Vibrant Vienna: A Great Place To Live?

Vienna, Austria, has been voted the most liveable city in the world for several years, and for good reason. The city boasts a unique mix of eco-friendly transportation, crystal-clear drinking water, numerous green spaces, and a range of art and culinary attractions. It has an efficient and affordable public transport system, and its healthcare system is one of the best in Europe. Vienna is also a safe city with a low crime rate and a thriving LGBTQ+ community. The city is close to the Alps and surrounding countries, making it a great location for exploring Central Europe. However, finding accommodation can be difficult and expensive, and the winters are long and cold. Overall, Vienna offers a high standard of living and is a great place to settle down.

Vienna has an impressive public transport system

The city also has an extensive network of bicycle lanes, making cycling an easy and affordable way to get around. Vienna's public transport system is also environmentally friendly, with local Wiener Linien train services running throughout the day, and night buses operating on weekdays to ensure everyone gets home safely. On weekends and the nights before public holidays, Vienna's five subway lines remain open.

The city's transport system is also well-connected to the rest of Europe, with several countries, including Slovenia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, just a train ride away. The Austrian Railway Company is well-developed, making it easy to travel to Germany, France, Italy, and Slovenia.

Additionally, Vienna's public transport system is modern and seamless, with five metro lines, 29 tramway lines, and 90 bus lines. The city also has one of the densest transport systems in the world, with over 5,000 public transport stops across an area of just 415 square kilometres. Ticket fares are also comparably cheap, with a 24-hour ticket costing only 8€ as of July 2020. The city also offers free apps, such as Wien Mobil, to help residents navigate and plan their journeys.

Overall, Vienna's public transport system is impressive, offering a range of affordable, convenient, and environmentally-friendly options for getting around the city and exploring the surrounding areas.

The city is affordable for a capital

Vienna is a great place to live for those seeking a high standard of living, a good location, and plenty of things to see and do. While it may not be the cheapest city in Europe, it is still more affordable than many other Western capitals.

For instance, Vienna is around 10% cheaper for restaurants and 30% cheaper for groceries than Paris. Rent is also significantly cheaper, at around 40% less than the French capital.

If we compare Vienna to other cities in Western Europe, it is much cheaper. One source states that Vienna is "really affordable" in terms of groceries, cigarettes, and public transport. Another source states that Vienna is surprisingly affordable for groceries.

In terms of accommodation, it is possible to find cheaper options in Vienna. Renting a flat built by the city or finding a fee-free apartment can be more affordable than going through an agent, which can be expensive. Students can also benefit from discounted public transport, paying only 75€ per semester for unlimited travel across the city.

Overall, while Vienna may not be the cheapest city in Europe, it is still a decently priced capital city, especially when compared to other Western European capitals.

There is a thriving coffee culture

Vienna has a thriving coffee culture, with traditional and modern cafes offering a range of coffee options. The coffee vocabulary in Vienna is slightly different from that in Germany, with unique names for different coffee beverages. For instance, a "Schwarzer" refers to an espresso, while a "Melange" is similar to a cappuccino but with less milk. The city also has a strong coffee-drinking culture, with people spending their afternoons reading or studying in cafes without feeling pressured to order more than they need.

Viennese coffeehouses are appreciated by both locals and visitors for their old-style, traditional ambiance as well as their expanding range of modern coffee options. The city's coffee scene is so renowned that it has its own vocabulary, which differs slightly from German coffee terms. For example, a "Brauner" is an espresso with milk, and a "Verlängerter" is similar to an Americano. However, most baristas in Vienna are familiar with the English or Italian terms for these beverages as well.

The coffee culture in Vienna is not just about the beverage itself but also about the experience of spending time in the cafes. People often spend their afternoons reading, working, or studying in these establishments without feeling pressured to leave or order more. This makes cafes a great spot for digital nomads or students who need a quiet place to work or study. Additionally, the cafes in Vienna offer a wide range of food options, from traditional Viennese cuisine to more modern dishes, providing a well-rounded dining experience.

The coffee culture in Vienna is also reflected in the city's coffee packaging and merchandising. Many local coffee roasters offer beautifully designed packaging that showcases the unique style and character of the city. Coffee cups, mugs, and other coffee-related merchandise are also popular souvenirs for visitors, showcasing the city's love for coffee.

Overall, Vienna's coffee culture is a significant part of the city's charm and offers a unique experience for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or simply looking for a cosy spot to spend your afternoon, Vienna's cafes have something to offer for everyone.

Vienna has lots of green spaces

Vienna is known for its green spaces, with almost half of the city made up of parks and natural areas. The city has been recognised as one of the World's 10 Greenest Cities by Resonance Consultancy, and its commitment to green spaces is just one of the reasons why it has been voted the "most liveable city in the world" year after year.

The city's green spaces include the many parks on the Ringstrasse, as well as the Prater park, which provide opportunities to enjoy nature right in the heart of the city. A sizeable chunk of the Donau-Auen National Park, including the Lobau, one of Europe's last unspoiled wetlands, also falls within Vienna's city limits. And with part of the Vienna Woods on its outskirts, the city has its own biosphere reserve, home to various endangered species.

The Vienna Woods are a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, with well-signposted trails leading through them. The fresh air and beautiful views from up high on the Kahlenberg are also home to an aerial adventure park and an adjacent 3D archery park.

In addition to its large parks and nature reserves, Vienna also has a flourishing agriculture sector, with around a third of its green spaces and 15% of its total area dedicated to farming. Gardens, vineyards, fields, vegetable patches, and orchards supply the city with fresh produce, including an impressive 29,000 tons of cucumbers each year—earning Vienna the title of the "cucumber capital" of Austria.

The city's green spaces offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. Vienna's outdoor pools, as well as the Danube and its attached waters, offer hours of fun for swimming and water sports. The Prater Hauptallee and Danube Island are popular spots for running or inline skating, while the Alte Donau is a haven for stand-up paddleboarding.

With its abundance of green spaces, Vienna provides a high quality of life for its residents, combining the convenience of modern living with easy access to nature and a range of outdoor activities.

It is close to the Alps and surrounding countries

Vienna is a great place to live for those who want to be close to the Alps and surrounding countries. The city is surrounded by mountains, including the Viennese Alps, which are easily accessible for day trips or weekends away. The Schneeberg mountain, for example, is reachable by train in 90 minutes and is the perfect spot for skiing and hiking. The Semmering mountain resort is also a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, with its great transport links and combination of culture and nature.

The Viennese Alps offer a generous walker's landscape of expansive alpine pastures, hilly terrain, and steep rock faces. The mountains are impressive, with huts, climbing areas, and panoramic views. The highest mountain in the Viennese Alps is the Schneeberg, at 2,076 meters. The Rax mountains are also a great option for hiking, with the Rax Seilbahn cable car elevating hikers by 1,000 meters.

In addition to its proximity to the Alps, Vienna is also conveniently located close to several other countries. Slovenia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic are all just a train ride away. This makes Vienna a great base for exploring the heart of Europe and taking advantage of its central location.

Frequently asked questions