Top 10 Amazing Facts about the city of Vienna

Vienna is the national capital, largest city, and the most populous city in the country of Austria, with nearly 2 million locals. Often considered Austrian culture’s epicenter, containing various museums, cultural attractions, businesses, schools, political centers, and outdoor spaces, Vienna is a bustling capital city. 

The 6ht-largest city by population within city limits in the EU, Vienna is an influential and interesting city that its history and culture have shaped. Let’s check out some of the most amazing – and lesser-known – facts about the ever-busy metropolis and tourist destination.

10. Vienna has a VERY high quality of life

Danube Canal in Vienna, image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Vienna isn’t just a popular city to visit but also a destination for those who want to relocate. Known for its high quality of life, this city was ranked first in a 2005 study of 127 world cities worldwide. Between 2011 and 2015, Vienna was ranked the second best city behind the Australian city of Melbourne. 

A few years later, in 2018, Vienna claimed the top spot in the list – besting every other city in the world in terms of livability, considering economic status, cultural attractions, happiness, inclusiveness, and other important factors.

For ten years between 2009 and 2019, Vienna was continuously ranked first in the ‘Quality of Living’ survey of hundreds of cities worldwide, according to Mercer, a prominent human-resource firm. 

9. Various Ethnic Groups Live in Vienna

Vienna U-Bahn Westbahnhof – By Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Vienna is a diverse city that every metropolis in the world should strive for, promoting inclusivity and foreigners to feel appreciated and welcomed. According to a population census at the beginning of 2019, there were nearly 78,000 Serbians, 47,000 Germans, 45,000 Turks, 43,000 Poles, 33,000 Romanians, 24,000 Hungarians, 24,000 Syrians, 22,000 Croatians, 21,000 Bosnians, and 18,000 Bulgarians who called Vienna home.

8. Glass of Pinot, Anyone?

Wien Heurigen Lokal – By By Otto Domes – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57516598

Vienna is the only capital city to produce significant amounts of wine within city limits. Yes, that’s right – this means you don’t need to travel via bus, train, or car to a vineyard wayyyyy out in the suburbs. Instead, you can visit one o the many wineries within Vienna, strolling around the vineyards and smelling the grapes’ sweet aroma that is used to make your favorite wines. 

Want to get just a little bit of exercise in while having one – or five – glasses of the popular  Grüner Veltliner or Rheinriesling? Well, walk along Vienna’s Wine Trail to make it feel as if you are hiking your way between vineyards, burning off some of those alcohol calories while sobering up along the way.

7. Not Just Wine, Music Too

Vienna State Opera – By By JP – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1986332

Vienna is not only known for being a wine ‘capital’ per se – this city is also called ‘The City of Music.’ Home to world-renowned and influential composers like Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven, Vienna has been home to more composers than any other city globally, influencing the modern music scene today. 

6. Hopefully, You’re Not Afraid of Heights

Wiener Riesengrad – By By Donar Reiskoffer – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14126823

The Wiener Riesenrad is the oldest operating Ferris wheel – in the entire world. Not just in Europe, this attraction was built in 1897 and took the cake for the oldest-standing and currently-working Ferris wheel globally. For many locals, this structure is one of the main symbols of the city. 

5. Dogs Are A Viennese Man’s Best Friend

Dog walking woman – By By Amin – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68718600

If you’re an animal lover, you’ll find it hard to walk down any city street in Vienna without seeing a cute dog to run over and pet – with the owner’s consent, of course. Luckily for you, dog owners and passersby love our four-legged friends who you see on the street just as much as people. 

4. Got Rhythm?

Tanzturnier – By By Sigismund von Dobschütz – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11121855

If you want to try a traditional Austrian activity, attend a Viennese waltz. Vienna is home to over 300 balls each YEAR, which are usually held during the waltzing season – yes, this dance has its own season in the calendar year. From January to March, you can attend or follow the culture around the Philharmonic Ball or the Blumenball, a famous occasion known for its flower arrangements and beautiful atmosphere. 

3. Schnitzel – The National Dish

Wiener Schnitzel – By By Kobako – photo taken by Kobako, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1315226

The country’s national dish is Weiner Schnitzel, a crunchy, tasty, savory, and hearty meal often served as a big lunch or dinner around the country. Consisting of thin veal cutlets with egg and breadcrumbs, this dish is usually served with sauce and a side of salad. 

2. Hope You Saved Room For Dessert

Sachertorte – By By David Monniaux – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=131829

After you have enjoyed your first Schnitzel in Vienna, it’s time for something sweet to top off the meal. We have an idea – Sacher Torte. The Sacher Torte, a rich chocolate cake that will surely fill you up until the next meal – or the next day – is the perfect way to end your day in Vienna. 

1. You Should Move Here – Seriously! 

Vienna Austria – By By Manfred Werner – User:Tsui – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1474604

Vienna has been voted the #1 city in the world in terms of livability for multiple years running. Beating out world-renowned cities like Melbourne, Vancouver, and London, Vienna combines cultural attractions, economic prowess, affordability, job opportunities, education centers, parks and green spaces, and recreational activities, this city is one of the BEST in the entire world.