Former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867-1918) - now the capital of modern Austria - Vienna has lost none of the charm, architecture or cuisine it was once reserved for royalty. Although not as popular as the other Imperial Prague, Budapest and Zagreb, before 2020, Vienna attracted more than 34 million international tourists who arrived by plane, train and car.
Beethoven, Freud and Gustav Klimt are some of the hometown heroes whose presence can still be felt today and, in some cases, can even be seen in the buildings that bear their legacy. As Austria continues its tourism campaign to showcase lesser-known destinations such as Salzburg, Linz and Graz, it's important to start with the capital as it introduces everything the country has to offer.
Since Vienna is a very walkable city with an excellent subway (U-Bahn) system, you may want to wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes, buy a Vienna Pass at any train station, and pick up a map at any tourist office in the city.
Here are some of my favorite unique neighborhoods in Vienna, as well as suggestions for what to see and do while you're there.
1. Downtown (1Yingshiarea)
All trips to Vienna actually start with a visit to the Innere Stadt (historic district). to goState Opera(Staatsoper) for a 40-minute guided tour (€7 at the time of writing). For opera lovers, show tickets start at around €65, but you need to be flexible about availability and seating.
itCafé Sacher Eck WenenThis is a great place to grab a coffee and continue exploring the historic district. What put this place on my list is the famous Sacher cakes and pastries.
Walk to the corner of Operngasse and Hanuschgasse for a sausage, or stop for a photo in front of the Albertina, a former Habsburg palace that now houses art. From here you are only a few steps away from the palace gardens (Burggarten) and the palace (Hofburg Wien).
Head to the Danube to visit Hohermarkt and Judenplatz (Stephansplatz U-Bahn station), which has been the center of the Jewish Ghetto since the 13th centuryyouto 15youcentury. You can access it from hereJewish Square Museumand the Mittalalterliche synagogue.
Hidden History:high market (Stephansplatz U-Bahn station) was once the site of the public gallows. The area was originally inhabited by the Roman Empire. According to historians, Marcus Aurelius also died of the plague.
2. Leopoldstad (2ηzdarea)
The picturesque Second District is bordered on one side by the Danube and on the other by Prater Park. Depending on your preference, you can take a stroll along the river or head to Platte's amusement park where you will find plenty of entertainment options, includingVinerissenrad(Ferris wheel).
If you're looking for something more active, rent a bike and explore Vienna's 320 km of cycle paths. Most can be recognized by yellow images of cyclists on sidewalks or by images consisting of rows of red bricks on cobblestones or concrete. Some of the most popular routes are in or near Leopoldstadt.
visitChocolate MuseumWell worth it if you have a sweet tooth. You can also learn about dark parts of Vienna's past withBecause crime museum.
My personal favorite activity is visitingSwiss houseBrasserie (Swiss House) at the Pratt Center, open mid-March to late October.
Foodie-melding:Round Leopoldstadt it Greek restaurant Bethel(U-Bahn Schwedenplatz), serving generations of Greeks since 1450. Celebrities like Mozart, Twain, Pavarotti and Johnny Cash have dined here. Highly recommend the Stelze Roast Pig Lay with Cabbage.
3. Weeding (4youarea)
Drive along the popular Kärntner Straße until it turns into Wiedner-Hauptstrasse, the main artery of 4youarea. Galleries, bookshops and local designers are the kind of shops and people you will find in Verdon. Start your exploration at the baroque Karlskirche and the neighboring Karlspltz Square, which attracts students from the Technical University.
Adjacent to the area is the Belvedere Palace, once the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. After a short break, head to the adjacent botanical gardens to explore and view hundreds of exotic plants.
When you're done, head to one of the many Austrian pubs for a cocktail or national beer.
Pro-tip:If you're a fan of craft beer, try the Ottakringer, one of the local favourites. It is available in almost every setting.
