Vienna

The longest shopping street in Vienna, Mariahilfer starts close to the Ringstraße and goes up until Westbahnhof railway station. In between, department stores, large branches of the European clothing chains, home decor stores and street cafes can be found. There are plenty of small boutiques in the side streets which offer some great, more traditional products.

Vienna Naschmarkt, on the plateau above the Wien River, is an absolute must for any visitor to Vienna. Shoppers can find a huge selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, spices and exotic specialties from many countries, such as Italy, Greece and Turkey in the 123 fixed stands along a 1.5 km walk. Stop by for some of the best kebab and falafel wraps to be found in town.

Around 50 types of the finest pralines have been on offer here since 1928, making ideal souvenirs for any visitor to Vienna. The Viennese confectioner’s handmade specialty is known as Liliput confectionery and it is still made according to an original recipe.

The luxury shopping area Kohlmarkt offers flagship stores for major brands. Having once housed the Royal Court's appointed jewellers, Kohlmarkt still sticks to the legacy with shimmering windows by famous brands and traditional Viennese jewellers. The neighbouring Goldenes Quartier is a modern shopping area located at the core of Vienna Old Town and packed with stores of international luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Armani, Prada and Miu Miu.

If you're looking for the best souvenir to buy in Vienna, Hamtil & Söhne should be your first choice. The focus is on high-quality design, original gift and authentically Viennese products.

The store Zur Schwäbischen Jungfrau has been Vienna’s number one source for sophisticated textile and quality fabrics. This is Europe's oldest clothing shop and almost every item sold in the three-floor store can be customised at the moment. One of their hand-embroidered centrepieces makes for a unique souvenir.

Integrating old and contemporary architecture, Ringstrassen-Gallerien is a shopping centre with 60 shops, 6 restaurants and a large supermarket located just in Vienna city center.

A former Imperial patisserie and confectionery, Gerstner has a stunning shop at the ground floor of Palais Todesco selling the best of Viennese pastry-making tradition. Here you will find the finest handmade delicacies, such as cakes, truffles, cupcakes, petit fours and pralines.

Yppenplatz has turned into one of Vienna’s most hip and eclectic districts. The area is home to many artists' shops and independent boutiques, some of the city's most appreciated eateries and to lively and cosmopolitan markets. With its 170 market stalls, Brunnemarkt is one of the biggest permanent markets in Europe: local farmers and artisans gather here to sell their products beside stalls with Turkish and Balkan specialities. Stop by at Staud's delicatessen shop, famous for its exquisite jams and pickled vegetables.

The area around Gumpendorfer Straße, between Naschmarkt and Mariahilfer Straße, offers plenty of galleries, interior design shops, cosy cafes and independent fashion boutiques. A lively and creative atmosphere permeate Gumpendorfer Straße and dining opportunities abound here, making it a popular place to head to in the evening.

The Zuckerlwerkstatt candy shop, located just in the heart of Vienna, produces handmade candies following century-old recipes and traditional techniques. The making of this sugary artworks can be attended everyday at the open-view kitchen or learnt during one of the workshops. Popular with both locals and tourists are the traditional Austrian silk candies: pillow-shaped and filled with chocolate, or the colourful rock candies, decorated with motifs, images and writings.

The world-famous Austrian fashion designer Lena Hoschek has created her very own style that can be found for sale at the her flagship store in Spittelberg. Inspired by the 1950s, with classic cuts and pin-up silhouette, Hoschek's original interpretation of vintage outfits has gained the attention of many international celebrities, who has prised the feminine cuts with a modern twist of her design. At her studio boutique you'll also find her popular version of the traditional Austrian dirndl.

Right in the city centre, a boutique belonging to Vienna Silver Factory, which has over 100 years of tradition attracts visitors with numerous silver products from both classics of the Viennese silversmith art and modern design. The meticulously crafted silverware are part of the city's cultural history and visiting the boutique, even if you're not planning to buy anything, is an experience itself. Check out the stunning Art Deco pieces on display here.