Shopping in the Vienna Christmas Markets

Had a great time last week in Vienna. We’d gone to visit the Christmas markets, and I’d collared a couple of tickets to see Don Giovanni at the opera house, so it was brass monkeys and culture all round!

We’d been advised by our hotel that there were three markets to choose from south of the opera house.

We found that they were all completely different, but only a 5 minute walk between them, so well worth a trip to all three.

Karlsplatz – this one didn’t have the most salubrious setting, and was more like Greenwich Markets with a few Christmas decorations thrown in. There were not inexpensive gifts – clothing, jewellery, candles, handicraft and food. We bought a few bits and bobs here, but may have waited had we known about the others.

Theresien Platz – This one is in the grounds of the Natural History Museum and has more of a Christmassy feel. It has a lot of what you find at Karlsplatz, but with a lot more decorations and festive things to peruse.

Rathaus – 5 minutes past the impressive parliament building and you get the massive market next to the Rathaus. This one is more or less totally dedicated to Christmas decs, has stuff that’s a lot cheaper than the others, but does reek a little of cheap Asian imports.

All of them have a bunch of food outlets selling a myriad of sausages, cakes, pretzels and chestnuts to warm your cockles with as you shop.

The local tipple is a hot fruity concoction enhanced with rum that packs a wicked punch.

The guy from BA who checked us in on the way over had said Vienna was the most popular destination for Christmas shoppers this year and I can see why!

The markets were all packed but deservedly so. We had a great time and thoroughly recommend you make the trip if you can next year.

More photos on Flickr