More and more expats are moving to Vienna to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful and lively cities. Located on the Danube River in the eastern part of the country, Vienna offers stunning architecture, peaceful green spaces, and plenty of trendy cafés and restaurants.

If you’re thinking about moving to Vienna, you’ll enjoy a perfect mix of culture, history, and modern living.

Living in Vienna as an expat

Vienna is a city full of cultural treasures, including the famous State Opera House, many art galleries, museums, and other attractions. Thanks to the paths that weave through its charming streets and neighbourhoods, you can explore it all by bike.

Austrian culture can feel a bit closed off to outsiders, but that’s why there are plenty of expat social groups to join. Whether you’re into book clubs, hiking, or arts and culture, there’s something for everyone.

Contrary to what one might think, language is not an insurmountable barrier. Most Viennese people speak English well and enjoy practising with expats like you. Still, learning German can open up lots of career opportunities, and there are many ways to take lessons if you’re interested.

Finding a place to live in Vienna can be tricky. Housing is expensive, and understanding the property market takes time. On the bright side, the city is easy to get around, with excellent and affordable public transport.

Local Culture in Vienna 
Accommodation in Vienna 
Getting Around in Vienna

Cost of living in Vienna

The cost of living in Vienna is undeniably high. As the capital, Vienna is the most expensive city in Austria. This is especially the case when it comes to housing in the city.

Fortunately, public transport is more affordable than in many other European capitals. The city is also known for its rich culture, although some cultural activities can be pricey. That said, there are still plenty of low-cost or free things to enjoy in Vienna.

Cost of Living in Vienna

Families and children in Vienna

If you’re moving to Vienna with children, you’ll be happy to know that Austria has exceptional schools, and Vienna has many good international schools offering different curricula from around the world.

The most popular curriculum on offer is the globally recognised International Baccalaureate, while it’s also possible to enrol your children in public bilingual schools, where the language of instruction is German and English.

Whether you’re moving alone or with your family, there’s always something fun to see and do. The city is full of cultural and historical attractions, and there are also many exciting events throughout the year that you’ll enjoy.

Education and Schools in Vienna 
International Schools in Vienna 
Lifestyle in Vienna

Climate in Vienna

Vienna’s weather can be quite pleasant, with warm, sunny summers and cold winters. The snowfall during winter makes Vienna a great destination for those who enjoy winter sports like skiing.

Overall, the benefits of moving to Vienna are usually greater than the downsides. The city is often ranked as one of the best places to live in the world, so you’re sure to enjoy a high quality of life when you relocate to Vienna.

Weather in Vienna

The weather in Vienna is influenced by its temperate continental climate. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters are bitterly cold warm.

The average temperature in winter (December to February) ranges between 30°F and 39°F (-1°C to 4°C), while in summer (June to August), temperatures fluctuate between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).

Thunderstorms occur frequently in summer, and snowfall is common in winter. Spring, autumn and the beginning of summer are perhaps the best times to enjoy the city. Regardless of the weather, you can always find an activity to enjoy in Vienna. Avid skiers and snowboarders can take to Austria’s exceptional slopes during the winter months.

Balancing expectations when moving to a new city can be daunting, and moving to Austria’s capital is no exception.

If you’re wondering what life in the City of Music is really like, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons to consider before moving to Vienna.

Getting around in Vienna

+ PRO: Easy travel to neighbouring European countries

Austria’s position in the heart of Europe allows for convenient and inexpensive travel to other European countries. Vienna is also connected by rail to various European cities, making overland travel effortless.

+ PRO: Well-developed public transport system

Public transport in Vienna makes getting around the city relatively easy. The many public transport options in Vienna are extensive, timely, safe and comparatively inexpensive.

+ PRO: Vienna is bicycle-friendly

Ample bike paths run throughout Vienna, ensuring the whole city can be navigated by bicycle. These paths are maintained in winter, making cycling possible year-round.

