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Shopping information
Vienna is full of many shopping treasures. Its historic centre,
completely encircled by the Ringstrasse, is small and easily
walkable and the fantastically efficient public transport
means that you will never have need for a car. A culture vulture's
dream, Vienna was the home of the mighty Habsburg dynasty
for 640 years and their palaces are just one of the many attractions
that Vienna has to offer.
Main shopping areas
Mariahilferstrasse is the main shopping drag in Vienna
where you are most likely to find the locals doing their shopping.
In Dorotheergasse and the surrounding streets you can
find antiques, second hand furniture and art.The streets of
Graben and Kohlmarkt are filled with designer
boutiques and cafes.
Getting about
The U-bahn, or underground, is fast, efficient and
covers everywhere in the city centre and beyond. The trams
are also a great way of getting about if you remember the
golden rule - tram 1 circles the Ringstrasse clockwise and
tram number 2 follows the same route anti-clockwise. Other
routes take you all over the city and out into the suburbs.
Buses cover the areas that aren't covered by tram.
The level of English spoken in Vienna by the locals is outstanding
so feel free to ask for directions.
Opening hours
Most shops open between 9am and 10am. Although gradually
getting better, many shops in Vienna still close at 5.30pm,
so make sure you don't start shopping too late!
Payment
One thing to remember when you come to Vienna is that it
isn't as credit card orientated as other cities such as London
or New York, although this too is getting better. It's best
to carry some cash with you just in case. ATM cash machine
are common place and there are plenty of banks to exchange
traveller's cheques.
Shops
A.E. Koechert
Retailer to royalty, A.E. Koechert was jeweller to the Habsburgs
from 1814. Housed in a 16th century landmark building, it
is now run by the 6th generation of the founding family. They
offer an excellent, friendly and professional service - and
jewels fit for a king.
A.E. Koechert
Neuer Markt, 15
A- 1010
Vienna
Tel - (00 43) 1 512 5828
Fax - (00 43) 1 513 4022
Dorotheum
Even the Viennese aristocracy would go through tough patches
at times, and so in 1707, Habsburg Emporer Joseph I founded
the Dorotheum - now the oldest auction house in Europe. The
aristocracy needed somewhere to go and get quick cash for
their antiques, and so Aunty Dorothy's was born.
Dorotheum
Dorotheergasse, 17
A - 1010
Vienna
Tel - (00 43) 1 515 60 200
Fax - (00 43) 1 515 60 508
LOMO
First invented as a camera for the Russian army and the Russian
people, the LOMO camera comes with an entire lifestyle. Funky,
unfocused images combined with 4 in 1 photographs make this
camera like no other. The shop in the Museums Quarter of Vienna
is full of quirky gadgets, including clothing for dogs and
mini-fridges.
LOMO
Hollergasse, 41
A- 1150
Vienna
Tel - (00 43) 1 899 440
Fax - (00 43) 1 899 4422
J &R Lobmeyr
When it came to decorating the royal palaces with glass,
crystal and chandeliers, there was only one organisation fit
for the job. Since 1828, J & R Lobmeyr has been creating
masterpieces large and small by artists such as Adolf Loos
and Joseph Hoffman. Today their creations can be found in
the Kremlin, the Kennedy Centre in Washington and the King's
Palace in Saudi Arabia.
J &R
Lobmeyr
Kartnerstrasse, 26
A - 1015
Vienna
Tel - (00 43) 1 512 0508
Fax - (00 43) 1 512 0508 85
Ludwig Reiter
Ludwig Reiter is considered to be one of the top makers of
quality shoes in the world with branched in Tokyo, Paris and
New York. He started making shoes for the Imperial dynasty
in Vienna in 1885, and now has modern, trendy lines as well
as the classics. The inventor of the funky 'bowling shoe'
design, Ludwig Reiter makes handcrafted, unusual trainers
for the same price as plastic high-street ones. And friendly
professional service is also included in the price.
Ludwig
Reiter
Molkersteig, 1
Vienna
A - 1010
Tel & Fax - (00 43) 1 533 420 422
Tostmann Trachten
If you fancy some traditional Austrian clothing, then Tostmann
Trachten is the place to come. For over 50 years, Marlen Tostmann
has been making dirndls, lederhosen and traditional Austrian
costumes for both adults and children. She's such and expert,
she's even a published author on the subject. Exceptionally
friendly service and impeccable quality add to the charm of
this lovely establishment. The mini Lederhosen for children
are the cutest souvenir to be found anywhere in Vienna.
Tostmann
Trachten
Schottengasse, 3a,
A-1010
Vienna
Tel - (00 43) 1 533 5331
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