Vienna isn’t just about waltzing and mouth-watering strudels; it also offers excellent opportunities for a pleasant shopping experience. Prices in this city are generally in line with the European average, but the atmosphere on the shopping streets and in the stores is so inviting that shoppers don’t want to leave.
Shopping hours in Vienna vary. Shopping centers and supermarkets typically open around 9:00 AM and close around 6:30 PM, though on Saturdays, most close an hour earlier, and many are closed entirely on Sundays.
As for sales, in Austria, as throughout Europe, there are two main discount seasons: summer and winter. Summer sales typically begin in late June and last until the end of August, although some stores may extend them into mid-autumn. Discounts start at 20-30% and can reach 70-80% by the end of the season. However, it’s best not to wait until the last minute, as by then, only less popular styles and sizes are usually available. Winter sales in Vienna are held in three stages. The first stage begins on December 20th and continues until Christmas, when everyone is busy shopping for holiday gifts. The second stage begins immediately after Christmas and lasts for about a week, allowing people to return unwanted gifts and stores to resell them at reduced prices. The biggest sale begins in mid-January, when prices are reduced on virtually everything, and continues until early spring.
As for shopping in Vienna, you can find almost all the popular European brands, from affordable to luxury. Among local brands, it’s worth noting exclusive designer clothing from Nelso, Bucherer, and Knize&Comp, as well as more affordable Austrian brands such as Turek, Bernhart, Steffl, and J.&L. Lobmeyr.
Austrians make wonderful sweets that make excellent souvenirs from the country. Tasty treats include Mozart Kuegel marzipan candies, packaged in boxes featuring portraits of the great composer, and sweet violet petals. These delicacies are available in city pastry shops, as well as coffee and tea shops such as Demel and Bluhendes Konfekt.
Eiswein dessert wine is another highlight of the country. It is made using grapes harvested during the colder months, when the berries are already frozen, giving it a unique and rich flavor. Also worth considering is a bottle of Austrian mulled wine, as well as Mozart chocolate liqueur and Marillen Schnaps, an apricot moonshine.
