Vienna-travel-tips

Vienna Travel & Etiquette Tips:

Key Cultural Points:

  • Punctuality: Viennese value punctuality highly. Be on time for appointments and meetings.

  • Greetings: A polite “Guten Tag” (Good day) or “Hallo” (Hello) is customary when entering a shop or restaurant. Handshakes are common for introductions.

  • Formality: Address people formally with “Herr” (Mr.) or “Frau” (Mrs.) followed by their last name until invited to use their first name.

  • Coffee Culture: Vienna is famous for its coffee culture. Take your time and savor the experience. Don’t rush through your coffee break.

Travel Tips:

  • Public Transportation: Vienna has an excellent public transportation system (U-Bahn, trams, buses). Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.
  • Walking: Vienna is a very walkable city. Explore the charming streets and discover hidden gems.
  • Tipping: Round up the bill or leave 5-10% at restaurants and cafes. Tip taxi drivers 5-10%.
  • Language: While German is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Etiquette Dos & Don’ts:

  • Do:

    • Learn a few basic German phrases (Guten Tag, Danke, Bitte).
    • Dress respectfully when visiting churches and other religious sites.
    • Be patient with queues and lines. Viennese are orderly.

  • Don’t:

    • Speak loudly in public places.
    • Litter on the streets. Vienna takes pride in its cleanliness.
    • Bargain aggressively at markets. Prices are usually fixed.

Enjoy your trip to Vienna!