Viennese markets are booming: record visitor numbers surprise!

Viennese markets are booming: record visitor numbers surprise!

Vienna's markets have experienced a remarkable upswing in recent years. More and more people are discovering the diversity and culinary delights that the city's markets have to offer. In May 2025, so reported OTS, 630,555 visitors were counted weekly, which corresponds to an annual increase of around 32.8 million. This represents an increase of 19.5% compared to the previous year.

The WKO describes that the Brunnenmarkt in Ottakring is the most popular market in Vienna with 123,544 weekly visitors, followed by the Viktor-Adler-Markt in Favoriten with 86,248 visitors and the Naschmarkt with 80,497 visitors. What is particularly noteworthy is that the Kutschker market, which specializes in seasonal products, has recorded an impressive growth rate of 48%.

Significant changes and attractiveness measures

The increasing number of visitors is also the result of targeted measures to make the markets more attractive. In 2018, the market regulations were amended to introduce core opening hours and extended opening hours until 9 p.m. This also includes the Sunday opening for restaurants. Innovations such as digital stand registrations via the MAVIS software have made it easier for stand owners to offer their goods.

The infrastructure has also been improved: new trees at Brunnenmarkt and Yppenplatz as well as the redesign of the Schlingermarkt by the end of August 2025 are intended to further enhance the market experience. A new “market space” for regional producers is also being created at the Naschmarkt. Events such as the Long Night of the Markets on August 29th and various family celebrations have established themselves as popular attractions.

Special markets in focus

The markets in Vienna offer a wide range. The Karmelitermarkt is one of the oldest markets and impresses with international cheese specialties and organic delicacies. The front garden market has also expanded its range and offers fresh delicatessen products. The Rochusmarkt attracts numerous visitors with its culinary oasis.

Overall, the markets have evolved from what was considered a “dusty” image into a popular meeting place for food lovers. This transformation is supported by the city and markets councilor Ulli Sima, who emphasizes how important these cultural places are for social life in Vienna. The ongoing efforts at the markets appear to be bearing fruit, as almost 29 percent more people visited the markets in May 2023 than in the previous year.

The future of the markets in Vienna seems secure, with new concepts and offers continuing to appeal to a wide variety of visitor groups.