Shopping – All our local tips

All Vienna based locals and travelers who love North American and British food products will go crazy when grocery shopping at Bobby’s.

You’ll find all the usual suspects to calm down your inner voice crying for the next trip to the States, Canada, UK and other countries that sell those kind of products. Chat up the person sitting at the counter in English. Locals love to get the feeling of being abroad and this little shop satisfies their cravings .

I personally love the soda Mountain dew and only found it there. Aunt Jemima’s American pancakes baking item. My mouth waters by the thought of it. There is even a book exchange shelf to be found right at the entrance. Check it out yourselves and get lost in the fascinating world of foreign grocery shopping.

One of my best friends recently told me about a new international grocery store in town: it is always good to have more than one option, right?

BOTELLINI, 1050 Wien  Pilgramgasse 16

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Bobby’s foodstore | Shopping, Snacks
Schleifmühlgasse 8 | Inner districts | +4315867534
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 18:30, Sat 10:00 – 18:00

Upon entering one feels pitched it into some magical world like the wand shop in Diagon Alley (for all non Harry Potter-junkies- that is where all the students get their magic equipment supply).

A lady in her Sixties (hard to tell to be honest), Mrs Tengg is the owner of the old bookstore (already since 1993). Her night shift opening hours are a perfect opportunity for people who work late or students (technical university is close by) to check out the latest book releases or some old school literature. This is something special since Vienna hasn’t yet decided on a more customers-friendly regulation regarding shopping hours.

She calls her store a “Gemischtwarenladen” which translates to grocery’s store in a really traditional way. She focuses on Russian and French lyric (she is a great fan of lyric in general) and art books, but offers also a great variety of bestsellers and new releases (couple of them in English). And the best part about it is- she knows most of the books she sells.

Get your own customized book recommendation. If you are not into books check it out nevertheless – it will be your special Vienna experience. Something to tell your grandchildren. Take some time to get to know one of Vienna’s genuine “institutions”.

Since the owner is always there until past midnight it is almost like a 24 hours daily store. But please call to make sure it is open.

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Bücher Strass | Art & culture, Shopping | Bookmark from € 2.00
Operngasse 28 | Inner districts | +436649313041
Please call to make sure it is open

French are known for their taste and fashion. And Vienna? Well, Vienna is not mentioned among the fashion capital cities in the world. But even though the industry is quite clear and rather unspectacular, there is still potential – and hope.

One of those who enrich the “scene” is … a french girl, what else! Camille Boyer opened her Boutique in the 7th district, the so called “fashion district”, a couple of years ago and convinced! Her exquisit and interesting selection of international designers and unique pieces are great, but even greater is the charm of the owner herself.

In search of the Austrian label Me-Shit I rather stumbled over “Camille Boyer” – and left the shop some hours (!) later with clothes I am still in love with. And with the knowledge: I have to come back!

Camille presents her products with affection and sincere interest. You can really tell that she selects every single shirt, every single jacket, every single scarf she offers in the shop – Camille is simply comitted to the whole range and wears every single garment herself. It does not surprise me, that Camille Boyer is rather the place to go for fashion people than an insider tipp any more…

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Camille Boyer | Shopping
Lindengasse 25 | Inner districts
Mon – Sat 13:00 – 18:00

Organic food shop, restaurant and take-away, “Gesundes” is all in one providing space for 15 people for having lunch at the same time. It is a really tiny spot close to Schwedenplatz and you would not find it without insider-hints. Since its opening in 2001, “Gesundes” has become one of the top spots guaranteeing both delicious and healthy food.

Alexandra Adler, the owner of “Gesundes”, and her team are daily (except Sunday) preparing a lunch menu for guests and take-aways. The dishes are made from organic food, vegetarian and based on the 5 elements, TCM nutritional system, to give as much energy as possible. You get soup and a main dish in small portion or in the bigger version for quite a good price considering the ingredients – either to eat it there or as take-away.

