From experience, most checks happen at Praterstern for some reason. I've been checked a fair amount while being an exchange student at WU for a semester.
It would be more efficient if everybody would block (that means stand on) also the left side. Experiments show that this is much faster and safer than if people walk on the left and stand on the right side, because most people are standing anyway and if they only use the right side this reduces the capacity of the escalator significantly and slows down everybody else. In addition walking on an escalator increases the risk of an accident drastically and even the unbalanced use of escalators is problematic in terms of maintainance. Unfortunately, it is difficult to teach people to change their learned wrong behavior.
@@florianmeier3186 Sounds good and you are probably right, but nah. Far too many people need to get somewhere quickly, and are a nuisance if they are standing behind you pouting, getting angry or worst.... begin to get hostile. So its best to stick to the right if you can't walk or are slow, and let those people who are mobile go by on the left and be gone. It is the same in many other cities, especially in NYC.
@@florianmeier3186 this only works under the assumption, that most people (like 80-90%) are standing. otherwise you get more throughput if you let people climb the stairs if they want to.
As an Austrian myself, I wanna add 2 more things to that list: 6) don't think, you can have the complete Vienna experience in just 2 days. I have seen too many tourists arriving at Vienna, stay there one night and then move on. Vienna has a lot to offer, make sure, you stay at least a few days. (Bonus: you also have the opportunity to eat a lot of different typically Austrian dishes) 7) don't spend the whole time in Vienna. Generally speaking, Vienna is nice, but you should go out and see the countryside of Austria or other cities. Salzburg, Hallstatt and the Wachau are the most famous ones (and also the most crouded ones). But there are plenty of other options, you can take: - Graz, which is 2,5 hours away with the train + you can enjoy the oldest mountain-train-line in the world (Semmeringbahn, which is a UNESCO world heritage site) - Linz, 1,25 hours away with the train, which has a completely different vindustrial vibe. Also a lot of WWII-history is here, especially with the concentration camp in Mauthausen. - hiking in the Alps. Just do it. This is the favourite hobby of a lot of Austrians, you're guaranteed to get some company. Just enjoy the nature. Just be aware, that you choose a tour according to your skill and condition. - visit the vine yards. A lot of good vine is made here in Austria and you can visit those in the proximity of Vienna. If you book a guided tour, you almost certainly also get a vine tasting - and many many more things
Thanks Mark for the video and also thanks to Mike! I am going in March and will definately be experiencing Semmeringbahn after your comment/reading about it. I can't wait to explore Austria.
I agree Mike! I was in Austria in June this year and loved every second. I stayed a few days in Vienna (not nearly enough like you said) and spent time in Graz, Linz, and Salzburg - all great places.
Yep. Restaurants, public transport... Same here (Czech), we consider it rude when you speak so loud that we can follow your conversation.. It is annoying. It´s the same as when somebody just takes out a phone and starts dealing with his personal issues over the phone.. Last time it was a girl with an irritatingly loud voice, the topic was "why on earth did he break up with me"... 5 minutes in I felt like throwing the phone away, shouting at her "I don´t blame him, it´s so obvious why he dumped you, so annoying it´s wonder you started dating at all!!!" I should have asked her to turn it down a bit, she was on the phone for 30 MINUTES...
Also. Just go for a walk. having no agenda. just walking around enjoying the moment. And with the "Austrians are unpolite" Argument. they are not. They are just not lying to be your best friend. they will tell you honestly what they think. so if you block the left side of the undergrounds escalators (you are supposed to stay on the right and walk at the left) or if you stay in front of the trains doors so people can't properly exit. viennese people will tell you off.
As a Viennese some more tips: don't stand on the left side of the escalators, don't stop right after exiting public transport - people will run you over if you do that and they will not apologize, don't take a Fiaker. Seriously, don't. The horses aren't treated very well, it's way too expensive and honestly the Viennese will make fun of you. Our souvenir shops have a lot of stuff, don't just get the "no kangaroos in Austria" shirt. Don't go to Starbucks. Don't line up for the Cafe Central, it's not worth standing there for two hours. Things move very very fast in Vienna so if you are a slow walker try to stay out of the way of people who need to be somewhere. Most shops are closed on Sundays, do your shopping on Saturday and/or plan your trip accordingly. If you come in winter enjoy the Christmas markets but don't go to the one on Rathaus Platz, it's enormous and way too expensive; if you come in summer visit the Donauinsel and maybe go swimming in the Neue Donau. And most importantly: Enjoy Vienna!
I can never get over the line-ups at Cafe Central, honestly, who would want to wait that long to get in when you are just there for a couple of days? Same goes for the Sacher. I go a few steps further and enjoy some coffee culture at the Palais Ferstel passage at Beaulieu. OK, it is supposed to be French, but the coffee is decidedly Viennese.
I agree except for the Rathausplatz.. it's beautiful to walk around, you don't actually have to buy stuff! Also I recommend going to Café Goldegg when you visit the Belvedere, it's very close and traditional and the staff speaks some little bit English
I visited Vienna in the summer and went to Cafe Central when it wasn't very crowded. We were able to sit outside and the service was top knotch! I don't know about the winter, but in the summer it's worth the experience.
Vienna is my favourite city in Europe 😍 If you go during Christmas time, don't skip on the Christmas markets! And bring cash there because they don't accept cards at 90% of the places
and do not disregard this if you are Russian - I was out with a Russian friend who prided himself at how much he can drink. "Bah, humbug, I am Russian!" His wife had to carry him home!
@@neinzukorruption9321 Das darf ja wohl auch erwarten. Touristen wie ich schauen JEDES RUclips video zu einer Stadt bevor Sie da hin reisen. Mein Problem ist, dass ich, seit ich so handle, nimmer zum Reisen komme.
Franz Kallmann Ja oida is ja ned meine Schuld wenn der Hawara sich ned erkundigt? Wenn ich in a fremdes Land reise erkundige ich mich auch wie was wann?
you are right with Starbucks, but you can still sit there for hours without consuming more than your initial coffee. But of course, as a tourist you should find a real Kaffeehaus.
@@stoffls I am not sure that I would recommend a real Kaffeehaus for coffee. Despite what Wolter said, they are not really that good on the coffee side of things. But our coffee bars are one of the bests in the world. Coffee cultured evolved in the recent years. You still get great pastry and acceptable coffee in those Kaffehäusern. And the authentic Vienna service that considers the customer as a nuisance, but that makes those Kaffehäuser authentic. ;-)
One very important thing: don't rush around the city trying to check off all the sites - you will just end up stressed and miss what Vienna is actually all about. Take a walk through the inner city, let your mind wander off, and just enjoy the vibe - that's the most beautiful thing about Vienna for me. Just being in the city makes me happy when I can put the stress aside for a minute :)
He described ideal service in Vienna. Finding such service is rare, actually. Most of it sucks and it's not just because I don't understand how it works -- I've lived here for 25 years. That being said, with the increase in young people opening places (and foreigners), the service is getting better. Also, don't think I'm just some bitter fool. I actually have come to like the surly, incompetent, and barely-trying Vienna service style. But I would never call the vast majority of it "good".
True! I am 82. Always busy with classical music. But never was in Wien. Now I got the chance to make a short trip there. A short time that leaves everlasting memories...
I'm stuck having to move there for family reasons. Id have rather lived my entire life without going there. Everything I learn about it just sounds pathetic.
I just got back from Vienna on Thursday. Had a great time and think I avoided the mistakes you mentioned! I’ve been twice now and there is still so much i haven’t seen. Thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas markets and made a valiant effort to try all the flavours of Christmas punch. Didn’t manage it - maybe next time!
They do have wonderful Christmas markets. We were there for Christmas a few years ago and really loved it. I totally forgot to put Christmas market in vienna pictures in this one. Will need to make sure i do that for the next vienna video
Wolters World actually, for anyone reading planning a trip- allow yourself extra time to get through Vienna airport. The walk from the CAT train to terminal 1 is long & there are building works going on. I flew with Lauda (through Ryanair) they don’t have a bag drop off so you have to queue to check in a bag, (Ryanair usually have bag drop off but not available in Vienna. Other airlines may differ though) and there are 3 separate queues for boarding card check, passport check and security checks. So don’t be late!
