Vienna International Guide to Lifestyle, Travel, Arts & Culture & More

Austria's European Heritage Day - Join Them!

Take a closer look at the culture of your host country and take part in the Austrian edition of European Heritage Day 2018. On "Tag des Denkmals (Monument Day)", the Federal Monuments Office invites you on a cultural-historical journey through Austria's monument landscape: numerous listed objects open their doors free of charge, special programme items and guided tours provide a very special view of Austria's cultural heritage and enable you to experience monument protection and preservation.

September 20, 2018

Most Successful Season for Viennese Musicals: "I am from Austria" Extended

"I am from Austria" and "Dance of the Vampires (Tanz der Vampire)" have a booked capacity of almost 100%. In total, more than half a million visitors attended the two shows.

September 7, 2018

Aristocratic Wertheim Palace in New Splendour

The Ring-Road Palace Wertheim (Palais Wertheim) presents itself as a new full service event location in the First District of Vienna. The Palace Wertheim was built in 1868 by Heinrich Ferstel for the tycoon Franz Ritter von Wertheim. On a total area of more than 1.000m² and 6 meters room height three impressive halls with different design variations are available. The palace became known primarily through the opening of the first and thus oldest McDonald’s branch in Vienna, which still exists at present.

April 30, 2018 · Sponsored Content

Diversity Ball 2018 at the Kursalon Vienna: "Your Time Is Now"

The 11th Diversity Ball 2018 with the theme "Your time is Now" will take place on May 5th 2018 and will transform the location Kursalon Wien into a shining symbol for practiced tolerance in our community. In a glittering ball night the organizers would like to set an example for the diversity of our community, for tolerance, accessibility and mutual respect.

April 27, 2018

Vienna Forever the Most Livable of All Cities?

For the ninth time in a row, Vienna has been ranked number 1 worldwide in the Mercer Quality of Living ranking. Vienna owes this to the generous and liberal spending policy of the city government of recent decades. In view of the expected budget cuts, it remains to be seen whether Vienna will be able to maintain this leading position in the future.

March 20, 2018

Culture Tech at SXSW in Austin, Texas: The Austrian Version of Cultural Diplomacy

Austria was present at the 2018 music festival South-by-Southwest-Festival (SXSW) in Austin with a selection of its most innovative entrepreneurs and artists from culture, music and the start-up industry. The heart of the domestic performance was the Austrian Day at the German House in the legendary Barracuda Club. In the setting of a traditional Viennese coffee house inspired by Café Landtmann, the menu included inspiring discussions, technical innovations and entertaining performances in addition to Viennese sausages and Sacher cake.

March 16, 2018

World Happiness Report: Austria 12th Happiest Country in the World

In this year's World Happiness Report, published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Austria comes in 12th place, one place better than a year ago. Finland is the happiest country in the world, but the other Scandinavian countries are also in the lead.

March 15, 2018

Man Ray at the Kunstforum Wien: "To Create is Divine, to Reproduce is Human"

Until 24 June 2018, the Kunstforum Wien is showing the exhibition "Man Ray", which portrays the significant painter and photographer Man Ray (born Emmanuel Radnitzky) in a selection of 150 key works from all over the world.

March 8, 2018

IAEA Staff Association Ball 2018 Review: Colours of Africa

Recently, the IAEA Staff Association Ball 2018 took place in the halls of the Vienna Hofburg. Many international guests came together under the motto "Colors of Africa". A great multicultural ball with fantastic dancefloors from ballroom to latin to disco. A glittering and happy end to the 2018 ball season.

March 7, 2018

The Collection of a Billionaire - Heidi Horten Impresses with her Art Collection - WOW!

Heidi Goëss-Horten, a billionaire and with an estimated total net wealth of more than € 3.0 billion the fourth-richest person in Austria, presents a selection of her private art collection. With the exhibition "WOW! The Heidi Horten Collection" one of the most worthwhile art collections in Europe will be presented to the public for the first time. Curated by Agnes Husslein-Arco, the exhibition features 170 exhibits by 75 artists. To get a taste, take a look at our picture gallery!

February 21, 2018

Chinese Activist Ai Weiwei Displays His Work in Vienna

The conceptual artist, documentary filmmaker and activist Ai Weiwei is one of the most well known artists of our time. The 21er Haus will present his work at the exhibition “Ai Weiwei. translocation – transformation” from 14 July to 20 November 2016.

June 30, 2016

International Cuisine and Music Film Festival at City Hall Square

From 14 July to 4 September, Vienna’s City Hall Square is a vibrant meeting place for night owls who enjoy combining culture with food. Delicious dishes and music films from opera to pop guarantee great summer evenings.

