There is not a lot that you can dislike about Vienna, generally speaking. But there’s an exception to every rule, right? And in this city’s case it is its no particularly customer-friendly business hours. Where most of Europe, and indeed the world has embraced a lot more flexible and extended opening hours, Viennas is (as it is with many things) still fairly traditional.
To make things a bit easier for you, here are some general ideas of the business hours in Vienna:
Supermarkets
- Mon – Fri: 7-8 am – 7-8 pm
- Sat: 7-8 am – 6 pm
- Sun & holidays: closed
- Some exceptions apply for supermarkets located at some (major) railway stations and the airport – those have longer opening hours and tend to be open for at least a few hours on Sundays;
- Gas stations often have small shops attached, these can be open 24/7;
- December 8 is an official holiday, but some supermarket chains do open that day (shortened opening times!);
- Dec 24 & 31 have shortened opening hours as well (typically open ’til 2 pm);
- Dec 25 & 26, and Jan 1 are closed.
Shops
- Mon – Fri: 9 am – 7-8-9 pm
- Sat: 9 am – 6 pm
- Sun & holidays: closed
- Dec 24 & 31 have shortened opening hours (typically open ’til 2 pm);
- Dec 25 & 26, and Jan 1 are closed.
Banks
- Mon – Fri: 8-9 am – 4-5-6 pm
- Sat, Sun & holidays: closed
- Most banks give you access to ATM/cash machine, deposit machine, and other necessities in their foyer via a debit/credit card.
Pharmacies/Chemists/Drugstores
- Mon – Fri: 8 am – 12 pm & 2 pm – 6 pm
- Sat: 8 am – 12 pm
- Sun & holidays: closed
- Many pharmacies (particularly in busy areas as well as shopping malls) don’t close from 12 pm to 2 pm any longer);
- In case of emergencies, there are always some pharmacies open throughout the night and on weekends and holidays; up-to-date lists can be found here.
