In some countries, staring at strangers may be considered impolite, but it’s a different story in Austria. Austrians often look at strangers on public transport or in the streets with genuine interest, which is actually a way of showing approval. It’s not meant to suggest that the person being looked at is strange or unusual, but rather a reflection of Austrian culture. “You haven’t really lived in Vienna long enough if you don’t just stare at people on the subway without feeling any guilt about it.
