dorotheergasse) just to have a look, even if you only admire the gorgeous stuccoed walls and palatial interiors, or peek into the glass-roofed patio stocked with early-20th-century glass, furniture, and art. With more than 600 auctions a year, this has become one of the busiest auction houses in Europe. There are auctions held frequently throughout the week, though not Saturday, and it's closed entirely Sunday. And if you don't fancy bidding for something, there are sale areas on the ground and second floors where loads of stuff can simply be bought off the floor.
Dorotheergasse 17, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
4th District/Wieden
Old skis become coat stands, bowling pins turn into vases, traffic signs are transformed into lamps, and garbage bins find new lives as chairs here at the fabulously offbeat Gabarage.
Schleifmühlgasse 6, Vienna, Vienna, A-1040, Austria
-
1st District
One of Vienna's original purveyors to the Imperial Court, A. E. Köchert has been Vienna's jeweler of choice for nearly two centuries. In the 19th century, Emperor Franz Josef commissioned 27 diamond-studded stars for the Empress Elizabeth's legendary auburn hair. A new European trend was born, and today "Sisi's stars" are again fashionable after Köchert started reissuing them. Plus, if you're ever in need of a crown, Köchert will craft one for you.
Neuer Markt 15, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
1st District
If you want to enter an old-fashioned interior that has changed little from the time when Empress Sisi shopped here, Albin Denk is the place. The shop is filled with glass cases holding everything from armies of kitsch porcelain figurines as well as modern glassware and ceramics.
Graben 13, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
1st District
Are you looking for a vintage postcard, a hand-carved walking stick, a classic record, or even an old photograph of the Opera House from before the war? Head to Alt-Österreich—its name translates as "Old Austria"—and you'll find that this treasure trove has just about everything dealing with that time-burnished subject.
Himmelpfortgasse 7, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
-
1st District
This festive seasonal market is held on one of Vienna's cozier squares.
Freyung, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
1st District
On Friday and Saturday from March to early November, a small outdoor market with arts, crafts, and collectibles takes place on Am Hof. It's open 10 am to 6 pm.
Am Hof, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
7th District/Neubau
Russian designer Lena Kvadrat treats Viennese hipsters to cutting-edge fashion, unveiling two collections each year.
Neubaugasse 35, Vienna, Vienna, 1070, Austria
-
1st District
The best china in town can be found at this flagship store, designed by Philipp Bruni, which has a sleek, modern design that shines a contemporary light on the traditional side of historic porcelain products.
Spiegelgasse 3, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
View Tours and Activities
-
4th District/Wieden
More than 2,000 cookbooks from every corner of the world are piled on every conceivable space in Bernadette Wörndl's shop. Exotic aromas linger in the air; Wörndl is skilled at creating superb dishes, which she serves herself at the counter. Spices are also for sale, and cooking classes are held regularly (call to arrange an English class).
Schleifmühlgasse 17, Vienna, Vienna, 1040, Austria
-
6th District/Mariahilf
Located in the Westbahnhof train station at one end of the busy Mariahilferstrasse shopping zone, BahnhofCity has about 80 shops selling clothing, electronics, shoes, sporting goods, and more. There's also a food court, plus a small grocery store that's open Sunday.
Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna, Vienna, 1060, Austria
-
1st District
This gallery specializes in Viennese Jugendstil with furniture and accessories, but also has an impressive selection of paintings by Austrian artists and small collections of watches and silverware. There's a second location at Dorotheergasse 12, a 10-minute walk away.
Mahlerstrasse 15, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
1st District
Crafting made-to-order, handmade ceramics for his customers for 40 years, Herr Berger has now been joined in the business by his daughter Lisa. Here you might find a handcrafted ceramic stove made to measure for your Alpine chalet, or a decorative wall plate blooming with a hand-painted flowering gentian.
Weihburggasse 17, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
7th District/Neubau
Haute couture and prêt-à-porter are by appointment only in Susanne Bisovsky's Neubau district studio. Email or phone ahead for an appointment.
Seidengasse 13/6, Vienna, Vienna, 1070, Austria
-
1st District
For one of the best selections of watches head to Bucherer's, a famous Swiss watch store, where the gold- and diamond-jewelry selections are also top-notch.
Kärntner Strasse 2, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
1st District
This could be the best-stocked bookstore in Vienna, with titles on everything under the sun. Thankfully, help is always at hand if you can't find that specific one you're looking for. The magazine and newspaper section is particularly impressive.
Wollzeile 11, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
1st District
This is one of the Vienna's most historic and best sources for such accessories as scarves, gloves, and especially hats, from modern creations to traditional Austrian felt and feather hats.
Opernpassage, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
-
Market
From early May to late September, an outdoor art and antiques market springs up along the Danube Canal underneath the Salztorbrücke. The merchandise, including a lot of books, is slightly better quality than elsewhere. It's open Saturday from 2 to 8 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.
Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
-
7th District/Neubau
This small shop has a bold concept: absolutely everything at Die Werkbank is completely handcrafted. From contemporary furniture to jewelry and ceramics, something truly memorable will be discovered by any shopper who stops by to browse.
Breite Gasse 1, Vienna, Vienna, 1070, Austria
-
7th District/Neubau
Billing itself as an ethical concept store, EbenBERG combines the designs of Laura Ebenberg with a carefully crafted lineup of other sleek designers who share her vision of using organic and fair-trade materials.
Neubaugasse 4, Vienna, Vienna, 1070, Austria