Shopping & eating Out
When shopping, you may want to have cash at hand – some stores, namely smaller boutique stores, may not take credit or debit cards.
Shopping
- Pharmacy (Apotheke): the only stores to sell any type of drug
- Heuriger or Buschenschank: a wine tavern, some only open when the new wine is ready to be served; periodic opening hours can be recognized by a small bush hanging in front of the door
- Tobacconist (Trafik): sells cigarettes and other newsstand items
Shops in Austria have limited operating hours. Grocery stores are open until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and closed on Sunday with a few exceptions.
Austria has one of the highest density of grocery stores of any city or country in Europe. In most Austrian cities you should never be more than a block away from one. Farmers markets are also a great way to shop healthy and get closer to your local community. You will meet regional farmers walking you through the different grapes, bottles of wine or telling you about their journey to collect that specific mushroom you’ve been eyeing while waiting in line. Farmers markets are located both in major cities and small towns.
Austrians are mindful about the environment and recycling and second-hand shopping is a big part of Viennese fashion and home decorating. Flohmärkte (flea markets) are also popular. You’ll find everything from art deco items to Habsburg-era trinkets.
While Austrian law requires most stores to lock their doors on Sundays and holidays, there are a few exceptions allowed. Pharmacies take turns being staffed for emergency needs (also at night). Some grocery and convenience stores, bakeries, souvenir shops, florists, museum shops, and the occasional bookstore also are open on Sundays and holidays.
Eating Out
When at restaurants or bars, it is common to round-up when tipping, or around 10 % in most cases (Trinkgeld). While bartenders and servers are paid a living wage, it is a cultural custom to do leave a tip. Rather than leave the tip on the table, give it to the server directly when you pay.
Looking for lunch on the go? Delis at most grocery stores will make Wurstsemmel (sliced meat sandwiches). If you feel so inclined, you can spend hours in a café and not be asked to leave.