Talking about bad service: Around 1900 authors slept in hotels and because they couldn't afford the heating in hotels during the day (it was extra), they sat in the coffee house the entire day and worked there - it was food, coffee, heat, coffee houses have always had all newspapers and international ones as well, they even got their mail sent to the coffee house. Imagine having a US-waiter while sitting 12 hours in this place, annoying huh? Yeah that's why waiters don't talk to you that much :b
Austrian cafe/restaurant culture actually sounds rather nice for me. It really bothers me when waiters come to my table every two minutes and ask "Are you guys doing OK? Do you need anything else?" I just want to shout "Yes, we're fine! Now let us eat in peace!"
Are you American? I wonder whether the waiter just believes this behavior is what you expect? Wrongly as it seems. Anyway, as a local, trust me, I am more often annoyed by not being asked whether I want something else/more, or anything at all. Sometimes I wonder whether I am invisible.
@@Thomas_at_8a_ktiv Not being bothered, because the staff is told to leave you alone is quite nice actually. They are always one wave away and most of them know their stuff. And yes, I am from vienna. I really like that aspect of our service culture.
I love Austria! It's my one of favorite European countries. People are helpful and have an understated level of friendliness, which is just right for me. Vienna is a beautiful city with more things to do than expected.
Servers are quite friendly and their cafes are very good. enjoy seeing they have a hour glass to measure your tea. I was given an hour glass with 2-minute , 3-minute and 5-minute and I was amazed and asked what the hour glass is for. The waitress told me that it is to measure how strong you like your tea. Stayed there total around 1 week and enjoyed it every day. and did not have a chance to Mozart concert of equiem. And it is on my list for next visit. The art history museum is quite impressive , classic collections, I was kicked out when the museum is closed. And took a day to Saltzburg, and lake area, view is fantastic. Vienna was capital of a powerful empire and center of power. Deserves respect.
I've heard of two Americans, who came to Scandinavia and complained about the lack of mountains and snow (They were going skiing and had heard Scandinavia was a great place to go skiing.). The problem was that they choose the cheapest flight ... Which took them to Denmark ... The flattest and least-snow-in-winter-country in ALL Scandinavia! ^^
Sooo helpful! Me and I family are going to Vienna this july to celebrate my mother’s 50th birthday! We can’t wait to enjoy the culture and sit down in a cafe and rekax!
Stopping and sit is the best advice! We have had limited time in some cities where we ran around like crazy fools. But when we did stop it was fantastic!
Thats right, because in vienna there is a thing called " Wiener Gemütlichkeit" take time and relax, sit, watch...the servers are often stressed because vienna is full of tourists they want everything fast and want to leave for visiting all the rest of the city but if they see you enjoy your time they can take a small breath also;-) Vienna needs more than 2 days to visit all the nice places- i should know, lived over 39 years here and i love vienna.
Awesome tips, you really absorbed the "Gemütlichkeit". 😁 so I may add to your list: be aware that nearly every shop is closed on Sundays. Many people where shocked when they first came to Vienna, even Supermarktes are closed on Sunday. Even though this sound inconvenient, the big plus is: there's literally nothing you have to hurry for or to on Sunday. Take a nice walk in the Prater or up the Kahlenberg, enjoy your 3 hour coffee with cake or spend a whole rainy afternoon at a museum. You'll see that's what most people do on Sunday's. Enjoy your stay!
Bad service in Austria? Ich war ehrlich gesagt schockiert wie ich in anderen Ländern von Kellnern behandelt wurde. Keiner hat mich gefragt, ob mir mein Essen geschmeckt hat oder ob ich noch ein Dessert etc. möchte. Außerdem kann man nirgends so gemütlich in Lokalen sitzen wie in Wien. In anderen Ländern hatte ich immer das Gefühl nach dem Essen rasch den Platz für neue Gäste frei machen zu müssen. Ich bin jetzt in Wien ja kein Tourist, aber ich kann mir nicht vorstellen das die Kellner zu den Touristen in Wien ungut sind.
Kann Dir da nur zustimmen. Ich versuche, mindestens ein Mal im Jahr nach Wien zu kommen, es ist (m)eine Traumstadt. Ich fand die Kellner dort immer sehr höflich und zuvorkommend (besonders verglichen mit Deutschland, woher ich komme; wir haben ohne Zweifel nette Kellnerinnen und Kellner, es gibt aber auch ganz schöne "Kratzbürsten" bei uns 😉)!
David ich bin aus kanada und wann ich war nach wien die einsige sachen mit die Kellner das ich habe nicht gefallt war das alles war so lang. ich habe immer gewartet ein stunden zum bezahlen wann ich mochte weg gehen... fur ein nordameriker das ist nicht toll und wir finden das nicht profezional (entschuldigung deutsch ist nicht meine muttersprache)
@@tinthings314 Um zu bezahlen muss man den Kellner explizit ansprechen: "Die Rechnung, bitte" oder "Zahlen, bitte". Oder wenn keiner kommt einfach zu dem Kellner hingehen. Wenn nach 10 Minuten noch nichts kommt, noch einmal den Kellner erinnern. Gut funktioniert auch eine Gestik mit der Hand Richtung Kellner: Rechte Hand ausstrecken und Daumen zwischen Mittel- und Zeigefinger hin- und herreiben - das ist das Zeichen für Zahlen.
Babadee Beetchee I've never been to Canada but i've been a few times in the States and what annoys me the most are the waiters and waitresses - the tipping culture, that ongoing friendly behavior like right now i'm smiling at you but i will spit on your pizza and that they are annoying as hell: coming around every other minute asking if everything's fine and if you want anything else or if you want to pay - like wtf chill down i just ate lemme cool down a bit. In Vienna the life is a bit more chill even if the ongoing americanization is a thing that is seeable and perceptible in every sector.
Jurjan Meskišvili the over the top friendliness is more in the USA. I find it annoying too. Canada can still learn many things from Europe but i feel like our service sector is excellent
As a viennese i have to say, great Video, great points, but the most omportant point in Vienna would be to know the do's and dont's in the U-Bahn. Don't stand on the left on an escalator. Don't stand in the way of the people who want to Exit the U-Bahn, let them Exit first, then you can enter. I have encounters like this on a daily Basis, Not only with tourists of course, and its a Real pain in the ass. The most annoying thing tourists can Do in vienna
Same experience from Prague. Italians are masters in this.. The metro door opens and they just start walking in, no matter the fact that people want to get off.. Pushing their way through... If not manners, it is just logical to let people out first? Because then there´s more space???
I noticed now at the U6 platforms, they painted the exit zones yellow with arrows, and where you should wait to enter on either side of the doors with blue footprints.
Great job! I'm Viennese and I have to admit, you couldn't say it better! Maybe you should also mention how much of a fee you pay if you get caught on public transportation without a valid ticket, as it's more than 100 euros - far more than in most other cities.
I love Vienna. I have traveled to Vienna twice and I loved and enjoyed every time I have been there. If another opportunity comes up, I will travel to Vienna again and gain and again
I was in Vienna in 2019 and I loved how friendly the Viennese people where. Starting on Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) where some lady helped me find the bus station and even the right bus until in restaurants. Had good tables every where, even while I was alone. They had a chat with me if I wanted, helped me find the best dishes and left me alone to enjoy them. I was supposed to go back in May 2020, but that has been posponed for obvious reasons, but I can't wait to go back. 💕
Thank you Wolter. I Live near Vienna and I recommand to visit the Monasterys nearby: Klosterneuburg northern and Heiligenkreuz southern of Vienna, both more than 900 years of history. Or to reach within an hour: the castles or Monasteries of Schloss Hof, Esterhazy, Forchtenstein, Dürnstein, Melk, Altenburg, Göttweig and so on ... One of our best things is even drinking water: it comes right from The alps.
I go to Vienna about 6 times a year and I love it there. Here are some more mistakes: - Not realizing dinner culture is different from other major cities in Western Europe: people eat dinner early and restaurants close early compared to other metropolitan capitals (especially versus France, Spain, Italy, etc). You need a reservation for most mid to upper scale places and no, they won't try to find you a table if you don't have one, unless they are extremely slow that night - Not realizing everything shuts down on Sundays, including most pharmacies and grocery stores - Not realizing that in the summer they don't like to use A/C (even if they have it), and in the winter that they keep their indoor temperatures quite warm (i.e. if you're from the US you'll be hot in both seasons when inside)
Especially annoying on the Ring street (but admittedly the markings are not the best there because the bike lane has been moved around several times in the past - there are even benches along the bike lane in some parts, making it quite confusing not only for tourists).
