Living in Vienna
Discover life in one of the world’s most liveable cities.
About Vienna
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
Vienna’s Public Transport
- Includes subway, trams, buses, and commuter trains
- Well-developed network covering almost all of Vienna
- Tickets available at stations, in machines, and via the WienMobil app
- Always validate your ticket before traveling
Annual Pass (Jahreskarte)
For residents, the most cost-effective ticket is the annual pass:
- Cost: 365 Euro per year (1 Euro per day)
- Format: Available as a physical card or digital-only in the WienMobil app
Student Tickets
Students under 26 can purchase a “Semesterticket” valid for 5 months during summer or winter semester.
Discounted monthly tickets are also available for students during summer months.
Klimaticket Ö
KlimaTicket Ö
All public transport in Austria with a single ticket. Simple and inexpensive. A valuable contribution to the climate of our planet.
- Cost: 1300 Euro per year
- Format: Available as a physical card or digital-only in the WienMobil app
Useful Resources for Public Transport
Public transport overview – City of Vienna
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
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:
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.
Vienna Airport Lines – Designated airport buses
City Airport Train (CAT) – Direct train from city center
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
Useful Resources
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.
Useful Resources
Culture and Music
Vienna is famous for its culture, offering everything from street art to Gustav Klimt, from classical music to musicals — and much more!
Annual Events
Vienna Film Festival
Annual festival offering food and screenings of concerts and musicals in front of City Hall. No admission.
Donauinselfest
Annual music festival on Danube Island with local and international acts. No admission.
Popfest
Music festival showcasing local pop with more than 50 acts on and around Karlsplatz. No admission.
Summer Night Concert
Annual open-air concert by the Vienna Philharmonics at Schönbrunn Palace. No admission.
Sports and Recreation
Vienna offers a myriad of sports and leisure activities — to participate or to watch!
Outdoor Activities
Ball sports: Many parks offer basketball courts, football courts, table tennis tables
Volleyball courts (free)
Hiking and Nature
Annual music festival on Danube Island with local and international acts. No admission.
Useful Resources
Shopping and Everyday Life
Opening Hours
Post offices: Monday-Friday 8:00-18:00, Saturday until noon
Stores: Monday-Friday 9:00-18:30, Saturday until 17:00 or 18:00
Shopping malls: Some open until 20:00 or 21:00 during the week
Supermarkets: Often open from 7:40, until 20:00
Sunday shopping: Available at railway stations, airport, and museum shops
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
Shopping Malls
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 and 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 Network and 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
General Resources for Living in Vienna
- Vienna’s Official Travel Guide
- StartWien – Free support program for new residents
- Living and Working in Vienna Guide
- Vienna Würstelstand – Online magazine for expats
- Expatica for Internationals
Need Help?
Our HR team is here to support you throughout your journey at AITHYRA.