4. Mary's help (6youarea)
Every food traveler isbuy snacks, with a series of food stalls between Rechte Wienzeile (right street) and Linke Wienzeile (left street). If you are looking for cheap meals you are in the right place. Hyundai Mariahilf is fullbas(small restaurants), Viennese cafes, bars and shops. Return in the evening to experience Vienna's nightlife.
Lovers of art, music and architecture should stop at Art NouveauOtto Wagner HouseOr visit some of his buildings (e.g. Majolikahaus). Visit the Secessionsgebaude (Secession Building), where artist Gustav Klimt led a Secessionist movement and exhibits some of his most important works. Take the time to visit the home of composer Franz Haydn, who lived in Haydnhaus from 1797 to 1809.
Walk in front of the Akademie der before you leave the areagood art(Academy of Fine Arts) (U-Bahn station Karlsplatz). At this school, the young artist Adolf Hitler was twice refused entry.
Hidden History:Anti-aircraft guns (Flaktrum) (five) were placed around Vienna during World War II to defend the city against enemy fire. You will find two in the Mariahilf area. One at Stiftgasse (closest U-Bahn station is Neubaugasse) and one at Esterházy Park (U-Bahn Neubaugasse).
5. New hall (no. 7youarea)
Starting with the performing arts theater at the Volkstheater, supported by the MuseumsQuartier, the up-and-coming Burggasse stretches from cafes, small craft shops, bars and restaurants all the way to Halbgasse.
The trail is very popular and you will find people of all ages at various points along the way. Neustiftgasse and Lerchenfelder StraBe offer a similar mix, as well as many music venues with modern entertainment and live music. Whichever street you're drawn to, don't overlook the alleyways and connecting lanes. Hermangasse and Neubaugasse are examples of two potentially overlooked but informative streets.
Kaiserstraße in the Schottenfeld district of the 7th districtyouThis area is another personal favorite because of the many small restaurants and neighborhood bars that line the street. Ideal if you prefer a smaller, more intimate place where you can make new friends.
Foodie-melding:this is a personal favouriteUlrich. Found this little restaurant while waiting for a short thunderstorm. I had such a good time there that I stayed after the rain and decided to have dinner there. The Ulrich Burger with optional bacon is delicious!
If you're in the mood for dessert, Vienna's first vegan ice cream is a block away.vegetarianIt's a trial of the moment, but worth it. It is run by sisters Susanna and Cecilia who use natural ingredients.
Vienna has a lot to offer, so once you get the hang of it,hire a local guideShow you the hidden side of the city. If you have time, explore the surrounding areas, such as Lower Austria (Niederösterreich). There are fortresses and castles in the area. You will also find some vineyards.
If you are in the area in the early summer months you will witnessAvondconcert in Schönbrunn Palace.itBregenz Music FestivalAttracting international tourists, it is another interesting event that attracts tourists from all over Europe.
However you choose to spend your time in Vienna, don't spend all your time in the historic district. Yes, there is a lot to see there, but exploring the city will give you a more modern look at Austrian culture and people.
FAQs
What are the best district to live in Vienna? ›
- Innere Stadt.
- Leopoldstadt.
- Wieden.
- Neubau.
- Mariahilf.
- Margareten.
- Landstrasse.
- Alsergrund.
The Innere Stadt and MuseumsQuartier are two of the best overall neighborhoods to stay in Vienna. They are also the best areas to stay in Vienna for first time visitors. ❶ Innere Stadt – Vienna's 1st District: The heart of historic Vienna, this is where you'll find some of the city's most popular tourist attractions.
What neighborhoods are in Vienna? › What is the richest area of Vienna? ›City living in Vienna
District 1, or the Innere Stadt, is the city's most expensive area by far. It boasts a vast 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.
The environment in Landstraße and Wieden
Both Landstraße and Wieden offer good, easy, family-friendly living in Vienna. However, as previously mentioned, Landstraße offers a quieter life, while Wieden is good for young families who want more around them. Nevertheless, both are safe and solid choices.