@@stephanweinberger ive been noticing that a lot recently, especially with asian tourists. are designated bike lanes not that common around the world after all?
One of the things I found really useful when I visited Vienna was getting the "Vienna Card" online and getting my transit attached to it. That way my transit, and pretty much all of the museums and sites I wanted to see were included for a fee that I calculated out to be worthwhile. Plus with the Vienna Card if there was a line up to a place I sometimes was able to skip the line.
Some remarks from a Viennese: ad 1: I use the U-Bahn every day on my way to work, and I get controlled only two or three times a year. But being caught is pretty expansive (100€), so get your ticket. Sometimes they control at the exits of the metro, so you can hardly escape (actually they never do this at Stephansplatz, as there is too much traffic) ad 2 and 3: yes, the Kaffeehäuser are great and you can find good ones all around Vienna. And there is no hassle, you can sit there, have a coffee (you always get a glass of water with it), eat there and stay the whole day. For many people it was and probably still is an extended living room. And don't be intimitated by the waiters, they can be grumpy, but usually also can be very nice and will certainly be ok, once you try to be nice to them. As long as you are not from Germany, this is really a pet-peeve for most in Vienna ;-) ad 4: yes, cash still rules and is in many establishments the preferred method of payment. Although it is getting better and easier to pay with credit card. And about the tip: usually it is rounded up two or maybe three euro, depending on the size of the bill. It is not as crazy as in the US. ad 5: I have been living in Vienna almost my whole life and I didn't see everything yet. It is great to explore but it is also ok to skip some sights, if you plan to come back another time and just relax a day in the Kaffeehaus or if the weather is nice in one of the many parks in the city. Or go to the Wienerwald for a walk or the Donauinsel and relax at the banks of the river. and NEVER, NEVER NEVER say the Austrians are Germans, most people are really allergic to that!
Hi, I am German...I don't get it. Hitler war Österreicher und das ist der Mann der meinen Eltern und Großeltern das Leben zerstört hat. Ich bin ursprünglich aus Bayern und mag die Österreicher. Lebe in Kanada und vermisse meine Heimat. Es ist enttäuschend, da meine beste Freundin hier aus Salzburg ist. Wäre gut zu wissen warum dieser beleidigende Kommentar...NEVER, NVER NEVER!? What is wrong with Germans? Please explain. I guess spending money in your country is okay! Kindness changes everything...Servus! ☕🍁🌼🤍
@@oreganodealerlsog8630 In dem Fall wohl eher nicht, wenn ich Sonja richtig verstehe. Dafür gab es genug Österreicher, die ihn wohl gerne gewählt hätten und manche heute noch. In Bezug auf den Nazismus braucht sich Österreich gar nichts einbilden und kein mir bekannter Österreicher tut dies. Es gibt ein paar deutliche Mentalitätsunterschiede, die gerne zu Sticheleien führen und das ist auch OK. Alles was darüber hinausgeht entlarvt nur die beidseitige Dimpfligkeit. Man muss anerkennen, dass die Nationenwerdung für Österreich ungefähr so schwierig war wie für Deutschland. Dabei gibt es keinen Grund für Minderwertigkeitskomplexe. Die 2. Republik hat schon einiges überstanden und hat einige erstaunlich progressive Elemente. Die umstrittene Besingung der großen Töchter und Söhne ist nur eines davon. Dabei geht es nicht nur um Gendergedöns, sondern um das republikanische Selbstverständnis: Andere besingen Schlachten und Kämpfe, die Österreicher ihre Menschen (zurecht Frauen wie Männer) und den Sinn für das Schöne. Etwas bescheidener sind da nur die Tschechen, die sich ganz auf die Natur verlassen. Auch der erste Satz der Bundesverfassung ist in seiner Schlichtheit Antipode und Ergänzung zur deutschen Verfassung zugleich. Kein Grund sich klein zu machen, kein Grund abzuheben.
Very nice tips, especially #2. It baffles me every time when I see tourists go into Starbucks. They are in a city world-famous for the coffe culture and they go into the fast food equivalent of a coffee house... Also don't forget that Vienna isn't just the center of town. The outskirts have some nice places too, especially if you want to see some nature. Not nature in the sense of cultivated parks (though you'll find those too), but nature allowed to grow mostly wild just a meter or two off the roads, which I imagine might be mundane for some people, but something very out of the ordinary for many others.
Growing up I spent summers in Vienna. (My father worked at the UN.) Karlsplatz was one of my favorite places to hang out too. I think your points are spot on. I shall now spend my morning reminiscing about my time in vienna.
Awesome places: Maria am Gestade (wonderful church), go into the catacombs (with mumies) of the church Michaelerkirche (you need a tour), if you like modern architecture visit the library of the WU Wien, take a look at the mosaic (which is a copy of Da Vincis last supper) in the Minoritenkirche, the "Prunksaal" of the national library is amazing too. Everything is free except the tour and the Prunksaal, but remember you can enter into every church for free and also if doors are open go into the courtyards in the first and second district.
Loved Vienna! The palace was absolutely exquisite & worth every second we were there. Also, we loved the day trip we did to Dürnstein. Definitely want to return to see the Christmas markets.
This is surreal. I"m watching you cuz we're going to Austria next month. Last month I was watching you cuz I needed a heads up about Memphis TN. Thanks dude, you really helped. - Lytha from Seattle now NRW Germany
Loved this video! I stayed in Vienna (4) days in 2017 but my husband was not feeling well by that point in our trip so we didn't see a lot that Vienna has to offer. We plan to rectify that in December, staying almost 2 weeks. This was a helpful video even though we have had an initial experience.
Your videos make me appreciate the city I live in. Vienna IS pretty cool. My favourite thing about the café culture is that you get a glass of water with your coffee. Idk something about that makes me feel so spoiled. Viennese tap water is so good.
yeah, it is so good because it does not actually come FROM Vienna, but from the best regions of Lower Austria (even some regions in Lower Austria don't have such good water)
Du hast das sehr gut gemacht als Wiener möchte ich dir danken. So viel Lob für die Stadt die ich liebe und so viel Liebe zu den Menschen hier.😊😘 Danke es war wunderbar dein Video zu sehen.
oh God you're so right! I still remember fondly my time in the Kinstinshorishes Museum café drinking coffee and eating an amazing sachertorte! I've spent literally hours and hours in there and loved it. I've also visited Shoenbrunn (the "middle" kind of tour) and Hofburg and it's been amazingI missed this video before going to Vienna this summer but it popped on my feed now and I'm so glad I've not made the mistakes mentioned here.. Thanks so much for the video, it's always good to see new places and places you've just been.
Oh, try not to get burnt out in Vienna. There is lots to do within Innenstadt itself. Loved this city though! Wiener Schnitzel, Wurst, Doner, Sacher Torte. Brilliant. Ich liebe Wien!
I‘m Viennese and this video is absolutely legit! I often have problem with advice travel bloggers give but that‘s right on point. Definitely gonna check out your other videos cause you‘re definitely knowledgeable :)
Thanks for the video. I am actually from Vienna and live abroad now. People ask me all the time what to do when going there. I rather share your video from now on and tell them to do anything they want (because it’s all there) except those five things :)
Thanks for the advice. I'm going to Vienna in April and spending 10 nights. I always look forward to your videos and learn quite a bit about what to expect.
Kari Isakson It is very nice in spring here, take som time to walk the vinyards, the sight over the city from there is so beautiful! I hope you will enjoy your trip!
1:00 woman noticing she’s being filmed and is not happy at all. People do not like having their photos taken or being randomly filmed in Germany/ Austria/ Switzerland.
Discoverd your channel 3 days ago and was disappointed that Vienna wasn't covered. Now that was a real surprise - only two days later here it is :D Very useful tips
In my experience, the Viennese were the most gentle people I've met in my journeys. Everyone was overly polite, we even met a woman in the tram who helped us find our destination. I have nothing but respect for the Austrian people.
Danke fürs Komplimente machen ich wohne in wien und finde es soo cool das du meine Stadt magst.Excessive:Thank you for compliments. I live in Vienna and find it so cool that you like my city.