June 29, 2016

Summer in the City: Vienna Open-Air Cinemas

Every summer in Vienna, numerous open-air cinemas show films on a wide range of topics. Admission is free of charge at the Musical Film Festival at City Hall, the “Cinema under the Stars” on Karlsplatz and at the wandering "Volxkino". Original versions with English or German subtitles can often be seen.

June 28, 2016

Europe's Biggest Free Open-Air Festival: The Danube Island Festival 2016

From 24 to 26 June, Vienna's Danube Island becomes a mega-party site for around three million visitors. About 1,500 artists offer a continuous program on around a dozen stages at the Danube Island Festival. There's entertainment on various themed islands to suit every age and taste, while numerous catering stands keep everyone well fed and watered.

June 16, 2016

Vienna's Glittering 2016 Summer Balls: The Concordia Ball and the Fête Impériale

Two glittering summer balls will be celebrated in Vienna: The Concordia Ball (June 17) in Vienna City Hall and the Fête Impériale (June 24) in the Spanish Imperial Riding School. The Concordia Ball has been one of Vienna's most sparkling and exclusive events for over 150 years. The Fête Impériale is famous for its opulent and imaginative decorations, and is held once again.

June 15, 2016

International Day of Yoga Celebrations in Vienna on 19th and 21st June

The United Nations General Assembly declared 21st June as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution adopted by the General Assembly invites everyone to observe that day as the International Day of Yoga. On occasion of the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India in Vienna is organizing the several events on 19th and 21st June, 2016.

June 15, 2016

Jazz Festival Brings Cyndi Lauper and Jamie Cullum to Vienna

The Vienna Jazz Festival, a fixed item in the annual festival series, offers more than the eponymous cool sound. Soul, funk, pop, electronic and ethnic sounds can also be enjoyed - and all in the best venues. From 28 June to 11 July, the Vienna Jazz Festival brings high-ranking stars such as Cyndi Lauper and Jamie Cullum to Vienna's stages.

June 14, 2016

Music and Culture Festival Draws 30,000 Guests to the Vienna Danube Canal

The three-day music and culture festival will draw about 30,000 guests to the Danube Canal in Vienna again for the tenth time, from 27 to 29 May 2016. The watercourse running through the city center, which is normally a popular local recreation area, becomes the stage for numerous live concerts by mostly Austrian Indie bands on this weekend.

April 29, 2016

Vienna Culinary Festival at the Vienna Stadtpark

At the beginning of May, the Vienna Stadtpark will be turned into a place of epicurean delights: The "Genussfestival" will be a showcase for select culinary specialties from Austria.

April 28, 2016

Summer Night Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

At the Summer Night Concert on 26 May the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra plays open-air in Schönbrunn Palace park and to the familiar high standard. What is unusual is that they play this concert, held each year since 2004, with free admission: it is a way for the famous ensemble to give around 100,000 visitors and the global TV audience a special experience.

April 27, 2016

250 Years of the Vienna Prater Amusement Park

2016 is a major anniversary year for the Prater: Emperor Joseph II. opened the former hunting grounds to the public 250 years ago. On the 7th of April 2016 the Vienna Prater amusement park (Wiener Prater) will be celebrating its 250th anniversary.

February 29, 2016

Quality of Living - Vienna is still the Number One

Vienna again tops the quality of living survey in 2016. The results of the Mercer study show, for the seventh time in a row, that Vienna's approach to quality of living is internationally acknowledged. Vienna is followed by Zurich (2), Auckland (3), and Munich (4).Vancouver (5) is North America’s highest ranking city, and Singapore is the highest ranking Asian city, holding 26th place. London ranks 39th.

February 26, 2016

Austrian Culture - Vienna’s Easter Markets

Traditional Easter decorations and artfully decorated eggs, culinary treats and a program of music await you at Vienna’s Easter markets in March. There’s all sorts of entertainment for young visitors to the markets.

February 26, 2016

"Evita - Don't Cry For Me, Argentina" at the Ronacher

The new production of the classic musical Evita, which tells of the life of the Argentine national heroine, is set to cause a sensation at the Ronacher from 9 March 2016. The musical Evita by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber has been a cult show for years. It has been awarded more than 20 international prizes. The Hollywood film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas won an Oscar. Vincent Paterson, who created the choreography for the film, is now directing the new German-language production at the Ronacher in Vienna.

February 25, 2016

Exhibition: Chagall to Malevich - The Russian Avant-Gardes

The period from 1910 to 1920 was the heyday of the Russian avant-garde. Reason enough for the Albertina to dedicate an exhibition to Chagall, Malevich and Co.

February 15, 2016

Vienna Ice World - A Paradise for Skating Fans

The idyllically illuminated façade of City Hall forms the fairytale backdrop for Vienna Ice World. From 21 January to 6 March 2016, City Hall Square transforms into a giant ice rink and becomes a paradise for skating fans of every age.