If you feel like cooking yourself, there´s the opportunity to buy lots of vegetables, fruits, corn, spices and much more in “Gesundes” as well. To complete the package, you can also take part in the regular cooking courses and / or get a coaching what to eat from Alexandra. And for German speaking people who are interested in all the things around “Gesundes”, I can recommend this blog: www.gesundess.blogspot.com

It is all for your best, isn´t it?

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Gesundes | Shopping, Restaurants (Organic) | Daily menu from € 8.90
Lilienbrunngasse 3 | Danube Canal Area | +4312195322
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 15:00 (Food from 11:30 – 14:00)

A super supermarket, the Turkish Güvenir market in the 3rd district is a nice example for how much the Turkish community is appreciated in Vienna.

They have nice and good food and this supermarket sells basically everything one needs to prepare some Turkish dishes: they sell a large variety of salty cheeses (feta kind of cheeses), Turkish pasta and bread, and super sweet and yummy desserts and sweets.

Another highlight is their Burek, a fried pastry filled with salty cheese, minced meat, or spinach, or their Kebab.  Fresh fish and meat, Turkish antipasti are also good in quality and taste.

That they are in the Austrian “Genuss Guide” – A printed Guide for good and high quality food is another proof!

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Güvenir | Shopping, Snacks | Burek € 1.50
Löweng 55 | Inner districts | +4317125632
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 20:00

A couple of years ago when I did an internship in London, one of my most favorite cities in Europe, apart from my hometown, I fell in love with the city’s charm – which was also caused by certain British products.

This time I am not talking about food but about furniture, fashion items and home accessories. An Austrian/British couple brought a wide range of those goods to Vienna. They do not only sell products made in England but also from different other charming countries but mainly from the UK.

The owners will be more than happy to tell you stories about each and every one of these great products – may it be a “shabby-chic” piece of furniture or a baby’s rattle .This is daydreamer’s paradise -romantic furniture that gives you a “home sweet home” feeling – happy living at its best.

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Happy living | Shopping | Lghters € 2.00
Singerstrasse 26a | Old city/center | +4315124051
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 11:00 – 18:00

Second Hand Shopping and creative Fashion design, that’s Ewa’s Fashion Lounge.

Most people know the basement shop for it’s cool second hand stuff, like 70s jackets and shirts. That Ewa is a great fashion designer is probably less known. But as soon as you start browsing you will discover funny and extraordinary clothing. She basically makes new things out of old ones.

My favorites: her Jackets for women, patchwork style with real cool cuts. And the best thing, she doesn’t sell it at the usual “designer price”! You can get a unique piece for around 30 euros and less, and you can also be sure that you are the only one wearing this, because not a single piece is similar to the other!

Ewa’s fashion lounge can be also rented for your personal fashion events! More info on that on her website.

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Hotkultur | Shopping
Schadekgasse 3 | Inner districts
Mon – Sat 10:30 – 18:00

Seeing the window display of Kaufhaus Schiepek I always behave like a mot drawn to the light. So much colorful, glittering and individualistic stuff that my brain is not able to form more than this thought: “I want”.

The mainly self-made jewelry is trendy and beautiful. But they also offer pearls in any kind and shape as well as wires, threads and more to create your own accessories. If you have any practical questions the nice ladies from the shop will sure help you with words and deeds.

Additionally, Kaufhaus Schiepek has some nice bags and most importantly everyday objects in the flashiest styles. And let me tell you, they really brighten up your life. For more useful and colorful things go across the street to the store called “Shipping” which belongs to the Kaufhaus. Somehow this place seems to be bewitched putting thoughts into people’s mind like: “You need new stuff”. And somehow the stuff happens to be sold here.

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Kaufhaus Schiepek | Shopping
Teinfaltstraße 3 | Old city/center | +4315331575
Mon – Fri 10:30 – 18:30, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

Le moulin rose, as you might guess, is owned by a french designer. Delphine Leger makes new things out of old ones, collecting her materials mainly at flea-markets.

This little shop full of colors is a heaven for all those who love unique pieces and retro interiors.

