Lyla Lindsey
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a popular destination for foreigners, ranking among the top hundred destinations for digital nomads and expats. The city boasts a high quality of life, a safe environment, and a welcoming atmosphere for different cultures and religions. With its rich history, impressive architecture, and vibrant LGBT community, Vienna offers a unique and cosmopolitan flair. The city's districts, from the touristy and expensive first district to the lively seventh district, each have their own distinct character and attractions. So, which is the best district to live in?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Vienna is considered a safe city with a low crime rate. |
| Transport | Vienna has a modern and seamless public transport system. |
| Environment | Vienna has low pollution and lots of green space. |
| Healthcare | Vienna has one of the best public healthcare systems in Europe. |
| Social Equality | Vienna is LGBT-friendly and welcomes different cultures and religions. |
| Culture | Vienna is a city of art and culture with many museums, cinemas, bars, shops, and restaurants. |
| Economy | Vienna is one of the wealthiest European cities with a high per capita income and a thriving economy. |
| Housing | Vienna has a range of housing options, from large apartments in older buildings to modern studios and family-friendly houses. |
| Districts | Vienna has 23 districts, each with its own character, and offers a range of options for young professionals, students, and families. |
| Education | Vienna has good educational institutions, including the University of Vienna and several international schools. |
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What You'll Learn
- The 1st district is Vienna's most expensive area, full of historical sites and tourist attractions
- The 5th district is a great option if you want to avoid tourist spots but still have plenty to do
- The 18th and 19th districts are popular with expat families due to the availability of houses and the presence of international schools
- Neubau, the 7th district, is a young and lively neighbourhood with many great bars
- The 2nd district, Karmeliterviertel, is a quieter area but is home to some of Vienna's best restaurants, bars and cafes
The 1st district is Vienna's most expensive area, full of historical sites and tourist attractions
Vienna is a largely safe city, and its 1st district, or the Innere Stadt, is the most expensive area to live in. It is the historic core of the city, with medieval buildings, museums, palaces, and churches. The Stephansdom cathedral is a prominent symbol and tourist attraction, with its Gothic architecture and murals. The Hofburg palace, which was a residence of the Habsburgs, is another major attraction, along with the State Hall of the Austrian National Library. The 1st district is also home to the headquarters of many international corporations and is considered a prestigious address by the Viennese.
The 1st district is a highly tourist-trafficked zone, and while it is a great place to live if you can afford it, the constant stream of tourists may be a drawback for some. The entire city is at your doorstep, with easy access to Vienna's cultural offerings and best amenities. However, accommodation in this area is prohibitively expensive, and it is not a place where most locals would choose to live.
The 5th district is another option that is popular among expats. It is out of the centre, allowing residents to feel immersed in a real Austrian lifestyle while still having easy access to the rest of the city. There are plenty of cinemas, bars, shops, and restaurants in the area.
If you are looking for a more suburban area, the 19th district is the most sought-after area for expats, and the 13th district is also a good option. These districts are further away from the city centre and have more family-friendly housing options, with popular international schools and nurseries nearby.
Overall, the best place to live in Vienna depends on your lifestyle preferences, priorities, and budget. The 1st district may be the right choice if you are looking for a prestigious address, easy access to cultural offerings, and don't mind the high cost and tourist traffic.
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The 5th district is a great option if you want to avoid tourist spots but still have plenty to do
The 5th district, also known as Margareten, is a great option if you want to avoid tourist spots but still have plenty to do. The area has plenty of eateries, cinemas, bars, shops, and restaurants. It's also easy to get to other parts of the city from the 5th district. The Wientalterrasse (Vienna Valley Terrace) is a popular spot to relax in the warmer months, with plenty of space to sit on wooden benches or decking, and a great urban vibe. The 5th district is also home to the indoor climbing park, Blockfabrik, which offers a light and airy atmosphere for those looking to improve their bouldering skills.
