Würstelstand literally translates to ‘sausage stand’ – and the porky cultural pillar is central to the gastronomic fabric of Vienna. Offering an authentic Viennese take on the hot dog, these standalone booths pepper the streets of Austria’s capital and are well known for filling the pavements with hungry customers from all walks of life. For visitors looking to truly eat like a local there is no better destination than a würstelstand. Here are the best that the home of Mozart has to offer.

Fine, fine – there’s more than sausages in this town, so here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Vienna.

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Bitzinger – Würstel & Co

Bangers in the mouth at Bitzinger – Würstel & Co

The Bitzinger würstelstand has achieved cult status in Vienna. Located just outside the Albertina Museum, it’s an ideally situated spot for some post-cultural sustenance. Don’t be put off by the throngs of tourists or the snaking queues; both are testament to the fact that Bitzinger’s is one of the most sought after sausages in town.

Albertinaplatz 1, Innere Stadt

bitzinger-wien.at

Donau Messepalast

Messepalast has truly cracked the market with its location. Found inside (yes that’s right: inside), popular techno club Donau, this würstelstand offers a wide range of mouthwatering munch to those enjoying the electronic beats. Vegan and vegetarian options ensure that no one goes hungry on the dancefloor, but the heavy iron entrance door makes it easy to miss. Keep an eye out.

Karl-Schweighofer-Gasse 10, Neubau

Würstelstand Leo

Würstelstand Leo / Image: André Pregler

Founded in 1928 by Leopold Mlynek, Würstelstand Leo is the oldest sausage stand in Vienna. Now in the hands of Leopold’s granddaughter, who replaced the old stand with a new one in 1997, the years have not altered Leo’s commitment to taste. With an extensive menu and reasonable prices, this family-run stand has earned its place in food history. Hungry customers should opt for the Riesenkäsekrainer (‘Big Mama’) – a Dutch still-life of a tray laden with pickles, bread, spicy sides, sauces and a gargantuan cheese-filled käsekrainer sausage. It’s large enough to feed four.

Döblinger Gürtel 2, Alsergrund

wuerstelstandleo.at

Würstelwaggon

Tucked away in the residential district of Simmering is Vienna’s weirdest würstelstand; the Würstelwaggon. Built into a converted railway carriage and regarded as a local treasure, this stand is well worth the trek. Ask the chef to make your würstel “ganz frisch” (‘farm-fresh’) and be sure to sample the goulash, which is proudly handmade by the owner himself.

Ravelinstraße 2, Simmering

wuerstelwaggon-wien.metro.bar

Zum scharfen Rene

Hot brats ready to roll at Rene's place

The Rene of the name certainly knows how to pack a punch – this würstelstand owner’s sausages are some of the spiciest in town. Offering a wide range of hot sauces, René has cannily got his customers mopping their brows and queuing up for beers. Chili chasers should opt for the currywurst and prepare to sweat. Expect a wait.

Schwarzenburgplatz 15, Innere Stadt

zumscharfenrene.com

Zum Goldenen Würstel

Boasting an ace location right in the middle of Vienna’s shopping hub, the sleekly designed Zum Goldenen Würstel proves that even a street stall can be stylish. While a tad pricier than other options, the food here is well worth the spend and the staff are exceptionally friendly. Despite offering a wide range of choice, most würstel connoisseurs drop their shopping bags for currywurst and a beer.

Spiegelgasse 1, Innere Stadt

WÜRSTELSTAND ZUM HOHEN MARKT

A late-night käsekrainer is essential eating at Hohn Markt / Image: Alamy

Located in one of Vienna’s oldest and most historic squares, the würstelstand in Hohen Markt is well known for the large crowds it attracts on a Friday and Saturday night. The käsekrainer (that thick würstel stuffed with cheese again), which is gooey on the inside and deliciously crispy on the outside, is famously popular with locals for good reason. Those in search of a late-night nosh need look no further.

Hohen Markt 1, Innere Stadt