December 23, 2015

What to Do in Vienna at New Year's Eve?

New Year’s Eve in Vienna without music and dancing? No way! Whether Musikverein, Konzerthaus, Theater an der Wien or Kammeroper: Musical delights will be everywhere guaranteed.

November 27, 2015

Viennese Christmas Markets with Design

If you’re looking for original Christmas gifts, then head for the Vienna design Christmas markets. Apart from the numerous Christmas markets offering classic handicrafts, Vienna also has a few markets where designers offer original and individual creations for sale.

November 26, 2015

Pink Christmas in Vienna - Rainbow Christmas Market

The second gay and lesbian Christmas market Pink Christmas in Vienna will be held in November and December 2015.

November 25, 2015

Celebrate New Years Eve 2015/16 in Vienna

At the change of year, the whole of Vienna is given over to partying and dancing. The New Year’s Eve Trail in the Old City is the highlight. A great ambience can be enjoyed as much at a gala dinner or festive ball as it can at a concert, the opera, in a hip club or a sophisticated bar. Superb exhibitions and a dazzling array of events, concerts, operas, operettas and the hit musicals "Mary Poppins" and "Mozart!" promise a New Year's Eve program brimming with excitement throughout the day and night.

October 26, 2015

Worlds of Romanticism at the Albertina

Romanticism was an attitude and an art genre that has lost of none of its fascination to this day. The Albertina is therefore showing important works from this time. Around 170 works from the Albertina's own collection as well as from the Graphic Collection of the Academy of Fine Arts and international loan pieces can be seen. The paintings of famous artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Francisco de Goya, Moritz von Schwind, Joseph von Führich and Julius Schnorr give an excellent overview of this outstanding art epoch.

October 24, 2015

The Miss Earth Beauty Pageant is Coming to Vienna

Miss Earth, an annual international beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness is celebrating its 15th year in Vienna. Along with its rivals Miss Universe and Miss World, Miss Earth is one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world in terms of the number of national-level competitions to participate in the world finals and one of the most publicized beauty contests in the world. The reigning titleholders dedicate their year to promote specific projects and often address issues concerning the environment and other global issues. Climate Change will be the focus of Miss Earth for its Crystal Year celebration. Around 90 delegates from all over the world will be arriving on November 18, to start their activities and converge at the Marx Halle in Vienna on December 5, 2015 for the Coronation Night.

October 9, 2015

Viennale: Austria’s Most Popular Film Festival

Austria’s biggest film festival once again offers film highlights from around the world from 22 October to 5 November. This year, the major retrospective deals with animals in film. Films to be screened include the classic "The Birds" with Tippi Hedren, who will be coming to the Viennale as special guest.

October 2, 2015

The Orient Begins in Vienna: Salam.Orient

The Orient begins in Vienna when the cosmopolitan festival Salam.Orient highlights artists from the Middle East, Africa and Asia for the eleventh time. This year, the topic of crossing borders plays a big role in terms of national borders, cultures, languages and styles of play. Musicians cross borders, they break taboos, mix sounds without inhibition and in doing so develop new perspectives.

October 1, 2015

Vienna Jazz Floor - 100 Concerts in a Single Month

Jazz and blues thrive brilliantly in the world's capital city of music and there are so many small clubs with exquisite acts. Once a year, the scene celebrates the "Vienna Jazzfloor" festival, to which it invites internationally renowned jazz players to perform in nine of the city's clubs, including Jazzland, Davis, and Miles Smiles.

September 29, 2015

A Rush of Color - Masterpieces of German Expressionism

For its large-scale exhibition in the autumn of 2015, the Leopold Museum will present outstanding masterpieces of German Expressionism from the collection of the Osthaus Museum in Hagen. Works by representatives of the artists’ association “Die Brücke”, including Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Otto Mueller and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, by exponents of the “Blaue Reiter” movement, such as Alexey von Jawlensky, Franz Marc and others, as well as numerous works by Christian Rohlfs illustrate the German avant-garde’s departure into Modernism.

September 28, 2015

Premiere of "Mozart - The Musical"

Mozart was a rock star during the Rococo period. The musical of the same name, written by the successful duo Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay, examines the world-famous musician and historical figure, who was also a legend of classical music. Tonight we will see the premiere of the globally successful musical Mozart. Amongst the stars of the show on stage at the Raimund Theater Vienna: Oedo Kuipers, Thomas Borchert and Barbara Obermeier.

September 24, 2015

Fifth Wiener Wiesn Festival Opens It’s Tents Today

On the Kaiserwiese in the Prater the Wiener Wiesn Festival opens it’s tents today for the fifth time. Austrian beer, local food, all sorts of music and traditional outfits ensure a great atmosphere.

