Guide to Second-Hand Shopping in Vienna

Vienna offers a vibrant landscape for second-hand shopping, ranging from bustling outdoor flea markets to curated vintage boutiques and charitable organizations. Whether you are looking for unique clothing, household items, or antique treasures, the city provides diverse options across various districts. This guide helps you navigate these venues by grouping them according to their primary function and operating style. By understanding the specific opening hours and locations of these shops, you can efficiently plan a day of browsing and buying. Note that opening hours may change due to holidays or seasonal adjustments, so it is always wise to check ahead.

Outdoor Flea Markets

Outdoor flea markets are ideal for those who enjoy an open-air atmosphere and the thrill of the hunt. These markets often feature a mix of vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to household goods. The Flohmarkt im Autokino Wien is a notable option, located on Autokinostraße. It operates on Sundays from 05:30 to 13:30. Starting early allows you to browse before the crowds arrive and potentially find better deals. Another popular spot is the Flohmarkt beim Naschmarkt, which takes place on Saturdays from 07:00 to 18:00. This market benefits from its proximity to the famous Naschmarkt food market, allowing you to combine shopping with lunch or coffee.

When visiting these markets, bring cash as many vendors prefer immediate payment. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will likely be standing and walking for extended periods. Since these markets are seasonal and weather-dependent, check local listings for confirmation before traveling.

Charity and Social Shops

Charity shops in Vienna often support social causes while providing affordable goods. These stores are excellent for finding everyday items, clothing, and books. The Humana chain has multiple locations, including one on Wiedner Hauptstraße (Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00; Sat 09:00-17:00) and another on Thaliastraße (Mon-Fri 09:00-18:30; Sat 09:00-17:00). A third Humana location operates Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00 and Sat 10:00-18:00. These shops are reliable for basic wardrobe updates and household essentials.

The VinziShop on Erdbergstraße is another key player, open Mon-Fri 10:00-17:45 and Sat 10:00-14:00. Similarly, carla on Mittersteig operates Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00 and Sat 09:00-17:00, closed Sundays and public holidays. Other charitable options include SC Wacker hilft (Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00; Sat 10:00-15:00) and Henry Laden (Tue, Thu, Fri 09:00-18:00; Sat 09:00-13:00). The Verein Nepomuk is open weekends only, Sat-Sun 10:00-17:00, making it a good stop for weekend errands.

General Second-Hand Stores

General second-hand stores offer a wide variety of goods, often organized by category or style. These shops are suitable for quick visits during weekday hours. Altwaren Second Hand is open Mon-Sat 10:00-19:00, providing long hours for after-work browsing. Mix Money operates Mon-Fri 09:30-18:30 and Sat 09:30-17:00. For those in the Donaustadt area, 48er Tandler Donaustadt on Percostraße is open Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00.

In the city center, Carla on Stephansplatz is open Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00 and Sat 10:00-18:00. Nearby, Frau Klotz on Rechte Wienzeile offers extended hours, Mon-Fri 10:00-21:00 and Sat 10:00-18:00. Hubsi on Margaretenstraße and Hubsi Vintage Shop on Wiedner Hauptstraße both operate Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00 and Sat 10:00-18:00. Other notable shops include Second Hand Boutique (Mon-Sat 12:00-18:00) and ONEMORE - Second Hand Republic on Lerchenfelder Straße (Mon-Fri 11:00-19:00; Sat 10:00-18:00).

Many smaller shops have split hours or specific days off. For instance, Juli Shop Wien on Währinger Straße is open Tue-Fri 10:00-13:00 and 13:30-18:00, plus Sat 10:00-14:00. Papillon Tauschboutique on Tokiostraße follows a similar split schedule: Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00 and 15:00-18:00, Sat 09:00-12:00. Always verify these times if you are planning a tight itinerary.

Vintage and Specialty Boutiques

For curated fashion and unique items, specialty boutiques are the best choice. These shops often focus on specific eras or styles. Volkshilfe Vintage Shop on Favoritenstraße is open Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00. Designer Vintage Sale on Hofmühlgasse operates Tue-Fri 15:00-20:00 and Sat 12:00-18:00, catering to evening shoppers. uppers & downers offers late hours, Mon-Wed 10:30-19:30 and Thu-Fri until 20:00, with Saturday hours from 10:00-18:00.

Other specialty shops include Kleider gehen um on Webgasse (Mon-Fri 12:00-19:00; Sat 12:00-17:00) and Fräulein Wunderbar (Mon-Wed 10:00-16:00; Thu-Fri until 17:00; Sat until 13:00). Pixie has split hours: Mon-Fri 09:30-12:00 and 15:00-18:00, Sat 10:00-12:00. Pinocchio Second Hand on Servitengasse has complex hours: Mon 09:30-12:30 and 15:00-18:00; Tue/Thu similar but afternoon starts at 14:00; Wed morning only; Fri morning until 14:00. Check these carefully to avoid missing your window.

Antique and Curated Collections

Antique shops in Vienna often require appointments or have limited opening times. Herbert Hallwirth's Trödlerei on Ratschkygasse is open Fridays only, 15:00-18:00. Wiener Brockenhaus on Pfeilgasse operates "nach Terminvereinbarung" (by appointment). Similarly, Haldenwang is open "nach telefonischer Vereinbarung" (by telephone appointment). Kunst + Tand on Ruckergasse is also "nach Vereinbarung".

Liesinger Fundgrube on Breitenfurter Straße is open Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00. Altwaren Atzgersdorf, also on Breitenfurter Straße, has split hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00 and 15:00-18:00; Sat 09:00-12:00. Kinderbuch Antiquariat focuses on books, open Mon-Fri 14:00-21:00 and Sat 14:00-18:00. For those seeking specific items, calling ahead is recommended for appointment-only shops.

Tips for Selling Your Own Items

If you wish to sell your own belongings, consider hosting a garage sale or participating in local markets. Start by decluttering your space well in advance. Sort items into categories such as clothing, books, and household goods. Clean each item thoroughly to increase its appeal. Price items reasonably; second-hand buyers expect discounts compared to new retail prices.

Advertise your sale on local community boards or social media platforms. Include clear photos and a list of key items. On the day of the sale, set up tables or racks to display goods neatly. Keep change available in small denominations. Be prepared to negotiate politely. If you are selling at a flea market, arrive early to secure a good spot. Bring your own table and coverings, as facilities may be basic. Keep your inventory organized to help buyers find what they need quickly. After the sale, donate unsold items to charity shops like Humana or VinziShop, which accept donations during their opening hours.

Conclusion

Vienna’s second-hand scene is diverse, offering everything from early-morning flea markets to appointment-only antique shops. By grouping venues by type and checking specific opening hours, you can create an efficient shopping route. Whether you prefer the bustle of the Naschmarkt flea market or the quiet of a vintage boutique, there is a suitable option for every schedule. Remember to verify hours before visiting, especially for shops with split schedules or appointment requirements. With careful planning, you can enjoy a productive and enjoyable day of second-hand shopping in Vienna.