Vienna: My City, My Favourite

Vienna, my home since May 2022, is a city I could write about endlessly, and I feel privileged to live and work here. It is an international city, rich in culture and diversity. The green spaces truly stand out – around half of Vienna is covered by parks, forests, and gardens, and I have seen few cities with parks as beautiful as these.

Its public transport system is among the best I know: everything is easily accessible.

While the city maintains a high standard of living, it is still relatively affordable compared to many other European capitals, which makes it even more special. Vienna perfectly combines tradition and modernity.

Historically, Vienna was the centre of the Habsburg dynasty and has shaped Europe over centuries. The city still impresses with its Hofburg Palace, Austrian National Library, Parliament, and numerous churches – there are more than 200 across the city.

Vienna is also a city of culture, hosting balls, operas, and world-famous museums, some of my favourites being the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History.

When it comes to nature and sport, Vienna has plenty to offer. I often go running or cycling through its parks and along the river.

One special place is the Danube Island – a 21-kilometre-long, narrow island between the Danube River and the New Danube, ideal for swimming, cycling, and spending summer days outdoors.

The city hiking trails (Stadtwanderwege) around Vienna are also an excellent way to explore the surrounding hills and forests.

Since spring 2025, I have started exploring the castles around Vienna by bike, riding to Laxenburg in Lower Austria and Kreuzenstein in Leobendorf. Laxenburg Castle served as a summer residence of the Habsburgs and is surrounded by beautiful nature, making it a popular destination for a day trip.

Kreuzenstein Castle, originally built in the Middle Ages and later reconstructed in the 19th century, sits on a hill overlooking the Danube and offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside. Lower Austria’s nature and peaceful atmosphere make it a place where I plan to buy a house one day.