Do you like shopping? Do you like to haggle and take part in the hustle and bustle of the market? Then a visit to Vienna's Naschmarkt, the city's largest marketplace, is a must — if not a shopping experience, then at least a taste of local colour.
The Naschmarkt is located near the centre of Vienna, about a 5 to 7 minute walk from the Opera. It is located in the area between the Kettenbrückengasse underground exit and Karlsplatz. The first mention of the market dates back to the 16th century, when farmers came here to sell dairy products.
Six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, the area is bustling with tourists and traders, both locals and immigrants, including Romanian gypsies and Asians.
You don't have to go to Vienna's Naschmarkt to shop. You can just wander around, watch the faces, admire the colourful stalls and sample the wide range of food at the local cafés. But beware, shoplifters are out and about. You don't need to bring large sums of money, though, so bring the kids and soak up the atmosphere of a Viennese market.
The Naschmarkt Wien, which is open on Saturdays, can delight visitors with unusual antiques, including antiques, rare books and postcards. Hunters come here to find something unique and rare.
Of course, Vienna is not without its hawkers, but souvenirs are much cheaper here than in the city's market stalls. Food, on the other hand, is more expensive, but fresh and eye-catching thanks to the original presentation of the products in the windows.
Carefully displayed fruit and vegetables, authentic delicacies, spices and traditional Austrian delicacies — it's no coincidence that the Naschmarkt is known as the 'belly of the city'. There is also a large selection of cheeses.
It's handy, by the way, that every item in the food aisle has its price written on it. It's immediately clear how much you can expect to pay.
And what about the local cafes? It's no exaggeration to say that you'll find dishes from every cuisine in the world. Outdoor seating and tables are scattered throughout, so for some visitors it's nice to take a break and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market.
Children will enjoy browsing the market for souvenirs and other trinkets from the flea market. Be prepared for them to beg for some. Bargain. You can and should do it at the flea market!
Although the Naschmarkt is not very big and it takes about an hour to see everything, you will get a lot of emotions and impressions. And if you can hang out in the local cafes, you will get a good feel for how the Viennese do things at Naschmarkt.
To make sure you don't overpay, check prices in other shops around town. And, of course, it's a must for antique lovers — you can pick up an interesting piece for next to nothing. The Naschmarkt, on the other hand, is a good place to pick up a fake at a cosmopolitan price (you have to be careful).
The atmosphere of the market was a joy to behold, with neat and tidy stalls and friendly vendors always willing to make a discount.
The cafes here also offer a wonderful insight into the life of the market, which is reminiscent of an isolated small town. You'll also find all kinds of gastronomic delights here, with cafes and restaurants serving traditional Austrian, European and Oriental cuisine. In short, there is no better place to explore the city's gastronomic culture than at the local market.
The Naschmarkt gives you a good sense of the colour of the city and allows you to soak up the unique atmosphere, energy and excitement without having to buy anything. Be sure to plan a visit on a sunny day to get to know Vienna better.
