Austria – Wolters World

Visiting Innsbruck? Don’t Make These Tourist Mistakes

Posted on October 30, 2025September 29, 2025 by Mark Wolters

What NOT to Do When Visiting Innsbruck, Austria

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re sharing some of the don’ts of visiting Innsbruck, a winter Olympics host city and beautiful mountain destination. With outdoor adventure set against the cultural legacy of the Hapsburgs, Innsbruck is a beautiful destination in Austria. While many travel blogs will tell you the best Innsbruck attractions, we also want to share what you should NOT do when you visit Innsbruck.

Don’t Miss The Top Innsbruck Attractions

For a small town, there are a lot of things to see in Innsbruck. Unlike some other cities, the Innsbruck Card for multiple attractions is well worth the price! You’ll have access to several of these attractions, and you have a year to use it.

Goldenes Dachl, or Golden Roof, is the most popular thing to see in Innsbruck. It was built by Emperor Maximilian, and it’s where he watched parades and festivals. You can also go inside to tour his collection.
The Tirol Folk Art Museum is fantastic. They’ve taken rooms from cabins all over Tirol and replicated them to show how the people of this region lived over various centuries. The woodwork and wood carvings in some of the rooms are quite impressive
The Hofkirche, or the Court Church, is also a popular Innsbruck attraction. Inside, 28 bronze statues are standing around a tomb representing Maximilian even though he’s not in there. Maximilian’s Last Will and Testament is not a must! If you don’t like the dark, definitely don’t go! But it does explain about Maximilian and his life, if that interests you.
The Ferdinandeum has art that ranges from prehistoric to contemporary art
The Alpine Zoo is great for kids and adults; it has animals from the region on display. Be warned, though, it’s built into the side of a mountain, so it’s steep!
The Swarovski Crystal Museum has a lot of cool displays, both indoors and outdoors.
The Christmas Markets in Innsbruck are spectacular! They’re not as touristy as some other cities, so it feels like an authentic experience.
Ambras Castle is a quick taxi from downtown and well worth visiting. Even the views from the drive to the castle are amazing! Don’t miss the Wunderkammer and the Spanish Hall.
Buy a ticket to climb to the observation deck of City Tower for the best views of Innsbruck
Hofburg Imperial Palace which was built by Maximilian in the year 1500.
The Innsbruck Archaeological Museum has over 1,000 ancient artifacts and artworks.

Don’t Miss the Outdoor Attractions in Innsbruck

Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and in 1976; there are 12 ski resorts in and around the Innsbruck area. If you are a skier or snowboarder, you definitely should hit the slopes if you’re visiting Innsbruck in the winter!

In the summer months, hiking is fantastic in the mountains surrounding Innsbruck. You can take a funicular or cable car up to the top of Nordkette for amazing views and hiking trails. If it’s a cloudy or foggy day, though, skip it because you won’t be able to see anything.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Right Shoes & Clothing

Depending on what time of year you are visiting Innsbruck, you’ll need to have the right shoes and clothes. Of course, in the winter you need to be prepared for snow with good waterproof shoes. In the summer, you’ll want hiking boots. No matter when you visit Innsbruck, you want to also make sure you have comfortable walking shoes for exploring the town’s cobblestone streets.

How to Choose the Best Shoes for Visiting Europe

Don’t Worry About Safety in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a very safe city to visit; we’ve visited with our kids and parents, and never worry about pickpockets or any of the usual travel scams. It’s a great place to bring your kids! Not only is it safe, but there are also tons of family-friendly activities and museums in Innsbruck.

Don’t Worry About Speaking German

Yes, they speak German in Austria, but you’ll find plenty of English speakers. There is a university in Innsbruck, so lots of young people who speak English, as well as lots of tourists. Of course, it’s always nice to know a few words, but you can get by ok without speaking German. You should know “Gruss Gott” as it’s common to greet someone in the morning with this phrase.

If you get a chance to talk to locals, do it! They are the nicest of all the cities in Austria; even the service is pretty good!

Don’t Forget to Try These Innsbruck Specialties

Innsbruck has lots of great options for traditional Austrian cuisine and there are also some regional specialties to try while you’re here.

In Innsbruck, they eat a lot of dumplings, or knödel. There are many varieties of knödel and the three you have to try include the bacon dumpling, spinach dumpling, and the cheese dumpling. They’re all fantastic. You can even get a platter with multiple types of dumplings if you want to sample them all. They love their bacon, as well. You’ll see entire stores selling speck, or bacon.

Tiroler Gröstl is roasted potato, bacon, onion, and fried egg, and is a great warm dish for a cold winter day.

Käsespätzle, which are cheese noodles served with onions, and they love wild meats in Innsbruck. We’ve had several venison dishes here.

Kiachl is kind of like a fried funnel cake, but you can opt for sweet or savory versions.

Don’t Worry About Crowds

Now, Innsbruck is not exactly a hidden gem. But it’s also not overrun with tourists, so it never feels insanely crowded. It is significantly less crowded than Salzburg or Munich. Both of those cities are about 1:45 from Innsbruck by train, so you can base yourself in Innsbruck and visit other cities by train for the day.

Don’t Forget to Plan Your Shopping Hours

Most shops in Innsbruck close early and do not open on Sundays, so you need to plan your shopping to ensure you get in before they close for the day. If you really need something, the train store shops are typically open later and on all days.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t wait to start planning your first trip to Innsbruck! It’s such an amazing city, and we visit often because we love it so much! Between the beautiful architecture and mountain views, it’s a great city to visit year-round. For more tips on travel in Austria, check out these other blog posts:

Austrian Cuisine Guide: Classic Dishes and Drinks You’ll Love

Posted on October 23, 2025September 29, 2025 by Mark Wolters

Wolters World’s Favorite Food in Austria

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re sharing our favorite food to eat in Austria. Mark lived and worked in Austria, and it’s one of our favorite places to visit in Central Europe. Of course, food is a huge part of the travel experience, and Austria does not disappoint! These are just a few of our favorite foods in Austria.

Traditional Food of Austria

Austrian cuisine is best known for schnitzel and strudel, but that’s just the beginning! In addition to some of the traditional food in Austria below, each region also has unique specialties that are worth trying as you travel around Austria.