It's a pity that the most tourists hardly know are our wine taverns called "Heuriger" (look for Viennese Heurige). Winemakers who mostly have a big wine garden serve their own wine and you can also eat really very well there. The Heurigen are located in the outer districts of Vienna, for example 13th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, where all the wine gardens are. Although I live on the other side of Vienna, I like those in the 19th district most.
I love your youtube videos. I feel like we are a lot alike. I think we might be around the same age. I was skinny once too! The first time I backpacked Europe (1993) I was in high school and my base was Vienna. I had friends there and stayed with them. She lived in the same apartment complex that Sigmund Freud lived in. I LOVE Vienna! EVERYTHING you said is true about Vienna. Really cool place.
I lived in Vienna for 15 years back and forth. Just gorgeous, beautiful city. My second home. Now I'm back home in my city, Rome. :) Always waiting for your visit for that wine! :) Also, careful when you pay, if you say "Danke" the moment you pay, some places may interpret that as "keep the change" :D
I stayed there for 2 days in October and it was ny best time in Europe! I am definitely coming back several times in the future. About the service, I can see how frustrating it can be to not be readily attended, but I appreciate the space the staff gives us. I am from Brazil and this is one of the most annoying things staff at restaurants and stores do, they don't give us time
Thanks for the video. I like vienna too much and I want to relocate their for good. But definitely would go back there next winter maybe.hope to see you there.
Public Transport is open, but I saw a lot of tourists not knowing how the ticket machines work. Most important is to bring some fun and not to be scared talking to people...we are funny folks. Not everyone understands english, but most Viennes are very helpful und will try anything to bring you forward. Even in the big hotels, like Sacher or Hilton Plaza....they help! unless they are stressed. Meanwhile even post Police Men and Women know a lot about Vienna and are always happy with tourists. Don´t be shy!
I spent two days in Vienna two years ago, through transit, and liked, but was not "in love" with the city but knew I had not spent enough time there. Have since gone back for a seven day stay and LOVE the city. Big secret, dash into the Graben and Hofburg, get that out of the way unless you just love love love crowds and spend your time walking the parks to get from place to place as you can generally do in London, and then explore the neighborhoods, esp. Rathaus. Now I am in love with Vienna. Oh, yes, very true about the U-bahn ticket system.
I found what helped me out when I was in Vienna for a week in April was having a Facebook friend (who lives there) become my tour guide on his time off work. 👍🏼😉
I love vienna, I went there last year around Easter and it was such a nice atmosphere. I don't remember the service being bad, but I do remember I went to this lovely Korean restaurant called Yori in Vienna, it was amazing!
I lived in Austria for 11 years and agree with most. It always depends on where you dine. If it’s not an exclusive place the servers did not go to any special school and usually don’t know much about gastronomy. Also it’s true that many times they can come off as rude. Not saying they always are. Visiting Vienna, living there and going to school there are completely different things also. When you live there and money is short, work hard it’s not all that charming anymore. Most outskirts of the city center can be rather dull and depressing. I still love Vienna and it’s one of the nicest cities in Europe. I would always recommend it.
Why am I watching this? I live there🤷♀️
me too
Just moved in, and as a japanese guy, the people blocking the escalators are infuriating to see
Same
uwu!
me too
you got more checked in the u-bahn in three weeks then me in the last 4 years
Joachim Beulmann totally agree 😂
From experience, most checks happen at Praterstern for some reason. I've been checked a fair amount while being an exchange student at WU for a semester.
Same here.
@@NorwegianKicks Yes, and the times you don't have a ticket. Usually happens then. xD
i don't think i've ever gotten checked on public transportation. and i've been living there for 17,5 years
also when using an escalator within the public transportation system, do not frigging block the left side! Please!
s gw d Second that. I am so annoyed by it.
It would be more efficient if everybody would block (that means stand on) also the left side. Experiments show that this is much faster and safer than if people walk on the left and stand on the right side, because most people are standing anyway and if they only use the right side this reduces the capacity of the escalator significantly and slows down everybody else. In addition walking on an escalator increases the risk of an accident drastically and even the unbalanced use of escalators is problematic in terms of maintainance. Unfortunately, it is difficult to teach people to change their learned wrong behavior.
@@florianmeier3186 oh common .. its a rule, the behavior is correct.
@@florianmeier3186 Sounds good and you are probably right, but nah. Far too many people need to get somewhere quickly, and are a nuisance if they are standing behind you pouting, getting angry or worst.... begin to get hostile. So its best to stick to the right if you can't walk or are slow, and let those people who are mobile go by on the left and be gone. It is the same in many other cities, especially in NYC.
@@florianmeier3186 this only works under the assumption, that most people (like 80-90%) are standing. otherwise you get more throughput if you let people climb the stairs if they want to.
As an Austrian myself, I wanna add 2 more things to that list:
6) don't think, you can have the complete Vienna experience in just 2 days. I have seen too many tourists arriving at Vienna, stay there one night and then move on. Vienna has a lot to offer, make sure, you stay at least a few days. (Bonus: you also have the opportunity to eat a lot of different typically Austrian dishes)
7) don't spend the whole time in Vienna. Generally speaking, Vienna is nice, but you should go out and see the countryside of Austria or other cities. Salzburg, Hallstatt and the Wachau are the most famous ones (and also the most crouded ones). But there are plenty of other options, you can take:
- Graz, which is 2,5 hours away with the train + you can enjoy the oldest mountain-train-line in the world (Semmeringbahn, which is a UNESCO world heritage site)
- Linz, 1,25 hours away with the train, which has a completely different vindustrial vibe. Also a lot of WWII-history is here, especially with the concentration camp in Mauthausen.
- hiking in the Alps. Just do it. This is the favourite hobby of a lot of Austrians, you're guaranteed to get some company. Just enjoy the nature. Just be aware, that you choose a tour according to your skill and condition.
- visit the vine yards. A lot of good vine is made here in Austria and you can visit those in the proximity of Vienna. If you book a guided tour, you almost certainly also get a vine tasting
- and many many more things
Thanks Mark for the video and also thanks to Mike! I am going in March and will definately be experiencing Semmeringbahn after your comment/reading about it.
I can't wait to explore Austria.
Mike absolutely great response 👌
Graz is very nice. I really wanna go to Salzburg^^
I agree Mike! I was in Austria in June this year and loved every second. I stayed a few days in Vienna (not nearly enough like you said) and spent time in Graz, Linz, and Salzburg - all great places.
We spent only a few days there and we REALLY want to go back. It's one of our favorite cities.
(austrian reporting in) that tip about not being loud in restaurants is gold
It should be the mantra for all Americans who visit Europe - no offense ;)
@@johnofdebar4071 lmao nah im gonna bring my speakers and have a concert in a restaurant
Yep. Restaurants, public transport... Same here (Czech), we consider it rude when you speak so loud that we can follow your conversation.. It is annoying.
It´s the same as when somebody just takes out a phone and starts dealing with his personal issues over the phone..
Last time it was a girl with an irritatingly loud voice, the topic was "why on earth did he break up with me"... 5 minutes in I felt like throwing the phone away, shouting at her "I don´t blame him, it´s so obvious why he dumped you, so annoying it´s wonder you started dating at all!!!"
I should have asked her to turn it down a bit, she was on the phone for 30 MINUTES...
mummycanwatch thats anywhere
John of Debar seems judgmental.
Also. Just go for a walk. having no agenda. just walking around enjoying the moment. And with the "Austrians are unpolite" Argument. they are not. They are just not lying to be your best friend. they will tell you honestly what they think. so if you block the left side of the undergrounds escalators (you are supposed to stay on the right and walk at the left) or if you stay in front of the trains doors so people can't properly exit. viennese people will tell you off.
As a Viennese some more tips: don't stand on the left side of the escalators, don't stop right after exiting public transport - people will run you over if you do that and they will not apologize, don't take a Fiaker. Seriously, don't. The horses aren't treated very well, it's way too expensive and honestly the Viennese will make fun of you. Our souvenir shops have a lot of stuff, don't just get the "no kangaroos in Austria" shirt. Don't go to Starbucks. Don't line up for the Cafe Central, it's not worth standing there for two hours. Things move very very fast in Vienna so if you are a slow walker try to stay out of the way of people who need to be somewhere. Most shops are closed on Sundays, do your shopping on Saturday and/or plan your trip accordingly. If you come in winter enjoy the Christmas markets but don't go to the one on Rathaus Platz, it's enormous and way too expensive; if you come in summer visit the Donauinsel and maybe go swimming in the Neue Donau.
