Oh, the Brunnenmarkt and its very special charm – the enthusiastic vendors selling their goods with loud shouts of ‘Biiitte schön, biiitte schön. Nur 1 Euro!’ (which is actually true in most cases), the hustle and bustle of people pushing past you and bargaining in all kinds of languages, and the smell of fresh spices in the air.
The lively place would make us feel like we were on holidays in the Orient, if there wasn’t the lovely and incomprehensible sound of the Ur-Viennese slang in the air. You’ll find just about everything your heart desires, from olives, cheese, meat (highly recommended to veil lovers), trashy clothes, spices, cheap housewares, to creepy toys and live fish still swimming around in containers. But the speciality of this market lies in its great variety of very affordable vegetables and fruits – keep your eyes open for exotic surprises. We recommend you go with the flow of the market and stroll around the stands, dig into the free samples and maybe also compare prices.
On Saturday mornings, the local farmers market in the Northern part of the Brunnenmarkt opens up. We find it to be the perfect spot for a little chit-chat with the friendly farmers while purchasing regional and organic products.
Fun facts: The Brunnenmarkt has its origins in 1830 and is, with its 160 market stands, the largest market of its kind in Europe. And it’s also one of the cheapest markets, and easily accessible from Vienna’s city center. Weehee!
Should you get hungry, choose between either relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere in one of the restaurants (for example C.I. or An-do) around the square of Yppenplatz, or try one of the Turkish restaurants in Brunnengasse (Kent, one of the most popular Turkish restaurants is located there).
Tip: Shortly before closing time everthing is sold even cheaper.
