Walking through the city, you'll find plenty of typical souvenirs such as miniature replicas of the cathedral. But also consider handcrafted items: glassware, crystal, little porcelain figures or dolls in Austrian costumes. You can send Sacher torte all over the world, and
Mozartkugeln (marzipan balls with rum truffle, covered in chocolate) are usually a welcome gift. Clothing made and sold in this fashion-conscious city is very chic, and traditional woolen coats (loden) are popular. Another Viennese specialty is petit-point hand embroidery, found on handbags, brooches and powder cases.
The antiques shops and secondhand bookshops of the city center are packed with pictures, paintings and books that are uniquely Viennese. For quality (and the high prices that go with it), explore Braunerstrasse, Spiegelgasse, Dorotheergasse and Plankenstrasse. You should look also in the Dorotheum—the public auction house—where precious porcelain, jewelry and furniture are offered for sale.
The most elegant shopping streets are in the city center—Karntner Strasse, Graben, Kohlmarkt and their side streets. Opposite the cathedral, streets such as Rotenturmstrasse, Wollzeile, Singerstrasse and Tuchlauben also have attractive shops. Haas-Haus is a modern six-story glass structure opposite the cathedral, boasting some of Vienna's most exclusive shopping. For an equally fashionable destination, try the Ringstrasse Galerien near the State Opera House.
Shopping Hours: Generally, larger stores and shops in very busy shopping areas (Karntner Strasse, Mariahilfer Strasse) operate Monday-Friday 9:30 am-6 or 7 pm (9 pm on Thursday), Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm. Small shops tend to close for an hour or more at lunchtime and close at 6 pm during the week, at noon or 1 pm Saturday. Most shops are closed all day Sunday and on public holidays.
