WHAT NOT TO DO IN VIENNA
10 things you’re better off avoiding in Vienna
Vienna is different – charming, grumpy, and sometimes both at once.
And anyone visiting quickly realizes: this city has its own rules.
To help you blend in and skip the usual slip-ups, here are 10 things you’re better off not doing in Vienna.
A mix of real tourist traps and everyday mistakes – honest, Viennese, and served with a touch of Viennese humor.
#1 Standing on the left side of the escalator
In Vienna, there’s one simple rule: stand on the right, walk on the left.
It sounds obvious, yet it’s ignored every single day.
Anyone who stands on the left blocks the flow, brings everything to a halt, and earns that classic annoyed Viennese glare – the one every local has mastered.
No yelling, no drama – just that quiet, collective shake of the head that says:
“Seriously?”
#2 Using the wrong ATMs (with extra fees)
Especially around popular tourist areas, you’ll often spot privately operated ATMs. They look just like regular ones and advertise “Quick Cash” or use big, colorful buttons – but they often charge extra fees or apply poor exchange rates.
The fees do appear on screen, but it’s easy to miss them when you’re in a hurry. It’s best to use the ATMs inside regular bank branches – no surprises there.
And while card payments work in most places across Vienna, some small shops or market stalls still don’t accept cards. Carrying a bit of cash never hurts.
#3 Ticket sellers in “Mozart” outfits
You’ll definitely see them: men in brocade coats or white wigs offering concert tickets in the city center.
At first glance it looks charming – a little like stepping back into imperial Vienna – but it rarely has much to do with real classical music.
Most of these shows are more tourist entertainment than concert experience – small halls, short pieces, lots of show, and very little of what Vienna’s music is truly about.
If you’re after authentic Viennese music, there are great alternatives such as the Musikverein, the Konzerthaus, or the Stephansdom.
They’re usually no more expensive, but offer the real thing.
So, skip the street sellers – and get your tickets where Vienna actually sounds like Vienna.
#4 Paying for water
It’s simply unnecessary to keep buying bottled water.
In Vienna, tap water comes straight from the Alps – crystal clear, ice-cold, and better than anything you’ll find in a bottle.
Especially in summer, you’ll find drinking fountains all over the city, even near major sights and in the parks. Just refill your bottle and keep exploring.
Vienna’s lucky to have such great water – it’s far from something you can take for granted elsewhere.
#5 Seeing a Fiaker ride as a must-do
Yes, they’re part of Vienna – the Fiaker carriages are woven into the cityscape and bring a touch of old-world charm.
But honestly: taking a ride isn’t something you have to do.
The routes are short, the prices high, and the romance often looks better from afar than it feels up close.
On top of that, many locals view the horse-drawn carriages critically for animal-welfare reasons.
If you really want to experience the city, it’s best to explore on foot or by public transport – you’ll see more and spend less.
And if you still enjoy watching the Fiaker, just catch a glimpse of them as they pass through the city center – romantic enough, without the tourist price tag.
#6 Restaurants that try to pull you in
If a waiter is already calling you over from the street or the menu comes in ten languages with colorful pictures, you probably know what to expect: tourist food at tourist prices.
You’ll mostly find these places in the city center, near the big attractions. But honestly, they’re rarely worth it. A quick drink is fine, but don’t expect too much when it comes to food. Good restaurants don’t need tricks like that.
Instead, wander a few streets away: where there are no picture menus outside and no one trying to pull you in, you’ll usually eat much better – and for less money.
#7 Being inconsiderate on public transport
Vienna’s public transport system is fantastic – fast, clean, and reliable.
Still, there are always moments that make you shake your head: people who blast music without headphones, swing their backpacks into everyone, or stand right in the doorway so no one can get off.
So please: let people get off before you get on.
A little consideration goes a long way – step aside for a second, use headphones, take off your backpack – and everything runs a lot smoother.
You’ll get to your destination just as fast, only without all the annoyed looks around you.
#8 Taking a taxi instead of public transport
If you take a taxi in Vienna, you’ll pay a lot more than for public transport – and still end up stuck in traffic. With the bus, tram, or metro you’ll usually get there faster, cheaper, and with less stress.
The network works great at night too: night buses run regularly, and on weekends even the metro stays open. Taking a taxi here is hardly ever necessary.
Public transport gets you reliably from A to B – nothing more, nothing less.
#9 Disrespectful behavior at landmarks
Whether it’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, or one of Vienna’s many historic squares – the city lives through its history.
That’s why it’s hard to understand when people climb on monuments, talk loudly in churches, or push into group photos just to get the perfect shot.
Of course, you want to capture memories – but please do it with a bit of respect.
Photos taken from a distance usually look better anyway, and when you enter churches or historic sites, a little respect and proper behavior go a long way.
In the end, it’s not just about a nice picture – it’s about showing respect for places that carry centuries of history.
Those who understand that don’t just visit Vienna, they experience what truly makes this city special.
#10 Crossing the street on red
Even if there’s not a single car in sight – in Vienna, it’s better to wait.
Especially when there are children around. Crossing on red makes you a bad example pretty quickly.
Viennese people take pride in their sense of order – and believe me, you’ll feel the looks right away.
No one will say anything, but you’ll know exactly what they mean.
So just wait a moment – the light will turn green faster than you think.
A trip to Vienna is always a little more enjoyable when you don’t instantly stand out as a tourist and keep a few things in mind.
These ten tips will help you experience the city more smoothly – and maybe understand it a bit better along the way.
Because if you explore Vienna with a little sensitivity, you’ll quickly realize: it’s not about perfection, it’s about attitude.
📌 You might also like:
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👉 20 Best Sights in Vienna – all the city’s highlights at a glance.
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👉 Airport Transfer – every option from train to taxi.
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👉 10 Beginner Mistakes in Vienna – avoid them for a more relaxed trip.