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You are here: Home / Austria / Cheap Eats in Vienna: Festivals and Markets

Austria Blog Food

Cheap Eats in Vienna: Festivals and Markets

“No kangaroos in Austria.”

When I visited Vienna, I saw the abovementioned statement on several stores and stands. The gracious marsupial appeared “scratched” on t-shirts, caps and mugs.

Seems like Austrians are tired of people confusing their country with Australia.  Because of that, they have come up with clever, “in your face” ways to make clear they are not located down under.

I am assuming the people who came up with this publicity gimmick were not thinking about what is cooked on the streets of this stately city. The kangaroo silhouettes posted all over Old Town morphed into tender and delicious ‘roo on the grill at one of the stands of the gastronomic festival taking place in front of the Rathaus (City Hall).

Sorry Austrians but I did find kangaroos in your country!

All jokes aside, Vienna is not the most budget friendly city in Europe. Austria is a progressive country with a high sense of aesthetics, culture and civility.  That reality translates into pricey goods and services.

The good news is that the country’s high standard of living is fertile ground for film, book, arts, music and religious festivals.  Those celebrations are backed up by a big number of food sellers.  Austrians know what they are doing.  Great festivals equal great food.

Therefore, here goes a golden nugget of wisdom.  If you want to save money on food during your stay in Vienna, find the nearest festival (there are more than you think).

Venues in Old Town such as the Rathausplatz, the Museum Quarter and the Volksgarten are the perfect places to crash one of these festivals.

Here are some benefits of getting your food from a stall:

  • Variety of local and international dishes
  • All dishes under 10 Euros
  • Good portion sizes (enough to leave you satisfied)
  • Cooking techniques on some dishes will leave you speechless
  • Opportunity to try something new
  • Tons of locals to mingle with

During my stay on the city, the Film Festival was taking place.  The event lasted a month and included a gastronomic festival composed of more than 20 sellers.

Since we fell in love with what we ate on our first day in the city, we returned the next two days.  Let me tell you something.  The food did not disappoint.  Have to respect how this people cook (and how they cook pork, that was on another level).

Here is a sample of what we had.  I am not responsible for excess drooling (and complication with your technical equipment).

A little starter before the main dish

Roasted pork with sauerkraut and potato dumplings

Lamb kofta with pilaf and yogurt sauce

Spezial schmarrn

For lack of a better description, these can be thought as “cut-up pancakes.”  However, these are thicker and denser than their American cousins (which tend to be light and fluffy).

Batter is poured into a pan and cooked before being cutup. The pieces are then cooked again in the pan with some butter until everything looks golden brown on all sides. The traditional recipe involves raisins in the dough and plum compote as a side. Other variations are served.  For example, I got half a portion of apple and half portion of blueberry.  They were served with a creamy vanilla sauce (on the side).

Stir fry chicken and beef

Pulled pork with a baked potato

Surf ‘n Turf (the dark meat is the kangaroo)

What do you think of all that?  Super delicious, right?

Here is a sample of the festivals and celebrations that you can attend.  Some of these charge a fee for certain events but the party atmosphere (and the cheap eats) is tangible around the venues.

  • Vienna Ball Season
  • Easter Sunday and Monday
  • May Day
  • Vienna Festival
  • JazzFest
  • Midsummer Eve celebrations
  • Danube Island Festival
  • Wiener Wies-Fest
  • Austrian National Day
  • Christmas Markets

This is only a small sample of the celebrations that take place in the city. Your hotel’s front desk should be able to provide you with more detailed information.  Vienna has excellent information centers too.

Remember this is a city which takes its culture seriously.  You may be able to find a festival that fits your preferences.

Markets are awesome places to find cheap eats in Vienna.  Here are my recommendations:

  • Naschmarkt – do not forget to read my post about this exciting place!
  • Brunnenmarkt

Affordable restaurants can be found throughout the city.  Here are some good ones in case you need to properly sit down (and rest your feet).