The 5th district has a lot to offer foodies, with a variety of eateries serving cuisines from around the world. These include the Vietnam Bistro for Vietnamese food, Omnom Burger for burgers made from scratch, and Beaver Brewing Company, a microbrewery pub serving quality pub grub. There are also traditional Austrian options, such as Cafe Wortner, which offers a typical Viennese coffee house experience, and Zum Alten Fassl, a famous Viennese Beisl known for its high-end Austrian dining.
The 5th district is also home to Margaretenstrasse, where you'll find the Holiday Inn Vienna City, offering modern and ambient rooms. The Art Hotel Vienna is connected to the Siebenbrunnenplatz, a square rich in history and dining options. The area also has accommodation options for those looking for a more extended stay, such as the Queens Apartments, which offer a convenient location in the heart of the 5th district.
The 5th district is a great choice for those who want to live like locals and immerse themselves in the Austrian lifestyle. It offers a mix of grit and urban vibes while being super central. However, it's important to note that the 5th district doesn't have a U-Bahn running through most of it, which may impact your transportation options. Overall, the 5th district provides a unique character and atmosphere, making it a great option for those looking to avoid tourist spots while still enjoying all that Vienna has to offer.
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The 18th and 19th districts are popular with expat families due to the availability of houses and the presence of international schools
Vienna is a city of neighbourhoods, with 23 distinct districts, each with its own unique character and attractions. The 18th and 19th districts, Währing and Döbling respectively, are particularly popular with expat families.
Währing, the 18th district, is known for its grand, elegant homes and stunning architecture. It has a charming village vibe and a beautiful public park. The district is also home to several international schools, including The American International School of Vienna, MERIDIAN Bilingual Primary School, Amadeus International School of Vienna, and Vienna European School. Furthermore, it offers higher education institutions such as the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences and the University of Vienna Institute for Astronomy. The presence of these international schools makes it an attractive option for expat families looking for a community with similar needs and interests.
Döbling, the 19th district, boasts easy access to some of Vienna's finest vineyards and offers a plethora of opportunities for hiking and exploring nature. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural surroundings and incredibly beautiful mansions. Döbling also has several international schools, including the ones mentioned above, making it another excellent choice for expat families.
Both Währing and Döbling provide a family-friendly environment with a blend of suburban living and easy access to the city. These districts are known for their safety and beauty, offering a high quality of life. They are also home to several private hospitals, including Rudolfinerhaus Privatklinik and Privatklinik Döbling, which are known for their good quality, attentive services.
In addition to the advantages of suburban living, the 18th and 19th districts also present various employment opportunities. These areas host a diverse range of businesses, from schools and hospitals to vineyards, shops, and cafes. The presence of embassies and local companies, such as fashion headquarters and software brands, further enhances the job prospects for those residing in these districts.
The 18th and 19th districts offer a unique blend of community, natural beauty, and convenience for expat families in Vienna. With their combination of suburban tranquility and proximity to the city, these districts provide an attractive option for those seeking a high quality of life and a sense of connection with the local and international community.
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Neubau, the 7th district, is a young and lively neighbourhood with many great bars
Neubau, the 7th district of Vienna, is a young and lively neighbourhood with many great bars. Located just northwest of the city centre, Neubau is known for its creative and vibrant atmosphere, attracting young professionals and artsy types alike. The district offers a dynamic cultural scene, with art galleries, vintage stores, and modern eateries alongside baroque buildings and cobblestone streets.
For those seeking a lively night out, Neubau's bar scene is a definite draw. The district is known for its funky and hip bars, including Siebenstern, Wirr, Rundbar, Le Troquet, and Ganz, where patrons can enjoy a cosy atmosphere and lively conversation. Parfümerie, Moby Dick, and Agent Oscar offer expertly crafted cocktails for a more upscale experience. The 7th district is also home to unique shopping destinations, particularly the trendy Neubaugasse, known for its boutique shops offering fashion and quirky home decor.
