The Naschmarkt

The Naschmarkt is the largest and liveliest market in Vienna, a long strip of some hundred and twenty stalls and eateries running near the centre, piled with fruit and vegetables, cheeses, olives, spices and delicacies from around the world, interspersed with cafes and restaurants. On Saturdays a bustling flea market spreads at its far end.

History

A market called the Aschenmarkt has existed since the 16th century, its name explained by the ash-wood milk buckets sold there, by the ash and rubbish tip on which the old milk market stood, or by the ash used to clean crockery. It moved in 1780 to the top of today's Wiedner Hauptstraße, from 1793 all fruit and vegetables brought into Vienna by cart had to be sold there, it came to be called the Naschmarkt around 1820, and the first pavilions over the Wien river were built in 1902 (Wikipedia, Naschmarkt).

The main sights

• The market stalls - the produce, cheese, spices and delicacies.
• The eateries - the cafes and restaurants of many cuisines among the stalls.
• The Saturday flea market - the antiques and bric-a-brac at the far end.
• The Jugendstil buildings - the ornate art nouveau facades along the market.

When to go

Year-round; mornings are freshest, Saturdays add the flea market, and it is closed Sundays. It is liveliest at lunch with the restaurants busy.

Before you go

It has become touristy, so the restaurant stalls in particular can be pricey and pushy. It is a place to browse and graze rather than bargain-shop. The Saturday flea market is a highlight for browsers.

Nearby

The Secession building, Karlsplatz and central Vienna are alongside.

Key facts