25 Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid in Vienna, According to a Local

Last Updated on March 3, 2023 by gregor

As a local who lives in Vienna, the capital of Austria, I see many tourists visiting Vienna make mistakes that could easily be avoided with a little bit of preparation. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you 25 common travel mistakes to avoid visiting Vienna, based on my personal experience and local knowledge.

Table of Contents

Tourist Mistakes to avoid visiting Vienna, Austria

Not planning your visit to Vienna ahead – Make a Vienna Travel Itinerary

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and waste time trying to figure out what to do next. To avoid this, take some time before your trip to research the sites and attractions that you want to see, and create a detailed itinerary that includes travel times and any reservations that you need to make.

In addition to planning your itinerary, it’s also a good idea to purchase tickets in advance for popular attractions. This can save you time and money, as you won’t have to wait in long lines to purchase tickets on the day of your visit. Many attractions also offer skip-the-line tickets or guided tours, which can save you even more time and provide you with more information and insight into the site you’re visiting.

Not trying Viennese cuisine

Vienna is known for its delicious cuisine, so make sure to try traditional dishes like Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Sachertorte.

My recommended Best Food Tours in Vienna: 15 BEST FOOD TOURS IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA – UPDATED 2023

Not buying a Vienna PASS, 1, 2, 3, or 6 Days of Sightseeing

The Vienna PASS is an all-inclusive sightseeing card that gives you the opportunity to experience the many sights of Vienna. Free admission to many attractions and unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides.

The Vienna PASS offers four main benefits:
Enjoy free admission to over 70 of Vienna’s top attractions
Take advantage of unlimited rides on hop-on hop-off bus routes
Use your Vienna PASS Guidebook for additional guidance
Benefit from exclusive discounts with local businesses

Check Prices and Book the Vienna PASS here:

Vienna PASS

Not visiting Vienna outside of peak season

Vienna can get very crowded during peak season, especially in the summer months. Consider visiting during the shoulder season, like spring or fall, to avoid the crowds.

Not reserving tickets in advance – Skip the Line Tickets

Vienna is home to many popular attractions, such as the Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera. It’s recommended to reserve tickets in advance to avoid long lines and disappointment.

Not Taking Advantage of Booking Guided Tours Online

I recommend to book Get Your Guide Guided Tours in Vienna. Book Online in advance

Not taking advantage of public transport

Vienna has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and subways. If you plan to stay in Vienna for several days, it’s worth investing in a weekly or monthly pass, which will save you money compared to buying single tickets. You can purchase these passes at any subway station or online.

Not exploring beyond the city center

Vienna has many hidden gems outside the city center, such as the vineyards in the outskirts or the colorful Hundertwasserhaus.

Not respecting local customs

Viennese people value their culture and traditions, so it’s important to respect them. For example, always greet people with “Guten Tag” or “Grüß Gott,” and avoid being loud in public places.

Not dressing appropriately for the weather

Vienna has four distinct seasons, so make sure to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella, as Vienna is known for its sudden rain showers.

Not bringing cash

While most places in Vienna accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for small purchases like coffee or snacks.

Not learning a few German phrases:

Although many Viennese people speak English, it’s always appreciated when visitors try to speak some German. Learn a few basic phrases like “Danke” (thank you) or “Entschuldigung” (excuse me) to show your respect for the local language and culture.

Not visiting the amazing museums & galleries

Vienna is home to many world-renowned museums, including the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Belvedere Palace, and the Museum of Natural History. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore these cultural treasures.

Not trying the Viennese coffee

Vienna is famous for its coffee culture, so make sure to visit a traditional coffee house, like Café Central or Café Sperl, to try some delicious Viennese coffee.

Not attending a classical music concert

Vienna is also known as the “City of Music,” and there are many opportunities to attend classical music concerts or opera performances. Don’t miss out on this quintessential Viennese experience.

I highly recommend these Classical Concerts in Vienna. Check Availability and Book your Classical Music Concert here:

13 BEST CLASSICAL CONCERTS IN VIENNA 2023

Not experiencing the Christmas markets

If you’re visiting Vienna during the holiday season, make sure to visit the famous Christmas markets, like the ones at Rathausplatz or Schönbrunn Palace. You’ll find festive food, drinks, and gifts to bring back home.

Not respecting the smoking laws

In Austria, smoking is still allowed in many public places, but there are laws in place to protect non-smokers. Make sure to follow the smoking laws and respect the non-smoking areas.

Not tipping appropriately

Tipping is customary in Vienna, but the amount can vary depending on the service. It’s common to leave a 10% tip at restaurants and cafés, and round up to the nearest euro for taxis or other services.

Not bringing comfortable shoes

Vienna is a walkable city, but the cobblestone streets and hilly terrain can be tiring on your feet. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes to explore the city without discomfort.