And most importantly: Enjoy Vienna!
I can never get over the line-ups at Cafe Central, honestly, who would want to wait that long to get in when you are just there for a couple of days? Same goes for the Sacher. I go a few steps further and enjoy some coffee culture at the Palais Ferstel passage at Beaulieu. OK, it is supposed to be French, but the coffee is decidedly Viennese.
I agree except for the Rathausplatz.. it's beautiful to walk around, you don't actually have to buy stuff! Also I recommend going to Café Goldegg when you visit the Belvedere, it's very close and traditional and the staff speaks some little bit English
Marlene Pfeiffer there are much nicer cafes anyway, plus they are much more authentic. Central is kinda the tourist experience of viennese cafes.
Also don’t only go to well known parts of the city, if you just explore, there are a lot of hidden gems.
I visited Vienna in the summer and went to Cafe Central when it wasn't very crowded. We were able to sit outside and the service was top knotch! I don't know about the winter, but in the summer it's worth the experience.
Honestly, saying this as someone living in Vienna for 10 years now, this video is legit. He makes such good points. Bravo, very well done. :-)
Good to know
Vienna is my favourite city in Europe 😍 If you go during Christmas time, don't skip on the Christmas markets! And bring cash there because they don't accept cards at 90% of the places
so true. cash for that gluehwein :)
Get a Schilcherglühwein! It's so good 🥰
So you are the guys that always block the rathausplatz
@@adamisdracora2091 ahahahah 😁 well, not always but been there done that 🙈
The Punsch in Vienna is the best Thing ever
Rule No: 6 Don´t underestimate mulled wine. 500 meter distance to your hotel could be to long. On all fours.
lol
and do not disregard this if you are Russian - I was out with a Russian friend who prided himself at how much he can drink. "Bah, humbug, I am Russian!" His wife had to carry him home!
vollkommen unerwartet sind 99% der Kommentare von Wienern, die die Liste bis in die Unendlichkeit erweitern 😂
Hahahahaha Lol
und wir erwarten, dass die gesamtliste dann ordentlich studiert und alles eingehalten wird.
@@neinzukorruption9321 Das darf ja wohl auch erwarten. Touristen wie ich schauen JEDES RUclips video zu einer Stadt bevor Sie da hin reisen. Mein Problem ist, dass ich, seit ich so handle, nimmer zum Reisen komme.
"Unerwartet" 😉
That's it. You helped me decide that for my next trip I am definitely making Vienna a destination.
That is awesome to hear :) have fun!
The capital of classical music! Top 3 cities in europe as far as culture is concerned
Good idea!
Welcome to my city - you will love it! 😊🇦🇹
Inform how to behave or else we will get unfriendly...
As an Austrian I also have to say, that you should stay on the right side of the automatic stairs, otherwise some Austrian will hit you
deswegen werden die wiener von den touristen immer als unfreundlich bezeichnet weil das checkt keiner wenn dich deswegen wer anpöbelt ;-)
Shouldn't that how its always should be? Lol in the uk most of are standing in the right side and left side is for walking.
tja... rechts stehen - links gehen xd
Franz Kallmann Ja oida is ja ned meine Schuld wenn der Hawara sich ned erkundigt? Wenn ich in a fremdes Land reise erkundige ich mich auch wie was wann?
@@jurjanmeskisvili7897 Nit in Tirol. Mia stian af boadn seitn.
No, Starbucks is NOT Austrian coffee culture and no, one does NOT stand left sided at the escalators.
you are right with Starbucks, but you can still sit there for hours without consuming more than your initial coffee. But of course, as a tourist you should find a real Kaffeehaus.
@@stoffls I am not sure that I would recommend a real Kaffeehaus for coffee. Despite what Wolter said, they are not really that good on the coffee side of things.
But our coffee bars are one of the bests in the world.
Coffee cultured evolved in the recent years. You still get great pastry and acceptable coffee in those Kaffehäusern. And the authentic Vienna service that considers the customer as a nuisance, but that makes those Kaffehäuser authentic. ;-)
@@Traumglanz that the coffee is not always the best in the Kaffeehaus - you are absolutely right. But still, it's the experience that counts.
stoffls dont care lmao
That's Austria
One very important thing: don't rush around the city trying to check off all the sites - you will just end up stressed and miss what Vienna is actually all about. Take a walk through the inner city, let your mind wander off, and just enjoy the vibe - that's the most beautiful thing about Vienna for me. Just being in the city makes me happy when I can put the stress aside for a minute :)
Your explanation of 'bad' service sounds perfect to me. Over the top in your face service like the US is intrusive and annoying.
that is what i was trying to explain. Professional and knowledgeable.
@ Word.
I don´t like over the top friendly service. It puts me off. Guess same culture here (Prague).
He described ideal service in Vienna. Finding such service is rare, actually. Most of it sucks and it's not just because I don't understand how it works -- I've lived here for 25 years. That being said, with the increase in young people opening places (and foreigners), the service is getting better. Also, don't think I'm just some bitter fool. I actually have come to like the surly, incompetent, and barely-trying Vienna service style. But I would never call the vast majority of it "good".
Same!
The biggest mistake would be to have never gone to Vienna in your life. Been there twice. Loved it both times.
I live in vienna lol
@@tobiasbonisch8028 Lucky boy. But I hear it's very expensive 🙁
True! I am 82. Always busy with classical music. But never was in Wien. Now I got the chance to make a short trip there. A short time that leaves everlasting memories...
I'm stuck having to move there for family reasons. Id have rather lived my entire life without going there. Everything I learn about it just sounds pathetic.
A hot chocolate, apple strudel & just watching the Vienna World go by. Heaven !!!
Been to Vienna several times and always enjoyed it... specially sitting in a café😄
it's the best isn't it :)
@@woltersworld i live in vienna
Glad you enjoyed it :)
Take an one hour walk on the Nussberg in Vienna's 19., district. The view over the city is priceless!
I just got back from Vienna on Thursday. Had a great time and think I avoided the mistakes you mentioned! I’ve been twice now and there is still so much i haven’t seen. Thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas markets and made a valiant effort to try all the flavours of Christmas punch. Didn’t manage it - maybe next time!
They do have wonderful Christmas markets. We were there for Christmas a few years ago and really loved it. I totally forgot to put Christmas market in vienna pictures in this one. Will need to make sure i do that for the next vienna video
Wolters World actually, for anyone reading planning a trip- allow yourself extra time to get through Vienna airport. The walk from the CAT train to terminal 1 is long & there are building works going on. I flew with Lauda (through Ryanair) they don’t have a bag drop off so you have to queue to check in a bag, (Ryanair usually have bag drop off but not available in Vienna. Other airlines may differ though) and there are 3 separate queues for boarding card check, passport check and security checks. So don’t be late!
I absolutely loved Vienna. It is my favourite city in Europe, it is clean, great transportation and fantastic culture. We are going back next year ♥️
Talking about bad service: Around 1900 authors slept in hotels and because they couldn't afford the heating in hotels during the day (it was extra), they sat in the coffee house the entire day and worked there - it was food, coffee, heat, coffee houses have always had all newspapers and international ones as well, they even got their mail sent to the coffee house. Imagine having a US-waiter while sitting 12 hours in this place, annoying huh? Yeah that's why waiters don't talk to you that much :b
So many authors?
@@Bzcenci812 he meant the 19th century ;)
@@elisabeth9934 Without a comma you understand there were around 1900 authors living in hotels.
@@Bzcenci812 ah ok 😅
@@Bzcenci812 can you give me a source I'd like to read up on that 📚
I am Austrian and live in the states for 40 Years, your video is spot on!
Big mistake when visiting Vienna,Austria :
“Where are the kangaroos?”
Australia 😂
If you ask that you probably will end at the zoo. 😄
Schönbrunn. They are at Schönbrunn Animal Park. Sometimes they go for a walk and escape. ;-)
lol
In Austrian souvenir shops you can literally find souvenirs that say "We got no kangaroos in austria"
My parents moved to Vienna a couple years ago and I'm finally getting a chance to visit this December!
Perfect timing!! I am headed to Austria - Salzburg then Vienna - next weekend for the holidays!
