The Naschmarkt has operated in some form since the 16th century, though its current stretch of permanent stalls dates to the late 1800s. Today it's a mix of fruit and vegetable stalls, spice merchants, cheese and olive counters, and a dense run of small restaurants and food stands serving everything from Middle Eastern mezze to Austrian classics.
What to eat
Graze rather than commit to one sit-down meal — the market's strength is variety, with falafel and kebab stands sitting next to Austrian sausage stalls, fresh juice counters and cheese shops offering tastings. Weekday lunchtimes see it fill with office workers from the surrounding districts, which is a reasonable sign of where the good, reasonably priced food actually is.
The Saturday flea market
On Saturdays, the market extends into a large flea market at its western end, selling everything from genuine antiques to plain secondhand junk — worth a browse if you enjoy digging through stalls, though go early for the best selection, since serious collectors arrive at opening time.
Local tip
The market is at its liveliest — and most crowded — on Saturday mornings. For a calmer visit with more room to browse, go on a weekday.
Nearby
The Secession building, with its gold-leaf dome and Klimt's Beethoven Frieze inside, sits right at the market's Karlsplatz end, making it an easy pairing if you're also interested in Vienna's early-20th-century art scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Naschmarkt open every day?
The market stalls are open Monday to Saturday; the flea market runs on Saturdays only, and most of the market is closed on Sundays.
Is Naschmarkt good for lunch?
Yes — it's one of the best casual lunch spots in Vienna, with a wide range of cuisines at stalls and small restaurants throughout the market.