Not visiting the local markets

. Vienna has several great markets, such as the Naschmarkt and the Karmelitermarkt, where you can buy fresh produce and snacks at affordable prices.

Not respecting the environment

Vienna is a city that values sustainability and environmental protection. Make sure to dispose of your waste properly, use public transport or bikes when possible, and respect green spaces.

Not taking time to relax

Vienna can be a busy and exciting city, but it’s important to take time to relax and enjoy the slower pace of life. Visit a park, take a stroll by the Danube river, or simply sit at a coffee house and people-watch. Enjoy the Viennese way of life.

Not checking the opening hours

Many attractions and shops in Vienna have specific opening hours, and they may be closed on certain days of the week. Make sure to check the opening hours in advance to avoid disappointment.

Not carrying a water bottle

Vienna has many public drinking fountains, and tap water is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

Not visiting the Heuriger

Heuriger is a type of wine tavern that is unique to Vienna. Visit a Heuriger to try local wines and enjoy traditional food like Brettljause or Käsekrainer.

Not trying the street food

Vienna has many street food vendors that offer delicious snacks like Kebap, Würstel, and Langos. Don’t be afraid to try some of these tasty treats.

Not visiting the Vienna Prater & Ride the Giant Ferries Wheel

The Prater is a large park in Vienna that offers many attractions, including the iconic Ferris wheel. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit this historic amusement park.

The Riesenrad is located in the Prater, a large public park in Vienna that is home to many other attractions, including an amusement park, a zoo, and a botanical garden. The Riesenrad is open year-round, but hours vary depending on the season. The Riesenrad is one of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions, and it is easy to see why. The giant Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the city, and it is a great place to enjoy a ride with family and friends. If you are visiting Vienna, be sure to add the Riesenrad to your list of must-see attractions! What is the entrance fee to the Riesenrad Vienna ferris wheel. approx. 13.50 euros per trip. Book your tickets here: Vienna: Skip-the-Line Giant Ferris Wheel Ride

Not using the bike-sharing system

Vienna has a bike-sharing system called Wien Mobil Rad, which allows you to rent a bike for short periods of time. Use this system to explore the city on two wheels.

Not visiting the Vienna Woods and have a Pic Nic

The Vienna Woods is a beautiful natural area that is easily accessible from the city. Take a hike or bike ride in the woods to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Not visiting the Hundertwasser Village

The Hundertwasser Village is a colorful and quirky complex of apartments and shops designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Visit this unique attraction to see his distinctive architecture and art.

Not experiencing the Viennese nightlife

Vienna has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and music venues. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the Viennese nightlife.

Not taking the time to appreciate the architecture

Vienna is known for its stunning architecture, from the Baroque palaces to the Art Nouveau buildings. Take the time to appreciate the beauty of the city’s architecture and learn about its history.

Not Bringing Comfortable Shoes

Vienna is a city that requires a lot of walking, and if you’re not prepared with comfortable shoes, you’re going to have a hard time. Make sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes to avoid any blisters or sore feet.

Not Booking Accommodations in Advance

Vienna is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. If you don’t book your accommodations in advance, you could end up paying a lot more or not finding a place to stay at all.

Not Planning Ahead for Vienna’s Public Transportation

Vienna has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the U-Bahn (subway). However, if you don’t plan ahead, you could end up spending more money on tickets than you need to.

Not Visiting the City’s Free Museums

Vienna is home to many museums, including the Schubert Museum and the Museums in Vienna. The first Sunday of every month is free for all visitors, and there are many other things to do in Vienna, such as visiting Beethoven’s birthplace or going on a budget-friendly outdoor tour of the city. Some of Austria’s best museums are also located here, so if you’re interested in classical music or art history, Vienna is a great place to visit.

Not Taking Advantage of Walking Tours

Vienna is a very walkable city, and many of its top attractions are located within walking distance of each other. To make the most of your walking tours, consider downloading a map or using a GPS app to guide you to your destinations.

Vienna has a number of walking tours that can give you a great introduction to the city. Make sure to take advantage of them to learn more about Vienna’s history and culture.

Not Visiting the Naschmarkt – Vienna’s most famous Food Market

The Naschmarkt is a bustling market in Vienna where you can find everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and do some shopping.

Not Visiting the Belvedere Palace & Belvedere Museums

The Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Make sure to explore the palace’s beautiful gardens and see Gustav Klimt’s famous painting, The Kiss.

Not Planning for a Visit to Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see attraction in Vienna, and it can take a full day to explore. Make sure to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to see everything, including the palace’s beautiful gardens.

Not Checking the Opening Hours of Attractions

Many attractions in Vienna have limited opening hours, so make sure to check in advance before you plan your visit. You don’t want to show up and find out that the attraction is closed for the day.

Not Buying Typical Viennese Products

Not Visiting the Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera is one of the most famous opera houses in the world, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tour or tickets

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