  • Wiener Deewan – pay as you want restaurant
  • Tunnel
  • Bier & Bierli
  • Centimeter
  • Wiener Wiaz Haus

Do not forget the ice cream!

  • Eis-Greißler – the best in Vienna

For more recommendations, check websites like Yelp, Chowhound and Like a Local Guide.

Have you found any cheap eats in Vienna?

Ready to pin? Let’s do this.

 

Related posts:

Vienna Market, One day in Vienna , Naschmarkt, Largest Outdoor Market in Vienna, AustriaNaschmarkt: Vienna’s Largest Outdoor Market Vienna in 3 Days ,Vienna, AustriaWhat to Do in Vienna in 1, 2 or 3 Days: Itinerary and Day Trips Alsatian Cuisine, Alsace, France, Strasbourg, ColmarA Lesson in Alsatian Cuisine: Flavors from France Melk, Wachau Valley, best day trips from ViennaBest Day Trips from Vienna (Reachable in 1-3 Hours)


74 Comments

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Comments

  1. Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe says

    April 10, 2017 at 3:59 am

    OMG all that food looks delicious. We’ve been to Vienna twice now and last time went to many of the Christmas markets so have tried several of these tasty treats. Mmm my mouth is watering.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 14, 2017 at 3:43 pm

      Oh, that is wonderful! I can’t imagine all the delicious treats one can find on the Christmas markets. I want to visit Europe during that season.

      Reply
  2. Jane @ Raincity Librarian says

    April 10, 2017 at 10:28 am

    Oh, yum! There’s nothing quite like street food – hot, cheap, delicious, and perfect for snacking on while wandering around and taking it all in. I love seeking out festivals wherever I go and just soaking in all the culture and excitement!

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 3:48 pm

      I am a festival lover too and for the longest time, I have wanted to attend a food festival in a foreign country. The opportunity came in Vienna without me even making plans. That is what I call good luck.

      Reply
  3. Lisa - FlipFlopGlobetrotters.com says

    April 10, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    Oooh, I wish we’d known about all these when we were in Vienna last year! #MondayEscapes

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 3:49 pm

      Well, more excuses to go back! I was surprised (in a good way) by the amount of good food in Vienna.

      Reply
  4. Photo Cache says

    April 10, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    The foods are photographed marvelously. My mouth is watering.

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 3:51 pm

      Thanks so much! I love food so much!

      Reply
  5. Rhonda Albom says

    April 11, 2017 at 3:52 am

    I love food markets like these. Everybody can get what they want (and sample all the food as well). The spezial schmarrn looks especially good.

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 3:52 pm

      That is so true! My husband and I got what we wanted and then shared between ourselves. I am going to Germany soon and I hope to eat schmarrn again.

      Reply
  6. Molly says

    April 11, 2017 at 4:10 am

    Now my tummy is rumbling, it all looks so good

    mollyx

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 3:55 pm

      Ha, ha, well, you have to go and grad some good food!

      Reply
  7. KVVS MURTHY says

    April 11, 2017 at 5:49 am

    super clicks.Yummy too.

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 4:01 pm

      Thanks! Appreciate you taking the time to stop by.

      Reply
  8. Christine | The Journey of Christine says

    April 11, 2017 at 7:55 am

    Whoa, look at all that amazing food! I love visiting festivals and markets for good food. Like you said, it’s cheap but oh so great! I’ve only been to Salzburg but would love to visit Vienna. I have heard that it’s pretty pricey there but I would go just for the festivals alone. #citytripping

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 4:03 pm

      Since I ate mostly at the markets and festivals, I didn’t feel Vienna that expensive. I am sure price are steep in certain restaurants.

      Reply
  9. Katie says

    April 11, 2017 at 9:55 am

    Vienna looks incredible, it is definitely on my bucket list! I love to travel for food and these market stalls look just perfect! #MondayEscapes

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 4:05 pm

      We are on the same page then. Food is one of the main reasons I travel. The food in Vienna (at least on the streets) is delicious. I was surprised how good they cook pork.