The results of the study in 2019 once again gave Vienna top marks and made the Austrian federal capital the most livable city in the world for the tenth time in a row. "Vienna scores with its very good medical care and an extremely broad range of cultural and leisure activities".
What is the cheapest neighborhood in Vienna? ›The Herrengasse or "Street of Lords" in Vienna is really popular with sightseers due to the grand palaces lining its length.
What is the most popular square in Vienna? ›The Stephansplatz is a square at the geographical centre of Vienna. It is named after its most prominent building, the Stephansdom, Vienna's cathedral and one of the tallest churches in the world.
Where to live cheap in Vienna? ›Margareten, Favoriten, Fünfhaus, Ottakring and Brigittenau (5, 10, 15, 16, 20) are cheaper districts with character, hidden treasures and multicultural life. Hietzing, Währing and Döbling (13, 18, 19) are wealthy suburbs with high rents.
What is the oldest neighborhood in Vienna? ›
The Innere Stadt is the old town of Vienna. Until the city boundaries were expanded in 1850, the Innere Stadt was congruent with the city of Vienna.
Why is housing in Vienna so cheap? ›Housing costs are low
Because 50% of the Viennese population live in subsidised housing, and pay lower social rents, the effect on private sector rents is to keep them at reasonable levels.
Whilst the majority of Austria's wealthiest people live in Vienna (20,800 people) Lower Austria has the second highest density, with 18,400 millionaires (1.13 percent). Salzburg comes next, followed by Upper Austria, and then Vorarlberg.
What are the poor districts in Vienna? ›The Vienna district of Brigittenau is located on an island between the Danube and the Danube Canal. The 20th district is said to be a hot spot with social problems. After Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus, it is the poorest district in Vienna.
What is the poor section of Vienna? ›Parts of the trans-Danubian boroughs 21 and 22 are not bad either (and fairly cheap, yet quite remote). Really poor parts of Vienna are 2, 10, 11, 12 (the infamous Meidling), 15, and 20. They are not full of criminals (save for some corners maybe), but they are quite shabby and not very clean.
Is Vienna friendly to foreigners? ›Austrians are quite friendly and foreigners are typically received with a warm welcome. Despite this, Austrians tend to lead more private personal lives. It can be difficult to make friends with locals unless one interacts with them on a daily basis at work or as part of a recreational activity.
Is Vienna safe to walk at night? ›As with any city, practice street smarts, and be alert, especially at night and in crowded areas. Do not display any flashy jewelry, and keep your purse and cell phone secure. If you take standard safety precautions, you should not encounter any safety issues in Vienna.
Is Vienna the unfriendliest city in the world? ›Moreover, around one-third (32 percent) are unhappy with their social life (vs 26 percent globally), and 27 percent do not have a personal support system in Vienna (vs 24 percent globally). “I really dislike the grumpiness and the unfriendliness,” said an immigrant from Sweden.
Is Vienna a good place to retire? ›Austria ranks among the top three most livable countries, according to the Global Peace Index. In fact, a recent study by the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Vienna as the most livable city on Earth. This city alone offers a seemingly endless array of museums, fine art and world-renowned architecture.
What is so special about Vienna? ›Vienna has been voted the most liveable city in the world many times over. Three of the reasons: its parks, the Vienna Woods, and its vineyards.
Is Vienna worth moving to? ›
Vienna has always been a popular choice for migrants both from Austria and abroad. The most popular reasons for relocating to Vienna are, of course, academic study, work, and the overall quality of life.
How much is an average apartment in Vienna? ›The average rent for an apartment in Vienna is $2,199. The cost of rent varies depending on several factors, including location, size, and quality.
Where not to stay in Vienna? ›- 1 Rennbahnweg. Whoever wrote "Avoid the Place, especially near the Underground Station, they kill for a phone." was obviously never in Vienna. ...