Schnitzel is very popular, and most people think of Wiener Schnitzel, which is made from veal. There are many varieties of schnitzel, including turkey and chicken. They’re all good, but veal is usually the most expensive.
Spaetzle is an Austrian noodle that is often served plain, with butter, or with cheese. It’s an Austrian version of pasta and it’s very good.
Sausages, or wurst, are very popular in Austria. The most common is the wienerwurst, which is a very common snack food sold on the street.
Knoedel, or dumplings, are especially popular in Innsbruck. Potato and bread dumplings are the most common, and they are often served as a side dish. They love bacon around Innsbruck, so speck knoedel is very popular and delicious. The dumplings even have sweet versions or savory versions.
Tafelspitz is a heartier dish to try; it’s boiled meat served in a broth with vegetables. It’s not the most exciting dish, but it’s a traditional Austrian recipe.
Backhendl is basically fried chicken, but it’s not greasy like what you’d get at a KFC.
Portion sizes are quite large in Austria, so if you want a lighter meal, there are lots of soup options. One of the best soups in Austria is cream of pumpkin soup.

Breakfast in Austria

A typical Austrian breakfast is similar to Americans; a pastry or yogurt and cup of coffee on the go. But if you’re staying at a hotel in Austria, then you will be in for a treat as the breakfasts are quite lavish.

Bread and rolls are central to breakfast in Austria. And it will be good bread, even at the hotel buffet! Essentially everything else at the breakfast buffet is something to put on your bread. You won’t see pancakes or waffles like you would expect in the USA.
There will be several jams, cheese, and butter to choose from as your topping.
There’s always an assortment of meat and cheeses, as well as a selection of pickled vegetables.
Musli is a type of cereal that is usually served at breakfast.
Hard and soft-boiled eggs are also typically available. Soft-boiled eggs are great for dipping your bread in the yolk.
Scrambled eggs are common as well.
Yogurt is common, along with toppings. Musli is a good topping for yogurt!

You don’t have to stay at your hotel for breakfast. You can also go to some of the cafes or if you are staying in an apartment, grab some bread and pastries from the bakery. If your hotel charges for breakfast, you can definitely save some money by going out.

Dessert in Austria

Austrians are big on cafe culture, which means they enjoy a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Some of the dessert shops in Austria are absolutely decadent! Always save room for dessert in Austria. Most of the desserts in Austria are shareable, so keep that in mind when ordering.

Sacher Torte is the most famous cake from Austria, as it was created in Vienna. You can even go to the Sacher Hotel in Vienna to try the OG version. It’s a dense chocolate cake with apricot jam and an outer layer of chocolate ganache.
Once you’ve had Sacher Torte, it’s time to branch out to other options. Linzer Torte is a delicious shortbread cake with a fruit jam filling. It’s usually topped with a beautiful lattice pattern. Linzer cookies are a bite-size version of the torte.
In Salzburg, you have to try the Salzburger Nockerl, which is a vanilla souffle with fruit spread. You have to eat it fast before the souffle deflates.
Of course, there are lots of varieties of Strudel in Austria. Apfelstrudel, or apple strudel, is the most common. Topfenstrudel is another favorite; it’s a cheese version of the strudel. Always save room for strudel, and always get it with the vanilla sauce!
Kaiserschmarrn is another tasty dessert in Austria. It’s chopped-up pancakes topped with fruit compote and powdered sugar. There’s even a dessert chop chain called Kaiser’s where you can try several varieties of Kaiserschmarrn.
Marillenkucken is an apricot cake that’s quite good.
For sweets on the go, try Krapfen, which are basically jelly donuts.
Kiachl is fried dough that looks a lot like fry bread. The sweet version will have jam on top, or you can get the savory version with sauerkraut.
Cremeschnitte is Mark’s favorite dessert in Austria. It’s a custard cake sandwiched between layers of puff pastry.
Germknödel is a large steamed dumpling filled with jam and topped with the magical vanilla sauce of Austria. Dampfnudel is a similar version of this.
Mozartkugel is sold everywhere; it’s a chocolate truffle with pistachio, marzipan and nougat inside. These make a great souvenir for your friends back home.

Austrian Beverages to Try

Of course, you’ll need a beverage to wash down all of this fantastic Austrian food!

Coffee is very popular in Austria, and it’s a large part of the cafe culture. However, you can also get tea or really good hot chocolate if you don’t prefer coffee.
Mark likes to grab an Almdudler from the train station when arriving. It’s an Austrian soda and is comparable to ginger ale, but more herbal.
Austria has a wine region in the eastern part of the country; the white wine is especially good. We’ve found Austrian wine to be better than Austrian beer.
Most restaurants want you to pay for water and don’t automatically bring free water. They may ask if you want still or sparkling, which indicates bottled water that you will pay for. You can ask for tap water, but it doesn’t always go over well with your server.

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Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the cafe culture of Austria, It’s a time that’s meant to be savored, not rushed. Austrian food is hearty, but you should always leave room for dessert! Want more tips for visiting Austria? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Austria Vacation

Posted on October 16, 2025September 29, 2025 by Mark Wolters

Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Austria Vacation

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re discussing common mistakes we see from first-time tourists in Austria. Mark studied and taught here, and we’ve been back many times with our kids. We’ve learned many lessons throughout the years. If you are about to embark on your first Austria vacation, take care to avoid these travel mistakes!

Forgetting to Say Gruss Gott

Gruss Gott is the standard Austrian greeting, and you should get used to saying it anytime you walk into a restaurant or shop. Austrians are not the most friendly people, so if you start off with a “Gruss Gott” you’ll be starting off on the right foot.

Preconceived Notions of Austrians

For many Americans, the Sound of Music is the extent of their knowledge of Austria. Naturally, they expect everyone to be friendly like Maria. But that’s not the case when you visit Austria. Austrians are not effusive and their brusque nature can feel rude sometimes. This is most commonly seen in the service industry, where they are efficient but not necessarily friendly.

Not Enjoying the Cafe Culture

Of course, you want to see all the sights in Austria, and you may have a very busy travel itinerary. But it would be a mistake to not sit down to enjoy cafe culture in Austria. Austrians have a fantastic sweet tooth, and part of their culture is to enjoy coffee and cake in a cafe. Sacher Torte is the most famous cake from Austria, as it was created in Vienna. It’s a dense chocolate cake with apricot jam and a ganache outer layer.

Don’t pass up the bakeries in Austria, either! The bread and baked goods are phenomenal.

Link to: What to Eat in Austria

Missing a Live Performance

One of the best things to do in Austria is to attend a performance. Salzburg has tons of Mozart productions as well as a marionette theater. There are dozens of fantastic theaters in Austria, and of course the Opera House in Vienna is beautiful.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Vienna

Comparing Austria to Germany

Yes, there are similarities and shared history between Austria and Germany, but many travelers see Austria as “Germany Junior.” Although they share a language, the culture, the people and even the accents in their German are different between the two countries. The Holy Roman Empire was once based in Austria, so they have their own history and culture to be admired.