There is a great collection of funky jewelries, such as Barbie-shoes earrings, wallpapers, plates from the 60ies and 70ies, restored furniture, colorful coffee-grinders, lamps, flower pots, and many more things…

If you are curious you can check out her website to get an idea how these things look like: www.moulinrose.at

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Le moulin rose | Shopping | Colorful coffee grinder € 30
Pilgramgasse 3 | Inner districts | +4369912637252
Tue – Fri 12:00 – 19:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

Thousands of cars pass by every day on the “Gürtel”; the red-light-district is only minutes away; the nearby shopping street is attracting crowds to spend money for little and big things. And in between all these noises, rackets and hectic atmosphere, you can take a deep breath and take a break at the city’s main library at Urban Loritz Square. Even the building, connected to the underground station, just stands out and promises something different.

The promise is kept: In the modern library not only book lovers and newspaper addicts find an impressive number of 288.000 books, but also 57.300 AV Media (DVDs, CDs, computer games,…), 130 PCs and 40 audio- and video-stations. The prices are also very modest: There is a yearly ticket for 18 Euros, but you can also get a daily pass for borrowing objects for the next 4 weeks.

Of course there is also a special children section in the library, a planet for kids named “Kirango”. which can be found online as well.

There are always lots of events taking place at Urban Loritz Square such as exhibitions, flea markets and – of course – readings; almost all of them for free! And if you are exhausted from browsing through all this or if you want to read immediately, take some more steps up to the Café restaurant Canetti, where there is a good view from the terrace and quite delicious food. Your journey to another world can start…

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Library at Urban Loritz Square | Art & culture, Cinemas, Music, Shopping, Festivals & events, Restaurants (Intern.)
Urban-Loritz-Platz 2a | Inner districts | +431400084500
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 19:00, Sat 11:00 – 17:00

At first glance Little Joe’s gang Shop is already more than only a random store. It’s got not only the charm of a second hand shop but also “the man in charge” is an establishment himself once you start a nice chat with him.

In front of the store is a table and two seats which makes even every by passer feel welcome to take a look inside or stop for a moment to talk to the people hanging out- you will most probably meet either the owner himself or his mom or friends or even all of them.

The wide range of offered goods is amazing – sunglasses, screen print t-shirts, second hand clothing and many more. Overall impression – not be missed if you are interested in artist-made clothes and a great insight on the local independent art scene.

A friend of mine is a big fan and friend of the owner and recently surprised me by wearing her own customized Little Joe’s Gang shirt. Can you ask for more?

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Little Joe’s Gang-Shop | Shopping | Tshirts from € 25.00
Operngasse 34/ V | Inner districts | +4319667534
Mon – Fri 14:00 – 18:00, Sat 12:00 – 17:00

Every now and then, I need a little piece of luxury – and the best place to find this in Vienna, definitely is Meinl am Graben. It is not that I can afford to buy caviar from the Caspian Sea or white truffles; it is just about the experience.

Meinl am Graben is not a “normal supermarket” with coffee-shop, wine bar, restaurant and sushi-bar included, it is a piece of art, a temple of delicious things (most of them out of reach); it is all about food and drinks, about taste and smell. If I have to find one word for it: It is all about luxury.

The range is enormous: Over 16.000 delicatessen from all over the world, things you cannot get anywhere else in Vienna, among them 400 kinds of cheese, sausages, chocolates, pâtés, wines, whiskeys – everything you can imagine, and also everything you cannot imagine.

Just do it like all the others: Stroll and browse around, take a look and inhale the feeling of being there. And if you cannot or do not want to afford goose liver, Meinl also has chips, milk, honey and all the things other supermarkets have for the usual prices. But at least you can say: you bought them in Meinl am Graben.

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Meinl am Graben | Bars, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (int.)
Graben 19 | Old city/center | +4315323334
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 19:30, Sat 09:00 – 18:00

Fruits, vegetables, Kebab, Pizza, clothes, cafés and many Nations: that’s the Meiselmarkt. Maybe you will ask now: so what is special about it? Well, it is the atmosphere! Every market has another charm, so does this one.

