10 Signs You're Turning Viennese
The Viennese are known for having a very particular character, often defined by their sharp tongue and dark humour. Here are 10 indications that you’re settling in well in Austria’s capital.
You abide by Vienna’s traffic light etiquette
For anyone that has lived in London or New York (cities where people stroll into moving traffic as if they are parting the Red Sea), Vienna’s scrupulously strict traffic codes will come as a shock. It’s not just the glares from locals that will keep you in check, police can issue fines of 30 euros if you cross on a red. After the initial confusion and anger at having to wait for what feels like years at a barren road crossing, you’ll find you eventually comply.
You become a coffee addict
You become accustomed to Viennese greetings
In formal settings, the Viennese greet each other by saying Gröss Gott, which literally translates to ‘may God bless you’. As Austria is a predominantly Catholic culture, it has held on to various phrases like this, which Austrians consider totally normal, however, may appear a little bizarre to outsiders at first.
You’re used to smoking indoors
Vienna is one of the last European cities to allow smoking indoors and while some find it abhorrent, it is generally considered to be a part of Vienna’s character – which is maybe unsurprising seeing as around 50 percent of adult Austrians smoke. However, this is now changing due to new laws and so more and more bars will become smoke-free.
You no longer rage over shops being closed on Sundays
If you come from a city where wandering down to the off-license at 3 am in your pyjamas for milk (or more likely, wine) is the norm, then you won’t be a fan of Vienna’s conservative opening hours. The supermarkets close at around 7:30 pm on weekdays and even earlier on weekends, meaning you have to ensure that your fridge is stocked before Sunday rolls around.
You are no longer confused by the concept of house shoes
The Viennese really want their guests’ feet to be warm. The offering of house shoes is very common in Austrian homes. Wear clean socks and don’t ask any questions.
You sign off your texts with ‘kisses’
How you sign off text messages varies from place to place and generally speaking, in the UK and in the US, it is with xs. In Austria, they write ‘bussi’ or ‘kisses’.
You eat out more
Obviously, this isn’t purely reserved for the Viennese, however, there is a strong culture of eating out in Austria’s capital. The restaurants are always buzzing on the weekends.
Your attitude towards work changes
Another Viennese stereotype is their relaxed attitude towards work. This may be a stereotype, however, many feel it rings true, especially in comparison to many other European cities.
You develop a taste for sweet things
If you didn’t have a sweet tooth before you arrived in Vienna, you’re sure to develop one. You’ll also likely become well-versed in all the different cakes – and be able to tell your Sachertorte from your strudel.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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