September 7, 2015 · Updated: September 24, 2015; 11:00

Expat Families: Austria is Most Popular Country

Not only the Nordic Countries are popular with expat families. Austria, Israel and New Zealand are also among the preferred destinations for families. According to the Family Life Index 2015 by InterNations, Austria is the most popular country among expat families. While Finland and Sweden, ranking second and third, impress with the cost and availability of childcare and education, Israel and New Zealand in 4th and 5th place respectively, rank especially high when it comes to the general well-being of expat families.

September 22, 2015

It’s all about Fashion during Vienna's Fashion Week

Until September 13th it’s all about fashion in Vienna’s Museums-Quartier. About 70 designers show their collections: at fashion shows and in the adjacent sales area in Quartier21, which invites visitors to go shopping. This year marks the seventh edition of the MQ Vienna Fashion Week. Last year, over 10,000 visitors came to the fashion event.

September 8, 2015

Rembrandt, Titian and Bellotto in Prince Eugene's Winter Palace in Vienna

The winter palace is showing around 100 important works of grand masters from the Dresden Picture Gallery.

June 26, 2015

International Day of Yoga Celebrations in Vienna

The United Nations General Assembly last year declared 21st June as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution adopted by the General Assembly invites everyone to observe that day as the International Day of Yoga. Hence, the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Vienna took place at Votiv Park, in the heart of Vienna, where people participated in good numbers to perform the exercises as per the common yoga protocol.

June 21, 2015

"WeCooperate" Project Closes with Millions Mobilised

The OSCE project "WeCooperate" closes with millions mobilised to work together to achieve peace and security. Two months on the campaign is drawing to a close, having reached an audience of nearly three million people with the message that co-operation is the path to peace and security.

June 19, 2015

Spanish Riding School of Vienna Celebrates its 450th Anniversary

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, is a traditional riding school for Lipizzan horses, which perform in the Winter Riding School in the Hofburg. This year the school is celebrating the 450th anniversary of its first written mention with gala performances on Heldenplatz.

June 2, 2015

Vienna Biennale 2015: Ideas for Change

Between June 11 and October 4, 2015 the Austrian capital will host its first ever interdisciplinary Biennale: this year’s edition aims to bring together art, design and architecture, and harness the power of creative ideas and artistic projects in its search for positive change.

June 1, 2015

Tolerance and Equality: Vienna Pride and Rainbow Parade

The 20th Rainbow Parade on Vienna’s Ringstrasse (20.6.) and the Vienna Pride (16.-21.6.) with the Pride Village on City Hall Square will set a sign for tolerance and equality.

May 29, 2015

Vienna Prater Amusement Park Celebrates its 250th Anniversary

On the 7th of April 2016 the Vienna Prater amusement park (Wiener Prater) will be celebrating its 250th anniversary, so it has already started to undergo a major revamp. According to its new president, Stefan Sittler-Koidl, the winds of change are literally blowing through this traditional leisure park. The highlight of the season will be the commissioning of the world's most advanced wind tunnel, in which free-fall can be simulated.

May 28, 2015

Vienna's Glittering Summer Balls: The Concordia Ball and the Fête Impériale

Two glittering summer balls will be celebrated in Vienna: The Concordia Ball (19.6.) in Vienna City Hall and the Fête Impériale (26.6.) in the Spanish Imperial Riding School. The Concordia Ball has been one of Vienna's most sparkling and exclusive events for over 150 years. The Fête Impériale is famous for its opulent and imaginative decorations, and is held once again this year under the motto "Red-White-Red".

May 28, 2015

Analysis: The Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna

The Eurovision Song Contest 2015 has been the 60th edition of the annual Eurovision Song Contest musical event. The contest took place in Vienna and followed Conchita Wurst's victory in the 2014 edition with her song "Rise Like a Phoenix". The song "Heroes" by Måns Zelmerlöw took the winning spot in the 60th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with 365 points. The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest will therefore be held in Sweden.

May 16, 2015 · Updated: May 28, 2015; 08:00

The Eurovision Song Contest Village: "Let's Meet at Rathausplatz"

In the week leading up to the ESC finals in Vienna, Rathausplatz – the square in front of Vienna City Hall – will be turned into the Eurovision Village from 18 to 23 May 2015. It will be THE place to be for everyone interested in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2015. The programme starts on 18 May with the opening event featuring an international fashion show, and will continue with themed days, live performances by ESC contestants, a colourful family programme. On 23 May, the ESC finals will be broadcast live from Stadthalle and shown on Rathausplatz. For one week, the framework event under the motto "Hello Vienna. Welcome Europe!" will highlight the very best of the Eurovision nations, including culinary delights from different countries.

May 15, 2015