Waiters not bringing the bill until asked is actually a service, not a inconvenience because in most restaurants, they will not rush your party out the door. It's up to you when you want to leave.
I'm going to visit Vienna soon and I'm from São Paulo, Brazil which is a very loud and noisy city so I know it will be different, BUT the one thing that we can relate completely is that. Even people from other parts of my country get surprised when they come here. Us locals never stand on the left side of the escalator. That is the one rule we never break lol so I was watching the video and like OKAY GOT IT
You calling Schönbrunn Zoo a „little zoo in the back“ flashbanged me lmao. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious zoos of the entire world! If anything the castle is the little thing in the back of the zoo :P
Absolutely. If any austrian is telling you they are going to Schönbrunn on the weekend everybody will automatically assume that they are going to the zoo. Nobody cares for the stupid overpriced and overrun castle. The zoo is definitely the best, most valuable and most prestigious part of the Schönbrunn area.
@@captainevenslower4400 if people tell me they go to Schönbrunn on the weekend I’ll be assuming that they’ll just go for a walk in the beautiful garden/forest, that they would maybe visit the castle wouldn’t even cross my mind 😂
@@peterskier7574 Glad someone mentioned Wolter's mispronunciation of German. His vids are right on, but I cringe when his German is incorrect for someone who lived and studied here. Und dabei, wohne ich in Wien.
You have some very good points, but as a Swede that lives in Vienna, I will add a few things: -For public transport, there is a rule you did not mention: let people get OFF the transport BEFORE you enter. Do it the other way and you will definitely piss off some locals. -For eating a Wiener würst, remember that it is called a Wiener all over the world - except for most of Vienna. There it is called a Frankfurter. There is a very cute explanation for this, which can be found with some searching. :) -And for "bad" service, I would call that respect for privacy. Privacy (and no stress) is in very high regard in Vienna. That means that the waiter will not unnessesarily disturb/stress you and your company. They will leave you to whatever you are talking about, until you call their attention. In Vienna, I´d call that very high service and a sign of respect for you as a guest. Any true Viennes would be disturbed if the waiter came by every ten minutes to ask something. Do expect a visit to a café or restaurant to go slow, with no stress. it is not bad service, it is respect for privacy. It is just shown in a different way in Vienna. -Reserved tables. There are places that have a standing reservation on tables, for very good (and important) customers. Usually located very close to the entrance. If you take a seat there, you will very fast draw the attention of a waiter that hopefully will give you another table. Those small "Reserved/Reserviert" signs are important. -For more party-style, Vienna is somewhat secret. You´ll find it if you ask the locals. A "good" student tip is the Bermudadreiecke (Bermuda triangle) close to Schwedenplatz. It is named so because it is known for people and objects to disappear for many days, sometimes forever. :)
Austrian here: my girlfriend is japanese and the first time I showed her around in vienna, she especially noticed how good the service was. Not being rushed by the waiters was especially what she noted…that really stuck out to me because I always took that for granted
You’re so right about there being a secret element to nightlife in Vienna. My two favorite bars when I lived there didn’t have any sign on the door. You literally just had to know it was there. There are also quite a few old small cafes that will have lock-ins late at night. But there is also the well known places. It’s not like there aren’t bars and clubs. But you are expected to behave yourself on the streets.
I visited Vienna last year, and it was incredible, my favourite city that I’ve visited so far. The public transport was flawless, and there was so much to see. I would definitely return, possible in the winter so I can visit the ice rink.
I was in Vienna last year. I was walking around after a concert at 11pm or so... the streets were just empty. It was such a surreal and beautiful experience to be walking around the Hofburg / Heldenplatz area alone.
was that midweek? I haven't been in that area since before covid to be honest. actually, because there was a lot going on. but maybe not necessaritly Mon till Thur.
@@mattlafleur14 if you do this when the first snow is arriving in Vienna, you get to post the most romantic photos for your timeline. Make sure to always add some wrought iron in the pic 😉
If you want to get fashionably drunk, go to Vienna. If you want to get blackout drunk, go to Prague. If you want to get fashionably drunk, then blackout drunk, then wake up in your own vomit 10h later and somehow keep drinking, go to Munich during the Oktoberfest.
Travel not only broadens your horizons but also deepens your appreciation for the diverse tapestry of our world. It's a journey that goes beyond miles, creating memories that last a lifetime."
Top Tip : If you want to buy those "Mozart" branded choclates, stop into a Billa local food store or similar a little from the tourist centre and you will get them for a "local" price
Agree with everything, a few to add… DON’T jaywalk 😅 as a Brit I had some Austrians look at me like a criminal, it’s not a big rule in the UK. I was very embarrassed. Please research any public holidays before you go. We arrived on a Sunday and all shops were closed (apart from museums) then the Monday happened to be “All saints day” and nearly everything was shut, we only went for 3 days so we could only go to the shops on our final day. The transport system was absolutely fantastic and the easiest to use. DO get snacks from ANKER cafes DO the short tour at Schönbrunn, I loved all the rooms lived in by Maria Teresa and Empress Sisi It’s such a relaxing city, there’s no rushing everywhere like Paris/Barcelona. Just take your time and enjoy. I agree with the sacher torte comment, I did go to the sacher hotel and the torte wasn’t much different to other places, I enjoyed the coffee liquors and the ambience the most. DO go to the Sisi museum if you enjoyed Schönbrunn. 😊
Im off to Austria in a few weeks for the first time. I think the advice to be quiet as a church mouse around people as to not to offend them is B.S. just because you are in Vienna, or in Innsbruck where I will be in a couple of weeks doesnt mean I should be constantly looking for signs of disoprovals from local Austrians if my voice is a bit loud and I actualy show excitement for being in such a beautiful country. I grew up on a council estate in Manchester, we were very rowdy growing up and now Im obviously nore cultured as I got older, but honestly thats definitely one thing thar annoyed me in Switzerland when I visited Grindelwald was just how reserved and snobby sone of the locals were despite living in such an incredibly beautiful country.
As Viennese I have to say "Get your Snacks from "STRÖCK" or "MANN" instead of "Anker" other than that you gave good advice. By the way Anker, Ströck, Mann aren´t "Cafes" but bakery chains and Ströck´s and Mann´s snacks + pastries + breads are by far way better. Tip for the next time.
Thanks for your video. 5:38 An additional cost-saving measure, especially in good warm weather, is to visit the grocery stores and local bakeries for sandwiches, salads, and/or pastries for take-away and enjoy on a bench outside. Grocery-chains include Billa and Spar, all of which have additional "deli counters" for more things; e.g., Leberkäse-Brötchen, and I do like the "scharfe Käseleberkäse." Bakery-chains are many, including Anker, Der Mann, Felber, Ströck, etc.: all have common baked-goodies, and they also have different items for your viewing and tasting pleasure. 7:03 Everybody gets introduced to some level of Viennese "Grantigkeit" (grumpiness) 😈
I agree with everything that you wrote except for one thing: why on earth would you advice any unsuspecting tourist in Vienna to order a "Leberkäse- Brötchen"; that poor soul would be eaten alive- it is of course "Leberkäsesemmel"! If you order a "Leberkäse- Brötchen" you're guaranteed some -in that case much deserved- Wiener Grant! 😉
There one can also find the Austrian version of a hamburger - Fleischleibchensemmel! Don´t miss out on that one. Very different from an American burger, but veeeery tasty!
Boy, I was in Vienna last year, It's an amazing place Vienna. Prater park is beautiful, don't miss to visit and dedicate a whole day for Prater. Visit to Vienna incomplete without visiting Prater.
Visited Vienna in 2016... one of the safest cities ever. I walked around Stephanplatz at 3am like I was a resident 😂. The museums are so nice n full of history. Oh, and i can't begin to mention cafe Sacher...its a must go
(edit: there is no week ticket anymore, so this comment is already outdated) Week ticket vs 7-Days ticket! So, there is a "Wochenkarte" (week ticket) that is valid only from Monday to Sunday and there is a "7-Tage" (7 days) that is valid for a full week, starting with the day you validate it, so it could be Thursday to Thursday. They BOTH cost the same, 17,10 euro at the time. No idea why anybody would need the "week ticket" and why it still exists. Seems pointless.
2004-2009 I was blessed to live in Austria just outside of Vienna in Hinterbruhl. A very classy beautiful country. The folks must be nice, I married one!
