Great question — Vienna runs on a mix of Austrian traditions and Central European etiquette, and knowing a few local customs will make your stay smoother (and win you goodwill). Here’s a breakdown:
🤝 Greetings & Politeness #
Greetings matter: Austrians value polite hellos and goodbyes, even in shops.
Use “Grüß Gott” (formal, literally “God greet you”) or “Hallo”.
Say “Auf Wiedersehen” when leaving.
Handshakes: A brief, firm handshake with eye contact is standard in formal or business settings.
First names vs. titles: Use Herr (Mr.) or Frau (Ms./Mrs.) plus last name in formal contexts until invited to use first names.
Thank you: “Danke” (thank you), “Bitte” (please/you’re welcome).
🕰️ Quiet Hours #
Residential respect:
Official quiet hours (Nachtruhe) are generally 22:00–06:00.
Sundays and public holidays are especially quiet — most shops close, and DIY noise (drilling, mowing) is frowned upon.
Apartments & hotels: Keep noise low late at night, especially in shared stairwells or courtyards.
Public transport: Locals tend to keep a low volume on the U-Bahn, trams, and buses.
♻️ Recycling & Environmental Etiquette #
Strict recycling rules:
Yellow bin → plastics, cans, packaging.
Blue bin → paper & cardboard.
Brown bin → organic waste.
Glass → separate containers for white and colored glass (found on many street corners).
Black bin → general waste.
Bottles & cans: No national deposit system like Germany, but supermarkets have clear recycling stations.
Tap water: Always drinkable — no need for bottled water. Carry a refillable bottle.
🍽️ Dining Etiquette #
Table manners: Keep both hands (not elbows) on the table.
Tipping: Round up the bill (5–10%). Say “Danke, passt so” (thanks, keep the change).
Reservations: Common for popular cafés and restaurants.
🚋 Public Behavior #
Tickets: Always buy and validate before boarding (no turnstiles, but inspectors are frequent).
Escalators: Stand on the right, walk on the left.
Cycling lanes: Don’t walk in them — cyclists will ring!
✅ Quick Dos & Don’ts #
✔️ Do greet shopkeepers when entering and leaving.
✔️ Do recycle carefully — bins are well-labeled.
✔️ Do respect Sunday quietness.
❌ Don’t assume everyone will switch to English immediately — start with a German hello.
❌ Don’t be loud on late-night public transport.