Entrance with posters to Kabarett Niedermair in Vienna

On the Scene in Vienna: Locals Talk About the Latest Trends in Their City

Brothers Paulus and Benjamin are making millions laugh as the comedy duo Dr.Bohl, both on social media and on stage. Here, Paulus shares with us how to experience the humorous side of his hometown Vienna

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4 min read
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I’m lucky enough to be a true Viennese – born and raised in this amazing city. And of course, that shapes your sense of humor, because in Vienna, der Schmäh läuft (the banter flows). If you think that’s a cliché, I highly recommend just strolling through the city with your ears open. At nearly every corner, you’ll hear snippets of squabbles that – probably unintentionally – are pure entertainment. That’s the beauty of it: the people of Vienna are often unintentionally hilarious. The things they say – you couldn’t make them up, and making stuff up is literally my job!

A Perfect Mix: Café Sperl in Vienna’s 6th District

If you want more of that, head to a classic Viennese coffeehouse and soak in the diverse crowd. Take Café Sperl, for example – everyone’s there: deep-thinking students, tourists sharing a slice of Sacher torte, and retirees reading the paper. And if you’re lucky (Masel, as we say here), the staff will be just the right amount of grumpy and witty – as honest Viennese service should be. You’ll also feel the city’s laid-back charm here: in a typical coffeehouse, nobody rushes you out if you spend an hour slowly sipping your Melange. I’ve written entire cabaret programs at Café Sperl and even interviewed top political candidates there for my video and podcast series  “Politicians without politics.” The light buzz in the background makes everything feel more relaxed.

"The people of Vienna are often unintentionally hilarious. The things they say – you couldn’t make them up, and making stuff up is literally my job!"
Dr.Bohl

In addition to Vienna’s everyday humor, it’s worth exploring the professional comedy scene. The best place to catch up-and-coming talent is definitely Kabarett Niedermair in the city’s 8th district. Pretty much everyone who dreams of being on stage gets their start here. My first performance there was a real milestone. If you’re more into the seasoned pros of the Viennese cabaret world, head to the Stadtsaal on Mariahilfer Strasse – basically the Champions League of comedy. This is where legends like Josef Hader and Alfred Dorfer perform. Seeing my name in the program alongside these icons (Kapazunder, as we call them in Austria) for the first time was an incredible feeling.

In Vienna, We Handle Everything with Humor

I think we Viennese try to deal with everything through humor – even life’s saddest and most tragic moments. Maybe that’s our secret superpower. It does mean our humor can sometimes come across a little darker, sharper, or more cynical than what people are used to elsewhere. And yes, on stage and on the streets, the language can be a bit rougher at times. But hey – dogs that bark don’t bite: We’re just playing around!

Man on toy car on empty street with the word “SOLO” on the road
Likes to make fun of everything – including himself: Paulus, one half of the comedy duo Dr.Bohl (© Mutterbohl; header image © Mirza Dzudzic)
Guests at elegant Viennese Café Sperl in a cozy atmosphere
Stay for hours over a melange or two: no problem at Café Sperl (© Alamy)
Grand hall of Vienna’s Stadtsaal for cabaret and comedy shows
Comedy Central: the stars of the genre perform at the Wiener Stadtsaal (© Georg Fuderer)
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Whether at Niedermair, the Stadtsaal, or your local café — Vienna offers everything from biting political satire to pure, light-hearted fun. You’re guaranteed a good time. Come check it out!

About

Dr.Bohl grew up in Vienna’s 23rd district. While studying law, Paulus and his brother Benjamin quickly built a massive fanbase with short comedy videos on social media and two live cabaret shows. In 2025, Paulus will take the stage solo for the first time with his program "SOLO," which includes stories like surviving five Tinder dates. The German premiere will take place on October 28 at the Lustspielhaus in Munich.

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