Vienna is in turmoil: the desire to go out has just awakened

After months of low occupancy, cultural and social life in Vienna is clearly back: theatres, cinemas and concert halls are happy with the high occupancy rates. And in bars the rush continues despite inflation.

One could describe it as a collective need to catch up: even though the city’s cinemas, theaters and shops have long since reopened without the restrictions of the coronavirus, the Viennese are only making a comeback in a big way now, in late autumn.

The (late) moment may come as a surprise given the general increase in prices: Although everyday life has become significantly more expensive (which is also reflected in restaurant bills and higher tickets), the Viennese are passionate again of culture and shopping. And the bars that were already well frequented in the summer continue to be so. Despite the inflation. Or maybe that’s exactly why: money loses value, why not invest in good experiences right away?

Great desire to go out. “You get the feeling that people really want to go out,” says Maria Fuchs, who runs Pizzeria Mari’ not far from the Karmelitermarkt. “You can also clearly see that people have less inhibitions about going into a full bar than last year. There’s a lot going on, thank God.” Despite the support of the Corona, the pandemic years have left gaps that now need to be filled.