Awesome! You will love it! Havec a fun trip!
Have a great time but keep warm, can be very very chile in Dec :)
in vienna go to the Rathaus (City Hall) Iceskating (just pictur search on google eistraum)
@@onlinemusiclessonsadamphil4677 Forecast for the next two weeks is up to +17 C :)
@@onlinemusiclessonsadamphil4677 but it wont. Springlike Temperatures being forecasted
Austrian cafe/restaurant culture actually sounds rather nice for me. It really bothers me when waiters come to my table every two minutes and ask "Are you guys doing OK? Do you need anything else?" I just want to shout "Yes, we're fine! Now let us eat in peace!"
yep :)
Dont forget the tip
Are you American? I wonder whether the waiter just believes this behavior is what you expect? Wrongly as it seems. Anyway, as a local, trust me, I am more often annoyed by not being asked whether I want something else/more, or anything at all. Sometimes I wonder whether I am invisible.
@@Thomas_at_8a_ktiv Yes, I'm American.
@@Thomas_at_8a_ktiv Not being bothered, because the staff is told to leave you alone is quite nice actually. They are always one wave away and most of them know their stuff. And yes, I am from vienna. I really like that aspect of our service culture.
I love Austria! It's my one of favorite European countries. People are helpful and have an understated level of friendliness, which is just right for me. Vienna is a beautiful city with more things to do than expected.
😂😂😂
Servers are quite friendly and their cafes are very good. enjoy seeing they have a hour glass to measure your tea. I was given an hour glass with 2-minute , 3-minute and 5-minute and I was amazed and asked what the hour glass is for. The waitress told me that it is to measure how strong you like your tea. Stayed there total around 1 week and enjoyed it every day. and did not have a chance to Mozart concert of equiem. And it is on my list for next visit. The art history museum is quite impressive , classic collections, I was kicked out when the museum is closed. And took a day to Saltzburg, and lake area, view is fantastic. Vienna was capital of a powerful empire and center of power. Deserves respect.
Mistakes when visiting Vienna: "Hey, where's the gondolas?"
😊
Hahaha!
I've heard of two Americans, who came to Scandinavia and complained about the lack of mountains and snow (They were going skiing and had heard Scandinavia was a great place to go skiing.). The problem was that they choose the cheapest flight ... Which took them to Denmark ... The flattest and least-snow-in-winter-country in ALL Scandinavia! ^^
Wait, Vienna isn't known for gondolas. You're thinking of the Venetian Casino in Vegas.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venedig_in_Wien
There used to be gondolas :)
Sooo helpful! Me and I family are going to Vienna this july to celebrate my mother’s 50th birthday! We can’t wait to enjoy the culture and sit down in a cafe and rekax!
This city is simply incredible. So much great architecture. It is almost overwhelming how many great buildings there are.
Thanks for your charming video and the priceless comment section. Hello from a Canadian with Austrian (mostly Viennese) roots 😊
Stopping and sit is the best advice! We have had limited time in some cities where we ran around like crazy fools. But when we did stop it was fantastic!
Totally relate, sometimes less is more!
Thats right, because in vienna there is a thing called " Wiener Gemütlichkeit" take time and relax, sit, watch...the servers are often stressed because vienna is full of tourists they want everything fast and want to leave for visiting all the rest of the city but if they see you enjoy your time they can take a small breath also;-) Vienna needs more than 2 days to visit all the nice places- i should know, lived over 39 years here and i love vienna.
Awesome tips, you really absorbed the "Gemütlichkeit". 😁 so I may add to your list: be aware that nearly every shop is closed on Sundays. Many people where shocked when they first came to Vienna, even Supermarktes are closed on Sunday. Even though this sound inconvenient, the big plus is: there's literally nothing you have to hurry for or to on Sunday. Take a nice walk in the Prater or up the Kahlenberg, enjoy your 3 hour coffee with cake or spend a whole rainy afternoon at a museum. You'll see that's what most people do on Sunday's. Enjoy your stay!
Bad service in Austria? Ich war ehrlich gesagt schockiert wie ich in anderen Ländern von Kellnern behandelt wurde. Keiner hat mich gefragt, ob mir mein Essen geschmeckt hat oder ob ich noch ein Dessert etc. möchte. Außerdem kann man nirgends so gemütlich in Lokalen sitzen wie in Wien. In anderen Ländern hatte ich immer das Gefühl nach dem Essen rasch den Platz für neue Gäste frei machen zu müssen. Ich bin jetzt in Wien ja kein Tourist, aber ich kann mir nicht vorstellen das die Kellner zu den Touristen in Wien ungut sind.
Kann Dir da nur zustimmen. Ich versuche, mindestens ein Mal im Jahr nach Wien zu kommen, es ist (m)eine Traumstadt. Ich fand die Kellner dort immer sehr höflich und zuvorkommend (besonders verglichen mit Deutschland, woher ich komme; wir haben ohne Zweifel nette Kellnerinnen und Kellner, es gibt aber auch ganz schöne "Kratzbürsten" bei uns 😉)!
David ich bin aus kanada und wann ich war nach wien die einsige sachen mit die Kellner das ich habe nicht gefallt war das alles war so lang. ich habe immer gewartet ein stunden zum bezahlen wann ich mochte weg gehen... fur ein nordameriker das ist nicht toll und wir finden das nicht profezional (entschuldigung deutsch ist nicht meine muttersprache)
@@tinthings314 Um zu bezahlen muss man den Kellner explizit ansprechen: "Die Rechnung, bitte" oder "Zahlen, bitte". Oder wenn keiner kommt einfach zu dem Kellner hingehen. Wenn nach 10 Minuten noch nichts kommt, noch einmal den Kellner erinnern.
Gut funktioniert auch eine Gestik mit der Hand Richtung Kellner: Rechte Hand ausstrecken und Daumen zwischen Mittel- und Zeigefinger hin- und herreiben - das ist das Zeichen für Zahlen.
Babadee Beetchee I've never been to Canada but i've been a few times in the States and what annoys me the most are the waiters and waitresses - the tipping culture, that ongoing friendly behavior like right now i'm smiling at you but i will spit on your pizza and that they are annoying as hell: coming around every other minute asking if everything's fine and if you want anything else or if you want to pay - like wtf chill down i just ate lemme cool down a bit.
In Vienna the life is a bit more chill even if the ongoing americanization is a thing that is seeable and perceptible in every sector.
Jurjan Meskišvili the over the top friendliness is more in the USA. I find it annoying too. Canada can still learn many things from Europe but i feel like our service sector is excellent
As a viennese i have to say, great Video, great points, but the most omportant point in Vienna would be to know the do's and dont's in the U-Bahn. Don't stand on the left on an escalator. Don't stand in the way of the people who want to Exit the U-Bahn, let them Exit first, then you can enter. I have encounters like this on a daily Basis, Not only with tourists of course, and its a Real pain in the ass. The most annoying thing tourists can Do in vienna
Same experience from Prague. Italians are masters in this.. The metro door opens and they just start walking in, no matter the fact that people want to get off.. Pushing their way through...
If not manners, it is just logical to let people out first? Because then there´s more space???
I noticed now at the U6 platforms, they painted the exit zones yellow with arrows, and where you should wait to enter on either side of the doors with blue footprints.
@@OttoRappTheMystic crazy that you evrn have to Do this for people for them to Start thinking just logically
Age Aderra Aber bei weitem net nur die Touristen.
C. C. I. Aysegül und Fatme können das auch ganz gut
Great job! I'm Viennese and I have to admit, you couldn't say it better! Maybe you should also mention how much of a fee you pay if you get caught on public transportation without a valid ticket, as it's more than 100 euros - far more than in most other cities.
I love Vienna. I have traveled to Vienna twice and I loved and enjoyed every time I have been there. If another opportunity comes up, I will travel to Vienna again and gain and again
I was in Vienna in 2019 and I loved how friendly the Viennese people where. Starting on Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) where some lady helped me find the bus station and even the right bus until in restaurants. Had good tables every where, even while I was alone. They had a chat with me if I wanted, helped me find the best dishes and left me alone to enjoy them.
