Planning a trip to Vienna? Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Austria’s capital city has its own pace, customs, and cultural nuances that can surprise even the most seasoned travelers. Avoiding a few common mistakes will help you enjoy your stay more and make a better impression while you’re here.
🎥 Watch the full video here: 4 Big Tourist Mistakes to Avoid in Vienna
Here’s a quick guide to what not to do in Vienna—based on local etiquette, travel tips, and real-world experience.
1. Don’t Ignore Public Transport Etiquette
Vienna has one of the most efficient and clean public transportation systems in Europe. But that doesn’t mean it’s chaotic or loud. In fact, quite the opposite. Tourists often make the mistake of talking loudly or eating inside the subway (U-Bahn), trams, or buses. This is frowned upon by locals. Also, always give up your seat for the elderly or those in need—it’s expected and appreciated.
🟢 Tip: Get a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour Vienna transport pass. It’s economical and gives you unlimited access to public transport during your stay. Learn more here: Wiener Linien
2. Don’t Skip “Hallo” and “Danke”
Austrians are polite and formal—especially in Vienna. One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is not greeting people properly. Whether you’re entering a shop, bakery, or restaurant, saying “GrĂĽĂź Gott” or “Hallo” goes a long way. Similarly, “Danke” (thank you) is always expected after service, even in casual settings.
🟢 Tip: Even if you don’t speak German, locals appreciate small efforts. Just trying to greet and thank people in German can get you better service and warmer smiles.
3. Don’t Just Visit Schönbrunn and Stephansdom
While Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral are must-sees, many tourists limit their Vienna experience to only the biggest attractions. This means missing out on Vienna’s rich café culture, art scene, local markets, and lesser-known museums.
🟢 Tip: Spend time in districts like Neubau (7th) or Josefstadt (8th) to get a more local vibe. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) or the quirky Third Man Museum for something different.
4. Don’t Expect Austrian Food to Be Just Schnitzel
Wiener Schnitzel is great—but it’s just the beginning. Many tourists make the mistake of skipping traditional local dishes or eating only in tourist-heavy spots. Try Tafelspitz, Kaiserschmarrn, Frittatensuppe, or even Austrian-style vegan cuisine, which is growing in popularity.
🟢 Tip: For a real experience, dine at a Gasthaus or a traditional Beisl instead of sticking to restaurants around tourist zones. Here are a few authentic options:
- Plachutta Wollzeile (famous for Tafelspitz)
- Gasthaus Pöschl (local favorite)
- Zum Wohl – Gluten Free & Vegan Options
Final Thoughts
Vienna is a beautiful, organized, and culturally rich city. But it’s also full of small social norms that many visitors aren’t aware of. By learning what to avoid and how to engage with the city like a local, your trip will be far more memorable—for the right reasons.
👉 Watch the full YouTube video for visual examples and real-life tips: 4 Big Tourist Mistakes to Avoid in Vienna