Getting Around in Vienna

Accommodation in Vienna

+ PRO: High standard of housing

Many of the buildings in Vienna are historic but well-maintained properties with beautiful architecture. You’ll also find that many homes have central and double-glazed windows to ensure a cosy indoor environment.

- CON: Housing is expensive and challenging to find

Austria is a country of renters, so finding a property can be challenging, especially in Vienna. As such, most people rely on estate agencies. This, along with the high initial costs involved in securing a lease, further increases the costs of setting up a home in Vienna.

Accommodation in Vienna

Weather in Vienna

- CON: Long winters

Although Vienna is warmer than most regions in Austria, those used to more tropical climes will find that winters in Vienna can feel exceptionally long and grey.

Weather in Vienna

Lifestyle in Vienna

+ PRO: Thriving arts scene

As well as being a haven for the performing arts, Vienna is home to an abundance of things to see and do. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to cultural pursuits.

+ PRO: Fantastic food

As an international city, Vienna’s restaurant scene is a collection of cuisines from around the world. Then there’s also Viennese fare, which is famed for its apfelstrudel among other baked delights. Vienna also boasts sophisticated wine and coffee cultures.

+ PRO: Active expat community

Despite any difficulty expats may face in integrating into the reserved Austrian culture, the city’s large and diverse expat community organises many expat social groups and events, making it easy to befriend like-minded people.

- CON: Service can seem rude

Wait staff in Vienna are famed for their apathy. This is best understood as a cultural difference between serving cultures rather than a personal affront.

Lifestyle in Vienna

Local culture in Vienna

+ PRO: English is readily spoken

Although not all Austrians speak English, many do. English is also a popular business language, leading more and more Austrians to speak it.

- CON: Austrian German is challenging

Learning Austrian German is difficult as the language is full of nuance and, despite Austria’s small size, regional idiosyncrasies. Those already fluent in German should expect many vocabulary differences. Still, many locals will appreciate you learning to speak their language.

- CON: Austrian culture can be challenging

Although Austrians enjoy meeting foreigners, making friends with locals can be difficult, as Austrians tend to be quite guarded and tend to keep their personal lives private. It’s still possible to make friends by joining interest groups and patiently building rapport with your colleagues or the other parents at your children’s schools.

Local Culture in Austria

Healthcare in Vienna

+ PRO: Excellent healthcare

Austria has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. Expats living and working in Vienna will be given access to Austria’s high-quality public healthcare.

- CON: Long waiting times for specialist appointments

If you require a specialist, you may have to wait several weeks before your appointment, depending on the demand of the type of specialist. You may also need a referral from your GP before you can visit a specialist.

Healthcare in Vienna

Finding a job in Austria isn’t easy. Many expats often relocate to Vienna due to a transfer from within their company. That said, Vienna has several strong industries, and highly skilled expats may find they have the expertise to fill a gap in the local workforce.

Citizens of EU member states can legally work in Austria without any special documentation, but if you’re from outside the EU, you must obtain a work permit.

While English is generally spoken in business circles, being able to speak basic German will certainly be advantageous when it comes to securing a job in Vienna.

Read Work Permits in Austria to learn more about securing a visa in the country.

Job market in Vienna

As the capital of Austria, Vienna contributes approximately 25 percent of the country’s GDP. It has prominent real estate, engineering, banking, and business sectors, and tourism is also a major employer in Vienna.

The city has a booming media sector and is home to the headquarters of various newspapers, radio stations and television channels. Many international media agencies have subsidiaries in Vienna, and there are many correspondents and journalists based in the city.

Vienna is also a major business hub within Europe and home to both branches and headquarters of major multinational corporations. The manufacturing industry in Vienna is also a significant employer, producing almost half of Austria’s capital goods.

Useful links

• Austrian Federal Government Official Information Website – Austria-wide Shortage Occupations

Finding a job in Vienna

Browsing online listings and social networking sites such as LinkedIn before arriving in the country is a good idea, as it allows for a quick glance at the current state of the job market within a particular field. The classified sections in the online versions of local newspapers are also a good source of information.