      Reply
  10. Kat says

    April 11, 2017 at 11:14 am

    I love it! Those poor Austrians, always being confused with us Australians. To be fair though, it does happen the other way round as well, unfortunately. And I’m glad you got to find roo on the grill there as well!

    The Lebanese and Thai food look delicious! When I went to Vienna, all I did was eat pastries 😉 #CityTripping

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 4:07 pm

      I can’t believe this is a reality. I do not see the similarity at all. I think people do not listen when other talk. When I say I am from Puerto Rico, people think I am form Costa Rica.

      Reply
  11. Bryna | Dotted Line Travels says

    April 11, 2017 at 7:44 pm

    Ah your post made me so hungry! The sauerkraut (which I love!) and the baklavas (at least that’s what I think the are) are especially appealing to me!

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 4:09 pm

      The sauerkraut flavor varied a lot. I like some version but not others. The one shown in here has caraway seeds. They taste ok but I think I am allergic to them.

      Reply
  12. Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says

    April 12, 2017 at 1:53 am

    The food really does look amazing, they certainly like their pork. Great idea to go for the street food option and the portions are very generous. Looking forward to visiting Vienna at some point and trying its food too. By the way, very amused by it being mistaken for Australia! thanks for linking #citytripping

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 4:14 pm

      I think this is a great option for visitors. It is an opportunity to try different options. The part of Austrians and Australians being confused is crazy. I found it very funny.

      Reply
  13. Photo(Geo)grapher says

    April 12, 2017 at 10:55 am

    That food looks delicious and your post made me so hungry! 😉

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 4:17 pm

      I guess that is a good thing. Hope you get something good to eat!

      Reply
  14. Lolo says

    April 12, 2017 at 12:02 pm

    Mmm all of this food like delicious and has made me hungry again! I just ate dinner! Will have to look out for these next time! #WanderfulWednesday

    ps. As I said before, I love your new look, but your social media icon on the left side of the screen is in the way of reading the text. It would be better to move it a little more left. 🙂

    Reply
    • Ruth Rieckehoff says

      April 14, 2017 at 4:19 pm

      Thanks for for your recommendation about the floating bar. I had problems finding which plugin controlled that and then logging in to my account to make changes. I took it out and replaced it with other icons.

      Reply
  15. Lisa says

    April 12, 2017 at 1:59 pm

    Great tip re: eating at festivals to keep the cost down! I love their kangaroo slogan;) Thanks for linking to #MondayEscapes

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 7:30 am

      Lisa, I am glad you enjoyed the kangaroo story. I think the entire confusion is pretty funny.

      Reply
  16. Kay L. Davies says

    April 12, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    I saw the word “churros” and was immediately impressed that so elegant a city has one of my favourite Mexican desserts! However, I think a meat dish like the Lamb kofta with pilaf and yogurt sauce might be a little more waistline-friendly.
    An impressive place to visit!
    Kay
    An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 7:39 am

      I know, it can be surprising but they eat the things we all eat in other countries. Sometimes we want to focus on the “typical” food of a place but people on that country have embraced things like burgers or Mexican food. I didn’t try the churros or anything from the Mexican stall but a lady that sat next to me said the food was good.

      Reply
  17. Sharon says

    April 12, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    Your photos make all this food look SO delicious! The signs about kangaroos — that’s really funny. It’s hard to confuse Vienna with the Australian outback, right?!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 7:40 am

      I think it is difficult but I was surprised to see all the kangaroos on the stores. I had to ask a local about that.

      Reply
  18. Sharon Wagner says

    April 13, 2017 at 6:56 am

    All I have to say is…Yum!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 7:48 am

      You could not say something better!

      Reply
  19. Kathy Marris says

    April 13, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    I would love to find some cheap eats in Austria! We have cheap eats in places called ‘collectives’ or ‘night markets’ here in Australia. It’s a great way of tasting a wide selection of different foods and is usually very cheap. I do like the look of Austrian food however.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 11:08 am

      I think what I have presented here follows that Australian concept even though they are not called like that. I really like to visit places like that.

