I am inspired to create a walk through the city for the shoppers. This walk will take you to the main shopping streets as well as gallery lanes and unique Vienna boutiques.
Take the U3 Subway line to Neubaugasse. You will arrive at the major pedestrian shopping street, Mariahilferstrasse, locally known as MaHü. Explore here as you like, noting that you will find major international brands here mixed in with regional favorites, like Peek & Cloppenburg department store.
Walk up Neubaugasse towards Siebensterngasse. Along Neubaugasse you will find smaller shops, such as the famous Viennese hatmaker Mühlbauer Hutmanufaktur.
Turn right on Siebensterngasse. Again, more cute shops, including KITSCH BITCH as you turn the corner.
Take a small detour by turning right on Stiftgasse and getting an ice cream at Gelateria La Romana. Get the Sachertorte flavor, trust me.
Walk back to Siebensterngasse, turn right and then make your next left on Spittelberggasse. This alley as well as the parallel Gutenberggasse and Kirchberggasse are full of galleries and quaint shops. Notably, this is a very historical area with Biedermeier style buildings - some of the oldest buildings in the city. Makes for great photo taking. Wander this area and explore these three alleys, making your way to Burggasse.
Turn left on Burggasse and make a right at Sankt-Ulrichs-Platz (look for the large church). If you are feeling peckish, stop at the popular Ulrich for a bite to eat. This is a very lovely, off the beaten path place.
Walk through the Platz to Neustiftgasse and turn right. Look for #16 on the left, Durchhaus. Enter the door at #16 and walk through a very well known passageway that is full of green and historical charm. (Note - for those who love old music stores, check out SingSing Records).
You will arrive at Lerchenfelder Strasse, where you will go right. Stop at the 25 Hours hotel, go to the rooftop and have a drink with a view. Admire the Palais Trautson across the park.
Continue on Lerchenfelder Strasse and take a left on Auerspergstrasse. Stop in the Gmundner Keramik Shop at #3. This is an Austrian icon for ceramics and the shop is captivating. Buy a mug or bowl with the distinctive/famous Gmundner swirl. Every Austrian grandmother has these dishes.
Continue on Auerspergstrasse to Cafe Eiles. This is my secret that I am sharing with those who made it this far. I hope you had fun.
I also want to note some notable shops/shopping areas in the First District that are more on the beaten path.
- Bellas - This is a staple shoe you will find on the feet of well-heeled Austrian ladies.
- J. & L. Lobmeyr - Crystal chandeliers (they made the ones in the Met and the Vienna Operahouse), crystal glassware and more. Please go inside.
- The antique shops on Stallburggasse.
- The traditional clothing shops on Dorotheergasse and Plankengasse.
- The Dorotheum - the flagship auction house, which is free and is like a museum. Very amazing.
- The luxury brands on Kohlmarkt.
- The global trends (Mango, Zara, etc) on Kaerntnerstrasse.