Austria captivates visitors with its imperial cities, Alpine landscapes, and rich musical heritage. From Vienna's grand palaces to Salzburg's baroque architecture and the stunning Tyrolean Alps, this Central European gem offers world-class culture, outdoor adventures, and legendary coffeehouse traditions.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Gmundner Keramik
Hand-painted ceramic dishes, mugs, and decorative pieces from the Gmunden pottery tradition dating back to the 17th century. The distinctive green floral motifs on white or cream backgrounds are quintessentially Austrian and highly collectible.
Price: $15-120
Where: Gmundner Keramik shops in Vienna and Salzburg, or factory outlet in Gmunden
Original Sachertorte
The legendary chocolate cake with apricot jam, invented at Hotel Sacher in 1832, available in wooden gift boxes for travel. Sealed boxes keep for weeks and come with a certificate of authenticity signed by the hotel.
Price: $25-60
Where: Hotel Sacher Wien (Philharmoniker Str. 4, Vienna) or Café Sacher branches
Loden Wool Products
Traditional Austrian boiled wool fabric made into jackets, coats, hats, and accessories in deep greens, grays, and earth tones. Prized for warmth and water resistance, loden has been produced in the Tyrol region for centuries.
Price: $40-400
Where: Loden-Plankl (Michaelerplatz 6, Vienna), Lanz of Salzburg (Schwarzstraße 4, Salzburg)
Swarovski Crystal
World-renowned Austrian crystal figurines, jewelry, and decorative objects made by Swarovski, founded in Wattens, Tyrol in 1895. Ranges from affordable keychain charms to elaborate collector pieces.
Price: $20-500+
Where: Swarovski flagship store (Kärntner Straße 24, Vienna), Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Wattens, Tyrol)
Mozart-Themed Items
Salzburg's connection to Mozart inspires high-quality souvenirs including Mozart Kugeln (marzipan and praline balls), sheet music facsimiles, figurines, and memorabilia. Best authentic versions available at original producers.
Price: $5-80
Where: Reber's Mozart Kugeln (Brodgasse 13, Salzburg), shops along Getreidegasse
Austrian Fruit Schnapps (Obstler)
Premium Austrian fruit brandies distilled from apricots, pears, plums, and cherries. Wachau apricot schnapps and Tyrolean Williams pear schnapps are particularly prized. Available in decorative gift bottles.
Price: $15-60
Where: Naschmarkt Vienna, Rathauskellar Vienna, specialty spirit shops in Salzburg and Innsbruck
Austrian Dirndl and Trachten
Traditional Austrian folk costume including Dirndl dresses for women and Lederhosen for men, made from high-quality materials with regional embroidery. Modern versions are fashionable everyday wear and wedding attire.
Price: $80-600
Where: Lanz of Salzburg, Trachten Angermaier (Getreidegasse, Salzburg), Gössl (Getreidegasse, Salzburg)
Augarten Porcelain
Hand-painted Vienna Porcelain from the second-oldest porcelain manufactory in Europe (est. 1718). Figurines, tableware, and decorative pieces featuring classic Viennese motifs and the iconic Wiener Philharmoniker Augarten Figurines.
Price: $50-2000+
Where: Augarten Wien showroom (Obere Augartenstraße 1, 1020 Vienna)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Naschmarkt Vienna
Vienna's most famous open-air market stretching 1.5 km along the Wien River. Over 120 stands sell fresh produce, Austrian cheeses, olives, spices, meats, and prepared foods from around the world. The Saturday flea market features antiques, vintage items, and curios.
Where: Linke Wienzeile, 1040-1060 Vienna (between Kettenbrückengasse and Karlsplatz U-Bahn stations)
Hours: Mon-Fri 6AM-7:30PM, Sat 6AM-6PM; Flea Market Sat from 6:30AM
Salzburg Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt)
One of Austria's most atmospheric Christmas markets dating to 1491, set among Salzburg's baroque cathedral squares. Handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, nativity figures, and seasonal foods fill the historic spaces. Live music and warm Glühwein create a magical festive atmosphere.
Where: Domplatz, Residenzplatz, and Mozartplatz, 5020 Salzburg
Hours: Late November - December 26: 10AM-8PM daily
Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz
Vienna's largest and most beloved Christmas market with over 150 stalls set before the illuminated Neo-Gothic City Hall. Famous for handmade gifts, mulled wine, and traditional Austrian Advent foods. Ice skating rink adjacent to the market in December.
Where: Rathausplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Hours: Mid-November to December 26: 10AM-9:30PM daily
Brunnenmarkt Vienna
Vienna's longest street market at 1 km, serving the multicultural Ottakring neighborhood. Less touristy than Naschmarkt with excellent prices on fruits, vegetables, spices, and ethnic food products. Authentic local shopping experience beloved by Viennese residents.
Where: Brunnengasse, 1160 Vienna (Ottakring district)
Hours: Mon-Fri 6AM-6:30PM, Sat 6AM-5PM
Salzburg Green Market (Grünmarkt)
Daily farmers market in Salzburg's baroque university square, selling organic produce, fresh flowers, Tyrolean cheeses, Salzburg meats, and homemade jams. Perfect for a morning stroll combined with coffee at a nearby café. Local farmers bring seasonal alpine products.
