1,497 Vienna, Austria apartments for rent

Business & Economy

Vienna is one of the most affluent cities in the European Union. The capital of Austria has an international reputation for the high quality of life, low crime rates and is often referred to as a gateway to Eastern Europe due to geographic, political, and historical reasons. Various international corporations set up their Eastern European headquarters in Vienna or prefer to conduct business with these countries from their Vienna offices. Many world-renowned brands enter Central and Eastern European countries by partnering with firms in Vienna or acquiring Austrian companies as subsidiaries. For instance, the Dutch beverage group Heineken began its eastward expansion with the acquisition of the Austrian Brau Union. Similarly, the major Italian bank Unicredit started its aggressive push to the East with a takeover of Bank Austria. The majority of the large Austrian corporations are also headquartered in Vienna. These include the mineral oil company OMV, the brick manufacturer Wienerberger, Telekom Austria, and almost all Austrian banks. The Vienna Stock Exchange is the one and only stock exchange in the country. Since 2010, Vienna has also been the seat of the CEE Stock Exchange Group, which as subsidiaries include not only the Vienna Stock Exchange but also the stock exchanges in Budapest, Ljubljana, and Prague.

Climate

Vienna's climate can be characterized as dry continental thanks to the Alps that shield the city from wind and cyclones. The city has mild and warm summers with occasional precipitations that can reach its yearly peak around July and September. The average high temperature from June to September is approximately from 20°C (68°F) to 27 °C (80.6°F). Winters are quite dry and cold, with average temperatures at about 0°C (32°F). Spring weather can vary significantly, while fall is usually cold, even with occasional snowfalls in November. Snow in winter is common, although not so frequent compared to the Western and Southern regions of Austria.

Cuisine

The traditional Viennese cuisine is characterized by the influences from the regions and countries which used to be part of the Habsburg Empire. Due to the close location of the city to Hungary and the Czech Republic, dishes from these countries migrated to the menus of Vienna restaurants. The goulash with its Viennese variant —the Wiener Saftgulasch — originated in Hungary. Czech cuisine contributed to pastries, such as different kinds of strudels and dumplings. The most popular local market with traditional stands is the Naschmarkt, where you can buy vegetables, spices, fruits, meat, fish, and anything you want from around the globe. If you crave something special — head to Naschmarkt. The Brunnenmarkt in Vienna's 16th District is the largest market where you can find more mundane things. The cityscape of Vienna includes the sausage stands in lively areas, where various hot sausages and hot liver cheese can be found. As an alternative to the hot dog, the Bosner is often offered there. Meanwhile, kebab parlors can be found just as frequently.

Culture

Vienna is one of the most carefully preserved old western European cities. Innere Stadt, its historic core, is very walkable and well-connected through public transportation. Vienna retains its imperial urban planning with wide boulevards and sparse public gardens. The skyline remained unspoiled by the skyscrapers and dominated by the spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral, as well as the colossal Ferris wheel in the central city park — the Parter. At the same time, the city also has one of the most iconic art deco buildings from the period of Vienna Secession and the constructivist architecture of the Red Vienna.

Demographics

1.8 million people live in Vienna, around 38% of which has a foreign origin or some sort of immigrant background, including naturalized residents. Approximately 27% of Vienna residents are foreign nationals with passports of different jurisdictions. The largest migrant groups are Serbian (5.4%), Turkish (4.1%), German (3%), Polish (2.8%), and Bosnian-Herzegovinian (2.2%). Of the people of non-European origin, people from Asia make up the largest group (5.5%). According to a study by the UN-Habitat, Vienna demonstrates a population growth of 4.65% and by 2025 could become the fastest-growing European city region.

Transportation

Public transport in Vienna is coordinated by the Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region (VOR), which also includes Lower Austria and Burgenland. The city has one of the oldest and densest tram networks in the world. There are currently 29 lines covering 1,071 stops on a 177 km route. The subway is the fastest and most popular form of transport in Vienna. Today the Vienna underground has five lines (U1, U2, U3, U4, and U6) with a total of 109 stations and a route length of over 80 km. The route network is continuously expanded. Today Vienna has a 24-hour subway on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.