Single traveler&#59; after dark

When will you be here? If it is summer time, it won't even be dark until 22:00 or so. It is perfectly safe to walk through these cities even after dark. Violent crime is much less prevalent in Germany and Austria than it may be in Dallas. What do you do in your home-town after dark? Do you go to concerts, movies, plays, or other cultural events? Many towns have evening tours, or they have musuems with later hours, where people go to mingle, perhaps have a drink. Folks often go out to eat later here, than they do in the US. You can sit at a cafe' or beer garden for as long as you like. No one will ever ask you to pay, get up or go. You can sit there all evening with just one drink if you like. Many places will have big long tables, where you will be joined by others. Don't be surprised if people come and sit at your table, if the restaurant or cafe is crowded, this is normal here. Have fun!

Thanks Jo! I already checked the concert listings, and there is nothing for me in Munich on the days I'm there. I love to watch foreign films with English subtitles, but I'm guessing its reversed over there? ha! German subtitles are useless to me. I'm looking for clubs with live music ie. blues, rock n roll, or something totally unique. My goal on this trip is to be more of an extrovert, so eating and drinking with random strangers will be perfect! Jess

In Vienna the State Opera is shown free on a large screen on the right hand side of the building most weekends and select weeknights. Should be plenty to do in each city during the evenings. Think shows, dinner, movies, etc. Suspect those cities are far safer than Dallas. Edwin

"I love to watch foreign films with English subtitles, but I'm guessing its reversed over there? ha! German subtitles are useless to me." In Germany, they dub everything... and they do a pretty good job of it. There've been times when I've seen movies and TV shows where you can barely even tell the difference.

I agree with Jo completely. German and Austrian cities are very safe. The violent crime rates are ridiculously low.
As was mentioned, in the summer it will be light until almost 10 and the pedestrian areas at the heart of every city will be packed with happy people enjoying a late evening stroll. I remember one time, we were downtown and it had just gotten dark, my wife said to me: "you take the kids home, I need to go to the bankomat and get some cash." By herself she went to the bank machine and got out a couple of hundred and strolled and caught the next tram by herself. Later, we marvelled about how she would have never felt safe enough to do that in a big city in the States. Regarding Vienna: During the summer they set up a very popular food fair in front of the Rathaus (city hall) and show movies or musical performances on a big screen into the night. It is fun, safe, well attended, and right on the tram and bus lines.

Jessica, you will be fine. You can eat solo in fine restaurants or go to a gasthof. Ask you B&B or hotel to recommend places. When I was in Salzburg I ate out alone every night and one night went to a dinner concert. I was with a group in Vienna when we sent to the Ratzplatz in the summer time to watch the concernts on the plaza, but I woudl definitely go on my own. There are tons of food venders and you can get you dinner there. This is a summer time arrangement when the musicians are on summer holiday. ; ) Its been way too long since I've been in Munich, but I can't imagine that you won't be safe. Just be smart about it as you would be traveling in any city. Pam

If you stay in a hostel rather in than in a hotel by yourself, I guarantee you will have company every night. It will be no problem to find people to go to clubs, restaurants and bars with.

Check out a Time Out Guidebook. They also have weekly (or daily?) publications for at least Munich and Vienna regarding fun evening things to do. Also, a few museums are open til 9 or 10...I'm guessing it would be much less crowded. Def worth looking into, times and such.

I often travel solo and generally have no trouble coming home after dark. In a number of cities, museums are open late one night a week. I find the evenings a great time to visit. I also recall going to the Prater park (the one with the big ferris wheel) one evening in Vienna years ago.

Thanks so much everyone! I googled the State Opera House in Vienna and found the free show in the square. That snowballed to other sites with enough live music to keep me busy. I'll also hit the movie theater, just to get out of the tourist mode. I appreciate and will research all suggestions! Vielen Dank! Jessika

i have been to all three places and also solo. Never felt unsafe after dark if I was by myself. But make sure that you know where the better neighbourhoods to walk around are! The hostel/hotel reception will help you with that. Generally, is you stick to the touristy areas, you will more than likely be fine.

I've spent evenings my myself in Munich (near the Hofbräuhaus) and in Salzburg (near the Hbf), and never felt I was at risk. I'm not female, but I am 65+. Germany cities, IMO, are safer than those in this country.

You're exactly the target customer for the Time Out series of guidebooks. Their website is terrific. I was by myself in Salzburg and went to the Augustiner beer hall and ended up with a group of people - some of whom spoke English - and ended up spending late into the evening with them.