- 2 Favoriten. ...
- 3 Aspern. ...
- 4 Fünfhaus. ...
- 5 Simmering. ...
- 6 Leopoldstadt. ...
- 7 Praterstern. ...
- 8 Brigittenau.
Summary of cost of living in Vienna, Austria: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,163.0$ (2,947.4€) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 913.1$ (850.9€) without rent.
What is the most beautiful street in Vienna? ›Ringstrasse (the Ring Road)
The world's most beautiful boulevard is home to many of Vienna's most famous sights and museums, as well as grand palaces and spacious parks. Ringstrasse (the Ring Road) is a circular road that separates the historic Innere Stadt (Inner Town) — the 1st district from other Viennese districts.
Ruse is known as “The Little Vienna”. Dozens of heritage-listed buildings have the European Heritage label. Ruse is a port on the Danube, where cultural traces from the West and the East, from the North and the South have landed. The identity of the city is the one of being the bridge between cultures.
What is the old town of Vienna called? ›Encircled by the grand Ringstrasse, the historic Old Town of Vienna, known as Innere Stadt, is a designated World Heritage Site. Today, the “inner city” abounds in upscale shops and cafes lining pedestrianized Kärntner Strasse and Graben, with art galleries and restaurants dotting the surrounding streets.
What is the most beautiful square in Vienna? ›The Stephansplatz is a square at the geographical centre of Vienna. It is named after its most prominent building, the Stephansdom, Vienna's cathedral and one of the tallest churches in the world.
What is the famous house in Vienna? ›The Hundertwasser House in Vienna is one of Austria's architectural highlights. The house designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser draws visitors from around the world.
What is the expensive street in Vienna? ›Kohlmarkt
If Paris has Champs Elysees, Vienna has Kohlmarkt. Known as the city's most exclusive and expensive shopping street, this pedestrianised luxury shopping mecca in Vienna is home to numerous luxury brands. From high fashion to gemstones and fine jewellery, discover high-end brands in almost every category.
Is it better to live in Vienna or Zurich? ›
Since 2009, Vienna has displaced Zurich from its top position in Mercer's annual quality of living ranking.
What is the homeless rate in Vienna? ›The Vienna Social Welfare Reports show that the number of users of homeless services is increasing from year to year. About 10,000 clients used homeless services in 2015 (2009: 7,526 clients; 2010: 8,180 clients; 2013: 9,770 clients). There were 177,000 overnight stays in night shelters in 2015 .
What is the quality of life in Vienna? ›In the 2019 issue of its quality of living survey, the international consulting agency Mercer has again ranked Vienna the city with the highest quality of living worldwide. Vienna has topped this ranking without interruption since 2009.
What is the sister city of Vienna? ›The Twin-Cities Vienna and Bratislava got this name because no other capitals in Europe are closer together.
What is Vienna downtown called? ›Innere Stadt is the city centre, with numerous historical sites and few residents. Leopoldstadt is the island between the Danube and the Donaukanal, with Praterstern, Vienna's most frequented traffic spot, and the Prater with Vienna's iconic Giant Wheel.
What is the unique house in Vienna? ›Hundertwasser House (in German Hundertwasserhaus) is Vienna's architectural highlight. It looks like a bizarre picture that comes to life before your eyes. It is not a museum. There are no exhibits inside, no galleries, no famous historical figures lived here.
Can Americans buy property in Vienna? ›Frequently asked questions. Can foreigners buy property in Austria? Yes, foreigners are allowed to buy real estate in Austria. If they don't have a residence permit in Austria, they need to obtain a permit for buying real estate.
Where is the cheapest place in Austria to live? ›In general, Vienna and Innsbruck are consistently ranked the most expensive cities in Austria, while the cheapest, or most affordable, cities include Graz and Klagenfurt.
How can I save money living in Vienna? ›- Buy the right pass. (The hop on, hop off bus included in the Vienna Pass) ...