      Reply
  20. budget jan says

    April 14, 2017 at 3:51 am

    Did you know there is an advertisement on TV in Australia (might be realestate.com) with Arnold Schwarzenegger in it where he is confusing Austria with Australia? It’s quite funny. This is real comfort food. I’d love to try the Roasted pork with sauerkraut. That and the sausage starter washed down with a beer!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 11:14 am

      I cannot believe a commercial like this exists! So the confusion is real! That roasted pork was delicious. Some of the best I have even tried.

      Reply
  21. Caity says

    April 14, 2017 at 8:11 am

    Love finding street food/festivals in new cities! This food looks delicious and I enjoyed your post on Naschmarkt as well! 🙂

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 11:15 am

      Thanks Caity! I am happy you got a good dose of food porn.

      Reply
  22. Anisa says

    April 14, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    The food all looks so good. I love these kind of markets, we have lots of them in NYC and they never get old. So much stuff to try. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 11:21 am

      That is one of the main reasons I want to go back to New York (when the weather is good). I can spend a week market jumping on there!

      Reply
  23. Brandy says

    April 14, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    We’re headed to Vienna in a few weeks… can not wait… must have all of this! Thank you for sharing and getting our appetites going for our vacation. Cheers ALOR

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 11:19 am

      Alright! Hope you find all of these and much more. I am telling you, Austrians blew me away with their street food.

      Reply
  24. Anna says

    April 15, 2017 at 12:40 am

    Great idea about the festivals! Vienna is really pricy when it comes to food… Besides, what could be better than a fresh made food in the open air?! made me hungry… lol #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 11:23 am

      That is true, the freshness factor is important to me. I am glad I was able to afford good food in Vienna. As a whole, I was lucky since I got a good hotel price too.

      Reply
  25. Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says

    April 15, 2017 at 1:40 am

    Wow, can’t believe you found kangaroo in Vienna – funny that they have the “no kangaroos here” signs everywhere. I guess some people must be quite disappointed if they were expecting Australia 😉 Looks like great tasting food – many of the dishes look similar to ones I’ve tried in Germany. Can’t wait to get to Vienna!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 11:26 am

      The thing is that I tried kangaroo in Austria for the first time. That is one that is going to stick with me for a long time. I hope I can find similar food in Germany since I loved what I had.

      Reply
  26. Jim ~ Reflections Enroute says

    April 15, 2017 at 4:41 am

    It’s a good thing I just ate! Even still my mouth is watering over the gyros and baclava. Thanks for linking up this week! #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 12:58 pm

      We didn’t have time to try those. With so much variety, it is hard to decide what to actually eat.

      Reply
  27. Anda says

    April 15, 2017 at 7:29 am

    Europe has so many great eateries like these: tasty and cheap food. I love it. I noticed that Mediterranean food is very wide spread everywhere nowadays. It didn’t use to be like this 20 years ago. #TheWeeklyPostcard.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 1:20 pm

      That is true. Mediterranean food is everywhere. I think it has gotten very popular because it tastes good and it is very affordable (not like here in the States).

      Reply
  28. Jessi (Two Feet, One World) says

    April 16, 2017 at 12:23 am

    Just as well I was eating breakfast while reading this as otherwise I would have been extremely hungry! Some great finds. I would also recommend Trzesniewski as a great spot for cheap eats – tasty open-face sandwiches and miniature beers, and I think there’s a few through the city.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 1:29 pm

      Thanks for the recommendation! I love when people share their finds!

      Reply
  29. Anna says

    April 16, 2017 at 5:06 am

    Yes! Definitely agree that Vienna is quite expensive. I remember we were able to catch a festival too (I think it was film?) and there were a ton of stalls around, so we ate there. Though I really can’t remember what we ate! I guess none of the food in Vienna stood out to me haha. The cut up pancakes (blueberry!) look sooo good though. Oh! I think I also saw kangaroo meat there, but i didn’t have any. What does it taste like??

