Vienna: The Imperial Jewel of Austria

• HelloGriaß di
  [gree-ahss dee]
• GoodbyeServus
  [ser-voos]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht's?
  [vee geyts]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oond deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shte-he nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh heh-teh gair-neh dee shpy-zeh-kahr-teh, bit-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-seh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh merkhte bit-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee po-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen artsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-beh meeh fer-eert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krunk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkhte kow-fen...]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shau-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kaws-teht es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kern-en zee den prees zen-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpet ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (zehn)
  [halb (tsain)]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvey]
• 3Drei
  [drey]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [fynf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [akht]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsain]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dre-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?
  [kern-en zee meer (ouf dehr kar-teh) tsai-gen]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [van kommt dehr nehkh-steh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [iyn-eh far-kahr-teh (nakh)]

Vienna's history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Vindobona. The Romans established this military camp in the 1st century AD to guard the empire against Germanic tribes, marking the beginning of Vienna's strategic importance.

During the Middle Ages, Vienna grew into a significant trading hub. In 1155, Duke Henry II Jasomirgott made Vienna the capital of the Babenberg dynasty, laying the foundation for its development as a major city. The construction of St. Stephen's Cathedral began in the 12th century, becoming a symbol of Vienna's architectural and cultural heritage.

The Habsburgs began their rule in Vienna in 1278, turning it into the center of their vast empire. Under the Habsburgs, Vienna flourished as a cultural and political hub. The establishment of the University of Vienna in 1365 and the construction of the Hofburg Palace are testaments to this era.

Vienna faced two major Ottoman sieges in 1529 and 1683. The city's successful defense in both instances, particularly the Battle of Vienna in 1683, was crucial in halting the Ottoman Empire's advance into Europe. These events significantly shaped Vienna's military and cultural landscape.

The 17th and 18th centuries saw Vienna transform into a Baroque masterpiece. Grand structures like the Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere Palace were built, reflecting the city's artistic and architectural zenith. This period also saw the rise of Vienna as a musical capital, with composers like Mozart and Haydn gracing its courts.

The late 18th and early 19th centuries marked the height of Vienna's influence in classical music. The city became home to musical giants such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and later, Johannes Brahms. The Viennese Classical Period cemented Vienna's reputation as the world's music capital.

The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to Vienna in the 19th century. The city expanded rapidly, and infrastructure improvements like the construction of the Ringstrasse, a grand boulevard encircling the inner city, were undertaken. This era also saw the rise of intellectual movements and the establishment of coffeehouse culture.

The turn of the 20th century, known as the Fin de Siècle, was a period of artistic and intellectual innovation in Vienna. The city became a melting pot of ideas, with figures like Sigmund Freud, Gustav Klimt, and Egon Schiele contributing to its vibrant cultural scene. The Secessionist movement in art and architecture also emerged during this time.

Vienna experienced significant upheaval during the World Wars. After World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved, leading to economic and political challenges. World War II brought further devastation, including the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938. The city was heavily bombed and occupied by Allied forces until 1955 when Austria regained its independence.

Following World War II, Vienna underwent extensive reconstruction. The city emerged as a symbol of Cold War diplomacy, hosting numerous international organizations, including the United Nations. Today, Vienna is known for its high quality of life, vibrant arts scene, and historical significance, continuing to be a cultural and political hub in Europe.

Vienna is well-connected internationally through Vienna International Airport (VIE), located approximately 18 kilometers southeast of the city center. The airport offers direct flights from major cities around the world. From the airport, you can reach the city center by taking the City Airport Train (CAT), which takes about 16 minutes, or by using the S-Bahn (S7) or airport buses. If traveling by train, Vienna's main train station, Wien Hauptbahnhof, connects to various European cities. For those driving, Vienna is accessible via major highways and has several parking facilities.

Vienna boasts an efficient public transportation system operated by Wiener Linien, including U-Bahn (subway), trams, and buses. Tickets can be purchased at stations, online, or via mobile apps. A 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Vienna City Card provides unlimited travel on public transport and discounts at many attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. For a more leisurely pace, consider renting a bicycle from Citybike Wien, with numerous docking stations around the city.

The currency in Vienna is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and tips. ATMs are abundant and can be found throughout the city. Currency exchange offices are available at the airport, train stations, and in the city center.

Vienna is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any major city, it's important to stay vigilant. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas such as tourist attractions and public transport. Districts like Favoriten (10th District) and certain parts of the Gürtel area are known for higher crime rates, particularly at night. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Police (Polizei) can be reached at 133, and for medical emergencies, dial 144. Vienna has several hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are found throughout the city, with some operating 24/7. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The Austrian Red Cross offers English-language assistance in emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out or attending concerts. Avoid overly casual attire in more formal settings. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and maintaining silence. Avoid taking photos where prohibited. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. Austrians value punctuality, so be on time for appointments. Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional Viennese dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte. Don't leave a tip on the table; instead, round up the bill or hand it to the server directly.

To experience Vienna like a local, take a stroll through the Naschmarkt, the city's most famous market, offering a variety of fresh produce and international delicacies. Enjoy a coffee at a traditional Viennese café, such as Café Central or Café Sacher. Attend a classical music concert or opera at one of Vienna's renowned venues like the Wiener Staatsoper. For a unique perspective, visit the Prater amusement park and take a ride on the historic Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad). Explore the hidden courtyards and narrow streets of the Spittelberg district, known for its charming boutiques and bars.