How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Austria?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Most shops are closed on Sundays; restaurants, museums, and tourist attractions remain open, and the Naschmarkt is closed on Sundays.
2What You Need to Know
Austrian trading laws closely resemble Germany's in restricting Sunday retail, meaning most supermarkets, clothing stores, and general shops are closed. Exceptions include shops in major railway stations, the Vienna airport, and some tourist-zone convenience stores. Restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, museums, and most tourist attractions operate normally on Sundays — in fact, Sunday is peak day for Viennese Heuriger visits. Public holidays (12 per year, many Catholic) also see widespread shop closures.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Stock up on groceries and supplies on Saturday — very few supermarkets open on Sundays outside of train stations and airports.
- 2The Naschmarkt, Vienna's famous open-air market, is closed on Sundays but holds its flea market on Saturday mornings.
- 3Museums, the Prater amusement park, and most tourist sites are open Sunday and are often busier — arrive early to avoid queues at popular spots like Schönbrunn Palace.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Shops are closed on Sundays by law. Restaurants and cafés are open. Supermarkets close Sunday. Plan your grocery shopping for Saturday.
Large shops open shorter Sunday hours (typically 10am–4pm or 11am–5pm). Pubs and restaurants normal hours. Bank Holidays see widespread closures.
Most shops close on Sundays. Supermarkets open limited hours. Paris tourist areas have exceptions. Restaurants and bakeries open Sunday morning.
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