Depending on who is selling what, which country’s influence is stronger and so on… Here you have the feeling that it is very well balanced between foreign stalls and Austrian ones. A Turk sells meat next to an Austrian bakery. While a Pakistani sells cheap clothing and shoes close to the cheese section of the Italian. And everybody seem to be friends, even if sometime there is a language barrier, people are warmhearted here and open to other cultures.

Sit down in one of the small eateries and just watch the people!

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Meiselmarkt | Shopping, Snacks
Hütteldorfer Straße, corner Johnstraße | Outer districts
Mon – Fri 06:00 – 19:30, Sat 06:00 – 17:00

Despite the sign “Hunde- und Katzenpflege” outside – which literally means “dog and cats care”, Mon Ami is a spot where humans are taken care of. Inside, the location is quite simple, rather plain: An ideal bar for private birthday parties and pre-drinking gatherings.

Soup and Snacks are served daily (€ 3,50 bis € 6,80),you can get a nice cocktails from €6,80 on and the home made sandwiches on Wednesdays are quite filling. There are DJ-Lines and Live music occasionally and you can access WLAN for free. Nothing spectacular, right?

Well, you definitely have to take a closer look: Mon Ami is not only a bar, but a fashion store. Inside the restaurant area hides a fashion shop – or rather a fashion studio of young Austrian designers. During the opening hours of the bar, you can take your drink and browse through the creative clothes, coloursful hats, knitted scarves and many, many other things. Or you can watch a designer creating and sewing a dress which can be found on the coat hooks the next day.

It does not surprise that from time to time, fashion design shows are taking place in Mon Ami too. Coffeeshop, bar, restaurant AND fashion – well, what more can you ask from your friend, mon ami?

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Mon Ami | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Shopping, Snacks
Theobaldgasse 9 | Inner districts | +4315850134
Mon – Sat 16:00 – 01:00

Need some spices for a traditional Thai dish – don´t worry, go to Naschmarkt. You want to buy fresh vegetables from farmers – well, go to Naschmarkt. You are craving for sushi – the answer is obvious: Go to Naschmarkt.

For more than 300 years now, the area on the Wienzeile between Karlsplatz and Kettenbrückengasse is used for markets – and it is getting bigger and bigger.

You will find a visit at Naschmarkt recommended in every tourist guide, and it is always quite a challenge to find your way through the crowds. But still the Naschmarkt is not only a place for foreigners, but also for Viennese locals who love the international atmosphere: Little stalls with fresh vegetables and fruits, wines, cheese and sausages; stand-up buffets offering Italian, Turkish, Greece, Egypt, Indian, Slovakian and of course Austrian food; highly motivated sales persons welcoming you in different languages to their house – that´s what Naschmarkt is all about.

For the last years, Naschmarkt has also become the place for Asian restaurants so do not be surprised to stumble over a Sushi or Thai or Chinese bar every two minutes.

As there is also the biggest Viennese fleamarket every Saturday, especially during summertime it seems like all of Vienna is on Naschmarkt. So, if you are more up to go shopping and relax, it might be better to visit the place during weekdays or in the morning. And do not forget to take a look at the surrounding: You will find some of the most beautiful buildings in this area!

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Naschmarkt | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks
Naschmarkt | Inner districts
Mon – Fri 06:00 – 18:30, Sat 06:00 – 17:00 | Fleamarket Sat 06.30 – 18:00

Traditional meets experimental Austrian cuisine – reinterpreted by the star-chef Helmut Österreicher, staged by Peter Noever, the director of the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts). Creativity combined with a down to earth touch that is what the interior, the menu and the affiliated MAK design store are shouting out loud and clear.

Already when you enter the restaurant/bar/café you are amazed by the chandelier made out of empty bottles. At first glances it looks like a classic one but on a closer inspection you notice something outstanding about it.

The most fascinating part about this place is the interior design which is rounded up by the delicious plates the menu has to offer. They offer a great variety of Austrian and international wine – Italian, Spanish, French (the usual suspects).

