The 10 Stupidest Things Tourists Do on Holiday in Austria
Whether you’re travelling to Vienna for the museums and a slice of Sachertorte, to Salzburg for the cathedral and The Sound of Music, or to Innsbruck for Tyrolean beauty and challenging hikes; Austria has so much to offer! Still, there are a few things tourists often get wrong. Here, we’ll go over what you absolutely shouldn’t do as a tourist in Austria, along with a few useful tips to make your holiday (for you and for Austrians) even more enjoyable.
1. Asking for ketchup with your wiener schnitzel
When you order the traditional wiener schnitzel in Austria, it is absolutely not customary to order it with ketchup. That’s a real culinary faux pas. Traditionally, wiener schnitzel is served with lingonberries, a slice of lemon and a side dish of your choice. So forget the ketchup and go for the classic! And yes, it should be the size of a pillowcase and spill over the edges of your plate. Mmmm!
2. Expecting everyone to speak English
Although many Austrians speak English, especially in tourist areas, it’s still useful to learn a few words of German. Particularly in small shops and among the older generation (whom you can barely understand when they’re talking to each other), it’s better to learn a few basic phrases so you’re not completely dependent on English. Using ‘Guten Tag’ or ‘GrĂĽss Gott’ is really the bare minimum; for bonus points, learn this sentence by heart: ‘Guten Tag, du siehst wunderschön aus! Es wäre mir eine Ehre, dir behilflich zu sein!’
3. Arriving late
Punctuality is highly valued in Austria. It’s not unusual to be expected to arrive on time for an appointment or reservation. Five minutes late? No problem. But don’t be much later, as that is considered rude. So stick to the schedule, especially when making a restaurant reservation. Also, when using an escalator in busy areas, stand still on the right so others can pass. This is a local custom that is taken very seriously. Why don’t we follow it here too? Fragen, Fragen…
4. Expecting lots of shops to be open on Sundays
Austria has strict opening hours, and on Sundays most shops, supermarkets and museums are closed. Most restaurants and some cafés do remain open, though, so if you want to visit a shop, plan ahead. Keep the opening hours in mind to avoid disappointment. Especially if you’re planning to have lunch, know that it takes place between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and dinner between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m.
5. Expecting not to have to pay for an empty plate
A discussion that recently appeared on social media concerned a couple who had to pay 8 euros for an empty plate at a restaurant on Lake Wörthersee. Why? They shared their dish, but that extra plate still had to be set out, cleared away and washed. So yes, there is a cost involved. Strange Austrian hospitality culture or secretly perfectly logical? You can decide for yourself, but be prepared in any case.
6. Ordering an oat-milk cappuccino in Vienna
Vienna has been named by Michelin as one of the places you should visit in 2025. The city has an incredible amount to offer. It is also known worldwide for its coffeehouse culture. Leave your metropolitan oat-milk cappuccino behind and try ordering a Schalerl Gold (with lots of milk, served with a layer of foam in a bowl), or a Fiaker (with a splash of spirits). Yes, that’s living on the edge, but you’re on holiday, so break out of your routine! These are also the most beautiful coffeehouses in Vienna to visit, from classic to modern.
7. Being rude to the staff
People in Austria place great value on politeness. Addressing people as ‘Herr’ or ‘Frau’ is very common, especially in business settings. So be polite and always treat staff with respect. A friendly smile works wonders and is greatly appreciated. Tipping is too, by the way.
8. Not understanding that you should tip
In Austria, tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary. It is normal to leave 5 to 10% of the total amount as a tip. This applies to restaurants, cafés and taxis. So don’t forget to make the effort to show your appreciation for good service.
9. Not following dress codes
If you’re going to a ball in Austria, be prepared for strict dress codes. The dress code is always stated on the ticket, so read it carefully and make sure you respect it. This applies especially to elegant gala dinners and other formal events. The opera, for example.
10. Not carrying cash
Let’s not forget almost the most important thing: bring cash. The Netherlands is the country in Europe where people look at you almost spasmodically if you want to pay in cash, but in other countries paying with cash is (fortunately) perfectly normal, or even preferred. Austria, for example. Some small shops and restaurants, kiosks and würstel stands (the typical Austrian food stalls) often don’t even have a card machine.
So, if you’re going to Austria this summer, don’t forget these helpful tips. Viel Spaß!
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