Vienna's most vibrant market, stretching 1.5 km with over 120 food stalls and restaurants, is a direct U4 ride from your apartment. From €45/night.
The Naschmarkt is Vienna's oldest, most diverse, and most beloved open-air market. Stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers along the Wienzeile between Karlsplatz and Kettenbruckengasse, it has been a trading hub since the 16th century when farmers sold milk bottles along the Wien River. The name likely derives from "Aschenmarkt" (ash market) - a reference to the ash wood milk containers that were originally sold here.
Today, over 120 permanent market stalls and restaurants create a culinary world tour in the middle of Vienna. You will find Turkish delicatessens with towering displays of dried fruits and spices, Japanese sushi counters, Indian curry stands, Italian delis with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto, Greek olive merchants, Vietnamese pho kitchens, Austrian cheese mongers, and Balkan grill restaurants - all side by side in a colorful, noisy, aromatic stretch that embodies Vienna's multicultural character.
The market is divided into distinct sections. The permanent stalls sell fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, and specialty foods from around the world. The restaurant row features sit-down eateries and small bars serving everything from oysters to falafel. On Saturdays, the Naschmarkt extends into the famous Flohmarkt (flea market), where hundreds of vendors sell vintage furniture, antiques, old vinyl records, second-hand books, retro clothing, and curiosities from 6:30 AM to about 2:00 PM. The Saturday flea market is a Vienna institution and well worth an early start.
Architecturally, the Naschmarkt is framed by two magnificent Art Nouveau buildings by Otto Wagner - the Majolikahaus (with its elaborate floral tile facade) and the Medallion House (featuring gold medallions), both on the Linke Wienzeile. These buildings are landmarks of the Jugendstil movement and were considered scandalously modern when completed in 1899.
The Naschmarkt is a paradise for anyone who loves to cook. The fresh produce, exotic spices, artisan cheeses, and specialty ingredients available here are far superior to anything in a supermarket. At Old Vienna Apartments, every unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen, meaning you can shop the Naschmarkt in the morning and prepare a feast in your apartment by evening. This is something no hotel can offer.
Imagine picking up fresh burrata and tomatoes from an Italian stall, a loaf of sourdough from an artisan baker, olives and hummus from a Turkish deli, and a bottle of Austrian Gruner Veltliner from a wine merchant - then riding the U4 back to Schottenring and cooking it all in your own kitchen. For longer stays, the Naschmarkt becomes your local market, a weekly routine rather than a tourist excursion.
The neighborhoods flanking the Naschmarkt - the 4th district (Wieden) and the 6th district (Mariahilf) - are among Vienna's trendiest. Cafes, wine bars, vintage shops, and independent galleries line the side streets, especially along Schleifmuhlgasse (nicknamed "the Bermuda Triangle of brunch" for its concentration of breakfast spots). Staying in Leopoldstadt and visiting by U4 gives you easy access to this scene without paying the premium rents that inflate hotel prices in these popular districts.
Walk 1 minute to Schottenring station. Take the U4 towards Hutteldorf and ride to Kettenbruckengasse (5 stops, about 9 minutes). Exit the station and you are at the southern end of the Naschmarkt - the flea market section on Saturdays. Walk northward through the market toward Karlsplatz to see the full stretch. Alternatively, exit one stop earlier at Karlsplatz to start from the northern end.
Cross the Danube Canal and walk through the 1st district to Karlsplatz. From Karlsplatz, walk southwest along the Wienzeile and the market begins immediately. This route takes you past the Ringstrasse, the Secession building (with Klimt's Beethoven Frieze), and directly into the market from its Karlsplatz end.
The permanent market stalls are open Monday to Friday 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Saturday 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The market is closed on Sundays. Restaurants keep later hours - many stay open until 11:00 PM or midnight. The Saturday flea market opens at 6:30 AM, and the best finds go early, so plan accordingly.
Neni am Naschmarkt (Naschmarkt Stand 510): A hugely popular restaurant by the Neni family (of 25hours Hotel fame), serving a fusion of Middle Eastern, Persian, and Austrian flavors. The shakshuka, hummus platters, and lamb dishes are standouts. Expect a wait on Saturdays.
Umar Fisch (Naschmarkt Stand 76-79): The market's go-to spot for fresh seafood. Sit at the counter and enjoy grilled calamari, fish soup, or a whole branzino while watching the market bustle pass by. Excellent quality at fair prices.
Tewa (Naschmarkt Stand 382): A small stand serving outstanding Ethiopian and Eritrean food - injera with various stews, lentil dishes, and strong Ethiopian coffee. A hidden gem among the market stalls.
Cafe Drechsler (Linke Wienzeile 22): Directly opposite the Naschmarkt, this legendary coffeehouse was recently redesigned by Sir Terence Conran. It opens early - perfect for a coffee before diving into the Saturday flea market - and serves proper Viennese cafe fare including Fruhstuck (breakfast), Melange, and pastries.
| Destination | Distance | Walking | Public Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naschmarkt (Karlsplatz end) | 2.2 km | 27 min | 10 min (U4 to Karlsplatz) |
| Naschmarkt (Kettenbruckengasse end) | 2.8 km | 34 min | 12 min (U4, 5 stops) |
| Schottenring Metro (U2/U4) | 100 m | 1 min | - |
| Secession Building | 2.1 km | 25 min | 10 min (U4 to Karlsplatz) |
| Saturday Flea Market | 2.8 km | 34 min | 12 min (U4 to Kettenbruckengasse) |
Apartments with fully equipped kitchens from €45/night. Shop the Naschmarkt, cook at home.
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