It would be best if you also used any personal contacts to find out about job opportunities. Networking and personal relationships are incredibly important in Austria. Austrians tend to trust friends, so personal recommendations are highly valued.

Recruitment agencies are also a great option, while attending industry networking events can help you build up your contact list in Vienna.

Useful links

• Jobs in Vienna
• WienerJobs
• Job City

Work culture in Vienna

Vienna may be a lively and cosmopolitan city, but its work culture still has old-fashioned values and perhaps less egalitarian structures than some expats may be used to. Most companies have a definite hierarchical structure, and those in senior positions, particularly those who are highly qualified and experienced, are highly regarded and deferred to.

Viennese work culture prides itself on the concept of Sozialpartnerschaft, or social partnership, which promotes cooperation and dialogue in industrial relations. Expat entrepreneurs and business owners need to work closely and cooperate with local business partners and Austrian subsidiary companies.

Accommodation in Vienna is known for its high standards, so most expats will not be disappointed in their new home. Austria is a country of renters, since property prices in the country are high. This can make finding a rental property difficult, especially in Vienna, which is the country’s capital.

As public transport in Vienna is reliable and extensive, your lifestyle preferences and budget will be the biggest consideration when choosing a neighbourhood.

Areas and suburbs in Vienna

Vienna is a well-planned city and is organised into 23 districts, the first being the city centre. Generally, the further one moves from Vienna’s centre, the cheaper the property prices are.

Vienna has an efficient transport system. You can essentially live anywhere and still keep your work commute to less than 30 minutes. Many young professionals who prefer being in the heart of the city will enjoy District 1 or the Innere Stadt. While the Innere Stadt is among Vienna’s priciest areas, properties here often offer luxury amenities and beautiful historic facades.

Families enjoy living in the suburbs further away from the city centre where there are larger properties, parks, and a selection of international schools. Some of the most popular suburban areas in Vienna include Währing and Döbling.

Read our guide on the Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Vienna to learn more about the different neighbourhoods in the city.

Types of accommodation in Vienna

Accommodation in Vienna is mostly apartments housed in multi-storey buildings. Older buildings have classic Viennese black wrought-iron balconies, and the interior is characterised by high ceilings and parquet floors. New buildings have more modern, flat facades and tend to have lower ceilings, new floors, and modern windows.

It’s typical to find features like indoor heating and double glazing in Austrian homes. Regardless of where expats are from, many report finding homes in Vienna comfortable.

Shared accommodation is likely to be partly furnished, but most apartments in Vienna are unfurnished. There are several good furniture shops in Vienna, where new arrivals will find everything they need.

Finding accommodation in Vienna

Finding a suitable new home in Vienna can be challenging for new arrivals, as the city’s property market can be difficult to navigate.

While property portals and listings in local newspapers can be good sources, they are mostly in German. Therefore, we recommend using the services of a professional real estate agent. While their services come at a cost (up to two months’ worth of rent), they are equipped to find properties that meet expats’ needs and lifestyle preferences.

You should note that it is easier to find rental properties during certain times of the year than others. September is the beginning of the academic year in Austria, and the influx of students to Vienna increases competition for rental properties.

Useful links

• ImmoScout24
• Ländle Anzeiger
• Housing Anywhere

Renting accommodation in Vienna

Most expats choose to rent accommodation rather than purchase property in Vienna. Both furnished and unfurnished rentals are available.

Making an application

Once you have found a property that meets your requirements, you will be expected to complete a detailed application form and provide evidence of your income and legal status in the country. In some cases, you may be asked for a reference from a previous landlord or a certificate indicating you have no outstanding rent due.

Leases, costs, and fees

Before signing a lease, it’s essential to understand exactly what the lease requires. Long-term contracts can be binding, and the idiosyncrasies of Viennese apartments can be intimidating. After a set period (usually a year), the tenant or landlord can end the lease by giving three months’ notice.

