As you probably already know, Vienna has an immense food-szene that is both historic and thriving, modern and traditional. Whether it’s delicious Schnitzel in one of the traditional restaurants, perfectly brewed coffee and cake in one of the many coffee houses, or a nice glass of wine and some snacks at the Heuriger, you won’t ever need to go hungry in the city.
But those venues aside, Vienna has something else to offer: its many street markets. Here you can get the freshest ingredients, taste the juiciest fruits and discover the most enticing spices. And what’s more, there is a lot of young, contemporary, exciting food venues popping up at the markets, showcasing the best of local and international cuisine in lively atmosphere.
In other words: you haven’t really experienced Vienna if you haven’t visited at least one of the following markets:
Naschmarkt
The Naschmarkt is Vienna’s best known and largest market and offers a delicious mixture of Viennese delicacies and international specialities. Recently, the big market has established itself as any foodie’s nirvana with its multitude of (inter-)national delis, bars, and restaurants.
Set between Karlsplatz and Kettenbrückengasse, the Naschmarkt is an easy to reach market jewel that leaves no desire wanting. The supply is plentiful, the choice is superbly large, and produce are always as fresh as they can be.
And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a dedicated organic corner as well as a huge flea markets taking place every Saturday.
Where: 1060 Vienna, roughly between Getreidemarkt and Kettenbrücke
Opening hours: stalls: Mon – Fri: 6 am – 9 pm, Sat: 6 am – 6 pm; gastronomy: Mon – Sat: 6 am – 11 pm
Brunnenmarkt
The Brunnenmarkt in the 16th district is the heart of a small, hip and colourful new Grätzel (a kind of district within a district) that has sprung up around the exotic food market in the last few years.
The market itself is a multicultural, but decidedly East European affair – some even say, this is where the Balkan really begins. Fresh fruit, hot spices and a lot of meat and cheese dominate the picture and once you start haggling with the stall owner, a cup of Turkish tea might just be on offer.
In the surrounding area of the market, a lot of young artists have set up shop, making the Brunnenmarkt, in combination with the nearby and equally stylish Yppenmarkt one of the most exciting neighbourhoods in Vienna.
Where: 1160 Vienna, between Brunnengasse and Yppenplatz
Opening hours: stalls: Mon – Fri: 6 am – 9 pm; Sat: 6 am – 6 pm; gastronomy: Mon – Sat: 6 am – 11 pm
Karmelitermarkt
Just a few minute’s walk from the heart of the city, there’s another gem of Vienna’s market szene, the Karmelitermarkt. Located in the 2nd district, this old-school market has been pretty much off the map until a couple of years ago when a growing number of popular bars, studios and galleries have sprung up in the area around it.
These days it’s a hip place where young and old relish in the fresh produce and colourful flowers available. On Fridays and Saturdays a farmer’s market with dedicated slow food corner draws crowds from all over the city.
Where: 1020 Vienna;
Opening hours: stalls: Mon – Fri: 6 am – 9 pm; Sat: 6 am – 6 pm; gastronomy: Mon – Sat: 6 am – 11 pm
Kutschkermarkt
Another food market that has outgrown its original reach of a few surrounding blocks. Over the past ten year or so, the Kutschkermarkt has been completely revitalised by the local residents and market vendors, and has gained a wide following of people coming in even from outside the city to shop here.
In terms of goods, the Karmelitermarkt has a focus on incredibly fresh fruits and veggies, and also offers a wide selection of beautiful fresh flowers. The market gastronomy is versatile, exciting and very good. Twice a year there’s even the so-called Genusspfad event where you can taste-test your way through the market’s gastronomy for a very fair fixed price. There’s also a farmer’s market taking place every Friday and Saturday.
Where: 1180 Vienna, Kutschkergasse
Opening hours: stalls: Mon – Fri: 6 am – 9 pm; Sat: 6 am – 6 pm; gastronomy: Mon – Sat: 6 am – 10 pm; farmer’s market: Fri: 7 am – 6:30 pm; Sat: 6 am – 2 pm
Rochusmarkt
With just 3.500 m² the Rochusmarkt is one of the smallest food markets in the city – and yet, he is among those with the most visitors. And rightly so. The roughly 40 stalls offer some of the freshest vegetables and most colourful fruits you can lay your hands on.
And since the market has traditionally always been a flower market, there’s a great choice of all things growing as well.
Where: 1030 Vienna
Opening hours: stalls: Mon – Fri: 6 am – 7:30 pm; Sat: 6 am – 5 pm; gastronomy: Mon – Sat: 6 am – 11 pm
Seasonal Markets
Other than those regular food markets catering mostly to the everyday needs of both local residents and gastronomy, there are a wealth of very yummy delights to be found on Vienna’s seasonal markets.
If you are in the city during the Christmas season, make sure to not miss out on the many beautiful Christmas Markets! And should you (still) be around in spring, there are a few very beautiful Easter Markets to explore in the city as well!
