City Guide for Expats in Vibrant Vienna | Wien, Wien, nur du allein

Whether you’ve lived here for years or have just started thinking about moving here, expats in Vienna love the city for many aspects. Read our City Guide for Expats in Vibrant Vienna and learn everything there is to know.

Facts about Vienna

Vienna is both the capital and an independent province of Austria. About 1.9 min. people live here, which means a good fifth of the total population of Austria.

Since Vienna already played an important role in international diplomacy at the Congress of Vienna, it is still an important meeting place of more than 30 international organizations, such as OPEC, the IAEA and the OSCE. The so-called Viennese Schmäh, i.e. Viennese charm, also characterizes the city and makes it something special, attracting about 7.5 million tourists every year. Classicism, art and clichés are attributes to reckon with when you move here.

Vienna’s cityscape is characterized by coffeehouses, historic buildings and many green spaces. Its artistic and intellectual heritage was shaped by residents such as Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. Moreover, you cannot get past the most famous Viennese: Sissi, the well-known empress of Austria who lived in the 19th century, shapes the city and you continuously walk past buildings and places that are connected with her.

There are, of course, numerous other highlights that make Vienna unique. Usually it is best to get get a feel for the city yourself, because after all, everyone sets their own priorities when it comes to deciding which city to live in. However we are confident that expats in Vienna will definitely enjoy this cosmopolitan, attractive city that has a lot to offer.

What is living in Vienna like?

The average rent in Vienna ranges from 14.25 € to 21.23 € per square meter.

The 17th district is the most popular residential district for the Viennese. The burgeoning area with many new construction projects is in demand. The 15th district has become an absolute trendy neighbourhood in recent years with new pubs, good public transport connections and many new apartments.

Especially for young people, Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus is exciting. In the Sonnwendviertel, you can find start-up companies right next to modern apartment buildings. Expats in Vienna also like Floridsdorf, a large and diverse district particularly popular with families: it is both urban and rural.

How is the public transport system in Vienna?

Vienna’s subway network consists of five lines, while the S-Bahn has ten lines available for transportation. In addition, there are about a hundred bus lines that make daily life easier. Vienna Airport is a hub for flights, especially to Eastern Europe and the Middle East. From there, 77 airlines fly to 68 countries worldwide with 217 destinations. So in terms of connectivity, Vienna is well equipped, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to reach a destination.

What are some traditional dishes in Vienna?

What makes Vienna so special? Viennese cuisine, of course, unsurpassed in its diversity and with its influences from the former countries of the Habsburg monarchy. Traditional dishes are manyfold from Wiener Schnitzel to goulash, along with a really good – let’s call it that – “everyday gastronomy”: the Viennese Beisl. 

A Beisl is a typical Viennese eatery. Down-to-earth, cozy and homey, it holds its own in a booming restaurant scene and offers genuine Viennese cuisine. The term Beisl probably comes from Yiddish – from “bajiss” (house). The classic Viennese Beisl has a spacious bar, where wine is chilled and beer is tapped. The Beisl is definitely worth a visit if you want to try the following dishes:

Those who prefer international cuisine will of course also find what they are looking for in Vienna. Virtually every district of the city has both a Beisl and restaurants with international cuisine. Ask the locals for tips!

Vienna is a city with world flair. Expats in Vienna will not only find good professional conditions, but also a metropolis that combines modernity with history and tradition. The only thing you have to get used to is the Viennese “Schmäh”! Have fun exploring!

Looking for an English-speaking service in Vienna? Browse through our categories or contact us through our Concierge Services! We are here to help you simplify your life as an expat in Vienna.