Introduction

The city’s wonderful markets offer a typically Viennese shopping experience. This is where Vienna lives up to its legendary reputation as a melting pot of nations: Viennese humour blends with eastern European charm, and oriental flair with Mediterranean temperament.

There is hardly anything that you cannot get on the markets of Vienna, from fruit, vegetables and flowers to Persian caviar, from Japanese sushi to Indian tandoori chicken, from döner kebab to oysters and meat loaf. Vienna's markets are in season throughout the year, reflecting the charisma of the city at all times.

Vienna's markets are about much more than just shopping. They are the lifeblood of the districts they serve, attracting a young, creative and lively scene. This is perfectly illustrated by three Viennese institutions - the Naschmarkt, Karmelitermarkt and Brunnenmarkt.

Vienna’s largest and best known market offers a mixture of Viennese and international specialities. Naschmarkt is the undisputed jewel in the crown of Vienna's 26 permanent markets. Set between Karlsplatz and Kettenbrückengasse, the Naschmarkt is the mainspring one of the city's most interesting districts. Culinary specialities are always fresh and in bountiful supply here, no matter whether they are typically Viennese or exotic. The adjacent Saturday flea market is the stuff of legend for bargain hunters. Flea market (6.30am-4pm) every Saturday. Mon-Fri 6am-7.30pm, Sat 6am-6pm Food stands: Mon-Sat 6am-11pm, Wienzeile U1, U2, U4: Karlsplatz www.naschmarkt.eu Tip: Guided Naschmarkt gourmet walking tours in English More information: www.theagency.at

Karmelitermarkt

Also just a few minutes from the Old Town, near Schwedenplatz, is Karmelitermarkt. The district around this old-style local market had been rather off the map, but with growing numbers of bars, studios and galleries springing up it has seen a renaissance in recent years. Mon-Fri 6am-7.30pm, Sat 6am-6pm Food stands: Mon-Sat 6am-10pm 2., Krummbaumgasse / Leopoldsgasse / Haidgasse Tram 2: Karmeliterplatz, Bus 5A: Tandelmarktgasse, U2: Taborstraße

Brunnenmarkt

A colourful, newly fashionable district is springing up around Brunnenmarkt, a little further from the city centre, in Ottakring (16th district). The market exudes South European flair with a strong Turkish flavour. Numerous young artists have set up shop in the surrounding area, making Brunnenmarkt and nearby Yppenmarkt one of the most electric neighbourhoods in the city today. Mon-Fri 6am-7.30pm, Sat 6am-6pm Food stands: Mon-Sat 6am-11 pm, Brunnengasse / Yppengasse U6: Thaliastrasse, Josephstädter Strasse Tram 2, 46: Brunnengasse

Rochusmarkt

On an attractive shopping street: groceries, fruit, vegetables, flowers and a wide range of cheeses. Mon-Fri 6am-7.30pm, Sat 6am-6pm Food stands: Mon-Sat 6am-11pm, Landstrasser Hauptstrasse Corner Rasumofskygasse U3, Bus 74A, 79A: Rochusgasse