The standard lease length is three years, and required deposits range from one to three months’ worth of rent. The deposit is often refundable at the end of the lease term as long as there is no damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.

Utilities in Vienna

Generally, tenants are responsible for all their utility bills. But you may be offered the option of paying a flat fee each month to cover the utilities – this frequently works out to be more economical, especially in the winter months.

Read Accommodation in Austria for detailed information on rental processes and setting up utilities in the country.

Electricity and gas

The electricity market in Austria is deregulated, and the city's regional electricity and gas provider is Wien Energie. Residents have the option to choose a private supplier for better rates. Still, it’s typically easier to remain connected to the regional provider, especially as an expat, since you won’t have to deal with the admin of changing providers.

Water

Operating under the Municipality of Vienna, Wiener Wasser (also known as Magistrate Department 31) supplies and treats the city’s drinking water. Water bills are sent out quarterly and are payable through an automatic debit, online or at the Wiener Wasser office.

Bins and recycling

The City of Vienna’s Municipal Department 48 (MA 48) offers kerbside collection of residual household and organic waste weekly, while recyclables are collected biweekly. If you live in an apartment building, you may have different waste sorting and collection schedules, so confirming the waste management process with your building manager or landlord is essential.

Internet

Many of the internet service providers in Vienna offer fibre, DSL, and satellite connections. Most apartments often have internet infrastructure, simplifying the set-up process. Some of the most popular providers in Vienna include A1 Telekom Austria, Magenta, and Drei.

Useful links

• Wien Energie
• Wiener Wasser
• City of Vienna – Waste Management
• A1 Telekom, Magenta, and Drei

The best places to live in Vienna

The areas and suburbs in Vienna are organised into 23 distinct districts (bezirke ), each with a unique character and an assortment of pros and cons. Each district has a name but is also universally known by its number. The first district is closest to the city centre, with the number increasing the further a district is from the centre.

Districts 1 to 9 make up the inner city of Vienna. These areas are much more densely populated than districts further away from the city centre. The major advantage of city living in Vienna is that residents have easy access to Vienna’s cultural offerings and best amenities.

While there are no areas that distinctly attract expats, young professionals tend to live closer to the city centre, while expat families tend to live in districts further afield that lie close to good international schools.

Vienna has a sophisticated transport network, so getting around isn’t much of an issue. Choosing where to live will depend significantly on your lifestyle preferences, priorities, and budget.

Lifestyle in Vienna

Below are some of the most popular areas and suburbs in Vienna.

City living in Vienna

District 1 – Innere Stadt

District 1, or the Innere Stadt, is Vienna’s most expensive area. It boasts a wide array of architectural delights, including St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace.

Developers here have created luxury apartment buildings while maintaining the historic facade of the buildings. Rental properties are hard to come by in District 1, so expect to pay a hefty price.

District 2 – Leapoldstadt

District 2, or Leopoldstadt, is significantly cheaper than District 1 and has more of a multicultural feel, having once been popular with various immigrant groups and students. Property here tends to be small, with a mix of old and new interiors. A prominent feature of this island district, located between a major river and a canal, is the Prater, a beautiful green park which was once a royal hunting ground.

Districts 3, 4 and 5 – Landstrasse, Wieden and Margareten

These urban districts are located south of District 1. You will find a greater choice of housing options in each of these areas. All of these are well situated in terms of public transport routes, so getting around won’t be a problem.

You can find certain historic sites in District 3, including the castle and gardens of Belvedere. District 4 is home to the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest food market.

Districts 8 and 9 – Josefstadt and Alsergrund

These areas are popular with the wealthy looking to live centrally. Josefstadt has a Bohemian feel and is located just a stone’s throw away from City Hall and Parliament in District 1. Both Josefstadt and Alsergrund are popular with students and academics because they are close to the University of Vienna.

