The time-honored Meidlinger Markt, founded way back in 1873 and therefore more than 150 years ago, has undergone a remarkable development, especially in recent years. While there was not a lot going on here about a decade ago – plans to raze the market were thankfully scrapped – the area is now becoming more and more popular every year. 

The market draws in residents of all ages from the local area in just as large numbers as visitors to the city. Many who stay overnight in the local area (e.g. in the Grätzlhotel right next to the market) appreciate the fantastic breakfast opportunities available here, among other things. Thanks to excellent connections to Vienna's public transport network, the Meidlinger Markt is also easily accessible for anyone else in the city: the U4 subway line, which connects the city center with Schönbrunn, as well as the U6 will take you directly to the Grätzel.

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The Meidlinger Markt is known for its authentic Viennese flair. This is where you can meet lots of genuine Vienna locals, the atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, and the market is regarded as very diverse. It is renowned for the excellent quality of produce that is offered here. It quickly became apparent that many stalls focus on organic and locally grown produce. There are countless vegetable stands, meat and delicatessen stores, and innovative dining venues. A number of career-changers have opened dining establishments here in recent years. Almost all of the stalls are run by individual owners and there are almost no branches of larger brands, which is why the market has so much authentic flair. Farmers drop by the market on a daily basis, with Friday and Saturday being the best days to visit for those seeking fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Culinary delights as far as the eye can see

The Wirtschaft am Markt is Vienna’s first market restaurant to be awarded a toque. Chef Heidi Ratzinger creates outstanding dishes of Viennese cuisine incorporating modern, sometimes international influences. Heu & Gabel is another restaurant that has a reputation extending far beyond the limits of the district. It sees itself as an organic delicatessen and city tavern with a focus on high-quality and locally sourced produce. Brunch, lunch and Friday night fine dining are served here.

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Those who like to sample new eating experiences feel particularly at home at the Meidlinger Markt. The Hüftgold, unofficially known as “probably the smallest confectionery shop in Vienna,” has many a temptation in store for those with a sweet tooth, with various cakes, jams, chocolates and much more. Just next door, the same owners run the delightful Café Ignaz & Rosalia. It is an ideal spot for breakfast or simply to enjoy specialty coffees or cold drinks. Live music beckons on Friday evenings. The Anna am Meidlinger Markt delicatessen is a local institution. Anna Putz offers excellent specialty cheeses and sausages, coffees plus bread and pastries. There is a strong beer garden feeling at the Meidlinger Alm at the south end of the market. The establishment has a wonderful beer garden with honey locust trees and serves Austrian dishes.

If you prefer to cook at home, you should stock up on cuts of meat at Nuran. The owner has been working at the Meidlinger Markt for over 30 years, and his butcher shop is one of the best in the city. A few meters further on is Fladen Laden Furat, a Turkish bakery using wood-fired ovens. Here you can get very good topped pide and lahmacun flatbreads. Those who enjoy international cuisine mustn’t miss the Saigon Bistro, where delicious Vietnamese dishes are plated up. 

Incidentally, it is not just culinary surprises that await round every corner at the Meidlinger Markt. The northern part of the market is home to a permanent flea market. Just next door is the delightful specialty dog store Mopsfidel, as well as an old telephone booth that has been converted into a public bookcase.

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Away from the market

Given that the Meidlinger Markt is one of the smaller markets in Vienna with its 50 or so stalls, it is worth exploring the surrounding area too. When arriving on the U4, one of the best vegan restaurants in the city is located at the Längenfeldgasse station: Velani. A short walk will take you to the Meidlinger Markt. On the way there, it's worth trying out some authentic Neapolitan pizzas at Pummarò.

Two excellent cafés can be found around the corner from the market: Freundling, which offers lunch menus and focuses primarily on vegetarian and vegan cuisine, and the café-bistro La Crèmerie, which is best known for its breakfast menu. Things are a bit more rustic at the Roter Bär Buffet, a branch of the Rote Bär in the 9th district. Here they serve down-to-earth Austrian dishes at reasonable prices. If you then want to spend a little more time in the district, you should take a stroll up Meidlinger Hauptstraße. The kilometer-long main shopping street of the 12th district, which is also the fifth largest shopping street in Vienna, has been largely converted into a pedestrian zone in recent years.