I was supposed to go back in May 2020, but that has been posponed for obvious reasons, but I can't wait to go back. 💕
Thank you Wolter. I Live near Vienna and I recommand to visit the Monasterys nearby: Klosterneuburg northern and Heiligenkreuz southern of Vienna, both more than 900 years of history. Or to reach within an hour: the castles or Monasteries of Schloss Hof, Esterhazy, Forchtenstein, Dürnstein, Melk, Altenburg, Göttweig and so on ... One of our best things is even drinking water: it comes right from The alps.
Spot on on the tap water. Simply amazing. Ice cold and delicious.
Having lived in Vienna, I may add: Always greet the people you come across, shopkeeper, waiters, taxi driver and every one.
I go to Vienna about 6 times a year and I love it there. Here are some more mistakes:
- Not realizing dinner culture is different from other major cities in Western Europe: people eat dinner early and restaurants close early compared to other metropolitan capitals (especially versus France, Spain, Italy, etc). You need a reservation for most mid to upper scale places and no, they won't try to find you a table if you don't have one, unless they are extremely slow that night
- Not realizing everything shuts down on Sundays, including most pharmacies and grocery stores
- Not realizing that in the summer they don't like to use A/C (even if they have it), and in the winter that they keep their indoor temperatures quite warm (i.e. if you're from the US you'll be hot in both seasons when inside)
Also: don't walk on the bike lanes, please. It's a nuisance and can be dangerous. There are clear markings on the ground
Especially annoying on the Ring street (but admittedly the markings are not the best there because the bike lane has been moved around several times in the past - there are even benches along the bike lane in some parts, making it quite confusing not only for tourists).
@@stephanweinberger ive been noticing that a lot recently, especially with asian tourists. are designated bike lanes not that common around the world after all?
@@stefm.w.3640 They weren't even common in Vienna untill more recently.
And on the sidewalk, be careful not to get caught by a bike or scooter. Cyclists like to ignore the fact that the sidewalk belongs to pedestrians.
and don´t go on the boardwalks with the bike. It´s dangerous and a nusance. There are clear traffic regulations for you.
I lived there as a kid for over a year. Great place!
One of the things I found really useful when I visited Vienna was getting the "Vienna Card" online and getting my transit attached to it. That way my transit, and pretty much all of the museums and sites I wanted to see were included for a fee that I calculated out to be worthwhile. Plus with the Vienna Card if there was a line up to a place I sometimes was able to skip the line.
Some remarks from a Viennese:
ad 1: I use the U-Bahn every day on my way to work, and I get controlled only two or three times a year. But being caught is pretty expansive (100€), so get your ticket. Sometimes they control at the exits of the metro, so you can hardly escape (actually they never do this at Stephansplatz, as there is too much traffic)
ad 2 and 3: yes, the Kaffeehäuser are great and you can find good ones all around Vienna. And there is no hassle, you can sit there, have a coffee (you always get a glass of water with it), eat there and stay the whole day. For many people it was and probably still is an extended living room. And don't be intimitated by the waiters, they can be grumpy, but usually also can be very nice and will certainly be ok, once you try to be nice to them. As long as you are not from Germany, this is really a pet-peeve for most in Vienna ;-)
ad 4: yes, cash still rules and is in many establishments the preferred method of payment. Although it is getting better and easier to pay with credit card. And about the tip: usually it is rounded up two or maybe three euro, depending on the size of the bill. It is not as crazy as in the US.
ad 5: I have been living in Vienna almost my whole life and I didn't see everything yet. It is great to explore but it is also ok to skip some sights, if you plan to come back another time and just relax a day in the Kaffeehaus or if the weather is nice in one of the many parks in the city. Or go to the Wienerwald for a walk or the Donauinsel and relax at the banks of the river.
and NEVER, NEVER NEVER say the Austrians are Germans, most people are really allergic to that!
Beim 1. hab mich schon oft genug vorbei geschmuggelt, weil ich zu faul war mein Ticket herauszuholen. Niemand sagt etwas haha
Hi, I am German...I don't get it. Hitler war Österreicher und das ist der Mann der meinen Eltern und Großeltern das Leben zerstört hat. Ich bin ursprünglich aus Bayern und mag die Österreicher. Lebe in Kanada und vermisse meine Heimat. Es ist enttäuschend,
da meine beste Freundin hier aus Salzburg ist. Wäre gut zu wissen warum dieser
beleidigende Kommentar...NEVER, NVER NEVER!?
What is wrong with Germans? Please explain.
I guess spending money in your country is okay!
Kindness changes everything...Servus! ☕🍁🌼🤍
Austrians are Germans.
@@sonjagatto9981 oida ihr habts den heisl gewählt
@@oreganodealerlsog8630 In dem Fall wohl eher nicht, wenn ich Sonja richtig verstehe. Dafür gab es genug Österreicher, die ihn wohl gerne gewählt hätten und manche heute noch. In Bezug auf den Nazismus braucht sich Österreich gar nichts einbilden und kein mir bekannter Österreicher tut dies. Es gibt ein paar deutliche Mentalitätsunterschiede, die gerne zu Sticheleien führen und das ist auch OK. Alles was darüber hinausgeht entlarvt nur die beidseitige Dimpfligkeit. Man muss anerkennen, dass die Nationenwerdung für Österreich ungefähr so schwierig war wie für Deutschland. Dabei gibt es keinen Grund für Minderwertigkeitskomplexe. Die 2. Republik hat schon einiges überstanden und hat einige erstaunlich progressive Elemente. Die umstrittene Besingung der großen Töchter und Söhne ist nur eines davon. Dabei geht es nicht nur um Gendergedöns, sondern um das republikanische Selbstverständnis: Andere besingen Schlachten und Kämpfe, die Österreicher ihre Menschen (zurecht Frauen wie Männer) und den Sinn für das Schöne. Etwas bescheidener sind da nur die Tschechen, die sich ganz auf die Natur verlassen. Auch der erste Satz der Bundesverfassung ist in seiner Schlichtheit Antipode und Ergänzung zur deutschen Verfassung zugleich. Kein Grund sich klein zu machen, kein Grund abzuheben.
Very nice tips, especially #2. It baffles me every time when I see tourists go into Starbucks.
They are in a city world-famous for the coffe culture and they go into the fast food equivalent of a coffee house...
Also don't forget that Vienna isn't just the center of town. The outskirts have some nice places too, especially if you want to see some nature. Not nature in the sense of cultivated parks (though you'll find those too), but nature allowed to grow mostly wild just a meter or two off the roads, which I imagine might be mundane for some people, but something very out of the ordinary for many others.
Growing up I spent summers in Vienna. (My father worked at the UN.)
Karlsplatz was one of my favorite places to hang out too.
I think your points are spot on.
I shall now spend my morning reminiscing about my time in vienna.
I am from Vienna and i love the videos from Mark Wolters.
Going there soon. Thanks for the video!!!!! So informative and well-summarized
I live in Vienna and I love everything about this video. I never thought about someone talking about Vienna that good haha
Thank you for your nice advertisement to visit my beautiful Wien !
Awesome places: Maria am Gestade (wonderful church), go into the catacombs (with mumies) of the church Michaelerkirche (you need a tour), if you like modern architecture visit the library of the WU Wien, take a look at the mosaic (which is a copy of Da Vincis last supper) in the Minoritenkirche, the "Prunksaal" of the national library is amazing too. Everything is free except the tour and the Prunksaal, but remember you can enter into every church for free and also if doors are open go into the courtyards in the first and second district.
Thank you for promoting our town in such a positive way!!! best regards from Vienna, Armin
Loved Vienna! The palace was absolutely exquisite & worth every second we were there. Also, we loved the day trip we did to Dürnstein. Definitely want to return to see the Christmas markets.
Recently returned from Vienna. The service was great everywhere we went, polite, pleasant and efficient. Lovely city. One of my favourites.
Hold up - you've been teaching at my Uni??? When?!? I've been a fan for so long how did I miss this????Would love to attend one of your lectures!
I teach an intensive summer course. Look for social media marketing for next semester. It should be in the system.
@@woltersworld Super cool! I'll make sure to look!
This is surreal. I"m watching you cuz we're going to Austria next month. Last month I was watching you cuz I needed a heads up about Memphis TN. Thanks dude, you really helped. - Lytha from Seattle now NRW Germany
this man is literally in a new country every week, one of my idols, keep it going wolter!!
What is the purpose of the word 'literally' in your sentence?
