Austria does not seek to compete with the super-fashionable centers of the European Union, Paris and Milan. Prices do not differ from all-European prices, but the retail spaces are decorated very elegantly and sophisticatedly. There are goods that are better to buy in Austria.
Vienna sales
As throughout Europe, there are two sales seasons in Austria. Summer lasts from late July to early autumn. At the beginning, discounts reach 30%, and closer to the end they approach 80%.
Winter sale is divided into several stages:
- The first stage begins on December 20 and lasts until Christmas. This is a great chance to buy gifts at discounted prices.
- The second stage lasts about seven days so that people have time to return gifts they don’t like.
- The third stage is the most ambitious. It starts in mid-January. Prices are being reduced everywhere and on almost all goods.
At Christmas in Vienna, near the city hall, the oldest market opens, Christkindlmarkt, where you can buy handicrafts made by folk craftsmen. The promotion lasts until the beginning of spring.
What to buy in Austria?
Here you can find unique and high-quality items that have their own unique history. People come here both for clothes and shoes, as well as for exquisite dishes, cutlery and antiques.
Clothes and shoes
Supermarkets have departments of almost all world-famous manufacturers. Among the indigenous brands, you should take a closer look at luxury items Nelso, Bucherer and Knize&Comp. Mass-market is represented by Turek, Bernhart, Steffl and J.&L. Lobmeyr. We are especially proud of our national costumes, which will make an excellent souvenir.
Attention! During a period of falling prices, it is recommended to go to Austria to buy fur products. A high-quality and exclusive item can be purchased at a discount of up to 70%.
Ski equipment
The country is famous for its abundance of ski slopes and resort areas. You can go on vacation without a bunch of suitcases, because everything you need can be bought on the spot. Branded suits and ammunition are not a problem to find here.
While in Vienna, it is worth checking out the specialty stores Wien Donauzentrum, Huma Simmering, Ottakring, Q19 and Stadllau. When in Mayrhofen, go to Intersport, and in Innsbruck there is a special department in Karstadt.
Prices are quite high: skis start from 300 €, and boards from 350 €.
Viennese porcelain and crystal
Lovers of beautiful tableware and decor go to Austria for exquisite porcelain made in ancient traditions. It is better to purchase such products on the territory of the Augarten Palace in Vienna.
Real Swarovski crystal sold in Innsbruck. Moreover you can choose both uncut stones and complete ready-made sets for every taste and budget.
National food and wine
The main edible souvenir can be found in any cafe or food store. This famous marzipan candies Mozart Kuegel in a box with a portrait of the famous musician.
Look luxurious handmade sweets and flower petals in sugar. However, many gourmets note that this is just a spectacular marketing ploy, and they taste no different from the factory ones. Among the sweets, it is worth purchasing Manner waffles and Sachertorte.
One more Eiswein wine can be called a source of national pride for Austrians. A special feature of the drink is that slightly frozen grapes are used to make it, which gives a unique and unusual taste. After insisting it turns out a drink with 10% alcohol content and tastes sweeter than Coca-Cola.
Will not leave tourists indifferent and Austrian mulled wine, Marillen Schnaps apricot-based moonshine and Mozart liqueur. Also pay attention to Austrian coffee and hand-pressed pumpkin oil.
Best stores for shopping
Shopping centers
Shopping complexes are usually open from 9:00 to 18-19:00. Many close an hour earlier on Saturday and are closed on Sunday. On one day of the week, such stores are open until 21:00.
Vein
Many people associate Vienna with its famous waltzes and delicious strudel. However, shopping can be an equally romantic activity in Vienna. It's easier to find what you need in the quiet streets of the Ringstrasse and Kärntnerstrasse areas.
Thus, the seven-story Stefl shopping center concentrates the best products of top brands. The festive atmosphere is complemented by numerous boutiques. Kärntnerstrasse is not inferior in its pretentiousness to the Graben and Rotturmgasse streets. Among the shopping centers it is worth highlighting Ringstrassen Gallerien, DonauZentrum and SCS – Shopping Center Sud.The latter is a real “Mecca” for tourists and one of the largest shopping complexes in Europe.
Reference! The specificity of shopping in Vienna will be shopping in buildings of historical value. The lower floors, and sometimes all areas, are given over to shops. They are also called “trading palaces”.
Salzburg
Salzburg is a better place for shopping for tourists choose Getreidegasse street. Both affordable and luxury shops, cafes and family shops are concentrated here.
The largest shopping center is Europark, located outside the city limits.
This is one of the most stylish and modern buildings in the city, which has repeatedly received high awards for design. Also popular is Forum 1, located, to the delight of tourists, right next to the railway station.
Innsbruck
While in Innsbruck, feel free to go on Maria Theresa Street. It is completely given over to trade. And in house number 12 there is a cafe “Tomaselli”, where you can enjoy the best ice cream.
Popular shopping centers include:
- Arkadenhof. It is located in a historically significant building where aristocratic families lived for many centuries. Famous for its huge book department.
- Kaufhaus Tyrol. It is several times smaller than the previous one, but is also a success. After all, a huge complex with mirrored window openings is simply impossible not to notice.
Outlets in Austria
The huge Designer Outlet Parndorf is located 40 km from Vienna. There are approximately 170 boutiques concentrated here. Discount sizes vary from 30 to 70%. You can get to the place by car or train. The journey by car takes about half an hour.
Not far from Salzburg Airport there is the Designer Outlet Salzburg.There are also many shops, a food court area and an ice arena with artificial turf.
Markets
One of the popular market trading points considered Vienna's Nastmarkt. It has been operating since the eighteenth century, and many Austrians call it “the belly of the city”.
Here you can find farm products, local fishermen's catch and traditional food.
The flea market is worth going to for real antiques and rare vintage items. There is always a cheerful atmosphere here, a lot of informal people and young people.
Shopping in Austria can be a real pleasure and delight even for true aesthetes. In addition, you can successfully spend money not only in the capital, but also in other cities.
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