Missing Austria’s Natural Attractions

The cities of Austria have beautiful architecture and culture, but it would be a mistake to miss the natural attractions of Austria. The Austrian Alps are spectacular in every season. From winter ski resorts to hundreds of lakes to enjoy in summer. Even the cities have beautiful parks where you can get some fresh air and take in the scenery.

Only Visiting Salzburg and Vienna

Salzburg and Vienna are the two most popular destinations in Austria, but they aren’t the only Austrian cities to visit. Linz, Graz, Innsbruck, and Hallstatt are just a few of the smaller towns worth visiting in Austria. The people tend to be friendlier in the smaller towns, and there is a great network of trains in Austria.

That said, though, Hallstatt is a bit overrated; it supposedly served as the inspiration for the town in Frozen. This tiny town of less than 1000 residents is overwhelmed by thousands of tourists daily.

Not Researching Museums to Visit

Austria has so many fantastic museums. You really need to do some research before your trip and narrow down which museums you want to visit. Otherwise, you will be overwhelmed with choices. There are lots of cool museums for kids, too.

Expecting Free Water

Most restaurants want you to pay for water and don’t automatically bring free water. They may ask if you want still or sparkling, which indicates bottled water that you will pay for. You can ask for tap water, but it doesn’t always go over well with your server.

Not Having Coins on Hand

In most destinations, there’s hardly a need to carry cash. We are so used to swiping and tapping our credit cards, that we often don’t bother to have local currency on hand. But in Austria, you need to have some coins in your wallet. Train station bathrooms often require a small entry fee that can only be paid in coins. The train restrooms aren’t always the cleanest, so it’s worth the splurge to pay for the bathroom at the train station.

Not Using the OBB

OBB is the train system in Austria, and it will get you pretty much anywhere you want to travel to. Even the smallest towns have train, bus, or ferry services. It makes traveling around Austria so easy. They aren’t always the most punctual trains, but they will get you wherever you want to go. Their trains are clean and their employees are some of the most helpful people in Austria. Paying extra for seat reservations is definitely worth it, especially on busy travel days!

If you upgrade to the First Class car, you might also have access to the First Class lounge at the train station. It’s a nice place to relax, just like the club lounges at airports.

Taking the CAT Train from the Airport

The CAT is the City Airport Train, and it’s an express train from the airport to the city center. This more expensive option only saves you 5 – 10 minutes. If you’re trying to save money on your trip, the regular train is just as good. If you have a lot of luggage, you may want to pay the premium as there is more space on the CAT train.

Other Train Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to check the departure and arrival times. Not all trains are the same, so you might have a faster train that leaves later and arrives earlier. Make sure you weigh all your options.
Picking the wrong train station can be a costly mistake. Larger cities have more than one station, so make sure you know which train station to travel to.
Skipping the ticket kiosk can cost you time and money. If you need help, the Reisezentrum is great. But the lines can get pretty long, so for simple tickets, use the kiosk! (There will be additional language options if you don’t understand German.)
Skipping day trips along your train route would be a mistake. A lot of train stations have luggage lockers, so you can store your luggage and explore the town before continuing on your journey.
Stopping at the top of the escalator is a big no-no. Get out of the way for other people exiting behind you and take care not to cause a traffic jam!
Talking in the quiet cars or being loud in any train car is not advised. Keep your voices low, even if you’re not in a quiet car.
Don’t use other seats for your luggage. There is overhead storage for your luggage; which is a great reason to make sure you pack light!
Forgetting to push the green button at the train door; all the doors are not automatic, so they won’t open unless you push the green button.
Not checking the board to find out the exact location of your wagon so that you’re in the right area of the platform when it’s time to board.
Planning a tight connection when transferring trains is not recommended due to frequent delays on the trains.
Booking your tickets same-day will cost a lot more, up to double in some cases. The earlier you book the train tickets, the more you will save.
Not having a ticket to show can land you in trouble. They employ ticket checkers in a lot of trains in Austria, and the fines are more than the ticket would have been!

Trying to Shop on Sundays

For the most part, stores in Austria are closed on Sundays. Shops at the train station are open every day, so that’s a good backup plan, but try to plan your shopping around Sunday. It’s a great day to visit museums instead. When you go shopping, don’t pass up some of the handmade souvenirs.

Falling For These Scams and Tourist Traps

In general, Austria is a very safe country to visit. There aren’t a ton of scams to warn you about, but there are a few things to look out for.

While we love the Salzburg Card, the Vienna City Card doesn’t feel as valuable. It seems like you would have to visit a lot of museums in order to make the card worth the price. It’s not a scam, but you might spend more than you need to.
Horse Drawn carriages are a very popular tourist trap. They are also extremely expensive, and only you can decide if it’s worth it or not. You can see many of the same sights by walking around Vienna.
Don’t accept help from a stranger, especially at the train station. People might try to help you out, but it’s usually a scam. If you actually need help, go to the ticket office (Reisezentrum) and they’ll be happy to help you.
The Salzburg Sound of Music tours may seem like they are a tourist trap, but there are some really great ones. Choose a tour that takes you outside of the city to some of the more rural locations. Otherwise you can see the city landmarks on your own.
Some of the most popular tourist sites have a handful of pickpockets or scam artists. It’s the same game as every other European city. Just be aware of your surroundings and you’ll be fine.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t wait to start planning your first Austria vacation! It’s such an amazing country full of culture, nature, and great food. For more tips on travel in Austria, check out these other blog posts:

The Best Things to Know about Vienna (and not do)

Posted on August 7, 2024August 5, 2024 by Mark Wolters

What NOT to Do On a Trip to Vienna

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you plan a trip to Vienna, Austria. While most travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Vienna, we want to be sure you know what NOT to do on your Vienna vacation.

Don’t Expect Vienna to Be Cheap

Vienna is not a budget destination, although there are ways to make your trip to Vienna more affordable. It’s not crazy expensive, but it is the capital city so it’s one of the more expensive towns in Austria. Fortunately, there are tons of street food vendors, so you can save money by eating on the street instead of in restaurants. The stalls at Naschmarkt have good prices as well.

