Graben Vienna: Plague Column, Shopping & Sightseeing Tips

The Graben is one of Vienna's most historic streets and has been among the city's most prestigious addresses for centuries. As early as the Middle Ages there was a ditch (Graben) here in front of the Roman city wall, which was later filled in and developed into a grand boulevard. Today it runs close to St. Stephen's Cathedral and links Kohlmarkt with Kärntner Straße – a central hub of Vienna's old town.

Its most striking feature is the Baroque Plague Column, also called the Trinity Column, erected in 1679 in memory of the devastating plague epidemic. It is one of Vienna's most important Baroque monuments and a popular photo subject. Splendid palaces such as the Palais Equitable and the historic Generalihof line the street. Renowned jewelers, elegant boutiques and long-established places such as Trześniewski add to the Graben's unique flair.

Here you get a harmonious mix of historic buildings and modern lifestyle. Despite the exclusive stores, the Graben is always open to the public and equally popular with locals and visitors. An insider tip is to come early in the morning: without the crowds of day visitors, the Graben shows its quiet, almost mystical side – especially appealing for photographers.

Highlights

- Baroque Plague Column as the central monument
- Exclusive shopping, food and drink
- Historic architecture and Art Nouveau facades

wheelchair accessible
kid-friendly
photo spot
central location
avoid peak times

Address: Graben, 1010 Vienna
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Highlights are the Baroque Plague Column, the Palais Equitable and the splendid Art Nouveau facades along the street. Its proximity to St. Stephen's Cathedral also makes the Graben an ideal starting point for exploring the city.

No, the Graben is a public street and freely accessible at all times. There is no admission charge.

The easiest way is the U-Bahn (subway) line U1 or U3 to Stephansplatz. From there it is just a few steps to the Graben.

A real insider tip is the Graben early on a Sunday morning: hardly anyone around, soft light and perfect photo opportunities. If you're lucky, you'll hear the morning bells of St. Stephen's Cathedral.

A walk along the Graben takes about 30–45 minutes. If you want to shop or linger in a café, allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Photography is allowed everywhere.

No additional photos available.