I always love your videos for their great information - And beeing from vienna this is the first time i was assured that you actually know what you are talking about! Awesome Video as always One Thing to add, regarding Servers and Service Quality in restaurants: Bringing the check/receipt without beeing asked is considered incredibly rude in Austria. Regarding the receipt, they don´t bring them because they don´t care - but because in Austria we consider getting the check like beeing "thrown out" of the restaurant - giving the sense of the servers not wanting you to stay any longer Everything else was completely on point! Thank you for that video
Vienna is so amazing. They put statues everywhere. It's truly one of the most wonderful cities I've been to. Subway system is very easy. I also did 10 days of touring in a rental car in Austria and Italy. It's so pretty. If you like cities, prague is not to be missed. Those 2 cities are very different so you get contrast. Prague is so beautiful. You can also train to Venice if you want to see the Mediterranean culture. In vienna, put your phone away and just walk where your feet take you. You will know when to see where you are at. Your in for a real treat. Enjoy.
I hope you and your mother enjoy your visit to Vienna and don't get in the way of the Viennese with your luggage. ;-) As a Viennese, here are a few things that might make your trip nicer: -) No Viennese I know likes the original Sachertorte. If you're in Schönbrunn, visit Cafe Dommaier (= Kurkonditorei Oberlaa) -which is close to the Hietzing Gate of Schönbrunn- or one of the sugar-pink branches of Aida. These places also offer really good pastries. Naturally there are a lot more nice places all over vienna so try out! -) Don't let those pesty street concert ticket sellers sell you concert tickets. If you're interested in something like that, it's much better to buy tickets directly from the big venues, which you can get for less than 20€. (Of course, these are not great , but you can see the hall, look around and listen to a concert). -) If you want to visit museums, think about what you want to visit. There are around 200 museums in Vienna covering a wide range of topics. And museums like the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Belvedere, Naturhistorisches Museum and Neue Hofburg are so big that you can spend a whole day there if you want to take a closer look at the individual exhibits. Some museums, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, also have several locations and offer combined tickets for these. (This specific museum includes: Kunsthistorisches Museum (=KHM); Neue Hofburg - Weltmuseum Wien; Theatermuseum; Kaiserliche Wagenbug, Kaiserliche Schatzkammer and Schloss Ambras on the other end of Austria. You may check the prices on what you want to visit as an annual ticket may be worth the price if you want to visit the KHM, Neue Hofburg, Theathermuseum and Schatzkammer.)
May I recommend the YT channel of "Khyati & Puria" to you? They are an Austro-Indian/Iranian couple continuously publishing great videos about Vienna providing excellent advice about the city and how to enjoy it as a tourist the best way possible. I stumbled over some of their videos a couple of months ago and as a Viennese native I can absolutely confirm that they really know what they are talking about. No, that's not payed advertising by the way! 😁 Best regards from Vienna, and enjoy your trip! 😊
I can't wait for my trip to Wien! I am doing a trip to Bavaria, Austria (And a daytrip to Bratislava). It will be my first time. Thanks Mark for your help with this.
We booked the white tablecloth dinner ON the Reisenrad in December...it was amazing! They change the course and wine variety every several revolutions. Brilliant.
The Mozart Cafe is a tourist trap and I've seen lines of people waiting to get in. As far as public transport goes, yes it does cover the city pretty well, but it does not go everywhere. If you are not near a line and it is cold and raining, take a cab or an uber, you won't regret it. Food tends to be cheaper at the restaurants locals patronize. The ones renown for Wienerschnitzel tend to have the worst service. Make a reservation and go early for lunch. My personal don'ts include skipping the Lipizzan horse show. It's OK, but there are better places to spend your money. Don't skip the tour of the Hapsburg china collection at the Hofburg. It is amazing and once you are tired of looking at plates, you can easily go through quicker. The palace tour itself was disappointing but you are paying for both. Don't miss the Kunsthistorisches Museum. It is amazing, but the Hapsburgs had all the money. Watch yourself when crossing streets. Yeah, the Viennese obey the rules but the foreign drivers don't.
Great video and very accurate 😊 as an Austrian I just like to add one thing (because there was a picture of it), we don’t eat applestrudel (Apfelstrudel) with vanilla sauce. You’ll only find it at touristy places. German tourists started to ask for it and because there are so many of them here, they added it to the menu at the popular places. And yes, people in Vienna are grumpy and famous for it, also called “das goldene Wienerherz” (the golden Viennese heart)
@@jokervienna6433 to even add to the confusion - its the reason why we (austrians living outside of vienna) have the saying: austria is nice, vienna is different ;) - but thats mostly just teasing each other, also the grumpyness is mostly a charade for strangers. When people know each other better, things quickly warm up.
I went to Vienna during the holidays and Christmas markets. The city was magical. I had to laugh at your opening "don't" of being noisy. I saw the Vienna Boys Choir perform their Advent concert in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein. The choir was amazing but too many audience members ruined the experience because they were talking (in German) as they sang. One more don't (if you're a geography nerd) is: Don't miss the Globe Museum of the Austrian National Library.
Yes, unfortunately those things happen, most of the times its during national holidays where people are a bit more carried away (or drunk) then usual :) Alcohol is something that also belongs to austria like all the other mentioned things and it sometimes gets out of hand. Noone does it intentional thou to ruin your experience, its just something that happens out of their own excitement.
My dont's: Fiaker (horse carriage) Café Central Ankeruhr (very nice clock with rotating images) at 12:00 Don't block the public transport doors when riding the bus/Tram/Metro Please put your Trash in trashcans and not on the ground Sometimes uber is quicker than public Transport, but this applies more for the outer districts, in the inner districts you' ll be fine even with walking (just use google maps, it's quite accurate in Vienna. Don't skip cool architecture or neighbourhoods in outer districts!
@orklord6668 i am austrian. My question: sind da überhaupt noch Einheimische drinnen (außer jetzt im Tourismus tätige oder Personal) oder sind es sowieso nur Touristen. Ich kann mir auch nicht vorstellen dass es besonders angenehm ist wenn es so vollgestopft ist. In Salzburg, das tomaselli ist daher nicht mehr zum geniessen...
@chrislstahl4239 ich war vor ca 8 Jahren im Cafe Central und war schockiert, weil dort nur noch Touristen sind. Ich war davor noch nie dort und war neugierig und hatte mir eher eine Atmosphäre wie im Landtmann erwartet.
Also, public transport is really cheap in Vienna. And: Wiener sausages are called Frankfurter in Vienna (they were invented here by a butcher called Frankfurter and then adopted all over Europe as "Wiener Würstel"). Eat Viennese street food, diverse savory sausages or Leberkäse at the food stands all over town - good quality fun food at very reasonable prices. Don't go to Naschmarkt - it's mostly an overpriced rip-off. Go three or four stations by U1 into Favoriten (statio Reumannplatz) to get some really good kebab (eg at restaurant Kent on Favorritenstraße or at Ferhat Döner, also on Favoritenstraße). Also, don't wait in line for a Schnitzel at Figlmüller, almost every Gasthaus serves good quality Schnitzel (veal, pork, or chicken).
Great video. I've been 10 times to Vienna. It is my favorite city. For anyone visiting Schonbrunn, I would recommend that you research the tours before you decide. I have been in the palace several times and have always done the longest tour because you see the most and it is fascinating. The timing differences are 60 minutes, 40 minutes and 25 minutes, so the longest tour isn't THAT much longer. I'd also recommend, in the summer, getting to Schonbrunn when the gardens open at 6:30 am. You have the entire gardens to yourself. Spend a couple hours exploring the gardens, then do the palace tour at 8:30 and you're out. By 8:00 am the tour buses start to arrive and the place becomes packed.
Another thing: take note of closing times and take them VERY seriously. I was locked on the grounds of the Schönbrunn once and had to climb over the wall. When I got to the top, I was afraid to climb down. Finally, someone climbed up and guided my feet.
Hi, I was born in Vienna and I can say that almost everything is true and it's funny for me to hear it summarised like this 😀 Having lived in Vienna for 47 years, I can contribute some ‘news’. After an experience in a restaurant where we had made a reservation, we were actually ‘asked out’ after exactly 2 hours. Since then we no longer go to this restaurant and when I make reservations in other restaurants I ask if we can stay seated as long as we want anyway. In overbooked and busy restaurants, it's now better to ask. And.... unfortunately it's not always quiet everywhere, I'm just talking about building sites and people on public transport talking loudly on their phones, for example. Have fun in Vienna!
1st rule of vienna, don't miss it. Truly an amazing, wonderful city. 2nd.. In Barcelona, looking at people and smiling is normal. In vienna, it's like prison. Don't make eye contact on the streets much. They don't like it.