Loved this video! I stayed in Vienna (4) days in 2017 but my husband was not feeling well by that point in our trip so we didn't see a lot that Vienna has to offer. We plan to rectify that in December, staying almost 2 weeks. This was a helpful video even though we have had an initial experience.
Your videos make me appreciate the city I live in. Vienna IS pretty cool. My favourite thing about the café culture is that you get a glass of water with your coffee. Idk something about that makes me feel so spoiled. Viennese tap water is so good.
yeah, it is so good because it does not actually come FROM Vienna, but from the best regions of Lower Austria (even some regions in Lower Austria don't have such good water)
Just Me Nicht so bescheiden, es kommt zum größten Teil aus der Steiermark (ca. 10 Quellen).
Thanks! I just toured Vienna today. I'm glad to report that I didn't make any of the 5 mistakes. A beautiful place to visit.
Yes, Vienna is my favourite city! Friendly, beautiful, save, clean and wonderful!!!!!
Friendly 😂😂
right “friendly” lmaoo
Du hast das sehr gut gemacht als Wiener möchte ich dir danken. So viel Lob für die Stadt die ich liebe und so viel Liebe zu den Menschen hier.😊😘 Danke es war wunderbar dein Video zu sehen.
As a viennese person I can only say this was spot on
oh God you're so right! I still remember fondly my time in the Kinstinshorishes Museum café drinking coffee and eating an amazing sachertorte! I've spent literally hours and hours in there and loved it. I've also visited Shoenbrunn (the "middle" kind of tour) and Hofburg and it's been amazingI missed this video before going to Vienna this summer but it popped on my feed now and I'm so glad I've not made the mistakes mentioned here.. Thanks so much for the video, it's always good to see new places and places you've just been.
Oh, try not to get burnt out in Vienna. There is lots to do within Innenstadt itself. Loved this city though! Wiener Schnitzel, Wurst, Doner, Sacher Torte. Brilliant. Ich liebe Wien!
Beautiful! Vienna is back on my list. Thanks
I‘m Viennese and this video is absolutely legit! I often have problem with advice travel bloggers give but that‘s right on point.
Definitely gonna check out your other videos cause you‘re definitely knowledgeable :)
Thanks for clarifying
Thanks for the video. I am actually from Vienna and live abroad now. People ask me all the time what to do when going there. I rather share your video from now on and tell them to do anything they want (because it’s all there) except those five things :)
I absolutely feel in love with Vienna
Thanks for the advice. I'm going to Vienna in April and spending 10 nights. I always look forward to your videos and learn quite a bit about what to expect.
Kari Isakson It is very nice in spring here, take som time to walk the vinyards, the sight over the city from there is so beautiful! I hope you will enjoy your trip!
1:00 woman noticing she’s being filmed and is not happy at all. People do not like having their photos taken or being randomly filmed in Germany/ Austria/ Switzerland.
They should go an live in North Korea then
I know, but how about Liechtensteiners? I believe they did that too
Sooooo right about the attitude to take to service! And so true about not talking loud in restaurants.
i’m literally flying today and i can’t wait. thanks for the heads up!
Discoverd your channel 3 days ago and was disappointed that Vienna wasn't covered. Now that was a real surprise - only two days later here it is :D Very useful tips
In my experience, the Viennese were the most gentle people I've met in my journeys. Everyone was overly polite, we even met a woman in the tram who helped us find our destination. I have nothing but respect for the Austrian people.
Danke fürs Komplimente machen ich wohne in wien und finde es soo cool das du meine Stadt magst.Excessive:Thank you for compliments. I live in Vienna and find it so cool that you like my city.
It's a pity that the most tourists hardly know are our wine taverns called "Heuriger" (look for Viennese Heurige). Winemakers who mostly have a big wine garden serve their own wine and you can also eat really very well there. The Heurigen are located in the outer districts of Vienna, for example 13th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, where all the wine gardens are. Although I live on the other side of Vienna, I like those in the 19th district most.
I love your youtube videos. I feel like we are a lot alike. I think we might be around the same age. I was skinny once too! The first time I backpacked Europe (1993) I was in high school and my base was Vienna. I had friends there and stayed with them. She lived in the same apartment complex that Sigmund Freud lived in. I LOVE Vienna! EVERYTHING you said is true about Vienna. Really cool place.
6:02 "there's a zoo in the back"
Thats the worlds first zoo, one of the greatest places to visit in all of europe bro
Gute Arbeit Wolter. Ich gehe seit 2016 jede jahr. Es ist sehr schön und in mein Herz ist auch besondere.
I lived in Vienna for 15 years back and forth. Just gorgeous, beautiful city. My second home.
Now I'm back home in my city, Rome. :)
Always waiting for your visit for that wine! :)
Also, careful when you pay, if you say "Danke" the moment you pay, some places may interpret that as "keep the change" :D
Not "some places". "Danke" always means "Stimmt so" = "Keep the change"
E come si deve dire? 😅
@@sarapirozzi5206 non si dice nel momento preciso che dai i soldi 😁
Absolutly love your way to tell a story man, and to make from the simpliest content. Magic ! God bless you and have a wonderful year !
I stayed there for 2 days in October and it was ny best time in Europe! I am definitely coming back several times in the future. About the service, I can see how frustrating it can be to not be readily attended, but I appreciate the space the staff gives us. I am from Brazil and this is one of the most annoying things staff at restaurants and stores do, they don't give us time
Thanks for the video. I like vienna too much and I want to relocate their for good. But definitely would go back there next winter maybe.hope to see you there.
Public Transport is open, but I saw a lot of tourists not knowing how the ticket machines work. Most important is to bring some fun and not to be scared talking to people...we are funny folks. Not everyone understands english, but most Viennes are very helpful und will try anything to bring you forward. Even in the big hotels, like Sacher or Hilton Plaza....they help! unless they are stressed. Meanwhile even post Police Men and Women know a lot about Vienna and are always happy with tourists. Don´t be shy!
I spent two days in Vienna two years ago, through transit, and liked, but was not "in love" with the city but knew I had not spent enough time there. Have since gone back for a seven day stay and LOVE the city. Big secret, dash into the Graben and Hofburg, get that out of the way unless you just love love love crowds and spend your time walking the parks to get from place to place as you can generally do in London, and then explore the neighborhoods, esp. Rathaus. Now I am in love with Vienna. Oh, yes, very true about the U-bahn ticket system.
Coffee and dessert! I had to take my family to Cafe Central every day. Amazing architecture, history, desserts, and coffee. This is Vienna!
The Americans used the café central to play basketball after WWII. can you believe that?
F ST never bumped into that one. We found cafe central by accident and loved the atmosphere. I will return and seek out this one.
You seem to be a great guy, very nice video and thanks for the kind words about this city! Greetings from Vienna :D
I found what helped me out when I was in Vienna for a week in April was having a Facebook friend (who lives there) become my tour guide on his time off work. 👍🏼😉
I am currently watching this while on vacation in Vienna. Thanks for the tips. I will be visiting the Karlzplatz.
Mark, do you know a place in Vienna called Trzesniewki? The little sandwiches with the small beers ;)
Gesundheit!
Yes only in Vienna, nowhere else
My main reason for going to Vienna is The Spanish Riding School. Number ONE on my bucket list.
I love vienna, I went there last year around Easter and it was such a nice atmosphere. I don't remember the service being bad, but I do remember I went to this lovely Korean restaurant called Yori in Vienna, it was amazing!
You have been in a world famous place for food and went to a foreign restaurant?
I do that too, just to break up the monotony of ethnocentric cuisine when I’m on a long vacation.
Peter Fehringer Sie ist hierher gekommen um Sachen zu essen die sie auch daheim hätte futtern können...
Good morning, how are you doing today
I wish you are a beautiful and peaceful day ahead
Have a positive start today as well
Awesome video. I live in Vienna and your video is spot on.
I lived in Austria for 11 years and agree with most. It always depends on where you dine. If it’s not an exclusive place the servers did not go to any special school and usually don’t know much about gastronomy. Also it’s true that many times they can come off as rude. Not saying they always are. Visiting Vienna, living there and going to school there are completely different things also. When you live there and money is short, work hard it’s not all that charming anymore. Most outskirts of the city center can be rather dull and depressing. I still love Vienna and it’s one of the nicest cities in Europe. I would always recommend it.
As a resident of 25 years, I can say that your tips are pretty good. Thanks!