Discover Vienna’s colorful markets

Markets always add life and colour to a city. Moreover, they are a great way to get to know a city’s people and culture. Vienna has made a conscious effort to preserve some of the traditional markets. Not only as points of sale but also as local meeting places. Nonetheless, a few markets, such as the Naschmarkt and, to some extent, Brunnemarkt, also attract many travellers. The Viennese primarily visit most of the other markets we have included in this article.

Enjoy local delicacies

The markets in Vienna are mostly a mixture of halls and street markets. Where food is sold, you often have regular outlets due to hygiene. Notwithstanding, the vegetable and fruit markets often show off their colourful selection in open stalls. Furthermore, most markets also have eateries, ranging from kebab shops, wine bars, and cafes to gourmet eateries. The places are often small and often have some tables in the open air. Although mostly street food is served at the markets, you will find some unknown gems.

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Historic markets

During the times of the Romans, when Vienna was called Vindabona, the city was an important trading place for food. Moreover, food markets have always been “convenience stores” for the urban population before grocery stores as we know them today appeared. However, the strong population growth in the Middle Ages and the possibility of taxation quickly regulated markets. The oldest trading centre in Vienna was the Hohe Markt. The fish market was located here for an extended period during 1282-1753. It was the principal trading place for carp and crayfish from lakes and fish from the Danube.

Karmelitermarkt (2., Leopoldstadt)

The market is one of the oldest still existing markets in Vienna. As early as 1671, Emperor Leopold granted market privileges to the local inhabitants for a weekly food and cattle market on the square in front of the Carmelite Church. In 1910, the Karmelitermarkt was moved to the open space between the streets Im Werd, Haid-, Leopolds- and Krummbaumgasse, where the market is located today.

Nearby attractions: The Vienna Crime Museum (Wiener Kriminalmuseum) shows the criminal history of Austria, from the Middle Ages to modern times.

Vorgartenmarkt (2., Leopoldstadt)

This small market not far from Prater or Messe Wien has existed since 1912 and was completely renovated in 2012.

Nearby attractions: Prater Amusement Park

Rochusmarkt (3., Landstrasse)

Rochusmarkt (formerly Augustinermarkt), in front of Rochuskirche, was founded by the Carmelites and called “Am Platzl”. The Nikolaifriedhof cemetery with the Nikolaikirche was located here until 1784. After that, the Augustinermarkt area gradually grew and, until 1863, became the Kirchenplatz. Finally, after various closures and conversions, the Rochusmarkt got its present appearance in 1988.

Nearby attractions: Hundertwasserhaus and Wiener Stadtpark (including the Johann Strauss statue)

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Wiener Naschmarkt (6., Mariahilf)

Vienna’s most significant urban market has existed since 1786. However, many do not know that it is directly above the river Wien (Wienfluss). The around 170 sales stalls and shops on Naschmarkt trade under the motto “What you do not find at Naschmarkt, you do not need”. Hence, the selection of products is varied and extensive. In the evening, when the stalls close, parts of Naschmarkt transform into a restaurant street and food court.

Website: https://www.naschmarkt-vienna.com/

Nearby attractions: Haus des Meeres (Aquarium and Zoo) and Majolika House by Otto Wagner

Viktor-Adler-Markt (10., Favoriten)

As early as 1865, there was a daily food market in Favoriten on what was once called Eugenplatz. In 1874, the workers’ district was incorporated as Vienna’s 10th district. Eugenplatz was renamed Viktor-Adler-Markt in 1919. Unfortunately, the market did not survive World War II when all market stalls were destroyed by fire. However, the stalls, which were privately owned, were rebuilt by the owners immediately after the end of the war. In addition to textiles and various products, you are spoiled for choice between Austrian farm specialities, oriental and Indian or Lebanese-Greek delicacies. There are, of course, also stalls with fruit, veggies, meat and cheese.

Nearby attractions/activities: Amalienbad (beautiful Art Nouveau public swimming pool)

Meidlinger Markt (12., Meidling)

The market originated during the 1930s and is a little gem that most travellers are unaware of. During the day, there is a farmers market, while in the evening, the small market morphs into small cosy places where you can enjoy good food and drink (See Google Maps). There are about 50 stalls, including eateries, and it still has an authentic Viennese atmosphere. You won’t meet lots of tourists here.

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Brunnenmarkt / Yppenmarkt (16., Ottakring)

With around 160 market stalls, Brunnenmarkt is one of Europe’s largest permanent street markets. In 2009, the former Yppenmarkt merged with Brunnenmarkt. The market arose in 1786 around a fountain that got water from the pipeline between Wienerwald and Hofburg. Emperor Joseph II approved the Brunnenmarkt (Well Market). In 1880, the fountain had to give way to the new horse-drawn tram, but the market continued. The pedestrian street, which houses a colourful and multicultural market, runs from Thaliastrasse to Yppenplatz (See Google Maps). Even if you are not going shopping, sitting in a café and watching the bustling life among the 160 stalls is fun.

Kutschkermarkt (18., Währing)

This small but beautiful market is named after Johann Rudolf Kutschker, a liberal bishop. It was first referenced in 1885 when it started around St. Gertrude’s Church. You find the market in the Kutschkergasse, between Schulgasse and Währinger Strasse. The offer at the Kutschkermarkt is very high quality and diverse. The stalls offer regional products, such as fruits, vegetables, bread, fish, cheese, wine, juices and jams.

Website: http://www.amkutschkermarkt.at/

Nearby attractions: Volksoper Vienna

Hannovermarkt (20., Brigittenau)

This market is named after the royal house of Hanover, which fled to Vienna after a defeat in the Prussian-Austrian war in 1866. Hannovermarkt has existed since 1850. At that time, it was still called Brigittamarkt but changed its name in 1930 to Hannovermarkt. The market (See Google Maps) is slightly off the beaten track, on the other side of the Danube Canal. Hence, you encounter very few tourists here.

Nearby attractions: Brigittakirche, Augarten

Floridsdorfer Markt / Schlingermarkt (21., Floridsdorf)

The original Floridsdorfer Markt was at Spitz in 1887. The market was then integrated into the newly built Schlingerhof in 1926 and opened one year later. Unfortunately, in 1946, the market had to be rebuilt due to extensive destruction during the war.

Website: https://www.leben-am-schlingermarkt.at/

Nearby attractions: The bunker in Gerichtsgasse is an unfinished air-raid facility from World War II.

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