Austrians are quite reserved, and blunt, but less than Germans. In Vienna, most people are in the inner City to work, so most are busy or stressed and can be quite rude when their way is blocked or else. No patience :-) There is definitely more hospitality in other austrian cities than vienna. For example, they'll greet you at the supermarket, or in the countryside, they'll greet you on the street (which is cute but weird, and i always have to get used to myself)
I disagree with this. I never had to consciously avoid eye contact. Nor did I feel like people downtown were rude. Quite the opposite. I thought people there enjoyed living well and looking good.
@@scrambaba Noone will "stab" you because of that, but austrian people usually are really reserved for themself and those close around them. They're usually showing just a hard, protective shell to everyone that is a stranger to them. When you stay longer or are in contact with austrian people they usually warm up quite a lot and turn out to be very nice people. Well, most of them anyway.
Vienna is my favourite city of all those that I’ve visited, whether in Europe or North America. The pace is slower, the people are courteous and I’ve always felt safe there, even in narrow streets at dead of night. The architecture is stunning, reflecting its former status as the capital of an empire. I’ve encouraged many friends and acquaintances to visit Vienna. Most of them have and all returned enchanted by it. The advice in this video is mainly common sense. Quietly feel the ambience of the city and fit into it. Bon voyage!
I'm British and live in the Waldviertel. I've been here for nine years and don't really get the magic of Wien. It is clean, quiet, and it's a mix of people bring laid back or very tense. There's a fine line. A million times safer than the UK. People can seem aloof in Austria or very private but I like this, and it is normally out of respect. This country has a lot going for it. But heck, venture beyond Wien for the real beauty of this country.
you made a lot of good and valid points here (i am born and raised in vienna) thank you for all those nice compliments and good advice. vienna has a nightlife and club culture - maybe not as crazy, loud and exzessive as in other cities, but thats how we try to live together. the city is not that big. so the parties are mainly INSIDE the clubs (grelle forelle, werk, flex, loft, fluc and lots of others) but not as much out on the streets. if you want that and be wasted: be age 15-25 and go to the area around schwedenplatz on friday or saturday and vomit your souls out. otherwise: go decent clubbing and look online for lineups and genres, as most locations are not specific to one genre only. we go to a cafe to read books or newspapers or to chat with a person. but not in a manner so everybody can - or better: has to - listen to you. respect this and you will be fine. but let me get something straight on that topic: we don't hate or shsssh tourists for that kind of "bad behaviour" - we do that to EVERYBODY! ;) friendly waiters - well, they treat you like a prince, when you treat them like kings. and thank you so much for pointing out, how good public transport is, and that there is no need for using cars. our public transport is - except for busses (but this is also changing) - fully electric. so its quiet, doesn't smell bad (except for food eating, which you should not do, otherwise you'll a fine by those nice controllers that ask for tickets as mentioned) or create smog in the city. big benefit: less cars, better city! there are rental bicycles too. about the grass - yes! please stay out of those areas that are marked not to enter. other than that there are lots of areas where everybody is welcome to have a picknick or play games (maybe not in the same spot - use your brains and be nice - its so simple). just be aware of others and respect each other - then we all have a great time. locals and tourists. and don't be afraid of us viennese ppl for being unfriendly or grumpy - thats our thing, our brand! we have to do that, otherwise everybody would think, we are tourists. :D
Ye the night and life is a bit more grungey and underground (literally) so you gotta know where to dig. Everything being tucked away in the backrooms of old cellars and utility buildings gives a sense of privacy that I enjoy. Allows the law to be taken very losely too. You can get away with a lot especially if you befriend a regular who knows the house rules so to speak. It's like drug laws don't apply once you're two floors below ground. 🤣
I must agree with Mark about Cafe Mozart. It has much the same food as the Hotel Sacher but at better prices. Yes, there are plenty of tourists, but I found the food overall quite good.
I have to disagree about the wait staff in Vienna. I found them to be very friendly, and helpful. That said, I’m British, and don’t expect wait staff to be constantly milling around me.
Last year i visit vienna and get into the museum by the gift shop, nobody asked something and it was free😂 being dutch like myself i liked that, but the People are very friendly and with respect coming back this august❤
even U-Bahn + S-Bahn gets you in maaany places... but dont forget, Kernzone ticket also is good for: - trams, Badner Bahn (up till Siebenhirten/Vosendorf), all OBB trains except CAT (now also good for some CJX services within Vienna as well, even RailJet), aaand buses + VOR buses and if even trams dont get you where you need to go, buses will :) if you walk in single direction for at least a bit, you are bound to find at least a bus stop :)
Waiters get a fair pay, have health insurance and retirement fonds ( it's common to hire people from eastern Europe and pay them in cash, without taxes and stuff) tip is nice, but they can survive without it. They don't want to interrupt you, what you see as distant and cold is actually respecting your privacy. They are trained, to not bother costumers, to just leaf them alone. If you want something, they will serve you, if you have a question, they will answer it. You can sit there for hours and they won't tell you to leave. That makes me feel more welcome than a fake smile.
to save a LOT of money, you can actually shop in any grocery store like BILLA, SPAR, LIDL, Hofer... they are everywhere and you can get decent food for really cheap money :) and if you arent like, I have to visit museums and just wanna go explore... there is stuff for a ton of visits thats either free, outside or so, without need to spend tons of money on entrance fees and such :)
3:12 regarding the week ticket, they changed that You can pick the exact day on which it is valid from, when you buy it online at least, which I recommend you to do in the first place
Trust me, i am Austrian, the desserts are awesome and Sacher Torte is by far not the best. Try this instead: "Cremeschnitte", "Bananenschnitte", "Apfelstrudel mit Vanillesauce", "Mohr im Hemd", "Eispalatschinke", "Germknödel mit Vanillesauce", "Marillenknödel" That's what you eat as an Austrian for dessert the most, i think. Desserts that end with "...tasche" or "...tascherl" or "...knödel" or "...palatschinke" or almost always awesome.
March to Oktober are best. If you like Christmas markets then around these Days... November is mostly rainy. January to April is often cold and uncomfortabe.
Just booked our first ever river cruise that starts and ends in Vienna! We aren’t cruise people but I just wanted one vacation where I wasn’t constantly wondering where we would eat or cook in an airbnb. Hoping to find a few places to hike either before or after the cruise.
the week and month tickets got changed. with july 1st 2024, the 7 day and 31 day ticket are actually valid for this period of time and not a calender week or month. finally.
⭐🚊🎡 UPDATE: The ticket conditions for Vienna have changed on 1st July 2024: The 'week ticket' ('Wochenkarte') has been replaced by the '7-day VIENNA ticket' ('7 Tage WIEN Ticket') and is valid from the date and time of validation, which can be chosen freely.
Aloha Wolter, I was born and raised in Europe (Germany) and yes it is definitely a different culture from the US and the place I chose to be my adopted home, Hawai’i . It would be great, if you could do a “doe’s and don’ts of Hawai’i !
Wieners (sausages) which are called wieners in Germany are called frankfurters in Vienna. The reason is that frankfurters has in Germany an area protection and has to be produced in the region of Frankfurt. historically a butcher from Frankfurt migrated to Vienna a long time ago and sold this at Frankfurters. 😊
the actual protection was about the making back in those days..."Frankfurter sausages" in Germany had and still has to be made out of pork. That´s why the Frankfurter butcher "Johann Georg Lahner" emigrated to Vienna in 1804 because he created a "Frankfurter" with a "Brät" out of half veal + half pork and that wasn´t allowed to sell because it violated the "Zunftordnung" which regulated the production process. In Vienna the "Zunftordung" was already dispersed for many decades so that was then the place for him to go in order to sell his product. That "regional protection" you refered to is from the 20th century and has nothing to do with it why it´s called "Wiener" in Germany and "Frankfurter" in Austria/Vienna - because that was always the case since 1804 - because of what I told you about the "Zunftordnung" from back then.
@@Simbson you will not find any other town on this planet which is better - most livable town since over 10 years. i think you are an antimigrant right winger.
The Sachertorte you can get at the official place is kind of dry and honestly not as good as some of the variants you can buy at supermarkets for way less money. This is obviously up to personal taste, but as someone who had store bought Sachertorte for every birthday celebration and then finally tried the official one way later I was left kind of disappointed.
Doing research for a trip maybe in August. So much to see and do. I am making a plan of what I want to see, hours open, if you can reserve times for tours...etc.
