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This city centre zone has always been an important square for public life. Whereas in medieval times both festivals and executions took place on the Freyung, it is largely markets that are held here today. A little farmers’ market selling mainly organic products takes place daily – don’t miss out on tasty cheeses, crisp brown bread or smoked ham from the stalls. But the square really comes to life just before Christmas, when a bustling festive market sells all sorts of hand-made art objects and vendors offer alcoholic punch. A real Viennese experience (see p80).

Beautiful and innovative furniture from Viennese designers and manufacturers, such as Josef Hoffmann and Thonet, is sold at Ambiente. They can also arrange shipping to get your goods home.

This gallery in the former Palais Gatterburg specializes in Austrian art, such as new media and object art, as well as photography.

In nine exhibitions a year Hilger shows early 20th-century artworks as well as contemporary Austrian and international artists.

The gallery organizes several major exhibitions a year of Austrian postwar and contemporary artists.

On the three floors of Galleria you’ll find a range of goods, from fashion labels to shoe shops, electronic items to jewellery, as well as pharmacies and supermarkets. Of course, there are also cafés and restaurants to rest your feet after a long day’s shopping.

These four round-shaped industrial buildings were constructed in 1899 to store gas. No longer needed for their original purpose, four renowned architects (Coop Himmelblau, Jean Nouvel, Manfred Wehdorn and Wilhelm Holzbauer) converted the massive buildings in 2001 into a shopping centre, an events’ hall, 615 apartments and a students’ hall of residence. Around 70 shops offer everything from fashion to electronic goods – the separate Gasometer buildings are connected by glazed corridors (see p51).

One of Vienna’s largest department stores, Gerngross’s goods range from designer clothing to middle-of-the-range labels, from fashion accessories to home decor and furniture. There is a sushi restaurant and a café on the top floor, both offering an excellent view over the bustling shopping street down below (see p110).

The characteristic green-and-white patterns used for the ceramic products of this store are rooted in traditional Austrian styles. Collectors’ items range from water jugs and coffee mugs to candle holders.

This shop offers a great selection of coffees, both Viennese and international, as well as delicious chocolates with a variety of tasty fillings.