Typical drink at Austrian restaurants: “G’spritzter” (white wine with bubbly mineral water).

A great aspect is also the shop where you can get yourself a Vienna art gallery guide or the latest up to date design doorstop.

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Österreicher im MAK | Art & culture, Bars, Shopping, Restaurants (Austr.)
Stubenring 5 | Old city/center | +4317140121
09:30 – 01:00 daily

“By the way, the chair you are sitting on is for sale, oh and yes, the  book, which you just grabbed from the bookshelf as well. Of course we sell the record you are listening to.” That’s the phil, a colorful café-bar-bookshop-recordstore-interior shop-flea market and if you find something you can’t buy, then you are probably in the toilet, well actually I’m not even sure about that.

Actually the owner recently told us: “We don’t sell the toilet (except for the lamp maybe), we don’t sell the coffeemachine because she’s from the 60s and something special, we don’t sell the clothes we’re wearing, and we don’t sell the
artists (singers, writers, painters) when one of our from-time-to-time
events takes place.”

Students, young families, artists  and many more appreciate the easygoingness in the phil. The furniture are  mostly 70ies and as mentioned before, they can be bought. There is a  large corner with books, Dvds, records and posters which you can browse and sniff into while having a drink, and if you like it, you bring it home.

The place is non-smoking and food looks and tastes healthy. Bring your laptop to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and make sure to reserve a table if you plan to come in a larger group.

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phil | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Shopping, Snacks
Gumpendorferstrasse 10 – 12 | Inner districts | +4315810489
Mon 17:00 – 01:00, Tue – Sun 09:00 – 01:00

I have been living in Vienna for more than 13 years now, and I am still happy like a child if I locate interesting spots: One of these findings is the “Pure living bakery”. When I accompanied a friend home from a walk in Schönbrunn, we literally stumbled over this tiny cafeteria – and knew: We have to come back!

“Pure living bakery” is unique here in Vienna, it could rather be found in California: Rumours say that the owner, a former stewardess, collected not only recipes and ideas for the delicious cakes, muffins and waffles on her trips but also every little detail of the interior. Soaps, “furniture buttons”, candles, mirrors, mugs, gift wrap paper – it is amazing how much fits in the quite small shop-restaurant. And the good news is: You can buy almost everything you see to decorate your own kitchen or bathroom.

Apart from the cosy atmosphere, the kitchy interior you definitely have to mention the drinks and food: My friend found THE best coffee ever (according to her of course) here and I have to admit, that I am in love with cinnamon roll or the New York Cheese Cake. Moreover, Pure living bakery offers bagels breakfast till 15:00 and on weekends, American Pancakes with maple sirup, strawberry juice and whipped cream. I could go on like this forever and I definitely have to come back – especially in April, when they re-open their beautiful garden…

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Pure living bakery | Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Shopping
Altgasse 12 | Inner districts
Mon – Fri 09:30 – 19:00, Sat 10:00 – 18:00, Sun 13:00 – 18:00

My best friend has been talking about Leschanz-chocolate for ages, but it was not until I had to find gifts for a company event, that I had the honor to get in touch with these royal chocolate delights.

The Viennese confectioner Wolfgang Leschanz is delivering his handmade viands only to the best spots, among them are the famous Meinl am Graben (check the Meinl am Graben article) and the president of Austria for 10 years now.

Some 5 years ago, Leschanz decided to make his creations more accessible – and lucky Vienna, he found the ideal spot to open his shop in the city center: The antique “Button King”.

The original furniture including a golden double-headed eagle from days, when the “Button King” was still purveyor to the court, stayed the same. You can even see reminders of former buttons in the shop. But instead of cloth buttons, you can now get chocolate “buttons”, candies, cakes – everything sweet you could ask for.

In summertime, a fountain for fruits covered with chocolate provides refreshment – and in wintertime, you can warm yourself with hot chocolate.

It is not only the sweets, but it is Leschanz´ passion which makes “Schokoladekönig” special. Experience the chocolate, the service and indulge yourself – just like a queen and a king deserves it.

