Global City Explorer

Vienna

The City of Music - Austria's Cultural Capital

City Overview

Basic Information

City: Vienna
Country: Austria
Region: Vienna State
Population: 1.9 million
Founded: 500 BC (as Vindobona)

Geographic Information

Coordinates: 48.2082° N, 16.3738° E
Area: 414.65 km²
Elevation: 151 m
Time Zone: CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2)
Climate: Humid continental

Key Facts

UN Country Code: AUT
Language: German
Currency: Euro (EUR)
GDP (Metro): €100 billion
Airport: Vienna International Airport

Nearby Cities

Bratislava

Bratislava

Slovakia

60 km
View Details
Budapest

Budapest

Hungary

240 km
View Details
Prague

Prague

Czech Republic

325 km
View Details
Munich

Munich

Germany

440 km
View Details

About Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria and its largest city, is located in the northeastern part of the country, on the Danube River. With a history dating back to the Roman Empire as the military camp Vindobona, Vienna has evolved into one of Europe's most important cultural, political, and economic centers.

Known as the "City of Music," Vienna has been home to many of the world's greatest composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss. The city's musical heritage is celebrated through its numerous opera houses, concert halls, and annual events like the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Concert.

Vienna is also famous for its imperial architecture, with landmarks such as Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen's Cathedral showcasing the city's rich history. The city's historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its unique blend of Baroque, Gothic, and modern architecture.

Renowned for its high quality of life, Vienna consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities. The city offers excellent public transportation, green spaces, and a rich cultural scene, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.

Location

Population Growth

Climate Overview

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Vienna is during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild (15-25°C) and crowds are smaller. Summer (June to August) is warm and busy with festivals, while winter (December to February) offers magical Christmas markets and the chance to experience Viennese winter traditions.

Note: Vienna's Christmas markets are world-famous and run from late November to Christmas Eve.

Currency & Budget

The currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Vienna is a moderately expensive city, so budget accordingly. Expect to spend around €120-200 per day for accommodation, food, transportation, and attractions. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.

Tip: Look for affordable food options in the Naschmarkt or at traditional Viennese sausage stands.

Getting Around

Vienna has an excellent public transportation system, including U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams, and buses. The Vienna Card offers unlimited travel for 24, 48, or 72 hours and discounts on attractions. Walking and cycling are also great ways to explore the city, especially in the historic center. Ride-sharing services like Uber are available but not as common as in other major cities.

Tip: Download the Wiener Linien app for real-time information and navigation.

Local Cuisine

Viennese cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), and Sacher-Torte (chocolate cake). Don't miss trying traditional pastries like Apfelstrudel and Kaiserschmarrn. For a unique experience, visit a traditional heuriger (wine tavern) in the Vienna Woods to sample local wines and food.

Tip: Pair your meal with a glass of Grüner Veltliner, Austria's most famous white wine.