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Graben & Kärntner Straße, Vienna

Graben, Wien, Wien

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

Meta review

The streets and square feature regularly in travel magazines and are popular with online reviewers for two reasons: the many buildings with attractive 19th century architecture and the wealth of stores, cafes and restaurants. No consistent negative comments but, of course, not everybody is attracted by such streets.

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

Updated in September 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Reflects average stores opening hours and most of them are closed on Sundays

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

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 -

Pricing
Free

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