Suburban life in Vienna

Districts 18 and 19 – Währing and Döbling

Further away from Vienna’s city centre, there are more family-friendly housing options. Districts 18 and 19 are home to some popular international schools and nurseries. Many new arrivals base themselves here because of the strong expat community surrounding these schools and the availability of houses instead of apartments.

There are also many beautiful parks in the area where you can go for a day out with the family. If you choose to live in these suburbs, you might feel a little cut-off from Viennese culture. That said, you can benefit from having a car to get around.

International Schools in Vienna

If you’re moving to Vienna, you can rest assured that your healthcare needs will be well taken care of, as Austria is home to one of the best healthcare systems in Europe.

Thanks to tax contributions, everyone living and working in the city is entitled to healthcare services in Vienna. As a result of this and the excellent standard of public healthcare in Austria, most people don’t take out private health insurance policies.

That said, if you have the option of private healthcare as part of your employment package, you should definitely take advantage of it, as it allows access to more services and shorter waiting times.

Vienna’s pharmacies are well stocked and readily available. They can be found along any major shopping street or mall or near a hospital.

Below is a list of prominent hospitals in Vienna.

Hospitals in Vienna

Confraternität Private Hospital

Website: www.privatklinik-confraternitaet.at 
Address: Skodagasse 32, Vienna

St Josef Hospital Vienna

Website: www.sjk-wien.at 
Address: Auhofstraße 189, Vienna

Franziskus Spital Margareten

Website: www.franziskusspital.at 
Address: Nikolsdorfergasse 32, Vienna

Goldenes Kreuz Private Hospital

Website: www.privatklinik-goldenes-kreuz.at 
Address: Lazarettgasse 16–18, Vienna

The standard of public education and schools in Vienna is excellent, but as an expat parent, you’ll have to decide between public bilingual schools and international schools. The language of instruction in public schools is German, which may be challenging for expat children.

The primary factors to consider are the cost of school fees, the curriculum, and the school’s location. As there are many schooling options in Vienna, it is important to know what is available to make an informed decision.

Public schools in Vienna

Schooling in Austria is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 15. It is divided into four years of Volksschule (primary school) and eight years of Gymnasium (secondary school). The latter is divided into lower secondary school (four years) and upper secondary school, with vocational or academic training offered for the final four years.

Registration takes place in March. Most schools have an open house (Schnuppertag ) in February, during which parents can speak to teachers and directors. Attendance is not zoned according to where children live – they can attend school anywhere in the city, subject to acceptance.

Useful links

• City of Vienna – The School System in Vienna

Bilingual schools in Vienna

Due to a significant language barrier, standard public schools are not a feasible option for most expats who only plan on spending a short time in the city, but bilingual schools are a good alternative. At Viennese bilingual schools, students are taught in both German and English. These are effectively public schools, so fees are low or non-existent.

Bilingual schools are popular among expats and local Austrians alike. Vienna has only around 10 bilingual schools, so competition for placements is high. We advise you to apply for a place as soon as possible.

International schools in Vienna

There are several international schools in Vienna where students are taught in English. They are highly regarded but incredibly expensive. The benefit of attending an international school is that your children can continue studying in their home curriculum. Additionally, international schools give you an opportunity to connect with other expat families who understand the lived expat experience in Vienna.

Many expats choose to live in the same neighbourhood as the school their child attends. Thanks to the resources and facilities available at the school, the transition to a new city is made easier. However, some would say that the cultural experience of being in a foreign city is limited by expats surrounding themselves with other expats.

Read more

• International Schools in Vienna
• City of Vienna – International Schools

Special-needs education in Vienna

Children with special educational needs can attend mainstream schools where possible; for severe disabilities, special schools are designed to cater to their specific needs. According to Austrian law, parents have the right to pick the kind of schooling they prefer for their child.

Depending on the disability, special schools educate children with disabilities through various methods such as small learner groups, specially trained teachers, curricula that pay attention to the respective disabilities, and special methods and materials.

