Mariahilfer Street (Mariahilfer Strasse) is one of the liveliest and most diverse places to go shopping in Vienna. This sprawling commercial street stretches for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Auer-Welsbach-Park to the MuseumsQuartier, at the edge of Old Town. Mingle with the crowds that visit Mariahilfer Street year-round to browse the fashion outlets, sample typical Austrian cuisine at street-side restaurants and enjoy great people-watching opportunities.
The wide pavements and pedestrian-only areas of the street’s western section are a densely packed shopper’s delight. Find everything from bookstores, chocolatiers and jewelers to home décor shops, leather stores and sporting apparel retailers. Shop at independent traders and the outlets of popular international brands such as Forever 21. Venture along the side streets of the Neubau and Mariahilf districts to discover quirky boutiques.
Take a break at one of the many cafés. Sit at a table at an outdoor patio and watch as the busy action unfolds in front of you. Re-energize with a traditional schnitzel and sample delicious Viennese pastries. You may experience gemütlichkeit, a feeling of comfort, geniality and warmth.
Go to the square outside the Mariahilferkirche church between mid November and late December for the Christmas Market. Look over the various artisanal wares and handicrafts offered for sale. Keep warm with a mug of fruity Wiehnachtspunsch (mulled wine).
Travel by foot, bus or tram to the eastern end of the street. Have fun with the interactive science and technology exhibits at the Technisches Museum Wien. Stroll around the parkland and tree-lined paths of Auer-Welsbach-Park. Nearby is the opulent Schönbrunner Palace, with a garden that is home to Schönbrunn Zoo, one of the world’s oldest zoological parks.
Located to the west of Vienna’s Old Town, Mariahilfer Street is easy to reach via the city’s extensive public transportation network. Several metro stations, including Neubaugasse and Zieglergasse, have direct access. Alternatively, walk from Westbahnhof railway terminal in a few minutes.
A list of shops and their opening hours is available on the Mariahilfer Street official website, which is in German only.
