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The most interesting shopping locale in Vienna is the inner city, with its narrow streets and elegant facades. The large pedestrian zones on Kärntnerstrasse and Graben meet at the strikingly modern Haas Haus, 01, Graben, the mirrored facade of which seems to mock St Stephen’s Cathedral, standing opposite. In addition to exclusive shops, the Haas Haus has a platform on the top floor, for sightseers who fancy a more face-to-face encounter with the cathedral. There are a number of architectural gems in this district - small shops with facades designed by some of Austria’s most famous architects, as well as smaller side streets, often hiding unique and interesting retail opportunities.

The Ringstrassengalerien, 01, Kärtner Ring, offers the convenience of a shopping center, a short walk from the Staatsoper. The traditional shopping street of the Viennese is Mariahilferstrasse, which stretches from the Ringstrasse towards the Westbahnhof rail station (above the U3 U-Bahn line) between the Sixth and Seventh Districts. This street is home to major international stores selling clothing, music and other familiar commodities, as well as the department store Gerngross, 07, Mariahilfer Strasse 42-48.

Among the many markets in the city, the most popular with locals and tourists alike is the Naschmarkt, a colorful array of fruit and vegetable stalls, shops and eateries, located between the Linke (left) and Rechte (right) Wienzeile streets, near Karlsplatz (beside Kettenbrükegasse U-Bahn station). The market is open within the normal shopping hours Monday to Saturday.

Between 0800 and 1200 on Saturday, the Flohmarkt (Flea Market) comes alive at the far end of the Naschmarkt. Some incredible bargains in second-hand clothes and goods, as well as more than a few unusual items, are on sale here. There are a number of Christmas and Advent markets in the city during the festive season. The most popular is the Christkindlmarkt, which is held in front of the Rathaus overlooking the Ringstrasse.

Shoppers in search of souvenirs can choose from the many gifts that bear an image associated with Vienna - St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Giant Ferris Wheel or the Lipizzaner horses. Something a bit more distinctive, such as the art deco works produced by the artisans of the Wiener Werkstätten, is available from Österreichische Werkstätten, 01, Kärntnerstrasse 6.

Wiener Porzellanmanufaktur Augarten, Europe’s second oldest porcelain manufacturer, once supplied its hand-painted wares to the Imperial family. Nowadays, visitors can tour its factory at Augartenpalais, in the Second District (tel: (01) 2112 4200; website: www.augarten.at). Following strict criteria, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce only allows a limited number of companies to use the ‘Wien Products’ logo, a symbol of high quality craftsmanship (website: www.wienproducts.at).

Shops are generally open Monday to Friday 0900-1800/1830 and Saturday 0900-1700 (many shops also stay open until 2130 on Thursday, and/or 1930 on Friday). The 20% VAT can be reclaimed by visitors from outside the EU, on goods with a value exceeding €75. Visitors can do this at the airport, if traveling to a non-EU country. Otherwise, the claim must be made in the final EU country visited. To make a claim, the tax-cheque must be filled in at the time of purchase. After check-in at the airport, the purchased items and tax-cheque must be taken to customs clearance. The customs official will provide a tax stamp, which may be redeemed at any of the airport banks for cash in a variety of currencies. The rebate can be up to 15% of the purchase price. More information is available from Global Refund, 23, Zetschegasse 17 (website: www.globalrefund.com).

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