Education in special schools covers the whole period of compulsory schooling. After academic education, a pre-vocational year takes place in special schools, where learners are supported in the transition period from school to the labour market.

Tutors in Vienna

Tutors are widely used in Vienna to improve and assist children’s schooling. They might be employed to assist in specific subjects such as maths or science. Expat parents will often hire a tutor to improve their child’s German language proficiency. Tutors are also used to prepare for important exams or university entrance exams.

You might also find that your child may benefit from having a guiding hand in navigating a new school system or just from building some confidence. Top private tuition companies include GoStudent and TeacherOn.

Useful links

• GoStudent
• TeacherOn

There are several highly regarded international schools in Vienna. These schools are well-equipped to deal with the challenges faced by students who have relocated to a new city and country. International schools follow the national curriculum of their home country or globally recognised programmes such as the International Baccalaureate (IB).

While international schools typically offer a high level of education in a diverse setting, they are also often quite pricey. That said, these schools typically have superior facilities, a wider slate of extracurricular activities, and highly qualified educators, so many parents find the cost worth it. Still, we recommend negotiating an education allowance into your relocation contract.

Although Vienna’s efficient transport system makes getting around the city easy, many parents frequently choose to live in a neighbourhood close to their children’s school. This makes the commute to school and work much easier.

Below are some of the top international schools in Vienna.

International schools in Vienna

Schloss Krumbach International School

Located in a 13th-century castle surrounded by the Austrian Alps in the Bucklige Welt, Schloss Krumbach International School is a one-of-a-kind co-educational boarding school offering both the IB Diploma and A-Level programmes. The school prides itself in maintaining a learning environment that allows children to remain children while inculcating a sense of social and political responsibility in them. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and British (A-Levels) 
Ages: 12 to 19

American International School Vienna

Established in 1959, the American International School Vienna (AISV) has a long-standing reputation as a premier international school that is home to 800 students of 80 nationalities. The school strives to develop respectful individuals who have the skills and character to be impactful global citizens.

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 4 to 18 
Website: www.ais.at

International Christian School of Vienna

The International Christian School of Vienna is a World IB School that equips its students with Christian values to enable them to navigate the world confidently. Thanks to the school’s truly global curricula, students at the International Christian School of Vienna are prepared to enter an American, Austrian, or any other international university.

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 5 to 18 
Website: www.icsv.at

Lycée Français Wien

Home to students of more than 80 nationalities speaking 50 languages, Lycée Français Wien is a school with a truly international feel. Students at Lycée Français Wien graduate with the French Baccalaureate or the Austrian Matura, preparing them to become multilingual global citizens.

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: French and Austrian (Matura) 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.lyceefrancais.at

Vienna International School

With over 1,400 students of 115 nationalities, the Vienna International School is one of the biggest international schools in the city. The school boasts strong links to the United Nations and the country’s diplomatic community to ensure the best opportunities for its students. Vienna International School offers a global education and also fosters local ties through its mandatory German language classes.

Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate 
Website: www.vis.ac.at

Many expats notice that the lifestyle in Vienna has a distinctly laid-back feel to it. Rather than live to work, the Viennese tend to work to live – and the vast array of things to see and do here reflects that.

Although known as the classical music capital of the world, Vienna also has a lot to offer in terms of food and entertainment. There is always time to linger and enjoy a good cup of coffee or spend an afternoon browsing a street market.

Shopping in Vienna

If you enjoy shopping, you will be pleased to learn that Vienna has plenty of places to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. Mariahilfer Strasse is one of the longest shopping streets in the city. You can find all sorts of department stores there, with smaller shops and quaint street cafés tucked away in between.

Another must-see shopping street is Kärntner Strasse, which has the notable distinction of hosting the flagship store of Swarovski, which was founded in Austria. Fashionistas will feel right at home in Kärntner Strasse, which has everything from designer labels to high-street fashion close at hand.