- Buy tickets in advance. ...
- Buy combination tickets. ...
- Check for concessions. ...
- If you're on a very tight budget. ...
- Plan your route. ...
- Buy a network travel pass. ...
- Time your arrival.
| Global ranking | Name | Net worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1804 | Michael Tojner | 1.6 billion |
| 2020 | Reinold Geiger | 1.4 billion |
| 2259 | Ulrich Mommert | 1.2 billion |
| 2259 | Toto Wolff | 1 billion |
Is Austria more rich than Germany? ›
In 2014, every Austrian resident had an average of €48,416 in financial assets, making the country the 17th richest out of 50 countries. Germany fell from 16th to 18th place, with an average of €44.769 per resident.
Where do most expats live in Austria? ›Unsurprisingly, Vienna is one of the most popular cities in Austria among expats. The illustrious capital city offers truly world-class living, including some of Austria's most captivating museums. That said, there are plenty of other beautiful cities in Austria to consider calling home.
Is Vienna the cleanest city? ›Vienna is top in the following disciplines:
Recycling and composting programs are top: 30% of the city's energy requirement is covered by renewable sources. Trash recycling can also be stylish: In Vienna, energy is also art. Local farmer's markets supply the city with the best food.
The core zone of Vienna comprises all lines within Vienna (train, Badner Bahn, bus, tram, underground and most regional bus lines). It does not include airport buses, the Westbahn train and the City Airport Train (CAT).
Is Vienna budget friendly? ›Despite all its history and beauty, Vienna isn't the cheapest city in the world. In fact, Austria was ranked as the 18th most expensive country to live in the world by CEOWORLD Magazine, and while not as expensive as famously-expensive London, if you're on a budget you might feel the pinch.
What is Vienna crime? ›In 2022, 57,855 property crime reports were filed with the police in Vienna, an increase of 24.6 percent from 2021 but still below the levels of 2019. In the year reviewed, 5,286 offences of pickpocketing and small thefts were reported (2013: 22,323). The number of residential burglaries was 2,873 (2013: 8,703).
What is the most hipster district in Vienna? ›Home to Vienna's historic cultural center
Neubau is a popular district among artistic youths and hipsters with its many boutiques, designer stores, hip diners and galleries. Throughout the day, the cafés around the central courtyard are popular hangout spots with the locals.
Blutgasse. The Blutgasse in the 1st district of Vienna's Inner City is one of the oldest streets in Vienna. The foundations of the houses partly go back to the 12th century.
What is the 1 district in Vienna? ›The 1st district of Vienna, or also called “Innere Stadt”, forms the historical core of the capital of Austria. Basically, the 1st district is more or less delimited by the Vienna Ring Road. Until 1850, Vienna consisted only of the first district – until the adjoining communities were added.
How can an American live in Vienna? ›Relocating to Vienna
It depends on your situation which visa you require, but it's suggested that you apply for a residence permit before you plan to move to Austria. Finding accommodation in Vienna that meets your needs can come at a high price; if you intend to stay for a long time, buying property is recommended.
Can Americans retire in Vienna? ›
Austria offers several visas to Americans, but the most popular one for retirees is a settlement permit. To qualify for a settlement permit, a person must prove that he or she has sufficient funds, health insurance and a place to live.
How many Americans live in Vienna? ›Where do Austria-based Americans live? As to be expected, Vienna is the top location for Americans in Austria with the largest number of US residents living in the nation's capital city. The data from Statistik Austria shows that there are 4,492 American residents living in Vienna.
What is the famous Vienna social housing? ›The best known social housing building is the Karl Marx Hof, which extends over several tram stations (about 1.2 km). Of course, Vienna has many more mega buildings to marvel at, where tens of thousands of Viennese have found their home.
What is the average rental in Vienna? ›What is the average rent for an apartment in Vienna? Average rent for apartments in Vienna is 1029€ and increased by 1.6% in the last month.