Shopping in Wien: Zwischen Boulevard-Glanz und Grätzel-Charme

Tip: Vienna’s Hidden Courtyards

A place to catch your breath away from the hustle and bustle is often just a few steps away. In the hidden courtyards around Mariahilfer Straße, entirely different worlds unfold. Quiet and inviting, the arcaded walkways within these courtyards create a peaceful atmosphere. These so-called Pawlatschen—traditional external corridors—are characteristic features of Viennese inner courtyards, tucked away behind historic façades. Even long-time Viennese residents are often unaware of the narrow passageways connecting the parallel streets. One such passage leads from Raimundhof to Windmühlgasse, where more restaurants, cafés, and shops await discovery. And don't forget our very own courtyard at restaurant boca.

Concept Stores & Design

Right in the heart of the 7th district, on Neubaugasse, you’ll find the concept store Copenhagen Hus & Møbel, offering a curated selection of interior design pieces and clothing from small Danish labels. Just across the street, things get greener and more relaxed: Calienna combines design and plants in a stylish concept store, complete with the option to take a coffee break.

Wier im Hof specializes in trendy and ethically produced streetwear from Vienna and across Europe. Its in-house label, Good Kids Bad Society, playfully features slogans inspired by the world of Viennese humor (Wiener Schmäh). The focus is clearly on conscious consumption and shopping with a clear conscience.

Pure Sustainability

The 7th district is widely regarded as a pioneer of sustainable consumption. Many shops here emphasize fair production, regional sourcing, and organic materials. One notable example is Holis, one of the city’s largest zero-waste stores. This packaging-free shop offers groceries, cosmetics, and hygiene products, while its attached restaurant cooks with products from the market to further embrace the zero-waste philosophy.

For Copenhagen-inspired children’s fashion, dotkind is the place to go. The focus is on Scandinavian eco-fashion for babies and children up to 14 years old. In addition to products for mini fashionistas, the store also offers a range of products for mothers.

If you prefer strolling outdoors, don’t miss the Neubaumarkt. Every Wednesday, the corner of Lindengasse and Neubaugasse transforms into a sustainable food market. From fruits and vegetables to wine and beer, cheese, meat, pesto, and pasta, there is plenty to sample. Vendors aim to use as little packaging as possible, staying true to the market’s sustainability mission.

Coffee to Go in the 6th District

• Café Drechsler: One of Vienna’s oldest traditional coffeehouses, reimagined with a stylish modern twist.

• ausnahmsweise: The go-to café for vegan, gluten-free cakes and coffee to go, with three milk alternatives.

• Coffee U-Boot: Located near Haus des Meeres, offering coffee, cakes, and cookies to go.

Cozy Spots in the 7th District

• Café Westend: A traditional Viennese coffeehouse serving all-day breakfast and classic home-style dishes.

• Espresso: A trendy café with 1950s-inspired interior design and sparkling wine breakfast.

• Depot Café: A great place for a coffee break, with regular cultural events and exhibitions.

Conclusion & Insider Tip

Shopping in Vienna doesn’t have to be an either-or experience. The shops along Mariahilfer Straße offer everything for visitors who like to shop with purpose, know exactly what they want, or love internationally known brands—ideal for anyone who enjoys a lively atmosphere and big-city energy, or wants to pick up souvenirs on the way to the next landmark.

The 7th district, Neubau, is perfect for those who want to slow down and experience the city more deeply. Here, it’s all about discovering, lingering, and embracing the unexpected. Every shop feels personal, and every corner reveals a small new world.

Insider tip: The 7th district is at its most charming on Saturday mornings, when the small, characterful galleries open their doors.