Naschmarkt

The Naschmarkt, in Vienna's sixth district of Mariahilf, covers more than two hectares (about five acres) and is the largest inner-city market in Vienna. It stretches along the vaulted-over course of the former Wien River, between Getreidemarkt at Karlsplatz and the Kettenbrückengasse subway station. The site's history goes back to 1780, when a farmers' market for dairy products sprang up here outside the city walls, originally called the Kärntnertormarkt. The current name probably derives from the exotic sweets that were traded here in the 19th century. After the Wien River was regulated and the Stadtbahn (city railway) was built, the market was moved to its present site starting in 1902, following a concept by Friedrich Jäckel. More than a hundred masonry market stalls in a uniform style were built at that time, and they still give the place its distinctive look today.

At the Naschmarkt you'll find a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, fish, and meat. The market is especially well known for its international flavor, with shops selling goods from the former Yugoslavia, Greece, and Turkey, as well as, increasingly, from East Asia, such as Japan and China. Since 2000, the character of the market has changed markedly with the arrival of numerous restaurants and cafés. Many of the original sales stalls have been converted into restaurants, so that today, especially in the summer months, the Naschmarkt is also a lively meeting place in the evening, where market vendors and night owls cross paths. Restaurants that stay open until late in the evening add to this special atmosphere.

The immediate surroundings of the market are shaped by culture and architecture. At the end nearest the city center stands the famous exhibition building of the Vienna Secession, while the Theater an der Wien is nearby. In recent years, the market's infrastructure has been comprehensively renovated and modernized, including the replacement of all utility lines and the creation of barrier-free access. At the end of 2025, a new market hall with a partly planted roof that you can walk on also opened, complementing the market space. The Naschmarkt is considered an integral part of Vienna's cityscape and attracts locals and tourists alike who want to combine an authentic market experience with the chance to linger in the surrounding restaurants and cafés.