Capital of Österreich: Vienna

Hey friends,

I hope each of you is doing well! It has been a while since I last shared my insights about Istanbul. This time, I want to talk about another beautiful city—one that was once the capital of a great European empire and has been ranked as the most livable city in the world multiple times in a row.

Can you guess which city it is? I can already hear some of you saying, Vienna! Yes, you're right! Vienna, the capital of Austria, sits in the heart of Europe, boasting stunning palaces and breathtaking architecture.

In this blog, I want to share my thoughts on Vienna, as this feels like the perfect moment—especially since I am currently here for my Erasmus exchange. To help you see the city through the eyes of a foreign student, I will highlight three remarkable aspects of Vienna.

But before we dive in, here’s a fun fact: Did you know that Vienna is the largest capital city located on the Danube? While several cities and capitals are situated along this river, Vienna is the biggest among them!

Vienna City Hall ( By Steve Lonergan)

1. A City of History

   First and foremost, Vienna is a city full of history, with its old town center, museums, and palaces. As you start exploring, you’ll immediately notice the magnificent buildings—not only because of their stunning appearance but also their deep historical significance. This imperial atmosphere stems from the Austrian Empire and the Holy Roman Empire, both ruled by the House of Habsburg. In this regard, you can visit the Hofburg Palace in the city center or the Schönbrunn Palace, located just outside the center. These landmarks reflect the grandeur of Vienna’s imperial past and are must-visit sites for anyone interested in history.

2. Modern Vienna: Transport & Green Spaces

Beyond its rich history, modern Vienna has remarkable features that make it the most livable city in the world. Two aspects, in particular, stand out: transportation and nature conservation.

Getting around Vienna is incredibly easy thanks to its well-organized public transportation system. You usually have at least two or three different options to reach your destination. For instance, to get from the city center to my dormitory, I have three direct routes to choose from!

Another wonderful aspect of Vienna is its abundance of green spaces. There are plenty of parks where you can sit, relax, or take a walk along the Danube (since, unfortunately, we don’t have the sea here :). The city's dedication to preserving nature truly enhances the quality of life.

3. Vienna’s Coffee Houses & Music Halls

Lastly, I want to highlight Vienna’s famous coffee houses and music halls.

Viennese coffee houses are well known for their charming and relaxing atmosphere, transporting you back to the 18th century. They provide the perfect environment to enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the city’s cultural heritage.

In addition to its historic cafés, Vienna is also home to world-renowned music halls, such as the Musikverein. Built over 150 years ago, this concert hall still retains many of its original features and is an architectural masterpiece. If you visit Vienna, I highly recommend booking a ticket for a classical music concert to fully experience Viennese culture!

Musikverein

Thank you for reading!

As always, I want to clarify that I share my content with like-minded people who have similar interests. I strive to provide trustworthy and valuable information.

I hope one day you get the chance to visit this wonderful city!