Markets in Vienna

Vienna is known for its food markets, most notably the Naschmarkt and Brunnenmarkt. The Naschmarkt is filled with unusual and tasty foods from every corner of the world and has plenty to offer expats and tourists alike.

The Brunnenmarkt is located in a trendy art district and offers a wide selection of goods, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, exotic spices, and much else. Somewhat less touristy than the Naschmarkt, you are more likely to meet and mingle with locals at the Brunnenmarkt.

Eating out in Vienna

You will find it difficult to choose between the many international dishes and restaurants on offer when you’re looking to eat out in Vienna. From classic Viennese fare to teppanyaki or modern vegan cuisine, you will have access to a variety of global flavours.

Austria’s chefs often focus on sustainable cooking practices, with an emphasis on farm-to-table dining experiences, so you’re sure to enjoy many fresh and delicious meals in Vienna.

The coffee house culture is an integral part of Vienna’s cultural identity. Visit a local coffee house to enjoy some Kaiserschmarrn or Apfelstrudel with your coffee while reading a book or catching up with a friend.

Arts and culture in Vienna

Vienna is a lovely city to stroll through and is full of cultural pursuits. The Museumsquartier is a great place to start. It’s home to several museums, including the Leopold Museum, which is a great introduction to some of Austria’s well-known artists. For those with kids, the whole family is sure to have a fun day out filled with activities at the ZOOM Kindermuseum.

Living up to its nickname of the City of Music, Vienna is, of course, bursting with high-class performance venues where you can find a wide variety of musical talent. The Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) is a must-see, and with an average of 50 operas a year, it’s easy to find a performance that fits your schedule.

See and do in Vienna

Vienna is a spectacular and vibrant city with countless things to see and do on any day of the week. It is also a cultural and historical paradise, with many museums, architectural landmarks, and entertainment possibilities throughout the city.

You can purchase a Vienna City Card for discounts to some of these sites and public transport access. Below are some sights worth visiting in Vienna.

St Stephen’s Cathedral

Located in Stephansplatz, St Stephen’s Cathedral is an impressive Catholic Church right in the heart of Vienna. It is the most important and recognisable church in the Austrian capital. Thanks to its distinctly colourful roof, it can easily be spotted from just about anywhere in Vienna.

Schönbrunn Palace

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Vienna, Schönbrunn is a Rococo-style building which was once the summer palace of the Habsburg monarchy. The palace has more than 1,400 rooms and lovely gardens, which visitors can enjoy during the summer months.

Das Schmetterlinghaus (The Butterfly House)

Situated in the gardens of the Hofburg Palace, this special tropical butterfly house displays and breeds hundreds of live, free-flying butterflies from all over the world. Be aware that it is quite humid inside, as they have tried to replicate a natural rainforest environment for the butterflies.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (Museum of Art History Vienna)

This is regarded as one of the best art museums in the world, and the scope of the works found here comes close to the collections of the Louvre or the Prado. The museum is housed in a magnificent building located close to Hofburg Palace and holds an impressive collection of Egyptian and Greek art and many European pieces.

Useful links

• Vienna City Card

Where to meet people and make friends in Vienna

Making friends in a new city can be one of the most challenging aspects of moving, but building a community is a surefire way to ensure you feel at home. One of the best ways to start meeting people is to join a local club or meet-up group.

Vienna is a diverse city, so it’s easy to find a group or social club that perfectly aligns with your interests. Sports enthusiasts can find a few fair hiking and mountain biking, clubs while giving back through volunteering is another excellent way to meet people and make friends in Vienna.

Useful links

• Vienna International Jiu Jitsu Club
• Vienna Expats
• Vienna International Centre (VIC) Hiking Club

Getting around in Vienna is simple and straightforward. The city centre is within half an hour of the outskirts of Vienna via the capital’s extensive, varied and efficient public transport system.