Where: Universitätsplatz, 5020 Salzburg
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-7PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Kärntner Straße and Graben (Vienna)
Vienna's premier shopping thoroughfare running from the State Opera to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Flagship stores of international luxury brands line the pedestrianized Kärntner Straße, while the Graben features upscale Austrian designers alongside the iconic Plague Column. The Kohlmarkt leads to the Michaelerplatz with Demel confectioners.
Best for: Luxury brands, Austrian designers, jewelry, high-end souvenirs
Mariahilfer Straße (Vienna)
Vienna's longest shopping street stretching 1.8 km through the 6th and 7th districts, now largely pedestrianized. Over 300 stores ranging from H&M and Zara to independent boutiques, electronics shops, and bookstores. Busy on weekends with locals and tourists alike.
Best for: High street fashion, electronics, bookshops, affordable shopping
MuseumsQuartier Neubau (Vienna 7th District)
Vienna's hippest shopping neighborhood clustered around the MuseumsQuartier in the 7th district (Neubau). Independent boutiques, vintage shops, record stores, and design studios line streets like Kirchengasse and Neubaugasse. Best hunting ground for Austrian designer fashion and unique gifts.
Best for: Independent designers, vintage clothing, records, local art
Getreidegasse (Salzburg)
Salzburg's most famous shopping street in the old town, famous for its ornate wrought-iron guild signs hanging above each shop. Mozart was born at No. 9. Medieval arcades lead to hidden courtyards with boutiques selling Austrian fashion, jewelry, chocolates, and souvenirs. A mixture of global brands and artisan shops.
Best for: Austrian fashion, jewelry, chocolates, unique gifts
Linzer Gasse (Salzburg)
Authentic local shopping street on the right bank of the Salzach, preferred by residents over the touristy Getreidegasse. Bakeries, butchers, bookshops, and small boutiques cater to everyday Salzburg life. Good prices and a more genuine Austrian shopping atmosphere.
Best for: Local produce, bakeries, everyday Austrian goods, less crowded
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
SCS (Shopping City Süd)
Austria's largest shopping center located in Vösendorf, 15 km south of Vienna city center, with over 330 stores across 133,000 square meters. Anchored by MediaMarkt, H&M, Ikea (adjacent), and Interspar. Free shuttle buses from Vienna's Westbahnhof and Südtiroler Platz on weekends. Extensive food court and cinema complex.
Hours: Mon-Wed 9AM-8PM, Thu-Fri 9AM-9PM, Sat 9AM-6PM
Westfield Wien Mitte (The Mall)
Premium urban shopping center in Vienna's 3rd district directly above Wien Mitte U-Bahn station, with over 100 stores including flagship branches of Massimo Dutti, Calvin Klein, and Apple. Glass atrium architecture with excellent natural light. High-quality food court and rooftop terrace.
Hours: Mon-Wed 9AM-8PM, Thu-Fri 9AM-9PM, Sat 9AM-6PM
Europark Salzburg
Salzburg's main shopping mall with over 130 stores and restaurants on two levels. Easy access by bus from Salzburg city center. Anchored by Interspar, Bipa, MediaMarkt, and H&M alongside fashion boutiques. Popular with locals for everyday shopping and a modern food court.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-7:30PM, Sat 9AM-6PM
DEZ (Das Einkaufszentrum) Innsbruck
Innsbruck's largest shopping center in the Dreiheiligen district, with 115 stores and extensive parking. Good mix of Austrian chains and international brands, plus supermarket, DIY store, and cinema. Serves the practical shopping needs of Innsbruck residents and visiting skiers.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-7:30PM, Sat 9AM-6PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not customary in Austrian shops, supermarkets, or department stores — marked prices are final.
At flea markets (especially the Saturday Naschmarkt flea market), gentle negotiation is acceptable, particularly for multiple items or antiques.
End-of-season sales (January and July) offer genuine 30-70% discounts at clothing stores — no negotiation needed as prices are already reduced.
At smaller markets and craft fairs, politely asking if there is a 'Preisnachlass' (discount) for cash or multiple purchases is sometimes successful.
Tax-free shopping: Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refund (up to 20%) on purchases over €75 from shops displaying the 'Tax Free' sign — collect the form at point of sale.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 100 years old require export documentation; protected wildlife products (ivory, certain furs) cannot be exported; EU customs allowances apply within Schengen zone.
Tax Refund: Austria's VAT is 20% on most goods. Non-EU visitors can claim refunds on purchases over €75 at participating retailers. Request a Tax Refund cheque at point of sale, have it stamped at airport customs, then claim cash or card refund at Global Blue or Planet Payment desks.
Duty Free: EU residents: No limits within EU. Non-EU: tobacco (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g), alcohol (1L spirits over 22% or 2L wine/beer), perfume (50ml), gifts up to €430 by air/sea or €300 by road.
Shipping: Austria Post and DHL offer reliable international shipping. Most shops will ship purchases directly. Fragile ceramics and crystal can be professionally packed and shipped from the store. Allow 1-2 weeks for European delivery, 2-4 weeks internationally.