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 1:56 pm

      These photos are from the gastronomic festival that was part of the film festival. The kangaroo tasted like steak. I was in Vienna for four days, so, I cannot say I am an expert on the food. I did like the food there but have to say the food on the other countries we visited was better (in my opinion).

      Reply
  30. Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says

    April 16, 2017 at 8:33 am

    I made the mistake of reading this post while waiting for my travel companions to get ready to go out for brunch. Needless to say, I was starving afterwards and I’m not sure I left any brunch for anyone else! Also safe to say that our options did not seem as tasty as all of the goodies you guys enjoyed. Awesome post, just for the “foodporn”. 😉 Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 1:59 pm

      Well, I am sure this helped your appetite a lot. Hope the service was fast! So, have you been to Vienna? What you ate in there?

      Reply
  31. Lauren says

    April 16, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    Vienna is one expensiveeee city, so this post was incredibly refreshing to read! I only wish I had read it before I went, as I had no idea where to go and ended up spending a lot on food. Your foodie posts always get me, and now my mouth is watering!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 2:03 pm

      I am glad you enjoy my foodie posts. I am trying to create more of them.

      Reply
  32. Bumble Bee Mum says

    April 17, 2017 at 5:31 pm

    LOL… Austria, Australia… I have never thought about how close their names are! Did you really eat all that food??? I won’t be able to decide what to eat if I’m there… Everything looks so yummy. I’ll probably end up buying everything. #CityTripping

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      Well, we ate all that food over the period of several days. I would have been a miracle to eat all that in one sitting.

      Reply
  33. Nancie says

    April 17, 2017 at 11:01 pm

    What a fantastic way to try a variety of amazing looking dishes without burning a hole in your wallet. Thanks for co-hosting this week. #TPThursday

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 2:06 pm

      Thanks Nancie! You know how I like to roll.

      Reply
  34. La Brutta Figura says

    April 18, 2017 at 1:57 am

    Great tips! Street food is the best, and I find in places like this I want to sample all the different stall’s produce! Didn’t realise Austria was so frequently confused with Australia… bit of a shock if you’re expecting surfing and sun…

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 3:15 pm

      Ha! That is true but hopefully nobody will fly to one of the countries thinking it is the other one (that would be really bad).

      Reply
  35. David | Travelsewhere says

    April 20, 2017 at 8:02 am

    Having seen the “no kangaroos in austria” line everywhere in Vienna, we thought it pretty funny when we found a kangaroo statue in Ljubljana Slovenia, one country over. Anyway, this is a really smart recommendation Ruth as there’s almost always some kind of festival and stalls in front of the town hall (as you mentioned). Rarely is the square empty. Also, Kaiserschmarrn is definitely a recommendation for local Austrian food as it’s delicious and super filling. Great recommendations.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 20, 2017 at 3:18 pm

      Seems like kangaroos are more popular in Europe than I thought ;0) Good you find the post helpful. I know you have spent quite some time in Austria.

      Reply
  36. Renate says

    April 20, 2017 at 8:46 am

    I am very tempted to try the food in Vienna! I also have a blogger friend in Vienna – who love food blogging too find her Twitter @OkusiTastes

    Reply
  37. Mary {The World Is A Book} says

    April 22, 2017 at 8:55 pm

    I just had dinner and I’m still drooling over these photos! We usually go for street food or food halls and markets abut never really thought to seek out festivals. What a great idea! We were in Salzburg a few years ago and saw all the Australia/Austria references and thought it was pretty amusing. We regret not getting those shirts now. Vienna’s food looks so delicious!

    Reply
  38. Littleton Electrician says

    July 9, 2018 at 8:14 am

    This is perfect! I am actually going to Vienna, Austria in August! This is such a huge help picking what to eat and go during my time there! Thanks for everything!

    Reply
  39. Mami Kawamura says

    November 21, 2018 at 8:35 pm

    Your photos are amazing! How do you do this?

    Reply

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