Don’t Expect Attentive Service

Austrian service is effective and efficient, but it’s not the over-the-top service you might expect in other destinations. Servers are typically well-trained and knowledgeable, but they’re not usually effusive, attentive, or fast. Even though tipping is customary in Austria, they are also paid a normal wage, so they aren’t hustling for tips like in the United States.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Austria

Austria also has a strong cafe culture, where restaurant patrons can linger for hours without being rushed. However, this also means you must request your check when you are ready. They won’t automatically bring it to your table.

Don’t Forget to Carry Cash

Most places in Vienna will take credit cards, but you may run into a few places that still only accept cash. Christmas markets, street food vendors, and amusement park rides are a few examples of where you might need to have cash. If you need to use the restroom in train stations, you might also need some small change to enter.

Don’t Be Loud

Vienna is really quiet for a large city. You can sit in a cafe and people have quiet conversations, they don’t get heated or loud enough for everyone to hear their conversation. It’s the same on public transportation and I’ve even seen a group of school kids quietly walking down the street. It’s just not a loud culture, so check your volume when you’re out and about. Otherwise, prepare to be shushed by the locals!

Don’t Block the Flow of Traffic

This is especially true for the escalators at the train stations. If you’re not moving, stand to the right so that others can pass you on the left. This is certainly not unique to Vienna, but they will definitely say something to you if you are blocking their way. Remember, this is a city where people are trying to get to work or school so they may be in a hurry even though you are not.

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Public Transportation

You can get plenty of taxis or rideshare cars in Vienna, but the public transportation is very easy to use, and it goes to nearly everywhere you would want to visit. It’s also typically much faster than driving.

When you enter the train station and purchase your ticket, don’t forget that you have to validate that ticket before you get on the train. The trains in Vienna are kind of on the honor system, but there are occasionally people checking tickets. If you want to avoid a fine and embarrassment, buy a ticket and get it validated.

Don’t Assume Your “Wochenticket” Lasts a Week

Yes, Wochenticket means week ticket, but there are different variations of the ticket. Most are valid Monday through Sunday, so if you buy this ticket on a Thursday, it’s only good for four days. There are flexible start date tickets, but they are not the default. Make sure you do some research ahead of time to find the ticket that makes the most sense for you.

Don’t Walk on the Grass

Vienna has beautiful gardens and parks, with lots of green open space. Before you go hang out on the grass, look for signs because many parks don’t want you on the grass. Vienna has a very rule-following culture, and you will stand out if you are breaking the rules.

Don’t Wait in Line for Sacher Torte

Vienna is famous for desserts, especially the Sacher Torte which was invented at Hotel Sacher. Most days, you’ll find a line outside the hotel as everyone wants to taste the famous cake. However, you don’t need to wait in line. Just go around the corner to the Mozart Cafe and they serve the same cake, without the crowds.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Vienna

Don’t Forget to Look Beyond the Exhibits at Vienna Museums

Vienna has some fantastic museums, but even more impressive than what’s inside are the buildings they are housed in. The architecture in Vienna is spectacular, so make sure you look around the interior and exterior of some of these museums.

Don’t Miss These Top Sights in Vienna

There are a lot of fun things to do in Vienna. One of the best things to do in Vienna is to walk around and just admire the architecture and the gardens and parks, followed by a cafe culture experience. Other things to see in Vienna include:

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna and it’s beautiful both inside and out. But what many people don’t know is that you can also book a tour of the catacombs at the cathedral. If you’ve toured the catacombs in Paris or Rome, you won’t be shocked, but be prepared to see human bones.
Schonbrunn Palace is another spot you should not miss when visiting Vienna. It was the summer residence of the Hapsburgs and it is quite beautiful, with gorgeous gardens and even a small zoo on the property. When I last visited Vienna, there were several different tour options of varying lengths. The longest one was a bit too long, so I don’t recommend that one unless you are super into the Hapsburg dynasty.
Hofburg is the city residence of the Hapsburgs, and that is also worth visiting. You can tour the apartments and learn more about Sisi, who was an important Empress at the time.
Karl’s Church is one of Mark’s favorite attractions in Vienna. It looks like it is straight out of the Vatican. The interior is amazing and well worth the entrance fee.
For a break from the historic and cultural attractions in Vienna, head to Prater, the amusement park. The Ferris Wheel is an icon of the city!
Belvedere Palace is a palace and an art museum. It contains 800 years of art, including a vast collection of work from Gustav Klimt, including The Kiss.
The Naschmarkt is another fun Vienna attraction. This open-air market is perfect for sampling sausages, cheeses, bread, and much more! If you’re in Vienna on a budget, eating at the Naschmarkt stalls is a great way to save money!
For a fun day trip from Vienna, check out the Heuriger, which are taverns at the wine cellars and vineyards. These are best visited in the fall when they are harvesting and producing new wines.
If you are looking for more museums in Vienna, head to the Museum Quarter, which has dozens of museums to explore.

Don’t Give to Beggars

You will see some beggars on the streets, near popular Vienna attractions. Austria actually has a very good social system in place to take care of these people, so many times it is just a scam to tug at your heartstrings. They’re not generally aggressive, so just keep walking.

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Vienna truly has something for everyone, whether you prefer food, culture or history. Mark studied and taught in Vienna, so it’s a special place to return to again and again. Don’t let these don’ts keep you from planning a trip to Vienna. Want more tips for traveling in Central Europe?

10 Ways to Ruin Your Trip to Austria

Posted on May 26, 2024May 22, 2024 by Mark Wolters

What NOT to Do On a Trip to Austria

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you plan a trip to Austria. While most travel blogs will tell you the best things to see in Austria, we want to be sure you know what NOT to do on your Austria vacation.

Don'ts of Austria — Tourist information on Austria

Don’t Miss Out on the Top Destinations in Austria

It’s hard to narrow down all of the beautiful destinations in Austria, but when choosing towns, there are my favorite towns in Austria.

Innsbruck is a fantastic town in the Alps that has hosted the Winter Olympics
Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and it’s one of the best-kept Old Towns in all of Europe
Vienna, Austria’s capital city should not be missed! There are so many palaces, opera houses and cafes.
Linz has some great museums for kids, and is more of a modern city than other Austria cities on our list. It is known as Upper Austria’s Art and Culture Capital.
Graz is Austria’s second largest city, and it is where Arnold Schwarzenegger is from. It’s in Southern Austria, so it’s a different vibe than the other cities on our list.
Mayrhofen is a small ski village with about 4,000 residents. It’s only about an hour from Innsbruck, and it’s just a darling little mountain village surrounded by the beauty of Tyrol.
Hohen Tauern National Park is the best place to experience alpine scenery and beautiful lakes. It’s a great place to go if you want to relax and enjoy amazing scenery.
Salzkammergut Lakes is another destination in Austria known for natural beauty and scenic lakes. Some of the Sound of Music was filmed here, and it’s a popular weekend getaway for Austrians.
Vaduz, Liechtenstein isn’t in Austria, but it’s close enough for a day trip and you’ll be in a new country! Vaduz is the capital, with a few museums, easily explored in a day trip from Innsbruck.