A really cool thing with vienna is that a lot of the really nice sights are all surrounding the Ring, which is the inntermost circular motorway around the first and second district. If you don't want to walk it, there are some tram lines that run on the entirety of the Ring like Nr1 or 71, you can go past the parlament, the museums (of art and history those are my favourite, also definitly worth a visit if you have the time!) the opera, the hofburg and the university of vienna. Near the muesums is also the Naschmarkt (which is a really really cool streetmarket, along the Wienzeile. The Wienzeile has some really pretty buildings in Jugendstil architecture) I also really reccoment checking out the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th district on foot, there you have a more "hip" clientel with a lot of really cool cafés, bars, restaurants and shops. Burggasse is forexample really enjoyable and it ends at the Volkstheater and the Museums. In that area there is also the coffee roastery J. Hornig, which serve some really good coffee. What's also worth checking out is the Donaukanal, there you can walk alongside the rivers and there are restaurants and small community gardens along it around the area of Schwedenplatz. OH! And you defnitily need to go to Tichy at Reumansplatz, you can get the best icecream in the entirety of vienna there, but be aware of potential waiting periods especially on weekends. If you're into Musicals I can also advise going to the Raimund or Ronacher theater, sometimes they sell last minute tickets for shows for pretty cheap. Students also sometimes can take discounts so if you are a student take your student ID with you!
i think there is a widespread missunderstanding. As an austrian i don't want to talk to my waiter more than necessary. I go out eating with friends and family to spend time with them. A waiter talking too much, asking about my day etc. would be considered annoying. the worst thing a austrian waiter could do is bring the bill before you asked for it. that would feel like they are throwing you out
Update for the Week Ticket. Starting July 1st, the 1 week ticket will actually be valid 7 days from the day you buy it, not that shameless scam it has been so far (I am excited even though I have an Austria-wide one year pass)
When it comes to table service at restaurants throughout Europe, you are on the mark, Mark! I love the European dining experience of relaxing with my guest(s) and enjoying my meal without an annoying waiter/waitress coming over every two minutes asking the same annoying question: "Is everything alright?" I know waiters/waitresses are brown-nosing for tips in the U.S.A., but constantly interrupting the dining pleasure of the customers in order to rush them out of the restaurant is unpleasant and unprofessional. American restaurants, pay your staff living wages!
Sometimes, when I go for breakfast with my colleques after nightshift, we tend to sit there and talk for hours :) maybe habe a cocktail at 9 or 10 am, and then, after we ate breakfast there, get hungry again and order lunch before heading home in the afternoon. That's great in Vienna, or Austria in general, as long as your table isn't reserved later that day, noone kicks you out. Only if you are in a very crowded place, and other customers get send away and you only ordered one drink in 3h, then someone will say something like "if you want to stay longer, you need to order something"
Thanks for this video. I just love Vienna and come here quite often. I would strongly recommend to visit the Café Gerstner, Kärntnerstrasse 51, opposite the Opera. The atmosphere is just out of this world! Make sure you have a reservation, as it is difficult to find space during most of the time. For me a must in Vienna! (BTW I‘m not related to that place or payed to promote it🤣🤣🤣)
„to be in a hurry“ is a term not existing for us Viennese people 😉 And the waiters won’t come up with the bill when you just have finished your dessert is for a reason, because we do not have that „max turning table culture“ like the Americans, meaning you can stay at a restaurant as long as you want. In typical Viennese Cafés you can stay for hours having just one Melange and a cake, for example.
Is that not bad for business? I mean when you allow customers to stay in the restaurant as long as you want and with minimal order. Genuinely curious here.
@@annaleah7890 The Austrian mentality is more geared towards Gemütlichkeit than absolute profit. And not everyone stays that long. So, in the end, it’s a good balance.
I retired to Vienna and I have a completely different view of this beautiful city that the Economist selected as the world's most liveable city. I also think the Viennese are among the nicest people. Do you speak German? Perhaps that's the difference.
The one thing I'd add is: - Don't be in a hurry. If your idea of a good time is a tightly-packed schedule where you rush from one event to the next...don't come to Austria, because you're just going to get stressed out. The austrian ideal is to move through life at a gentle, relaxed pace and take in the sights along the way. Punctuality isn't very high on the list of our virtues :P.
Our Bundesgärtner will have an eye out for the grass-walkers and of course the securities of the buildings as well (I just built a stage at the Belvedere last week for the "Wiener Opernsommer" and being allowed to built a lighting-tower IN the grass, much less two of them, was Not an easy conversation.). And the securities kept shooing people off the grass, even though there are signs everywhere and WE were clearly NOT tourists, but working. (You actually captured one of our trucks as a "terror barrier" for a big event we do the event tech for. At 13:47 ) My tip: If it LOOKS "perfect" (so: cut and cared for by professionals), DON'T walk on it. If it looks "natural", you most likely Can walk on it (not a garantee though). Just have an eye out for the signs and just do what the locals do (except clearly working people). But tourists often just don't care for much. They walk right under a crane moving a 2-ton stone, no matter how much you try to stop them... They will even walk through barrier tapes. Have seen that and had to deal with that way more often than I would like to admit. If you are a tourist - please just be considerate of the culture and rules of the visited country and don't make, especially construction site, workers work harder. That's actually it. Nothing more. But seemingly not as easy as it sounds.
Well, we do have a vibrant party and clubbing scene as well in Vienna: O-Club, Babenberger Passage, Flex, Porgy & Bess to name a few. And loads of open air clubbings and also cinemas during the summer months.
I agree with everything but calling the Schönbrunn Zoo a "little zoo in the back" is almost an insult. It is literally the oldest zoo in the WORLD still in operation (est. 1752). So it does have historical significance.
Waiters not bringing the bill until asked is actually a service, not a inconvenience because in most restaurants, they will not rush your party out the door. It's up to you when you want to leave.
I'm Viennese and while all of these things are true, the most important thing is the escalator one. Don't EVER stand on the left side.
Same in Munich 😄
I'm going to visit Vienna soon and I'm from São Paulo, Brazil which is a very loud and noisy city so I know it will be different, BUT the one thing that we can relate completely is that. Even people from other parts of my country get surprised when they come here. Us locals never stand on the left side of the escalator. That is the one rule we never break lol so I was watching the video and like OKAY GOT IT
I actually love this about Europe and wish it was that way in more countries; it's so much more efficient and respectful to others
is Vienna (& Austria overall) a place where shoppers return their carts?
I thought this was everywhere.
You calling Schönbrunn Zoo a „little zoo in the back“ flashbanged me lmao. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious zoos of the entire world! If anything the castle is the little thing in the back of the zoo :P
Absolutely. If any austrian is telling you they are going to Schönbrunn on the weekend everybody will automatically assume that they are going to the zoo. Nobody cares for the stupid overpriced and overrun castle. The zoo is definitely the best, most valuable and most prestigious part of the Schönbrunn area.
still no comparison to the Berliner Zoo, so yeah its a little garden
@@captainevenslower4400 if people tell me they go to Schönbrunn on the weekend I’ll be assuming that they’ll just go for a walk in the beautiful garden/forest, that they would maybe visit the castle wouldn’t even cross my mind 😂
Exactly my thoughts ... :D
@@markt9086 it's a lot more prestigious than the Berliner zoo. We're not talking about size here.
I am from Vienna and approve this video.
Ebenfalls und... ebenfalls! 😊
Ebenso & ebenso
ich auch!
It's Torte not Tort
@@peterskier7574 Glad someone mentioned Wolter's mispronunciation of German. His vids are right on, but I cringe when his German is incorrect for someone who lived and studied here. Und dabei, wohne ich in Wien.
You have some very good points, but as a Swede that lives in Vienna, I will add a few things:
-For public transport, there is a rule you did not mention: let people get OFF the transport BEFORE you enter. Do it the other way and you will definitely piss off some locals.
-For eating a Wiener würst, remember that it is called a Wiener all over the world - except for most of Vienna. There it is called a Frankfurter. There is a very cute explanation for this, which can be found with some searching. :)
-And for "bad" service, I would call that respect for privacy. Privacy (and no stress) is in very high regard in Vienna. That means that the waiter will not unnessesarily disturb/stress you and your company. They will leave you to whatever you are talking about, until you call their attention. In Vienna, I´d call that very high service and a sign of respect for you as a guest. Any true Viennes would be disturbed if the waiter came by every ten minutes to ask something. Do expect a visit to a café or restaurant to go slow, with no stress. it is not bad service, it is respect for privacy. It is just shown in a different way in Vienna.
-Reserved tables. There are places that have a standing reservation on tables, for very good (and important) customers. Usually located very close to the entrance. If you take a seat there, you will very fast draw the attention of a waiter that hopefully will give you another table. Those small "Reserved/Reserviert" signs are important.
-For more party-style, Vienna is somewhat secret. You´ll find it if you ask the locals. A "good" student tip is the Bermudadreiecke (Bermuda triangle) close to Schwedenplatz. It is named so because it is known for people and objects to disappear for many days, sometimes forever. :)
Agree!
