I've been living in Vienna for exactly 26 days now, and while I know I haven't seen all of the city yet, I think I've seen enough of the U-BAHN (Subway) to know a few things I didn't before. Here are some interesting things that no longer phase me (as much).
1. It is perfectly normal to see a pigeon (or two, or more) at the U-BAHN stops.
In fact, I would be surprised if you never saw one. The entrances to the stops have no doors, so pigeons come to visit almost as often as the people coming and going on the trains. The first time I saw one, I was in awe. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Now, I still think it's pretty cool, but I manage to control myself.
2. On the escalator at the entrance, stay right unless you want to walk up.
Then walk up on the lefthand side. This way, if you are all going down, the people whose train is already there can walk down and get on before it leaves them.
3. If you're sitting and a disabled, elderly, or pregnant person gets on, they may come ask you to move if there are no seats.
This is normal. You may feel like they are glaring at you (and maybe they are) but it is just good manners to give your seat to someone who needs it more. Even if you've been walking all day, I guarantee that the other person needs a seat more. If you offer and they refuse, don't be offended! They're feeling strong that day (or want to act like it).
4. If you rush onto the train as soon as it arrives, you may be glared at.
You're supposed to wait for others to leave the train before you board.
5. It takes practice to walk while the train is moving.
But you can do it.
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000; min-height: 13.0px} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}6. If you board the middle of the train, it is (sometimes) less crowded.
People tend to want to board on the ends because you won't have to walk as far to leave the station, so the middle cars are often less crowded.
7. There will be times when the train is totally crowded.
I hope you don't like your personally space too much. These times are usually the same times as "rush hour" when you're driving a car–7-9 in the morning and 4-6 at night.
8. If you are lost, look for an U-BAHN station.
Once you find a station, you can find your way back home. All of the stations have maps of the routes hung on the walls, so you can find your way back to your stop easily.
Just a few weeks after coming to Vienna, I feel like I can navigate the U-BAHN lines like a pro.