In addition to its modern attractions, Neubau boasts a rich history, with roots tracing back to medieval times. The district's name, meaning "new construction," was first mentioned in a document in 1406, referring to a new building outside the city walls. The area officially became a district of Vienna in 1850, and its development expanded significantly in the 16th century when the city's fortifications were extended to include Neubau.
Today, Neubau is a hub for coffee lovers, with numerous specialty coffee shops offering a variety of beans and roasting styles. Wolfgang Coffee, Cafe Comet, and the historic J. Hornig are notable destinations for coffee enthusiasts. The district is also home to several historic cinemas and theatres, including the family-run Haydn-Kino, which has screened movies in their original language since 1995.
With its mix of old and new, Neubau provides a vibrant and exciting experience for both visitors and residents alike, making it one of the coolest districts in Vienna.
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The 2nd district, Karmeliterviertel, is a quieter area but is home to some of Vienna's best restaurants, bars and cafes
The 2nd district, Leopoldstadt, is a quieter area of Vienna, but it is home to Karmeliterviertel, one of the city's trendiest and most laid-back neighbourhoods.
Karmeliterviertel has a rich Jewish history and is the centre of Jewish life in Vienna. The area is visually characterised by a mix of municipal buildings and late-19th-century Gründerzeit houses, some of which have elegantly extended attics. Strict orthodox Jews dressed in their traditional black robes and tall hats are a common sight in the streets here. However, a younger and more modern Jewish lifestyle is also evident in the Grätzel. Various religions and communities coexist harmoniously in Karmeliterviertel.
The neighbourhood has a very special charm and is known for its culinary scene, with numerous kosher stores, restaurants, bakeries, and butchers. The lively food scene centres around Karmelitermarkt, which forms the heart of the neighbourhood. Along Leopoldsgasse, you'll find a quality selection of eateries, including the pizzeria Pizza Mari, which serves traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas, and Schöne Perle, a typical Viennese Gasthaus with a modern flair and a menu of classic Austrian dishes with international twists. There's also Los Mexikas, a Mexican eatery, and Fett & Zucker, a cafe and cake shop.
The 2nd district is also home to Vienna's green playground, the 6-million-square-metre Prater park, which offers plenty of green spaces for picnics and a forest near the Lusthaus end of the Prater Hauptallee boulevard. The district also has the amusement park Wurstel Prater, which dates back to the 18th century and is a beloved fixture in the memories of many Viennese residents.
If you're looking for a quieter area of Vienna that still has a vibrant food and drink scene and plenty of cultural attractions, the 2nd district, Karmeliterviertel, is an excellent choice.
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Frequently asked questions
The best place to live in Vienna depends on your lifestyle preferences, priorities, and budget. The 1st district is the most expensive area in the city centre, full of historical sites, tourist attractions, and grand apartments. However, it is very touristy and not where most locals live. If you're looking for a family-friendly area, the Innere Stadt district offers an urban experience with large parks. Districts 18 and 19 are also good options for families, with popular international schools and nurseries, and a strong expat community. If you're looking for a more modern feel, the area around the city's main station is a good choice. For a young and lively neighbourhood, Neubau in the 7th district is the spot, with many great bars and cafes. If you're looking for a quieter area, Karmeliterviertel in the 2nd district is perfect, with some of Vienna's best restaurants, bars, and cafes. Lastly, if you're looking for a suburb with character, Ottakring is a great option, with grit, community, and plenty of cool things to do and see.
The cost of living in Vienna varies depending on your status and services available to you. Rental properties can vary in cost, with studios starting at around €1,000 and two-bedrooms going up to €3,000. If you're a student or digital nomad, living in Vienna can be cheap compared to other European cities.
Vienna is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Europe, with a strong social system that looks after its citizens. The city has a low crime rate and you can feel comfortable walking at night or using public transport alone. However, it is always important to take normal precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas and securing your belongings.
Vienna ranks highly for its quality of life, with good internet speeds, low pollution, and lots of green spaces. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with art, music, and impressive architecture. Additionally, Vienna is known for its social inclusion, promoting good neighbourly relations and respect for different religions, world views, and same-sex relationships.