I would say number 1 is a thing in every big city
Austrian here: my girlfriend is japanese and the first time I showed her around in vienna, she especially noticed how good the service was. Not being rushed by the waiters was especially what she noted…that really stuck out to me because I always took that for granted
@@helorobino That is true, but the only big city that I have visited or lived in where it actually WORKS, is Vienna! :D
You’re so right about there being a secret element to nightlife in Vienna. My two favorite bars when I lived there didn’t have any sign on the door. You literally just had to know it was there. There are also quite a few old small cafes that will have lock-ins late at night. But there is also the well known places. It’s not like there aren’t bars and clubs. But you are expected to behave yourself on the streets.
I visited Vienna last year, and it was incredible, my favourite city that I’ve visited so far. The public transport was flawless, and there was so much to see. I would definitely return, possible in the winter so I can visit the ice rink.
I was in Vienna last year. I was walking around after a concert at 11pm or so... the streets were just empty. It was such a surreal and beautiful experience to be walking around the Hofburg / Heldenplatz area alone.
was that midweek? I haven't been in that area since before covid to be honest. actually, because there was a lot going on. but maybe not necessaritly Mon till Thur.
To be honest those places are full on fridays and saturdays
Easy explanation: Austrians use to start working REALLY EARLY!
@@mattlafleur14 if you do this when the first snow is arriving in Vienna, you get to post the most romantic photos for your timeline. Make sure to always add some wrought iron in the pic 😉
If you want to get fashionably drunk, go to Vienna. If you want to get blackout drunk, go to Prague. If you want to get fashionably drunk, then blackout drunk, then wake up in your own vomit 10h later and somehow keep drinking, go to Munich during the Oktoberfest.
Travel not only broadens your horizons but also deepens your appreciation for the diverse tapestry of our world. It's a journey that goes beyond miles, creating memories that last a lifetime."
Sh*t, now the tourists figured out that the CAT train from the airpot to the inner city is a scam.
The check in there is kind of cool though
It isn't a Scam it was planned as the easiest Way for Tourists to get from the Airport to the Center of Vienna^^
@@3HR3NGR4B still not necessary - just at particular times during the night it might be a good option.
Top Tip : If you want to buy those "Mozart" branded choclates, stop into a Billa local food store or similar a little from the tourist centre and you will get them for a "local" price
As a Viennese I can say, you know the city.
Agree with everything, a few to add…
DON’T jaywalk 😅 as a Brit I had some Austrians look at me like a criminal, it’s not a big rule in the UK. I was very embarrassed.
Please research any public holidays before you go. We arrived on a Sunday and all shops were closed (apart from museums) then the Monday happened to be “All saints day” and nearly everything was shut, we only went for 3 days so we could only go to the shops on our final day.
The transport system was absolutely fantastic and the easiest to use.
DO get snacks from ANKER cafes
DO the short tour at Schönbrunn, I loved all the rooms lived in by Maria Teresa and Empress Sisi
It’s such a relaxing city, there’s no rushing everywhere like Paris/Barcelona. Just take your time and enjoy.
I agree with the sacher torte comment, I did go to the sacher hotel and the torte wasn’t much different to other places, I enjoyed the coffee liquors and the ambience the most.
DO go to the Sisi museum if you enjoyed Schönbrunn. 😊
Im off to Austria in a few weeks for the first time. I think the advice to be quiet as a church mouse around people as to not to offend them is B.S. just because you are in Vienna, or in Innsbruck where I will be in a couple of weeks doesnt mean I should be constantly looking for signs of disoprovals from local Austrians if my voice is a bit loud and I actualy show excitement for being in such a beautiful country. I grew up on a council estate in Manchester, we were very rowdy growing up and now Im obviously nore cultured as I got older, but honestly thats definitely one thing thar annoyed me in Switzerland when I visited Grindelwald was just how reserved and snobby sone of the locals were despite living in such an incredibly beautiful country.
As Viennese I have to say "Get your Snacks from "STRÖCK" or "MANN" instead of "Anker" other than that you gave good advice.
By the way Anker, Ströck, Mann aren´t "Cafes" but bakery chains and Ströck´s and Mann´s snacks + pastries + breads are by far way better.
Tip for the next time.
I know in other countries, jaywalking is not being punished by law enforcement but in Austria the police will fine you for jaywalking
Everybody jaywalks in Vienna
@@kappaklaus2671 doesn‘t change the fact that police will fine you for it. take it from someone who had to pay one time
This makes me miss Vienna a lot! Absolutely love this city, happy to see you guys back in Austria.
Thanks for your video.
5:38 An additional cost-saving measure, especially in good warm weather, is to visit the grocery stores and local bakeries for sandwiches, salads, and/or pastries for take-away and enjoy on a bench outside. Grocery-chains include Billa and Spar, all of which have additional "deli counters" for more things; e.g., Leberkäse-Brötchen, and I do like the "scharfe Käseleberkäse." Bakery-chains are many, including Anker, Der Mann, Felber, Ströck, etc.: all have common baked-goodies, and they also have different items for your viewing and tasting pleasure.
7:03 Everybody gets introduced to some level of Viennese "Grantigkeit" (grumpiness) 😈
I agree with everything that you wrote except for one thing: why on earth would you advice any unsuspecting tourist in Vienna to order a "Leberkäse- Brötchen"; that poor soul would be eaten alive- it is of course "Leberkäsesemmel"!
If you order a "Leberkäse- Brötchen" you're guaranteed some -in that case much deserved- Wiener Grant! 😉
There one can also find the Austrian version of a hamburger - Fleischleibchensemmel! Don´t miss out on that one. Very different from an American burger, but veeeery tasty!
Boy, I was in Vienna last year, It's an amazing place Vienna.
Prater park is beautiful, don't miss to visit and dedicate a whole day for Prater. Visit to Vienna incomplete without visiting Prater.
Visited Vienna in 2016... one of the safest cities ever. I walked around Stephanplatz at 3am like I was a resident 😂. The museums are so nice n full of history. Oh, and i can't begin to mention cafe Sacher...its a must go
(edit: there is no week ticket anymore, so this comment is already outdated) Week ticket vs 7-Days ticket! So, there is a "Wochenkarte" (week ticket) that is valid only from Monday to Sunday and there is a "7-Tage" (7 days) that is valid for a full week, starting with the day you validate it, so it could be Thursday to Thursday. They BOTH cost the same, 17,10 euro at the time. No idea why anybody would need the "week ticket" and why it still exists. Seems pointless.
They change the ticket system in July, no more Wochenkarte only the 7-Tage ticket.
2004-2009 I was blessed to live in Austria just outside of Vienna in Hinterbruhl. A very classy beautiful country. The folks must be nice, I married one!
I always love your videos for their great information - And beeing from vienna this is the first time i was assured that you actually know what you are talking about! Awesome Video as always
One Thing to add, regarding Servers and Service Quality in restaurants: Bringing the check/receipt without beeing asked is considered incredibly rude in Austria. Regarding the receipt, they don´t bring them because they don´t care - but because in Austria we consider getting the check like beeing "thrown out" of the restaurant - giving the sense of the servers not wanting you to stay any longer
Everything else was completely on point! Thank you for that video
Right. If the waiter brings the check without you asking for it it usually means it's "Sperrstunde" (closing time).
My mom and I intend to visit Vienna soon for her birthday, these videos are super helpful and informative, keep 'em coming Mark! 👍
Vienna is so amazing. They put statues everywhere. It's truly one of the most wonderful cities I've been to. Subway system is very easy.
I also did 10 days of touring in a rental car in Austria and Italy. It's so pretty. If you like cities, prague is not to be missed. Those 2 cities are very different so you get contrast. Prague is so beautiful. You can also train to Venice if you want to see the Mediterranean culture.
In vienna, put your phone away and just walk where your feet take you. You will know when to see where you are at.
Your in for a real treat. Enjoy.
I hope you and your mother enjoy your visit to Vienna and don't get in the way of the Viennese with your luggage. ;-)
As a Viennese, here are a few things that might make your trip nicer:
-) No Viennese I know likes the original Sachertorte. If you're in Schönbrunn, visit Cafe Dommaier (= Kurkonditorei Oberlaa) -which is close to the Hietzing Gate of Schönbrunn- or one of the sugar-pink branches of Aida. These places also offer really good pastries. Naturally there are a lot more nice places all over vienna so try out!
-) Don't let those pesty street concert ticket sellers sell you concert tickets. If you're interested in something like that, it's much better to buy tickets directly from the big venues, which you can get for less than 20€. (Of course, these are not great , but you can see the hall, look around and listen to a concert).
