Naschmarkt - A Different Kind of Retail Experience

ME TOO

With only a couple of weeks left in Central Europe, I chose to go to the architecturally diverse and multi-faceted Naschmarkt area of Vienna. My colleague, Eadaoin Flynn, hadn't seen this shopper's paradise, located just below the Viennese Art Nouveau Secessions building, so I played guide. 

The eclectic stalls line up through two strips, and the market is several blocks long leading to a large flea market. Naschmarkt is one of the more traveled to places in Vienna and is a "must see" on a Saturday.  

Hundreds of people from all over the world walk through the market and you can hear various languages; English, German, Italian and Vietnamese. Eadaoin is a vegetarian and was thrilled with the health food shops, Indian spice kiosks and was extremely pleased to find fresh coriander.  Needless to say she filled up her shopping bag quite quickly.

You will find everything in the market to meet any type of appetite. I had never seen red olives before. I especially loved the mix with green, black, yellow and red.  

The smells of the market hit you immediately. If you aren't a fish lover, you might want to stay away from the top of the market where most of the fresh fish is sold. Personally I love it. Just like the sign says.

There are outdoor cafes to grab a bite to eat or just stop and have a felafel sandwich with a beer.

Even fresh flowers are available

Eadaoin and I chose an Asian restaurant, sushi for me and fried tofu with broccoli for her. It was lovely.

The day was damp, but not our spirits. We finished the afternoon at the SkyBar on the main mall with a glass of Prosecco looking out over the rooftops of Vienna. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday!