If you’re planning a vacation to Austria’s capital city, you’ll have your pick of authentic Vienna souvenirs to bring home. The city has a rich blend of music, art, architecture, and its famous coffeehouse tradition. When it comes to crafts, it’s all about quality. Whether you’re shopping for a handcrafted snow globe or a delicate piece of porcelain, the beauty is always in the details.
Here are the best Viennese souvenirs to buy during your visit.
Sacher‑Torte
Sacher-Torte
When it comes to sweet treats to try in Vienna, there’s nothing like the famous Sacher-Torte. Created by the 16-year-old Franz Sacher in 1832, this chocolate cake is unique for featuring a layer of apricot jam in the middle or just beneath the dark chocolate glaze on top.
To buy the original Sacher-Torte, you need to make sure you go to one of Hotel Sacher Wien’s official shops. While traveling back home with a cake might seem like an accident waiting to happen, the hotel packs its Sacher-Torte in a sturdy wooden box with a little handle for easy transport and to prevent it from getting crushed in transit.
Mozartkugeln
Mozartkugeln
For an extra chocolate fix, consider buying a pack of Mozartkugeln. As the name suggests, these bite-sized balls are named after Mozart himself. Coated in dark chocolate and featuring a pistachio, marzipan, and nougat center, each Mozartkugel is wrapped individually and then placed either in a box or a bag. It makes travel easier, and you can even indulge in a few on your flight home.
The inventor of Mozartkugeln, confectioner Paul Fürst, worked in Salzburg and decided to name his creation, developed in 1890, in honor of the famous composer. Despite spending much of his life in Vienna, Mozart was born in Salzburg.
Mozartkugeln are ubiquitous in Austria nowadays. To try the most authentic version, look for “Original Salzburger Mozartkugeln by Fürst.” That said, it may be worth sampling versions from other Austrian brands such as Reber and Mirabell.
Swarovski Crystal
Swarovski crystal
For a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir from Austria, consider investing in a piece of Swarovski crystal. The Austrian brand is known around the world and dates back to 1895 when Daniel Swarovski invented a machine capable of cutting crystal with extreme precision. Despite the availability of new technologies, Swarovski crystal craftsmanship is truly unmatched.
A big reason Swarovski crystals are so expensive is the precision of their production process. The quality is also impeccable, hence the higher price point. As a sidenote, if you ever plan to resell your item and want the best price possible, keep the original packaging and all corresponding documents.
Given how delicate and expensive Swarovski crystal can be, consider purchasing a small piece that you can pack safely in your carry-on, or opt for their in-store tax-free shipping option. Even if you don’t make a purchase, a visit to the Swarovski Kristallwelten Store on Kärntner Straße 24 is an experience all on its own.
Augarten Porcelain
Augarten porcelain Photo by Gryffindor on Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Porcelain is another amazing souvenir to buy in Vienna. To learn more about this art form, which emerged in the early 1700s, spend an hour or two exploring the Porcelain Museum at the Augarten Porcelain Manufactory in the pretty Augarten park. Even today, each porcelain item is handcrafted and hand-painted by skilled artisans.
Join one of their guided tours hosted at the museum site, or explore at your own pace. As you go, keep an eye out for famous patterns like the “Viennese Rose” that appear on many pieces. To purchase your own, you can browse items at the museum shop in the Augarten manufactory or head straight for their flagship store on Spiegelgasse 3 in the city center.
Locally Produced Wine
Grüner Veltliner
For something more budget-friendly, bring back a bottle or two of Austrian wine. While Austrian wine is easy to find in Vienna, only about 30% of production is exported, making it even more worthwhile to pick some up locally.
Gemischter Satz, a field blend made from grapes grown in the same vineyard, is one of Vienna’s signature wines. Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Riesling are other popular whites to try. For red wine, Zweigelt is a good option, as it’s less likely to be found back in the States.
To purchase a few bottles before your journey home, head to a dedicated wine shop like WEIN & CO Wien Schottentor, which doubles as a wine bar. You can even sample a few wines there and then pick your favorites to take with you. Alternatively, plan a day trip from Vienna to the Wachau Valley, just over an hour away by car or train, to visit vineyards and buy bottles directly from the source.
Coffee House Blend
Coffee beans
Vienna is known for its coffeehouse scene. It’s easily one of the city’s most beloved traditions and has even been recognized by UNESCO as an element of intangible cultural heritage. Rather than rushing to get your caffeine fix, coffee house culture in Vienna is about slowing down, reading a book, or chatting with those around you.
As for the ambiance, the city’s coffeehouses still retain the artsy vibe that first attracted writers, intellectuals, and creatives to gather—think plush seating, marble-topped tables, and mirrors reflecting natural light.
Julius Meinl, founded in 1862, is one of the most iconic Viennese coffee brands, but there are plenty of modern spots, such as Balthasar Kaffee Bar and Café Süßmund, that also roast and sell their own blends.
Many of these cafés sell coffee beans to go, either whole or ground. It’s a creative souvenir to buy in Vienna and a great way to remember your trip.
Viennese Snow Globe
Viennese snow globe
If you’re wondering what to buy in Vienna, a handcrafted snow globe is definitely one worth considering. Here in Vienna, snow globes are so much more than a token Christmas decoration; this is where they were invented. Erwin Perzy I was the first person to create a snow globe back in 1900, and it’s been a beloved art form ever since.
Although you’re sure to find plenty of miniature snow globes at souvenir shops around the city, the best place to purchase one is at the Original Viennese Snow Globe Factory. It’s really fun to look at all the details that go into creating these, as well as the figurines and famous city landmarks inside the globes. Some feature Christmas trees in the center, while others depict animals and even Santa Claus himself.
Porcelain Cookie Cutters
Another souvenir to get you in the holiday spirit is a set of porcelain cookie cutters. Like snow globes, there are lots of different themed cutters to choose from, ranging from historical figures to music-inspired motifs and famous Viennese landmarks like the Giant Ferris Wheel.
You can buy cookie cutters and stamps at the Original Viennese Snow Globe Factory and a handful of other shops around the city.
Manner Neapolitan Wafers
Wafers
If you’re in a rush and looking for a quick souvenir to take back home, you can’t go wrong with a pack of Manner Neapolitan wafers. Made with hazelnut cream, this sweet snack has been a local favorite since its creation in 1898.
The pink packaging is hard to miss, so if you are in a souvenir shop or even a supermarket, it’ll stand out right away. You can buy Manner wafers all over the world nowadays, but the original hazelnut flavor presented in the iconic pink tin, purchased at the Manner shop on Stephansplatz, is a great souvenir of the city.
Viennese Soap
Viennese soap
While candles aren’t exactly anything new, soap-making in Vienna goes way back, and it makes for a great gift for friends back home. Ingredients and scents vary, but for the most part, soap makers use sustainable ingredients and plastic-free packaging to be more environmentally conscious.
Wiener Seife is perhaps the most famous soap brand in Vienna, and they have a shop at Herrengasse 6. Haslinger Seifen & Kosmetik is another well-known brand, especially for incorporating essential oils and herbs into its soap recipes.
Locally Made Perfume
Perfume
Another long-standing tradition in Vienna is the art of perfume-making, particularly during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At the time, perfumeries like Nägele & Strubell dominated the market, while today, modern brands like WienerBlut have made their mark.
Although WienerBlut puts its own spin on classic scents from the Imperial era, it gives a good sense of what the monarchs wore.
J. & L. Lobmeyr Glassware
While Swarovski crystal is a perfect souvenir for something decorative around your home, Lobmeyr glassware offers more functional use. The company was founded in 1823, making it one of Vienna’s oldest glass manufacturers.
Their drinkware, such as wine glasses, is really popular, as are their chandeliers if you’re on the market for something more decadent. Their showroom and workshop double as a shop where you can purchase items and learn more about the craft of glassmaking.
Viennese Souvenir FAQs
What souvenirs is Vienna known for?
Handmade soap
There are several authentic souvenirs to buy in Vienna, from Augarten porcelain items to Viennese snow globes. Small, easy-to-pack souvenirs might include handmade soaps, perfumes, or chocolate truffles.
Vienna has long been a “capital” of classical music, with world-renowned composers like Mozart and Beethoven having created some of their most famous masterpieces during their time in Vienna. As such, you’re likely to find plenty of Mozart-themed memorabilia as well, or even reproductions of his sheet music or concert posters from the 18th and 19th centuries.
What food souvenirs is Vienna known for?
Mozartkugeln
If you have a sweet tooth, Vienna is a wonderful place to visit. One of the most classic Viennese treats is the Sacher-Torte, a chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam in the middle, or sometimes just beneath the glaze. Another popular sweet treat is artfully wrapped Mozartkugeln. When biting into these small, round treats, you’ll find pistachio, marzipan, and nougat.
For savory options, either pick up a tin of Viennese coffee blends from a café you’ve liked, or choose one of the more traditional cafés, such as Julius Meinl. Alternatively, buy products from local farms, such as pumpkin seed oil or Austrian mustard. Regional products like these are often sold in grocery stores and a selection of souvenir shops around the city.
Where can I buy authentic Vienna souvenirs?
Street in Vienna
While there is no shortage of souvenir shops in Vienna, especially in the historic downtown, your best bet for finding authentic items to take back home with you will be to scope out independent boutiques, local crafts markets, and specialty stores. For example, J. & L. Lobmeyr is the go-to place for fine glassware, while Altmann & Kühne sell delicious mini chocolates.
If your visit falls in the weeks leading up to Christmas, you’ll have tons of handmade items to choose from while attending one of Vienna’s festive Christmas markets. Otherwise, Naschmarkt features more than 100 stands and restaurants where you can sample local dishes and pick up a few trinkets to give to friends and family.
Can I bring Sacher-Torte or Austrian wine home from Vienna?
Sacher-Torte
Yes, you can bring food items like Sachertorte and Austrian wine back home with you, and both make for great souvenirs and gift ideas.
For the Original Sacher-Torte, be sure to buy it directly at Hotel Sacher. They pack these Austrian desserts carefully so that they travel well and have a longer shelf life. When you get home, remember to keep it in a cool place and don’t wait more than a week or two to eat it.
As for Austrian wine, you’ll need to pack it in your checked luggage since it’s a liquid. Buy a protective sleeve, roll a few clothing items around it for padding, and place it in the center of your bag. When it comes to which bottles to buy, Gemischter Satz is a delicious varietal from the vineyards surrounding Vienna. Another popular pick is Grüner Veltliner from the Wachau Valley.
Vienna
Discover the best of Vienna’s souvenirs for yourself. Browse Celebrity’s river cruises to Vienna and book your European adventure today.