-) If you want to visit museums, think about what you want to visit. There are around 200 museums in Vienna covering a wide range of topics. And museums like the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Belvedere, Naturhistorisches Museum and Neue Hofburg are so big that you can spend a whole day there if you want to take a closer look at the individual exhibits. Some museums, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, also have several locations and offer combined tickets for these. (This specific museum includes: Kunsthistorisches Museum (=KHM); Neue Hofburg - Weltmuseum Wien; Theatermuseum; Kaiserliche Wagenbug, Kaiserliche Schatzkammer and Schloss Ambras on the other end of Austria. You may check the prices on what you want to visit as an annual ticket may be worth the price if you want to visit the KHM, Neue Hofburg, Theathermuseum and Schatzkammer.)
May I recommend the YT channel of "Khyati & Puria" to you?
They are an Austro-Indian/Iranian couple continuously publishing great videos about Vienna providing excellent advice about the city and how to enjoy it as a tourist the best way possible.
I stumbled over some of their videos a couple of months ago and as a Viennese native I can absolutely confirm that they really know what they are talking about.
No, that's not payed advertising by the way! 😁
Best regards from Vienna, and enjoy your trip! 😊
@@katharinasei.1807 stimme dir soooo zu. Die Sachertorte im Hotel Sacher ist so trocken.
I can't wait for my trip to Wien! I am doing a trip to Bavaria, Austria (And a daytrip to Bratislava). It will be my first time. Thanks Mark for your help with this.
You will love both Wien/Vienna and Bratislava. Two great cities, but VERY different from each other.
We booked the white tablecloth dinner ON the Reisenrad in December...it was amazing! They change the course and wine variety every several revolutions. Brilliant.
Vienna is a wonderful city that many people skip. It's very easy to get around and it's centrally located to visit many other areas.
Who skips it? Here in Northern Norway, all my friends who travels a decent amount, have been there, many of them multiple times. As have I.
I‘m from Vienna, and i wasn’t aware of the fact that we‘re such quiet people and like to stick to the rules. I thought it was normal. 😅
Naja, wir Österreicher sind Staatshörig. Hat man spätestens bei den C-Maßnahmen gemerkt.
@Simbson Vielleicht in gewissen Teilen des Landes mehr als anderen.
@@Suedetussy 🩷 I love your city.
The Mozart Cafe is a tourist trap and I've seen lines of people waiting to get in. As far as public transport goes, yes it does cover the city pretty well, but it does not go everywhere. If you are not near a line and it is cold and raining, take a cab or an uber, you won't regret it. Food tends to be cheaper at the restaurants locals patronize. The ones renown for Wienerschnitzel tend to have the worst service. Make a reservation and go early for lunch. My personal don'ts include skipping the Lipizzan horse show. It's OK, but there are better places to spend your money. Don't skip the tour of the Hapsburg china collection at the Hofburg. It is amazing and once you are tired of looking at plates, you can easily go through quicker. The palace tour itself was disappointing but you are paying for both. Don't miss the Kunsthistorisches Museum. It is amazing, but the Hapsburgs had all the money. Watch yourself when crossing streets. Yeah, the Viennese obey the rules but the foreign drivers don't.
Great video and very accurate 😊 as an Austrian I just like to add one thing (because there was a picture of it), we don’t eat applestrudel (Apfelstrudel) with vanilla sauce. You’ll only find it at touristy places. German tourists started to ask for it and because there are so many of them here, they added it to the menu at the popular places.
And yes, people in Vienna are grumpy and famous for it, also called “das goldene Wienerherz” (the golden Viennese heart)
And the Wiener Schmäh - the way to insult people so they don´t even get that they got insulted. Always with a friendly smile! :D
@@jokervienna6433 to even add to the confusion - its the reason why we (austrians living outside of vienna) have the saying: austria is nice, vienna is different ;) - but thats mostly just teasing each other, also the grumpyness is mostly a charade for strangers. When people know each other better, things quickly warm up.
I went to Vienna during the holidays and Christmas markets. The city was magical.
I had to laugh at your opening "don't" of being noisy. I saw the Vienna Boys Choir perform their Advent concert in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein. The choir was amazing but too many audience members ruined the experience because they were talking (in German) as they sang.
One more don't (if you're a geography nerd) is: Don't miss the Globe Museum of the Austrian National Library.
Yes, unfortunately those things happen, most of the times its during national holidays where people are a bit more carried away (or drunk) then usual :) Alcohol is something that also belongs to austria like all the other mentioned things and it sometimes gets out of hand. Noone does it intentional thou to ruin your experience, its just something that happens out of their own excitement.
Just came back from Vienna, beautiful city and people. We only ate deserts while we were there! Missing Vienna and the concert halls already
My dont's:
Fiaker (horse carriage)
Café Central
Ankeruhr (very nice clock with rotating images) at 12:00
Don't block the public transport doors when riding the bus/Tram/Metro
Please put your Trash in trashcans and not on the ground
Sometimes uber is quicker than public Transport, but this applies more for the outer districts, in the inner districts you' ll be fine even with walking (just use google maps, it's quite accurate in Vienna.
Don't skip cool architecture or neighbourhoods in outer districts!
@orklord6668 i am austrian. My question: sind da überhaupt noch Einheimische drinnen (außer jetzt im Tourismus tätige oder Personal) oder sind es sowieso nur Touristen. Ich kann mir auch nicht vorstellen dass es besonders angenehm ist wenn es so vollgestopft ist. In Salzburg, das tomaselli ist daher nicht mehr zum geniessen...
@chrislstahl4239 ich war vor ca 8 Jahren im Cafe Central und war schockiert, weil dort nur noch Touristen sind. Ich war davor noch nie dort und war neugierig und hatte mir eher eine Atmosphäre wie im Landtmann erwartet.
Cafe Central is actually nice and has good cakes, just don't go there when all the tourists also wait :D
Excellent comment ❤
Also, public transport is really cheap in Vienna. And: Wiener sausages are called Frankfurter in Vienna (they were invented here by a butcher called Frankfurter and then adopted all over Europe as "Wiener Würstel"). Eat Viennese street food, diverse savory sausages or Leberkäse at the food stands all over town - good quality fun food at very reasonable prices. Don't go to Naschmarkt - it's mostly an overpriced rip-off. Go three or four stations by U1 into Favoriten (statio Reumannplatz) to get some really good kebab (eg at restaurant Kent on Favorritenstraße or at Ferhat Döner, also on Favoritenstraße). Also, don't wait in line for a Schnitzel at Figlmüller, almost every Gasthaus serves good quality Schnitzel (veal, pork, or chicken).
Liked the way you presented them. It was like sitting across in a park and listening to you. Great job. Keep it up.
Heading to Vienna in a few months. Thanks for the info.
Great video. I've been 10 times to Vienna. It is my favorite city.
For anyone visiting Schonbrunn, I would recommend that you research the tours before you decide. I have been in the palace several times and have always done the longest tour because you see the most and it is fascinating. The timing differences are 60 minutes, 40 minutes and 25 minutes, so the longest tour isn't THAT much longer.
I'd also recommend, in the summer, getting to Schonbrunn when the gardens open at 6:30 am. You have the entire gardens to yourself. Spend a couple hours exploring the gardens, then do the palace tour at 8:30 and you're out. By 8:00 am the tour buses start to arrive and the place becomes packed.
thank you, I will definitely do the longer tour now.
Another thing: take note of closing times and take them VERY seriously. I was locked on the grounds of the Schönbrunn once and had to climb over the wall. When I got to the top, I was afraid to climb down. Finally, someone climbed up and guided my feet.
Hi,
I was born in Vienna and I can say that almost everything is true and it's funny for me to hear it summarised like this 😀
Having lived in Vienna for 47 years, I can contribute some ‘news’. After an experience in a restaurant where we had made a reservation, we were actually ‘asked out’ after exactly 2 hours. Since then we no longer go to this restaurant and when I make reservations in other restaurants I ask if we can stay seated as long as we want anyway. In overbooked and busy restaurants, it's now better to ask.
And.... unfortunately it's not always quiet everywhere, I'm just talking about building sites and people on public transport talking loudly on their phones, for example.
Have fun in Vienna!
obnoxious people on their phones in public places is a curse in Canada too.
@@scrambaba Germany too!
1st rule of vienna, don't miss it. Truly an amazing, wonderful city.
2nd.. In Barcelona, looking at people and smiling is normal. In vienna, it's like prison. Don't make eye contact on the streets much. They don't like it.
Austrians are quite reserved, and blunt, but less than Germans. In Vienna, most people are in the inner City to work, so most are busy or stressed and can be quite rude when their way is blocked or else. No patience :-)
There is definitely more hospitality in other austrian cities than vienna.