Don’t Miss Out on the Culture in Vienna

Vienna has had many iterations, having been the seat of the Holy Roman Empire and later it was the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The arts have always been a huge part of Vienna, and remain so to this day. From Opera to art, and palaces throughout the city, there are so many ways to experience Austrian culture.

It’s best to do some research ahead of time and prioritize what you want to see because there’s a lot and it can be overwhelming.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Vienna

Don’t Just Visit the Cities in Austria

Austria has amazing cities, like Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck. But there’s much more to Austria than the larger cities. Austria has fantastic natural attractions as well, with the Austrian Alps. Skiing and hiking are everywhere in Austria, with quaint mountain towns scattered throughout the country. Even if you are staying in the cities, you can easily access parks and lakes nearby.

Don’t Skip the Regional Folk Museums

Austrians take great pride in their history and their culture, which shows in the regional folk museums. For example, Innsbruck has the Museum of Tyrolean Regional Heritage, which is fantastic. It really helps you get a better understanding of the people of each Austrian region that you visit.

Don’t Forget to Say grüß Gott When Entering a Place

Austria is more formal than some other countries, so a proper greeting is expected when you enter a store, restaurant, or any place. grüß Gott means “greetings to God” and is a common greeting in Austria.

Don’t Be Late

Austrians are very punctual so make sure you are on time for whatever activity you have scheduled. Whether it’s dinner, a meeting, a sporting event or a party, Austrians will be on time. There’s no buffer built into the schedules in Austria; meetings and classes start at the time they are scheduled for.

Don’t Wear Your Shoes in Homes

It is considered bad manners to leave your shoes on when entering someone’s home in Austria. There is usually a pile of shoes at the door, which will remind you to remove yours.

Don’t Expect Attentive Service

Austrian service is effective and efficient, but it’s not the over-the-top service you might expect in other destinations. Servers are typically well-trained and knowledgeable, but they’re not usually effusive, attentive, or fast. Austria also has a strong cafe culture, where restaurant patrons can linger for hours without being rushed. However, this also means you must request your check when you are ready. They won’t automatically bring it to your table.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Austria

Don’t Forget to Have Some Cash

Most places in Austria will take credit cards, but you may run into a few places that still only accept cash. If you are visiting the Christmas markets, many of the vendors are still cash-only, and street food vendors often only take cash as well. If you need to use the restroom in train stations, you might also need some small change to enter.

Don’t Skip the Cafe Culture

Austria is known for its cafe culture, and you’ll see coffee & dessert shops all over Austria. Sacher Torte was invented here, so that’s a must-try, but there are tons of delicious pastries and cakes to try when you visit Austria. Make sure you set aside time to relax and enjoy the leisurely pace of Austrian cafes.

Don’t Worry About Tourism Infrastructure

While Austria may not seem as popular as other destinations like France or Italy, there is still a fantastic tourism infrastructure for visitors.

You’ll find English speakers throughout the country, especially at major attractions.
Public transportation is easy to use and will get you just about anywhere you want to travel within Austria or the surrounding countries. Buses are also easily available for getting around Austria.
Hotels and home rentals are plentiful, too!

Because public transportation is so easy to use, you really don’t need to rent a car in Austria. Even tiny villages like Hallstatt have bus and ferry service several times each day. Just be sure that you buy a ticket for each ride and that you validate it upon entry. You don’t need a ticket to board, but there is usually someone on the train checking that you have a ticket and they will check that it’s been validated.

Also, if you buy a “Wochen” ticket, it’s good for 7 days, but it’s not any 7 days. They are valid from Monday through Sunday. If you arrive on a Friday, your Wochen ticket will only be good for Friday and Saturday and then you’ll need a new ticket on Sunday for the following week.

Don’t Expect Small Talk and Smiles

Austrians are not smiley, friendly people. It’s not to say that they are rude, but they don’t go around smiling at everyone or chatting up strangers like we do in America. Hence, our point about the service in Austria. It is professional, not friendly. If you are moving to Austria, it may be hard to make friends at first.

Don’t Be Loud

Likewise, you’ll notice that Austria is fairly quiet. Even on a busy train or in a public park, people just don’t make a lot of noise here. They are somewhat reserved. So, if you’re visiting Austria and you don’t want to stand out as a tourist, then mind your volume and your surroundings.

Don’t Over-Schnitzel

Austrian food is hearty and filling, and there are a million different ways to serve schnitzel. You can get some really good international food in Austria, so don’t feel bad if you don’t eat authentic Austrian cuisine every day.

Don’t Expect a Lot of “Sound of Music” Hype

The movie, set in Austria, is a favorite among many Americans. But it’s not really a thing in Austria. Of course, you can take “Sound of Music” themed tours and visit some of the sites from the movie but don’t expect that Austrians love this movie as much as Americans.

Don’t Plan to Shop on Sundays

Many stores in Austria are closed on Sundays, so if you are planning on shopping during your trip, make sure you take care of it on Saturday or you might have to wait until Monday. As a tourist, it’s not a huge inconvenience as restaurants will still be open.

Don’t Be Upset with Smoking

If you are from the United States, you are probably not used to cigarette smoke, but in Austria, there are still a lot of smokers. Some places even allow smoking indoors, so it’s just something you will have to contend with. Don’t complain; it’s just part of the culture here.

Don’t Confuse Germany and Austria

Sure, they are neighboring countries with a lot of shared history and a shared language, but they are two different countries. Just because you’ve been to Germany doesn’t mean you should skip Austria, or vice versa. Each culture has evolved, and you can really appreciate the difference between the two.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Mark went to school in Vienna and later taught here, so Austria has a special place in our hearts. Don’t let these don’ts keep you from planning a trip to Austria. It’s a beautiful country with nature and culture and it’s worth visiting in any season. Want more tips for traveling in Central Europe?

The Best 2 Week Central Europe Itinerary

Posted on June 27, 2020June 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the countries of Central Europe. Sometimes the most difficult part of travel is deciding where to go and building out a travel itinerary. There are so many cool places to visit in Europe that it can be hard to narrow them down. Today we’re going to share our recommendations for a 10 to 14-day itinerary through central Europe.

