Vienna's legendary open-air Naschmarkt is a 1.5km sensory feast of Austrian charcuterie, exotic spices, handmade cheeses, and fresh Danube fish — a culinary institution since the 16th century. Pair it with a ritual hour in one of Vienna's grand UNESCO-listed coffee houses for the full Viennese experience.
What to expect
Begin at the Naschmarkt's western end as the vendors are at their liveliest, sampling smoked Waldviertel trout, Styrian pumpkin-seed oil drizzled on bread, and Austrian Bergkäse. Your guide reveals the market's history — from imperial court supplier to bohemian Saturday institution — and points out the magnificent Otto Wagner art nouveau apartment buildings opposite. The tour culminates in a traditional Viennese Kaffeehaus for Melange coffee, a slice of Sachertorte, and a reading of the morning papers — a ritual that UNESCO has inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Good to know
The Naschmarkt is busiest (and best) on Saturday mornings when the flea market joins the food stalls. The market is approximately 20 minutes by taxi from the Danube cruise piers. Book your Insight Cities slot at least a week in advance. Wear comfortable shoes and arrive hungry — this is a grazing tour. Check your all-aboard time: allow 30 minutes return travel to the ship.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Vienna — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Vienna
- Schönbrunn Palace — Grand Tour of the Habsburg Summer Residence
- Spanish Riding School — Lipizzaner Stallions Morning Exercise
- Vienna State Opera: Backstage Grand Tour
- Belvedere Palace — Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss'
- Strauss & Mozart Concert at Schönbrunn Orangery
- Wiener Riesenrad — Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater
- Private Expert Walking Tour: Imperial Vienna & Hidden Courtyards
- St. Stephen's Cathedral — South Tower Climb & Catacombs