Rules of conduct for tourists in Vienna
Vienna presents itself to visitors as a modern, relaxed city with a rich cultural heritage. Nevertheless, the Viennese still have a reputation for being ‘grumpy’ – although the boundaries between charm, grumpiness and politeness are often blurred. To avoid being rude and experience some Viennese charm, a few simple rules of conduct will help.
‘Grüß Gott’ has nothing to do with religious belief
In Vienna, ‘Grüß Gott’ is an automatic greeting and has hardly any religious connotations. Visitors score more points with it than with a ‘Tach’.
People are particularly sensitive in coffee houses.Only those who have no idea what they are doing order a ‘Kännchen Kaffee’ in Vienna. The most important thing to remember is that Kaffee is always pronounced with a long E – as in the French word ‘café’.
‘Küss die Hand’ (Kiss the hand)
Unfortunately, the likelihood of a lady in Vienna still being greeted in this way is becoming increasingly slim. If it does happen, don't worry and don't immediately withdraw your hand in embarrassment: only the back of your hand will be touched very lightly.
Semmerl, Sackerl und Packerl
The diminutive forms do not imply cuteness, but are normal usage – ‘Brötchen’ or ‘Tüte’ simply sound wrong to Viennese people.
Getting around Vienna
For visitors, Vienna is a wonderful smorgasbord of activities worth experiencing. Whether on foot, by taxi or by public transport, there will always be authentic encounters with locals.
A cycle path is a cycle path is a cycle path
Vienna's cycle paths are fiercely contested and sacred to cyclists. Especially in the city centre, keep your eyes open – they are faster (and quicker to complain) than you think.
Too many Mozarts on the street
St Stephen's Cathedral is swarming with colourful ‘Mozarts’ who only sell concert tickets. Better: enjoy real culture!
Bum bag
Except at the Vienna City Marathon: avoid bum bags – in Vienna, people think of security checks on public transport.
The wicked thirst: drinking is healthy
Drinking is important, that much has long been agreed. But in the only cosmopolitan city where excellent wine is grown on a large scale, people don't always talk about spring water. Coffee houses are also celebrated.
Der „G´spritzte“…
‘G'spritzter’ has two meanings: in culinary terms, it refers to a mixture of wine and water, but it also has a derogatory meaning, referring to a ‘fool’. The latter applies to anyone who chooses a white wine spritzer instead of a G'spritzter.
In the coffee house
Viennese coffee houses have a long tradition: in the past, they were meeting places for the intellectual elite. Today, people stay longer – the coffee house itself is a point of interest.
Tap water from the Vienna Alps
In Vienna, people like to drink Alpine water – it's better to bottle it yourself instead of buying expensive plastic bottles.