For example, they'll greet you at the supermarket, or in the countryside, they'll greet you on the street (which is cute but weird, and i always have to get used to myself)
I disagree with this. I never had to consciously avoid eye contact. Nor did I feel like people downtown were rude. Quite the opposite. I thought people there enjoyed living well and looking good.
@@scrambaba Noone will "stab" you because of that, but austrian people usually are really reserved for themself and those close around them. They're usually showing just a hard, protective shell to everyone that is a stranger to them. When you stay longer or are in contact with austrian people they usually warm up quite a lot and turn out to be very nice people. Well, most of them anyway.
Vienna is my favourite city of all those that I’ve visited, whether in Europe or North America. The pace is slower, the people are courteous and I’ve always felt safe there, even in narrow streets at dead of night. The architecture is stunning, reflecting its former status as the capital of an empire. I’ve encouraged many friends and acquaintances to visit Vienna. Most of them have and all returned enchanted by it. The advice in this video is mainly common sense. Quietly feel the ambience of the city and fit into it. Bon voyage!
I'm British and live in the Waldviertel. I've been here for nine years and don't really get the magic of Wien. It is clean, quiet, and it's a mix of people bring laid back or very tense. There's a fine line. A million times safer than the UK. People can seem aloof in Austria or very private but I like this, and it is normally out of respect. This country has a lot going for it. But heck, venture beyond Wien for the real beauty of this country.
@@Dirty_Trippy You’re right, it’s all beautiful. I enjoyed a week in Kitzbühel, exploring the area and visiting Salzburg. Wonderful country.
you made a lot of good and valid points here (i am born and raised in vienna)
thank you for all those nice compliments and good advice.
vienna has a nightlife and club culture - maybe not as crazy, loud and exzessive as in other cities, but thats how we try to live together. the city is not that big. so the parties are mainly INSIDE the clubs (grelle forelle, werk, flex, loft, fluc and lots of others) but not as much out on the streets. if you want that and be wasted: be age 15-25 and go to the area around schwedenplatz on friday or saturday and vomit your souls out. otherwise: go decent clubbing and look online for lineups and genres, as most locations are not specific to one genre only.
we go to a cafe to read books or newspapers or to chat with a person. but not in a manner so everybody can - or better: has to - listen to you. respect this and you will be fine.
but let me get something straight on that topic: we don't hate or shsssh tourists for that kind of "bad behaviour" - we do that to EVERYBODY! ;)
friendly waiters - well, they treat you like a prince, when you treat them like kings.
and thank you so much for pointing out, how good public transport is, and that there is no need for using cars. our public transport is - except for busses (but this is also changing) - fully electric. so its quiet, doesn't smell bad (except for food eating, which you should not do, otherwise you'll a fine by those nice controllers that ask for tickets as mentioned) or create smog in the city. big benefit: less cars, better city! there are rental bicycles too.
about the grass - yes! please stay out of those areas that are marked not to enter. other than that there are lots of areas where everybody is welcome to have a picknick or play games (maybe not in the same spot - use your brains and be nice - its so simple).
just be aware of others and respect each other - then we all have a great time. locals and tourists.
and don't be afraid of us viennese ppl for being unfriendly or grumpy - thats our thing, our brand!
we have to do that, otherwise everybody would think, we are tourists. :D
Ye the night and life is a bit more grungey and underground (literally) so you gotta know where to dig. Everything being tucked away in the backrooms of old cellars and utility buildings gives a sense of privacy that I enjoy. Allows the law to be taken very losely too. You can get away with a lot especially if you befriend a regular who knows the house rules so to speak. It's like drug laws don't apply once you're two floors below ground. 🤣
Fluc und Flex ist eine schlechte Empfehlung da DD (Drogen-Disco).
@@Simbson schwachsinniges kriterium
@@Simbson Wo kommstn du dahergschwommen mit solchen puritanischen Standards 🤣
@@Simbson lol dann bleib einfach zuhause. Wobei Fluc und Flex relativ harmlos sind was das angeht und auch nicht die besten Partys!
I must agree with Mark about Cafe Mozart. It has much the same food as the Hotel Sacher but at better prices. Yes, there are plenty of tourists, but I found the food overall quite good.
Your DOING A AWESOME JOB Mark.!!💯💯💯💯💯🥰🥰🥰🥰
I am from Vienna! So I can agree with all your views.
Ebenfalls und... ebenfalls! 😊
Thanks for this video! I am Austrian. Hugs from Vienna! 💚💛💙
I have to disagree about the wait staff in Vienna. I found them to be very friendly, and helpful. That said, I’m British, and don’t expect wait staff to be constantly milling around me.
Afeer I watched your videos about my hometown I trust you on every place you do a Video of. Very reliable information. Compliment!
Thank you. Planning a vacation there in October. Hope the weather is pleasant.
Last year i visit vienna and get into the museum by the gift shop, nobody asked something and it was free😂 being dutch like myself i liked that, but the People are very friendly and with respect coming back this august❤
loved Vienna. it definitely is quiet! went to a few gyms including DAS GYM ! Prater is awesome, Turm restaurant 😎 museums were great too !
One more don't :
Dont take a shortcut through a underground station without a ticket. Can cost you 105 Euro per person!
even U-Bahn + S-Bahn gets you in maaany places... but dont forget, Kernzone ticket also is good for:
- trams, Badner Bahn (up till Siebenhirten/Vosendorf), all OBB trains except CAT (now also good for some CJX services within Vienna as well, even RailJet), aaand buses + VOR buses
and if even trams dont get you where you need to go, buses will :)
if you walk in single direction for at least a bit, you are bound to find at least a bus stop :)
Love Vienna,beautiful city.
According to Wiener Linien, there is a digital weekly ticket with a freely selectable start date.
Waiters get a fair pay, have health insurance and retirement fonds ( it's common to hire people from eastern Europe and pay them in cash, without taxes and stuff) tip is nice, but they can survive without it.
They don't want to interrupt you, what you see as distant and cold is actually respecting your privacy. They are trained, to not bother costumers, to just leaf them alone. If you want something, they will serve you, if you have a question, they will answer it. You can sit there for hours and they won't tell you to leave. That makes me feel more welcome than a fake smile.
to save a LOT of money, you can actually shop in any grocery store like BILLA, SPAR, LIDL, Hofer... they are everywhere and you can get decent food for really cheap money :) and if you arent like, I have to visit museums and just wanna go explore... there is stuff for a ton of visits thats either free, outside or so, without need to spend tons of money on entrance fees and such :)
3:12 regarding the week ticket, they changed that
You can pick the exact day on which it is valid from, when you buy it online at least, which I recommend you to do in the first place
The true capital of Europe.
Trust me, i am Austrian, the desserts are awesome and Sacher Torte is by far not the best.
Try this instead: "Cremeschnitte", "Bananenschnitte", "Apfelstrudel mit Vanillesauce", "Mohr im Hemd", "Eispalatschinke", "Germknödel mit Vanillesauce", "Marillenknödel"
That's what you eat as an Austrian for dessert the most, i think. Desserts that end with "...tasche" or "...tascherl" or "...knödel" or "...palatschinke" or almost always awesome.
I agree. And if you want s cake try Linzertorte, Esterhazyschnitte, Kardinalschnitte, Mozarttorte or Punschschnitte
Great video Mark! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. What months are good to visit Vienna?
March to Oktober are best. If you like Christmas markets then around these Days...
November is mostly rainy. January to April is often cold and uncomfortabe.
Just booked our first ever river cruise that starts and ends in Vienna! We aren’t cruise people but I just wanted one vacation where I wasn’t constantly wondering where we would eat or cook in an airbnb. Hoping to find a few places to hike either before or after the cruise.
the week and month tickets got changed. with july 1st 2024, the 7 day and 31 day ticket are actually valid for this period of time and not a calender week or month.
finally.
Hey Mark, awesome video
God bless you ! Thank you so much for the tips 🙏🏻
Thanks for such an informative video :)
This is great, thanks 😊
⭐🚊🎡 UPDATE: The ticket conditions for Vienna have changed on 1st July 2024: The 'week ticket' ('Wochenkarte') has been replaced by the '7-day VIENNA ticket' ('7 Tage WIEN Ticket') and is valid from the date and time of validation, which can be chosen freely.
Great video - spot on
Great video, greetings from Vienna 👍
Nice Video, im in Vienna Next Week👍Great timeing
Aloha Wolter, I was born and raised in Europe (Germany) and yes it is definitely a different culture from the US and the place I chose to be my adopted home, Hawai’i . It would be great, if you could do a “doe’s and don’ts of Hawai’i !