Budapest, Hungary

We recommend starting in Budapest, Hungary. It’s one of the best cities in Europe to visit, so it’s a great place to start your Central Europe itinerary. There are so many cool things to see in Budapest. A few of our favorites include:

Buda Castle
The Parliament Building
The Terror Museum

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Budapest

Vienna, Austria

Less than three hours by train from Budapest, our next stop is Vienna. In terms of culture, Vienna is one of the top places to visit in Europe. It was once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, as well as the Habsburg Dynasty. Some of our favorite things to do in Vienna include:

St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Walking the pedestrian street along Graben
Visiting the Vienna State Opera, Wiener Staatsoper
Visit some of Vienna’s palaces, including Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace
Experience Vienna’s famous cafe culture, with a cup of coffee and a slice of sacher torte.

Five Mistakes to Avoid When You Visit Vienna

Bratislava, Slovakia

Slovakia’s capital city is worth a visit and is an easy day trip from Vienna. It’s only about an hour by bus from Vienna and is like a miniature Vienna. However, Bratislava is a really interesting juxtaposition of old Europe and mid-century Communism. One one side of the Danube, you have Old Town and the Bratislava Castle As you cross the “UFO bridge” you’ll see Communist-era gray block buildings.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Bratislava

Prague, Czech Republic

From Vienna, make your way to Prague. It will take about four hours by train to get from Vienna to Prague. Prague is really the jewel of this Central Europe itinerary as it’s one of my best cities in Europe to visit. In fact, Prague is one of my top three cities in the world. Some of my favorite things to see in Prague include:

Old Town Square
Astronomical Clock
Charles Bridge
Jewish Quarter and the Jewish Cemetery
Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
Sampling Czech cuisines, like duck and beer

If you are planning a ten-day tour of Central Europe, these three destinations (plus a Bratislava day trip) will round out your Central Europe itinerary. If you have an extra four days, I recommend adding Salzburg, Austria, and Munich, Germany to your Central Europe itinerary.

Ten Things You Should NOT Do in Prague

Salzburg, Austria

From Vienna to Salzburg, it’s about three hours by train. It’s the home of the “Sound of Music” movie. The town has been very well-preserved, and even the more modern places like McDonald’s have been built to fit the 18th century aesthetic. This is also the home of Mozart, so there are many Mozart attractions to see in Salzburg. Some other things to see in Salzburg include:

The Hohensalzburg Fortress on the hill
Christmas markets if you visit Salzburg in the winter
Sound of Music Tour to hit all the movie highlights

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Salzburg

Munich, Germany

Munich is another amazing city in Central Europe, and it’s only 90 minutes by train from Salzburg. Known best for Oktoberfest, Munich is fun year-round. Some of my favorite things to do in Munich include:

Visit the Hofbrauhaus for a liter stein of beer
Munich has three really great art museums, each of which is worth visiting
Nymphenburg Palace
Residenz
Visit car museums

Munich also has some great day trip opportunities, including Neuschwanstein Castle.

What NOT to Do in Munich

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

I hope this is helpful as you start to plan out your Central Europe itinerary. There are endless destinations to visit in Central Europe, but these are some of the highlights from my years living in Europe and traveling there with my family. Looking for more tips on travel in Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Biggest Mistakes Tourists Make When They Visit Vienna

Posted on February 1, 2020January 26, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Visit Austria: Mistakes to Avoid on Your Vienna Vacation

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Vienna Austria. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Vienna, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your Vienna vacation!

Vienna Public Transportation

After a few trips on the train in Vienna, you start to realize that they don’t always check your ticket. You might start to think you can get away without purchasing a ticket. It is sort of on the honor system, but there are employees who will do random checks for tickets. If you don’t have a ticket, you can get a heavy fine. It’s not worth the risk. In two weeks, I was asked to show my ticket three times, so it does happen. Not only do you need to buy a ticket, but you also need to validate it before you board the train. If you are caught without a ticket, they won’t care that you’re a tourist. So, don’t try to cheat the system when it comes to public transportation in Vienna.

Tip: If you buy the Wochen ticket, which is a weekly ticket, it is not necessarily good for seven consecutive days. It is good for Monday through Sunday! If you arrive on a Friday, you’ll need a new Wochen ticket the following Monday.

foodie mistakes in vienna — Just go to a care and enjoy.

Missing Out on Vienna’s Cafe Culture

Vienna is all about cafe culture; it’s practically a religion in Vienna! Many tourists are trying to cram a lot of Vienna sightseeing into their trip and they don’t take the time to sit down, relax and enjoy the cafe scene. Whether you prefer coffee, tea or hot chocolate, it’s a bit of a ritual to enjoy your hot drink, along with a slice of Sacher Torte or Apple Streudel, and watch the world go by. A huge part of the cafe culture is enjoying some of the many desserts that Vienna is famous for. My go to is Apple Streudel and hot cocoa (Heisse Schokolade).

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Vienna

Expecting Friendly Service in Vienna

As pleasant as the cafe experience is, the service in Vienna is actually not that friendly. While the servers are knowledgeable and do a good job, they aren’t overly solicitous or friendly like you might expect if you are from the US or the UK. The servers in Vienna made a good wage and don’t go out of their way to get that extra tip, even though you are expected to tip in Vienna. One thing you’ll notice is that you have to ask for your check when you are done eating. They won’t automatically bring it to you. Because of the cafe culture, patrons often linger for several hours, so they won’t be rushing you out of your table. And if you want to stay and linger no one will pressure you to hurry and leave your table, unless you are being loud.

vienna travel mistakes — Yeah… You will eat… a lot in Vienna

Not Carrying Cash

Many places are becoming almost cashless societies, so I see a lot of Vienna visitors trying to pay with a credit card everywhere they go. While many places in Vienna will take credit cards, there are still places that do not take cards. So, you really need to carry some cash when you visit Vienna. Cafes, hotels, and restaurants will usually accept cards, but if you want to grab some street food, or buy something at a market stall in Naschmarkt, you will need cash.

Tip: It’s also easier to tip in cash, otherwise you have to communicate the amount of your tip to be included when they run your card; you can’t just write it in on the receipt.

European Currency: Travel Money Tips & How to Exchange Money

Underestimating the Amount of Vienna Sightseeing

There is an unbelievable amount of culture and history in Vienna. This is the home of the Holy Roman Empire, with hundreds of years of culture. Music and the arts are huge in Vienna. From concert halls to opera houses, and then you have all of the amazing museums. There are several palaces in Vienna, many with beautiful gardens and parks. Deciding what to do in Vienna can be overwhelming because you have so many choices. If you are only planning a short Vienna vacation, then you really need to do some research ahead of time and prioritize your Vienna sightseeing because you just can’t see everything in one trip.

travel issues in vienna — Don’t think Vienna is too stuffy for kids. Our boys have loved Vienna.

