VIENNA

Science, culture, and quality of life meet in the world’s most liveable city.

Vienna is a centre for science and innovation, home to a wide range of research institutions, universities, and companies working at the forefront of artificial intelligence, medicine, and the life sciences. With more than 1,500 research institutions and around 51,000 people employed in research and development, the city offers an inspiring and dynamic environment for scholars, innovators, and professionals alike.

Education is deeply rooted in Vienna’s identity. Nearly 200,000 university and college students study across its many institutions — and about one in four come from abroad. This international spirit enriches both academic life and the city’s open, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Beyond its scientific and academic excellence, Vienna is celebrated for its rich history and cultural vibrancy. As a United Nations city with a large English-speaking community, Vienna provides countless opportunities for people from all backgrounds to engage, explore, and feel at home.

Adding to its charm, Vienna is also one of the greenest capitals in the world. Nearly 50% of its total area is made up of green spaces — including woods, parks, gardens, meadows, and farmland.

Public Transportation

KlimaTicket Ö

WienMobil App

The WienMobil app is very useful when traveling in Vienna. You can:

• Check timetables and plan your trip
• Buy tickets directly in the app
• Access car and bike sharing services

Learn more about WienMobil

Airport Connections

You can reach Vienna Airport by train or commuter train using Wiener Linien tickets. With a valid ticket for Vienna’s core zone, you only need to buy one additional zone ticket.

Alternative options:

• Vienna Airport Lines – Designated airport buses
• City Airport Train (CAT) – Direct train from city center
• Aiport Taxi – Please note that normal taxis in Vienna usually charge higher rates for airport transfers. For better prices, we recommend booking a special airport taxi in advance, as these offer fixed fares and are generally much more affordable.

Mobility in Vienna

Cycling in Vienna

Vienna is a good city to explore with your bike. There is a well-developed cycle network throughout the whole city comprising more than 1,600 kilometers.

Important Information

• Traffic rules for cyclists
• Bike rental & bike-sharing
• Bikes on public transportation

Driving in Vienna

When operating a motor vehicle in Austria, it’s mandatory to have both your driver’s license and vehicle registration certificate on hand at all times.

• Parking in Vienna – Most of the city has short-term parking zones
• Converting foreign driver’s licenses
• Obtaining a driver’s license in Austria
• Vehicle regulations – Speed limits, driving with foreign plates, etc.

Culture & Music

Vienna is famous for its culture, offering everything from street art to Gustav Klimt, from classical music to musicals — and much more!

Event Calendars

• Events in Vienna – Vienna Tourist Board
• Events – Vienna Würstelstand
• Events & Activities – Visiting Vienna

Sights & Culture

• Overview of sights & culture – Vienna Tourist Board
• Opera & operettas in Vienna
• Museums & exhibitions in Vienna

Annual Festivals & Events

Sports & Recreation

Vienna offers a myriad of sports and leisure activities — to participate or to watch!

Shopping & Everyday Life

Supermarkets

Different supermarket chains in Vienna:

• SPAR, EuroSpar, Interspar – Various sizes and product ranges
• BILLA & BILLA PLUS – Bigger stores with extensive product range
• LIDL, PENNY, HOFER – Cheaper but well-sorted chains

International Supermarkets

• Bobby’s Food Store – Products from the U.S., Britain, and Ireland
• Etsan – Oriental supermarket chain
• Casa México – Specialties from Mexico and South America
• PROSI Exotic Supermarket – Largest international supermarket in Vienna

Drug Stores

Drug store chains offering cosmetics, household supplies, baby supplies, etc.:

• DM
• BIPA
• Müller – Also offers office supplies, games, toys, and kitchen supplies

Recycling & Waste Management

In Vienna, you are expected to separate your waste:

• Household waste: Black container (orange signage)
• Paper: Green container with red lid/signage
• Glass: Bins with colored lids (white for colorless, green for tinted)
• Plastic bottles, metal, cans, tetra paks: Yellow container (“Gelbe Tonne”)
• Compost: Brown container (where available)

Note: Starting 2025, there will be a 0.25€ deposit on one-way cans and plastic bottles for beverages.

Waste collection points for hazardous waste, used cooking oil, batteries, etc.

Food & Drinks

Austrian Cuisine & Coffee House Culture

The most famous Viennese dish is the Wiener Schnitzel. Vienna also offers vegetarian dishes like Krautfleckerl. As a very international city, there are restaurants offering food from almost every corner of the world.

Vienna is well-known for its coffee house culture. Many classical coffee houses have a long list of coffee options.

• Viennese Cuisine – Vienna Tourist Board
• History of Viennese coffee house culture
• 10 fun facts about Vienna coffeehouses

Finding Restaurants & Cafés

• Yelp – Find and rate local businesses
• Der Falter Lokalführer – Restaurant reviews (German)
• Coffee house walk through all 23 districts

Annual Culinary Events

• Vienna Wine Hiking Day – September (German)
• Vienna Genussfestival – May (German)
• Veganmania – Vegan food festival (German)
• Vienna Craft Beer Fest (German)
• European Street Food Festival

Family-Friendly Activities

Museums, Animals & Parks

• ZOOM Vienna Children’s Museum
• Haus der Musik – House of Music
• Vienna Museum of Science & Technology
• Natural History Museum Vienna
• Schönbrunn Palace Children’s Museum
• Schönbrunn Zoo
• Haus des Meeres – Aqua Terra Zoo
• Landgut – Wien Cobenzl
• Prater – Amusement park

Libraries

The City of Vienna has a great library system called Bücherei Wien with 37 branches all over the city.

The main library (Hauptbücherei) is at Urban Loritz Platz, above U6 subway station “Burggasse-Stadthalle”.

Special branch: Kinderbücherei der Weltsprachen – Children’s Library for World Languages, with books in 14,000 different languages.

The library card is free for children (up to 18 years).

Language Classes

Learning German will greatly enhance your experience in Vienna. Various institutions offer German language courses:

• Vienna Adult Education Centers (VHS)
• Goethe-Institut
• Private language schools

The Vienna Library also offers events for people learning German, including a Language Café at the Main Library on Tuesdays (16:00-17:30).

Social Networks & Expat Communities

There are many international communities in Vienna where expats and Austrians come together:

• English Speakers in Austria
• InterNations Expat Community Vienna
• Vienna Expats Facebook Group
• Foreigners & Expats in Vienna & Austria Facebook Group
• Expat Club by Vienna Business Agency
• Vienna Family Network