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Schokoladekönig | Shopping, Snacks | Sweets from € 1.50
Freisingergasse 1 | Old city/center | +4315333219
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 19:00, Sat 10:00 – 18:00

Shakespeare & Company is an English bookstore with its own personality. It’s small but filled with so many books that by turning around you unwillingly chuck them on the floor- or at least if you are a girl with a big bag.

I was actually very perplexed when the lady at the cash desk lit a cigarette. But then I figured it’s her own shop why shouldn’t she do what she wants? Besides her niece or grandchild was running around the shop and until now I am not sure whether the sign at the door “Beware of the little art” or something like that- was referring to her or some art I could not detect anywhere.

Though the shop is small you have your Austrian guide books and- even better -your Xenophobe’s guides. Beside they don’t sell everything but they have books you may not find in any other stores.

Girls- stop fishing for compliments- you may get them there plus a small discount. As I found an interesting book about the origin of the democratization in Poland the cashier was impressed with my interest in a difficult topic and immediately gave me a discount. Who needs men when there is the Shakespeare & Company bookshop?

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Shakespeare & Company | Art & culture, Shopping
Sterngasse 2 | Old city/center
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 21:00

This little wine bar at the corner of the Rochus market in the 3rd district is a perfect place for aperitivo.

As we don’t really have the tradition for taking a pre-dinner drink in Austria, it can get a bit difficult to find a place like the Vinothek ROCHUS.

Their selection includes mainly Austrian and Italian Wines. They usually serve you a few little snacks to try for free, such as small plates of pasta and crostini. If you want to enjoy a good glass of wine with some antipasti you can order from the menu typical Italian snacks such as cheese, prosciutto, dried tomatos…

In tepid summer-nights it’s very pleasant to sit outside while enjoying a refreshing Spritz-Aperol (which you get here usually at the best price compared to all the bars around the market!). In winter the interior of the small bar offers a warm atmosphere.

You can buy of course all the wines by bottle and bring home.

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Vinothek ROCHUS | Bars, Shopping
Rochusmarkt 16-17 | Inner districts | +436643401789
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 23:00

Only some years ago, fair trade and organic products were only available for interested insiders, hidden in small and modest corner shops in some side roads or outside of the inner city. This has changed now! In the center of Wien, surrounded by fashion brands, jewelery and posh restaurants, you can find the modern fair trade shop.

As one of the 88 “Weltläden” within Austria, the flag ship store in the first district is a colourful, bright and beautiful symbol of the change of society. The products range from handmade cloths to delicious coffee, from selected spices from Africa, Asia and Southern America to unique earrings or bracelets, from little boxes for precious things to delightful chocolate.

All of them come from the so called third world, but – as the fair trade concept is – producers get fair prices for them and can make their living in good circumstances. So, the prices of fair trade products might be a little more expensive than usual, but the good conscience you get with it is priceless. Moreover you get really special and unique gifts for yourself and/ or others in “Weltladen”, especially the organic coffee and chocolate are worth a try.

And if you love to dress up differently: You can also find beautiful clothes such as creations of the Austrian brand “Göttin des Glücks” in “Weltladen”. Right now, I am just in love with the new summer leatherbags in blue, green, red and grey. More than enough reasons to take a look yourself, right?

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Weltladen | Shopping
Lichtensteg 1 | Old city/center | +4315352886
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 18:30, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

Watch out chocolate addicts, you may have found your new dealer here.

You will really wonder how a small place like this can make you stay long. Here you will find chocolate in every shape, almost every aggregate state and in almost every flavor. No I am not talking about the lack of some nougat crunchy chocolate but very weird stuff like ketchup chocolate (I know it exists but I could not find it there).

Check out the Austrian brand Zotter, which is hand made. It will make your mind blow what they allow to put in chocolate.

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Xocolat | Shopping | Zotter chocolate bar € 3.60
Freyung 2 | Old city/center | +4315354363
Mon – Fri 10:00- 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00. Sun 12:00 – 17:00