Vienna has a special place in my heart. I went to school here, and I’ve returned with my family many times over the years. I hope this helps you know some of the things to avoid doing when you visit Vienna. Looking for more of our Austria vacation tips? Check out these blog posts!

Five Things You Will Love & Hate When You Visit Salzburg

Posted on September 23, 2019September 22, 2019 by admin

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Salzburg Austria! Although it’s a small city, it’s one of the top ten destinations in Central Europe and there are loads of fun things to do in Salzburg. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Salzburg.

Hate #1: Prices in Salzburg

It is expensive to visit Salzburg. Salzburg hotels and restaurants are expensive. The amount of money that we spent for two nights in Salzburg hotels could buy us three nights in a Vienna hotel. It is possible to find some more affordable accommodation in Salzburg. If you haven’t already arranged your Salzburg hotel, stop by the tourist information booth at the train station; they can usually find a good B&B for you at a reasonable price. While getting to Salzburg is fairly easy, the train prices can be high. If you can book your ticket in advance, you’ll save some money on transportation.

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #2: Service in Salzburg

This is something we’ve seen across Austria, not just in Salzburg. Service is not great in Salzburg. Although tips are expected, they do not rely on tips for income like Americans, so it’s not the friendly attentive service you might expect. Whether you are in a shop or a restaurant, Austrians can seem indifferent to their customers.

Hate #3: Salzburg Crowds

Salzburg is a popular tourist destination in Central Europe, so there are often crowds at popular places to visit in Salzburg. Museums and cathedrals can feel really crowded, especially if you get stuck behind a tour group. If you can visit Salzburg during the offseason, you won’t have to deal with as many crowds and you can explore Salzburg at a more leisurely pace. (Plus, you might find better prices on Salzburg hotels!)

Hate #4: Shop Hours in Salzburg

Salzburg has great shops, but they usually close around 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening. Even some of the cafes might close early, so be sure to look at the hours where you want to eat and plan ahead. If you are coming from Spain or Portugal and you are used to eating at 9:00 or 10:00, you might have a hard time finding a place to eat that late at night. Likewise, with shopping, make sure to plan ahead and do your shopping earlier in the day. If you absolutely need something later in the evening, the train station shops usually stay open later for travelers passing through.

Hate #5: Eating in Salzburg

Since most of the cafes close early, it can be hard to find a place to eat dinner in Salzburg. We have spent 30-45 minutes trying to find a Salzburg restaurant for dinner that was open didn’t have a long wait. With so many places closed, it puts a strain on the fewer restaurants that stay open later, so they tend to get more crowded. If you are visiting Salzburg with kids, make sure you plan ahead so you can sit down to eat when they are hungry.

Love #1: Salzburg Old Town

Salzburg Old Town, or Altstadt, is beautiful. It is the essence of an Austrian village, with a cathedral, churches, quaint shops, and cafes. If you are lucky enough to visit Salzburg in winter, the Christmas markets here are fantastic. If you can splurge a bit on a hotel in Salzburg Old Town, go for it as you’ll be in walking distance of some of the best attractions in Salzburg.

Love #2: Mozart History

Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, so naturally, there are many Mozart attractions in Salzburg. Even if you’re not into classical music, you can’t help but love this piece of musical history in Salzburg. Salzburg really plays up the hometown history and you’ll hear Mozart music playing all over. Mozart’s birthplace home is a very popular museum, as well as the Mozart Residenz where he lived later in life. Mozartplatz is one of the city squares, and there are even Salzburg tours that are all about Mozart.

Love #3: Salzburg Food

While it may be hard to find restaurants open, when you do, the food in Salzburg is really good. You will pay higher prices near Alstadt, but if you go across the river, you can get really good food at very reasonable prices. I love Austrian cuisine, from the hearty, filling main dishes to the decadent desserts.

Love #4: Shopping in Salzburg

Salzburg has some of the best shopping in Austria. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, Christmas decorations and anything you want. If you want to buy authentic Austrian goods, Salzburg is the best place to find unique items.

What Not to Buy When You Travel

Love #5: Things to Do in Salzburg

The recreational opportunities in Salzburg are endless. Winter skiing and summer hiking are two very popular Salzburg activities. There are alpine lakes just outside of town to explore. In town, there are great cultural events like concerts and festivals throughout the year. If you want the full Austria experience, sign up for one of the Salzburg tours with a “Sound of Music” theme and you can frolic in fields of flowers while singing songs from the movie.

Salzburg Austria is a fantastic destination and a great place to experience Austrian culture and cuisine. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on, rather than a reason not to visit Salzburg. Want more tips for planning your Salzburg vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On Your Austria Vacation

Posted on September 22, 2019September 22, 2019 by admin

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Austria! As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Austria.

Hate #1: Service in Austria

I’ll be honest; the service in Austria sucks. You will almost feel like they don’t want your money because it will seem like half the shops and restaurants are not open and when you do find something, they come across as pretty rude. On top of bad service, you’re expected to tip at restaurants. It’s just part of the Austrian culture; don’t take it personally, just know this going in and don’t expect great service on your Austria vacation.

Hate #2: Prices in Austria

Austria is expensive. Even public transportation is pricy. We spent 45 Euros for the train from Vienna to Salzburg. Taxis are expensive, and so are the restaurants in Austria. Hotels in Austria are also expensive. Austria is a popular ski destination for wealthy travelers; the rest of us go to Slovakia or Poland for an affordable ski vacation. Austria is not as expensive as Switzerland, but it’s definitely not a budget vacation destination.

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #3: Shop Hours in Austria

Store hours in Austria aren’t the most convenient, especially for travelers from other time zones. If you get a craving for a Coca-Cola at 8 pm, good luck finding a store that is open to purchase anything. In general, stores in Austria close at 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening, so make sure you do your shopping before then or you might have to wait until the next day. Larger cities may have shopping malls that stay open later, and the shops in train stations will often stay open later, so if you’re in a pinch, head to the train station.

Hate #4: Austrian Culture

It can be hard to get to know the locals in Austria. Austrians are a very homogenous group and they tend to stick together. If you are staying in Austria a while, it’s possible to make friends, and Austrians are great once you get to know them, but it can take a long time to get to know them. If you are just passing through, you may not have time to ingratiate yourself into a group of friends, and therefore, you may not have the best impression of the Austrian people. This closed culture is also why service is not what you would expect.