Wieners (sausages) which are called wieners in Germany are called frankfurters in Vienna. The reason is that frankfurters has in Germany an area protection and has to be produced in the region of Frankfurt. historically a butcher from Frankfurt migrated to Vienna a long time ago and sold this at Frankfurters. 😊
the actual protection was about the making back in those days..."Frankfurter sausages" in Germany had and still has to be made out of pork.
That´s why the Frankfurter butcher "Johann Georg Lahner" emigrated to Vienna in 1804 because he created a "Frankfurter" with a "Brät" out of half veal + half pork and that wasn´t allowed to sell because it violated the "Zunftordnung" which regulated the production process.
In Vienna the "Zunftordung" was already dispersed for many decades so that was then the place for him to go in order to sell his product.
That "regional protection" you refered to is from the 20th century and has nothing to do with it why it´s called "Wiener" in Germany and "Frankfurter" in Austria/Vienna - because that was always the case since 1804 - because of what I told you about the "Zunftordnung" from back then.
This was awesome thank you
this is why i live here. quietness, silence is the most important thing! silence is golden.
Born in Vienna, moved out of Vienna- it's getting worse.
@@Simbson you will not find any other town on this planet which is better - most livable town since over 10 years. i think you are an antimigrant right winger.
The Sachertorte you can get at the official place is kind of dry and honestly not as good as some of the variants you can buy at supermarkets for way less money. This is obviously up to personal taste, but as someone who had store bought Sachertorte for every birthday celebration and then finally tried the official one way later I was left kind of disappointed.
NOW the Wochenticket is for 7 days whenever you buy it
starting with july 1st. so... soon.
I loved Vienna! Now, I want to go back!
Doing research for a trip maybe in August. So much to see and do. I am making a plan of what I want to see, hours open, if you can reserve times for tours...etc.
Me too!
A really cool thing with vienna is that a lot of the really nice sights are all surrounding the Ring, which is the inntermost circular motorway around the first and second district. If you don't want to walk it, there are some tram lines that run on the entirety of the Ring like Nr1 or 71, you can go past the parlament, the museums (of art and history those are my favourite, also definitly worth a visit if you have the time!) the opera, the hofburg and the university of vienna. Near the muesums is also the Naschmarkt (which is a really really cool streetmarket, along the Wienzeile. The Wienzeile has some really pretty buildings in Jugendstil architecture) I also really reccoment checking out the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th district on foot, there you have a more "hip" clientel with a lot of really cool cafés, bars, restaurants and shops. Burggasse is forexample really enjoyable and it ends at the Volkstheater and the Museums. In that area there is also the coffee roastery J. Hornig, which serve some really good coffee.
What's also worth checking out is the Donaukanal, there you can walk alongside the rivers and there are restaurants and small community gardens along it around the area of Schwedenplatz.
OH! And you defnitily need to go to Tichy at Reumansplatz, you can get the best icecream in the entirety of vienna there, but be aware of potential waiting periods especially on weekends. If you're into Musicals I can also advise going to the Raimund or Ronacher theater, sometimes they sell last minute tickets for shows for pretty cheap. Students also sometimes can take discounts so if you are a student take your student ID with you!
A most beautiful city
Americans speaking german with an accent is so adorable :) Great video as always.
Great video! You are 100% right.
Hello its not called Sacher Tort but Sacher Torte the e is missing just like Porsch its Porsche
thank you so much for valuable info!!!
Just booked a trip to Vienna in May ❤
How was your Stay in Vienna?
@@3HR3NGR4B it was beautiful!! Vienna became one of my favorite European cities :) so charming!
Bravo, I´ll take in care for my cooming visit. Thank you.
Impeccable as always! Thank you from Greece :)
i think there is a widespread missunderstanding. As an austrian i don't want to talk to my waiter more than necessary. I go out eating with friends and family to spend time with them. A waiter talking too much, asking about my day etc. would be considered annoying. the worst thing a austrian waiter could do is bring the bill before you asked for it. that would feel like they are throwing you out
Update for the Week Ticket.
Starting July 1st, the 1 week ticket will actually be valid 7 days from the day you buy it, not that shameless scam it has been so far (I am excited even though I have an Austria-wide one year pass)
Käserkrainer is a wurst and the image You shoted are Apfelstrudel (Apple strudel)
He is American how should he know.
Wolter, are you still in Vienna?
I love your videos
I am a friendly austrian 🇦🇹
Weekly ticket is valid from the specified date, when you buy it! This is from Mon-Sun is not actual already.😊
When it comes to table service at restaurants throughout Europe, you are on the mark, Mark!
I love the European dining experience of relaxing with my guest(s) and enjoying my meal without an annoying waiter/waitress coming over every two minutes asking the same annoying question: "Is everything alright?" I know waiters/waitresses are brown-nosing for tips in the U.S.A., but constantly interrupting the dining pleasure of the customers in order to rush them out of the restaurant is unpleasant and unprofessional. American restaurants, pay your staff living wages!
Sometimes, when I go for breakfast with my colleques after nightshift, we tend to sit there and talk for hours :) maybe habe a cocktail at 9 or 10 am, and then, after we ate breakfast there, get hungry again and order lunch before heading home in the afternoon. That's great in Vienna, or Austria in general, as long as your table isn't reserved later that day, noone kicks you out. Only if you are in a very crowded place, and other customers get send away and you only ordered one drink in 3h, then someone will say something like "if you want to stay longer, you need to order something"
Thanks for this video. I just love Vienna and come here quite often. I would strongly recommend to visit the Café Gerstner, Kärntnerstrasse 51, opposite the Opera. The atmosphere is just out of this world! Make sure you have a reservation, as it is difficult to find space during most of the time. For me a must in Vienna! (BTW I‘m not related to that place or payed to promote it🤣🤣🤣)
One more thing: Watch where you walk and make sure you don't walk on a marked bike lane.
„to be in a hurry“ is a term not existing for us Viennese people 😉 And the waiters won’t come up with the bill when you just have finished your dessert is for a reason, because we do not have that „max turning table culture“ like the Americans, meaning you can stay at a restaurant as long as you want. In typical Viennese Cafés you can stay for hours having just one Melange and a cake, for example.
Is that not bad for business? I mean when you allow customers to stay in the restaurant as long as you want and with minimal order. Genuinely curious here.
@@annaleah7890 The Austrian mentality is more geared towards Gemütlichkeit than absolute profit. And not everyone stays that long. So, in the end, it’s a good balance.
I retired to Vienna and I have a completely different view of this beautiful city that the Economist selected as the world's most liveable city. I also think the Viennese are among the nicest people. Do you speak German? Perhaps that's the difference.
The one thing I'd add is:
- Don't be in a hurry. If your idea of a good time is a tightly-packed schedule where you rush from one event to the next...don't come to Austria, because you're just going to get stressed out. The austrian ideal is to move through life at a gentle, relaxed pace and take in the sights along the way. Punctuality isn't very high on the list of our virtues :P.
Our Bundesgärtner will have an eye out for the grass-walkers and of course the securities of the buildings as well (I just built a stage at the Belvedere last week for the "Wiener Opernsommer" and being allowed to built a lighting-tower IN the grass, much less two of them, was Not an easy conversation.). And the securities kept shooing people off the grass, even though there are signs everywhere and WE were clearly NOT tourists, but working.
(You actually captured one of our trucks as a "terror barrier" for a big event we do the event tech for. At 13:47 )
My tip: If it LOOKS "perfect" (so: cut and cared for by professionals), DON'T walk on it.
If it looks "natural", you most likely Can walk on it (not a garantee though). Just have an eye out for the signs and just do what the locals do (except clearly working people).
But tourists often just don't care for much. They walk right under a crane moving a 2-ton stone, no matter how much you try to stop them... They will even walk through barrier tapes.
Have seen that and had to deal with that way more often than I would like to admit.
If you are a tourist - please just be considerate of the culture and rules of the visited country and don't make, especially construction site, workers work harder. That's actually it. Nothing more.
But seemingly not as easy as it sounds.
You are great. I love your videos❤
Well, we do have a vibrant party and clubbing scene as well in Vienna: O-Club, Babenberger Passage, Flex, Porgy & Bess to name a few. And loads of open air clubbings and also cinemas during the summer months.
I agree with everything but calling the Schönbrunn Zoo a "little zoo in the back" is almost an insult. It is literally the oldest zoo in the WORLD still in operation (est. 1752). So it does have historical significance.
There is a 7 day ticket but as far as I know, you cant get that at the ticket machines. Only in the Wiener Linien App