Get a thorough introduction to Vienna’s dynamic food and drink scene with a local showing you the best places to stop for sweet and savoury delights on this guided market tour. Take a stroll through the Grätzls (neighborhood) and discover the favoured, only locals know, markets and get an insight into traditional Viennese coffee culture in some of your guide’s most treasured coffee spots, discovering historic gems and locals-only hot spots along the way.
You'll begin the Vienna tour on one of the most famous and attractive shopping streets in the city: The Graben. Home of the court jeweler Heldwein and the famous porcelain factory of Augarten, the area is full of imperial architecture, opulent coffee shops, and first-rate eateries.
After your brief stroll, stop for a quick coffee and strudel at one of the few cafés that locals still visit in the first, a proper and still functioning ‘Kulturcafe’. To Nasch means ‘to nibble’ and that is exactly what one can do at the Naschmarkt, easily one of Europe’s best open-air markets, showcasing over 120 food stalls and some delectable restaurants that are cooking up some of the best food in the city. Here you will find the most diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and delicacies that are available in Vienna from all over the world.
While the Naschmarkt is a must-see, it is not a local favorite. Instead, every local has their own markets that they like to visit, these may not be as big as the Naschmarkt, but they are certainly more lively and less touristy.
Visit the trendy Brunnenmarkt in the 16th with its cafes and creative, the lively Viktor–Adler–Markt in the traditionally working-class 10th or the farmers market at Karmeliterplatz in the 2nd, depending on the day and the guide. But don’t be afraid to ask for directions for the other marketss, there is never enough time in a day, let alone in a tour, to visit everything. At the first local market, you'll enjoy your first lunch where you'll indulge in typical Austrian food (schnitzel, goulash, or a vegetarian option for example) and wash it down with locally produced wine or beer. You'll be shown the sweet side of Vienna and treat you to the chef's best dessert.
Your guides will introduce you to some Viennese guilty pleasures, both sweet and savory, and life on the streets that no guidebook would ever mention. Pausing to take in Wurstelstand life offers you the chance to taste Austrian’s favorite dish.
Along the way, you'll sink into the famed Viennese coffee culture. Coffeehouses have played a very important role in shaping the culture of the city over the centuries, with the first cup being brewed all the way back in 1683. Your guide will show you where to find a great cup of coffee, tea, or whatever your heart desires after a wonderful day of food. What does coffee pair the best with?
Your introduction to Vienna’s food and drink scene ends back in the city center, in front of the Opera house, the perfect springboard location to head off to any number of recommendations the guides will give you. Or you may simply wish to retreat back at your hotel, if so, your guide can help you with directions.