Graben: Vienna's Elegant Heart
Experience Vienna's elegance on the Graben: a historic street with luxury shopping, stunning architecture, and iconic monuments.
The Graben, meaning 'trench' in German, traces its origins back to the Roman encampment of Vindobona. The southwestern wall of the settlement ran along what is now the Graben, with a trench lying in front of it. In the 12th century, Duke Leopold V filled in this trench, transforming it into one of Vienna's most important central streets. Over the centuries, the Graben has served as a marketplace, a festival site, and a parade ground. Today, it is a pedestrian zone renowned for its luxury shops, restaurants, and stunning Baroque monuments. Prominent landmarks include the Pestsäule (Plague Column), erected in memory of the plague epidemic of 1679, and the Josefsbrunnen and Leopoldsbrunnen fountains. The buildings lining the Graben showcase a variety of architectural styles. Highlights include the Palais Equitable, the Ankerhaus, and the Grabenhof. A stroll along the Graben offers a glimpse into Vienna's rich history and vibrant urban life.
Local tips
- Visit the H&M store located in a former court menswear store to see the historical noble interior.
- Stop by the Julius Meinl gourmet supermarket at the end of the Graben for exquisite Austrian and international groceries.
- Admire the bronze relief of the 'stick in the iron' at the entrance to Graben, a piece of wood covered in nails that dates back to 1533.
A brief summary to Graben
- Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT
Getting There
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Public Transport
The Graben is easily accessible via the Stephansplatz U-Bahn station (lines U1 and U3). From Stephansplatz, the Graben is a short walk. A Vienna single ticket costs €2.40 [https://www.wien.info/en/travel-info/transport/underground-358300].
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Walking
The Graben is located in the heart of Vienna's Innere Stadt (1st district) and is easily reachable on foot from many central locations, including St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. From St. Stephen's Cathedral, walk west.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off near the Graben, but note that it is a pedestrian zone. A short taxi ride within the Innere Stadt typically costs between €8-15. Due to its central location, traffic congestion can be expected.
Attractions Nearby to Graben
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Oper in der Krypta
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Leopoldsbrunnen
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Josefsbrunnen
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St. Peter's Catholic Church (Peterskirche)
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Ankerhaus
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Café Hawelka
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Trattnerhof
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Sisi's Amazing Journey
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Kaffee Rösterei Hawelka Wien
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Time Travel Vienna
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Mozart Wohnhaus
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WEIN & CO Wien Stephansplatz – Weinbar & Flagshipstore
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Equitable
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Jewish Museum of the City of Vienna
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Stock-im-Eisen
