Shopping
Vienna's most trendy shopping strip is the Mariahilfer Strasse,
where hundreds of stores offer fashion, jewellery and accessories.
In the city centre there are a variety of jewellery stores and
boutiques. Local specialities include Augarten porcelain, ceramics,
handmade dolls, wrought-iron work and leather goods.
Agent Provocateur is located at 14 Tuchlauben, the first outlet
of the cult London underwear label in central Europe. Kiehl's
started out 150 years ago in a small apothecary and is now a chic
cosmetics brand; its flagship store is on Tuchlauben in Vienna. For
arty T-shirts and sweaters by leading designers, visit Firis on
Bauernmarkt.
On Freisingergasse, Schokoladekönig makes handmade
chocolate treats, while Boehle stocks superior wines and
traditional specialities (deli snacks) in Wollzeile. For spices and
cookery books, visit Babette's on Schleifmühlgasse. Karlsplatz
holds the Naschmarkt food market during the week and a flea market
on Saturdays. Go to City Hall Square in December for the Christmas
market.
The Kaufhaus Schiepek department store at Teinfaltstraße
is definitely worth visiting for its variety of outlets, and for
the more eccentric, Carnaby sells vintage fashion and accessories
on Neubaugasse, while magicians' accessories and gimmicks can be
found at Zauberklingl on Führichgasse.
Austria's VAT, as much as 34% on some luxury goods, is
refundable with a valid receipt; tourists can also take advantage
of tax-free shopping where advertised. With something for everyone
in store, Vienna is the place to break in those shopping shoes!