Hate #5: Austrian Politics

This probably only affects anyone moving to Austria, but the politics in Austria are very conservative, which does sometimes cause conflicts and protests. Generally, this won’t impact your travel, but it’s something to know before you visit Austria, especially if you are considering staying for a while or living in Austria.

Love #1: Austrian Food

One of my favorite things about visiting Austria is the food. Whether it’s the cake in Vienna, comfort food in Salzburg, the food is amazing. They love hearty, filling food and they really love their sweets. Cafe culture in Austria largely revolves around enjoying a sweet treat, and you can hardly throw a rock in Vienna without hitting a pastry shop or two.

Love #2: Nature in Austria

Austria is truly a stunningly beautiful country and is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. There are so many amazing places to visit in Austria, including seven national parks in Austria. The Austrian Alps hold quaint villages, scenic lakes and rivers and tons of outdoor adventure opportunities. Even the cities of Austria have natural beauty with public parks, gardens and riverside promenades.

Love #3: Infrastructure in Austria

Although it’s expensive, it’s really easy to visit Austria. It’s easy to get around by train and bus, there are plenty of hotels to choose from, and lots of restaurants. We’ve also noticed more accessibility and mobility options than in other places in Europe. The train stations and hotels often have elevators, which is helpful even if you’re just visiting Austria with kids and strollers. The train system is really well-connected, and at least in Vienna, the train staff is very helpful when you need help with your Austria itinerary.

Unwritten Rules of Train Travel in Europe

Love #4: Austrian “Old Towns”

No matter which Austrian town you are in, find the Old Town and go exploring on foot. From the capital of Vienna, the Baroque city of Salzburg, the Tyrolean village of Innsbruck, or the medieval city of Graz, each has a unique Old Town or Altstadt. If you only have a few days to spend in any Austrian city, we recommend finding a hotel in Old Town so you can easily walk around and explore the highlights before continuing on with your Austria itinerary.

Love #5: Recreation in Austria

There are so many cool things to do in Austria besides the typical European museum and castle tours. Of course, there are plenty of museums and castles in Austria, but there is also world-class skiing in Austria. Hiking is very popular in the summer, and you can even hike from village to village in the Alps. The lakes offer sailing, swimming and paddling opportunities.

Austria is a fantastic country and a great place for newer travelers to branch out into International Travel. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on, rather than a reason not to visit Austria. Want more tips for planning your Austria vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things Tourists Love & Hate About Vienna, Austria

Posted on April 4, 2019May 9, 2019 by admin

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today I’m in snowy Vienna, Austria. We love exploring new cities, and we know our fans do too. There’s a lot to love about traveling, but we like to share a realistic picture with our fellow travelers. So, today we’re sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about a trip to Vienna, Austria.

Hate #1 The Weight You’ll Gain in Vienna

There’s so much great food in Vienna that you are bound to gain weight. From wienerschnitzel to pastries and the cafe culture of long leisurely meals, there’s so much food in Vienna that you will want to try. The Habsburg Empire had broad reaches across Europe, and brought cuisines from all of those areas back to Vienna. You won’t believe the pastry shops!

Hate #2 Vienna is Expensive

A big drawback of a trip to Vienna is that it is expensive. Hotels and restaurants are pricy and it adds up quickly. Your travel budget won’t go as far in Vienna as it does in other European cities.

Read: 10 Best Cheap Cities in Europe to Visit

Hate #3 Too Much to See

It may seem like a weird thing to hate on, but there is never enough time to see all the great things to do in Vienna. There’s Hofburg Palace, Schonnbrun Palace, Belvedere Palace, plus tons of churches and museums, not to mention the parks and the gardens. It would take at least a week to see the highlights of Vienna, and remember, it’s expensive here, so you’re spending a lot of money while you’re visiting all these amazing sights.

Watch: Top Ten Sights in Vienna, Austria

Hate #4 Service

Service in Austria is not great. You’ll find less than stellar service in stores and especially in Viennese restaurants. And, you’re expected to tip for this bad service! Most Austrians will agree, service is not the forte of Vienna. My tip is to have your order ready the first time your server comes around, as it may be a while before they ever come back to you.

Hate #5 Quiet Nights in Vienna

As much as there are so many things to do in Vienna during the day, the city basically shuts down at night. The stores close by 6:00, and there isn’t really very much nightlife in Vienna, especially during the week. In the summer, there’s a bit more activity with festivals in Vienna, but this isn’t really a stag do destination. Vienna is more of a cultural destination than a party destination.

Love #1 Cleanliness of Vienna

Vienna is super clean. In the winter, the sidewalks are quickly cleared of snow. You will rarely see any garbage, or even dog poop, on the streets of Vienna. They do a great job keeping their city very clean.

Love #2 Habsburg Influence

Everywhere you go in Vienna, you will hear about the Habsburg Empire, and you will see their impact. They ruled the Holy Roman Empire for over 300 years, and built many of the impressive buildings you see around Vienna. Arts and culture were highly valued amongst the Habsburg family, which is why Vienna is the “City of Music.”

Love #3 Safety in Vienna

You will feel very safe walking around Vienna at all hours. There really aren’t the pickpockets and tourist scams that you often see in other European cities. It gets dark pretty early in the winter, but you can still comfortably stroll around Vienna without worrying for your safety.

Love #4 Public Transportation in Vienna

The transit options in Vienna are amazing. There’s the Metro, buses and trams and they go everywhere in Vienna. It’s not the cheapest; it’s still Vienna after all, but a day pass is reasonably affordable. It’s also super easy to use; you stamp your ticket once and it’s good for the rest of the day. You can hop on and hop off at your leisure. I recommend taking the buses and trams so that you can see the sights while you ride. The Vienna Metro is faster, but it’s underground so you miss out on the sights.

Love #5 Cafe Culture

Cafe culture is huge in Vienna, and a big part of daily life for the Viennese. You can drink coffee, tea, hot chocolate or whatever you want. But the best part of the cafes are the pastries. You cannot visit Vienna without sampling some cakes, especially Sacher Torte, which was invented here. The cafes are everywhere in Vienna, not just downtown or in the tourist areas. While the service in Vienna isn’t great, they also don’t rush you out of your table, so you can really enjoy a leisurely morning break.

With these five loves and hates, you will be better prepared for your trip to Vienna, and know what to expect when you arrive in Austria. Have you been to Vienna? What did you love or hate? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: