Graben & Kärntner Straße, Vienna
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Graben - by Bwag (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
The Graben is one of Vienna's most famous squares and is surrounded by various historical buildings such as and the Freisingerhof and Trattnerhof, the Ankerhaus, the baroque Palais Bartolotti-Partenfeld and the HQ of Erste Group Bank for several decades starting in the mid 19th century. Graben intersects with Kärntner Straße (one of the city's most expensive shopping streets) at Stephansplatz, where the 1880s Palais Equitable building is located, a few meters from St Stephen's Cathedral.
Access & Transport
The area is at the very centre of Vienna's historical district. Kärntner Straße links the State Opera in the south to St. Stephen's Cathedral at the northern end. Stephansplatz has a namesake underground station (U1, U3) and buses 1A, 2A and 3A stop there as well.
Instructions & Recommendations
Most stores in the area open between 9h30-11h00, close around 18h-20h and are not open on Sundays. We suggest combining a walk through the shopping district with a visit of the State Opera and / or St Stephen's Cathedral
Environmental & Social
It is an urban environment with relatively high electricity consumption. Slightly negative from a social perspective because of the heavy focus on commercial activities driven by big brands, chains and advertising - although it helps preserve the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
The area is best known for shopping, but urban explorers and architecture buffs will definitely enjoy checking out the various 19th century buildings, St Stephen's Cathedral and then take a break in one of the famous coffee houses.
Key positive
Plenty of choice for shoppers
Several attractive buildings and St Stephen's Cathedral
Key negative
Shopping and F&B are pricey
Quite busy in the afternoon and evenings
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday10:00 - 19:00
Tuesday10:00 - 19:00
Wednesday10:00 - 19:00
Thursday10:00 - 19:00
Friday10:00 - 19:00
Saturday10:00 - 19:00
Sunday -