Vienna is also extremely bicycle-friendly, with an abundance of cycling paths. Many residents embrace the romance of cycling culture. Conversely, as parking in Vienna is both expensive and difficult to find, most expats opt not to buy a car.

Since many commuters use public transport, the city centre is less congested by traffic than other European capitals. When you’re in the city centre, you’ll find the best way to get around is on foot.

Public transport in Vienna

The Weiner Linien public transport service operates Vienna’s tram, bus, and subway lines.

You can purchase a single ticket to travel anywhere in Vienna using any form of transport. Tickets can be purchased online, at ticket offices or at multilingual station ticket machines. If you plan on using public transport regularly, you can find other ticketing options available, such as for weekly or monthly travel. This can save money in the long run.

Tram

Trams are easily found throughout the city. Although they are probably the slowest way of travelling, trams are a fun way to get around Vienna in short hops or for sightseeing. In addition to traditional trams, Vienna is investing in its accessibility infrastructure with multiple ultra-low floor trams. The city has plans to equip all trams with this accessibility feature.

While the Viennese use trams on a day out, most people use buses and the U-Bahn for regular commuting because they cover a more extensive area and are more efficient modes of transport.

Bus

Vienna’s bus network is extensive, with 131 bus routes serving many parts of the city. As in most major cities, travelling by bus can sometimes be slow during rush hour.

There are 21 night bus routes that operate between 12.30am and 5am. These night buses are easily identifiable as they are typically marked with an ‘N’.

U-Bahn

The U-Bahn is Vienna’s subway system, which boasts five main lines that are identifiable by their different colours and numbers. It is the quickest and most popular way to get around the city.

Trains run regularly and usually arrive at two- to three-minute intervals during the day, although this varies depending on the line and the time of day. U-Bahn services typically run every 15 minutes throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as public holidays.

S-Bahn

Operated by ÖBB, the S-Bahn is a suburban commuter rapid-transit train system. Most S-Bahn lines extend beyond Vienna’s city limits and are largely used for regional travel. However, there is a line known as the Vorortelinie (Vienna suburban line), which is entirely within the city and is frequented by commuters living along its route.

Useful links

• Wiener Linien
• ÖBB

Taxis in Vienna

Taxis are generally reliable and affordable. They can be found at designated stations and ranks throughout the city. Journeys in the city are charged according to the taxi meter. If you are travelling to or from the outlying suburbs, you should consider booking a taxi ahead of time. This can be done online or by phone.

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in Vienna. These are not only cheaper than regular taxis but are also often more convenient.

Useful links

• Taxi 40100
• Uber
• Bolt

Driving in Vienna

Driving in Vienna’s city is more of a hassle than it’s worth, and it’s best avoided. It’s not an easy area to navigate, and parking can be steep. There are several park-and-ride areas close to public transport where you can leave your car, which is a good alternative to driving into the city.

It’s easy to get around the city centre on foot or on public transport. Still, some expats find owning a car beneficial, especially those with children or who want to explore the Austrian countryside.

Read Transport and Driving in Austria for more on securing a local driver’s licence.

Walking in Vienna

Vienna’s city centre is compact and picturesque, with narrow cobblestone streets. Most people find that taking the U-Bahn and walking are the easiest ways to get around the city.

The city also offers various free walking tours that allow you to explore some of Vienna’s beautiful architecture and learn about its history. The SANDEMANs Free Walking Tour and Good Vienna Tours are great options to begin exploring the city.

Cycling in Vienna

The cycle network in Vienna comprises more than 1,081 miles (1,740km) of bike paths and is continually growing. There are bike paths across Vienna and over 185 bicycle-renting stations.

Bicycles are available for hire from the public rental service WienMobil Rad. If you intend to cycle as your primary means of transport, it may be easier to invest in a new or second-hand bicycle.

Although you can’t take a bicycle on a bus or tram unless it’s folded, you can take one on an underground train at certain hours of the day during weekdays and any time on weekends.

Useful links

• WienMobil Rad