A Student’s Guide to Vienna

Marissa Giustina, from the US, is a PhD student at the University of Vienna’s faculty of physics. She shares what she’s learned about Viennese culture, getting more for your euro, and where to find the best eating spot in town.

I’ve been in Vienna since September 2010, and I like it very much. It’s a very easy place to live, with lots of students and lots to do.

Graduate students especially can also benefit from the fact that there are multiple universities and research institutions here. As a physics student at the University of Vienna, I can pursue research at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, enroll for classes at Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), and collaborate with people at TU Wein’s Atominstitut.

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Getting around town

This is the first place I’ve lived where I don't feel hindered by not owning a car. As the city’s fairly compact, many places are within walking distance, and the public transport system is excellent, even by European standards.

Cycling is also popular, and while I don’t own a bike myself, I have used the CityBike system. This allows you to borrow bikes from stations all over the city, and the first hour of use is free of charge.

As a student under 26, it’s possible to receive discounts on everything from public transport to museum season passes, and also at the University Sport Institute, where you can find pretty much every athletic activity imaginable (and some you’ve probably never heard of before).

I also love walking and, especially in the summer, Vienna offers a variety of settings. My favorites include the historic ‘first district’, the beach-like Donauinsel (Danube Island), the majestic grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace, and the swampy and beautiful Lobau National Park.

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Experience Viennese culture

For those new to the city, I’d recommend a trip to the Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper), which sells standing places for just €4. You have to get there early and be willing to stand, but these are actually some of the best views in the house.

Next, visit a Kaffeehaus – or better, visit several. These are a real cultural experience, and no two are exactly alike. (If your waiter seems snobby or rude, dismiss it as cultural difference.)

The Viennese do have a reputation for being grumpy, but I’ve met a lot of very pleasant people here, and even a few words can go a long way.

If you’re not a native German speaker, learn some German, and if you are, learn some Wienerisch (the German dialect spoken in Vienna). I have found this reveals new opportunities, whether it be discovering a new food or cultural aspect, or connecting with others who share an interest or hobby.

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Try something new

Personally, I’ve rediscovered my love of tap dancing, something I started as a child and have taken up again here.

As I enjoy cooking and baking, especially trying new foods and recipes, Vienna’s markets are also very valuable to me. I most often visit the Naschmarkt, Yppenplatz markt and Brunnenmarkt, and on occasion the Karmelitermarkt.

Finally, I should mention the Meierei im Stadtpark restaurant, the dairy-focused ‘little sister’ of the renowned Steirereck Restaurant.

The food here is delicious and the eating area wonderfully decorated – full of light, and set in the lovely Stadtpark. It’s worth a stop for anything from a glass of wine to a plate of cheeses or a full meal – but this is one location for which I always try to dress up just a little.

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