Austria is magnificent due to its diverse appeal. There’s so much to do, from witnessing ethereal performances in historic concert halls in Vienna to visiting iconic locations in Salzburg featured in The Sound of Music. To make navigating and interacting with its beauty easier, you should know some helpful tips to improve your experience significantly. Let us guide you through some essential things to know before visiting Austria to help plan your Austria holiday. Let us inspire your holiday with our collection of Walking Tours in Austria or keep it more active with Cycling Holidays in Austria.
Photo credit: Sergey Fedoskin
Learning Basic German Will Be Helpful
Austria is home to many languages, with its official language being German. It would help if you learned basic words and phrases in German so that you're not lost when encountering a German-speaking native. Although about 70% of Austrians speak English since they learn it in schools, especially in tourist areas, so you should be fine if you don't plan to explore the countryside. Learning a few common phrases is advisable and could be fun, too.
Bringing up The Sound of Music Might Not Be a Great Conversation Starter
If you’re trying to interact with an Austrian and are looking for a conversation starter, it's best not to do that with questions relating to the famous 1965 musical. Despite Salzburg being the city of “The Sound of Music”, many locals have never heard about it, and even if they have, they aren't big fans of it. If you visit Salzburg and want to share your excitement about that, you might be better off doing that with fellow tourists.
Sundays Are Rest Days
Sunday is traditionally a day of rest in Austria. You'll find out that most shops and supermarkets are closed because Austrians reserve Sundays for leisure and quality family time. Still, farmers' markets or smaller shops may open in areas like Vienna's main train station, but getting things you could easily purchase on an average day is still a hassle. It’s better to get the items you might need before Sunday.
Tipping Is Appreciated But Not Necessary
Austria is different from other countries where leaving a tip is customary to the point that it's almost mandatory. While tipping is encouraged, you don't have to do it, especially if you didn't enjoy the product or service you received. If you want to leave a tip, you can round up your bill by adding about 5% to 15%. Also, add it to your bill and inform them how much you'd be paying, including the tip, and do not leave it on the table.
Explore Beyond the Famous Cities
There's so much more to Austria than its glamorous capital, Vienna, and the famous Salzburg. While you should visit these places, there are lesser-known parts you shouldn't leave Austria without visiting—these parts allow you to enjoy Austria's natural allure. Some of these include Wachau Valley, renowned for its scenic vineyards and quaint villages, and the Salzkammergut, which hosts peaceful lakes and picturesque towns, allowing you to savour a lovely and authentic Austrian experience.
You Can Drink Tap Water
You can save money on bottled water while in Austria. Their tap water is top quality and is amongst the best globally. The water from the Alps and natural springs is regularly tested to ensure it satisfies safety standards. So, all you have to do is purchase a reusable water bottle.
Trust-Based Public Transportation System
In Austria, you can board a bus or train without having to show tickets to anyone— there are also no fare gates. The system trusts people to always purchase the correct tickets before taking public transport. However, random checks happen to validate that you indeed have a ticket. If discovered that you don't, you could attract a fine on the spot.
Don't Say Austrians and Germans Are the Same, Even as a Joke
Like jam and jelly, Austrians and Germans have some similarities, including sharing the same language and cultural similarities, but they also have fundamental differences. Many Austrians dislike being referred to as Germans, and while some say the relationship and "hate" between both countries is like sibling banter, others believe it's real. You don't want to find out, so even if you think the similarities are uncanny, it's best not to say it to their faces as they don't appreciate people dismissing their country as the same as Germany.
Carry Some Cash Around
When visiting Austria, carrying cash around, preferably in smaller destinations, is best. There are ATMs, and bigger establishments accept payment through credit and debit cards, but things can't go wrong when you have cash. Some cafes and smaller shops only accept cash payments, and making small purchases in cash is more effortless. You can also use it to pay for initial taxi fares on arrival.
Christmas Markets Are So Much Fun
If visiting during the festive period, the Christmas markets in Austria typically open from November to January and provide a wonderful Christmas experience. There are several markets, including the Spittelberg Christmas Market in Vienna, the HauptplatzAdvent Market in Graz, and the Old Town Christmas Market in Innsbruck. Each of these markets has its charms and ambience. You'll have fun with the tasty dishes, unique crafts, concerts, and festive decorations.
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