In a city where imperial court luxury still reigns, Vienna indulges shoppers in life’s finer things along the Danube. Many of the shops that once supplied the emperor with new clothes, perfume, and sweets are still among the most revered in the city center. There’s no doubt Vienna adores tradition. But modern designer boutiques and wildly diverse markets also delight shoppers with unexpected treasures. Here are some of the best places to experience Vienna’s shopping culture.

In the grand Inner Stadt—home to the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and State Opera House—former suppliers to the emperor and exclusive flagship stores line Kohlmarkt, Vienna’s most established luxury promenade. Walk to Kärntner Strasse to see the glittering Swarovski boutique and the Steffl department store’s glass elevator with stunning views of the busy street below. Cafés and coffee shops make excellent stops for people-watching along many pedestrian-only cobblestone streets in the area. Historic buildings house everything from Austrian jewelry and fashion brands to chocolatiers and porcelain shops. The side streets around Graben are an antique hunter’s dream, with boutiques selling Baroque armories, fine rugs, Renaissance chests, classic timepieces, and other gems.